Latest news with #MusandamMunicipality
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Telegraph Island development project is 50% complete
Khasab - The development of the historic Maqlab (Telegraph) Island in Musandam Governorate is 50 percent complete. Engineer Ahmed bin Mohammed al Shehhi, Director of the Projects Department at Musandam Municipality, said: "The Telegraph Island development project is based on reviving the historical value of the site by restoring the remains of the structures and presenting them in an attractive educational and touristic setting, which will enhance the income of local communities and provide new job opportunities; and preserving the natural environment and biodiversity surrounding the island, especially as it is located within a marine environment rich in coral reefs and fish." The island can be transformed into a regional and global attraction that tells a forgotten story of maritime communications and serves as a model for the development of historical sites. The project includes the construction of a 731 sqm multi-use hall, a 130 sqm service building attached to the hall, an 8-meter-long and 2.5-meter-wide marine landing platform with a floating platform system, a guard room for access to the island, including its accessories, a building for electricity generators and fuel tanks, and a canopy area with its floors. A mountain walkway will also be constructed to access all facilities on the island, along with two photo platforms overlooking the island's most important landmarks. The island derives its name from the submarine cable extending from Mumbai in India to Basra in Iraq. Maqlab Island, Khor Sham in the Wilayat of Khasab, became the transmission station in 1864, marking the beginning of the modern communications movement in the region. It's worth noting that the project recently received a special mention at the Architizer A+ Awards, as one of the world's most prominent architectural projects. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Telegraph Island project hits 50% completion in Musandam
KHASAB: The historic development project on Maqlab Island, commonly known as Telegraph Island, has reached 50 perc ent completion, marking a key milestone in Musandam Governorate's efforts to boost sustainable tourism and preserve cultural heritage. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance economic growth in the governorate while revitalising the island's unique historical significance. Engineer Ahmed bin Mohammed al Shehhi, Director of the Projects Department at Musandam Municipality, said the project is anchored on several strategic goals: restoring and showcasing the site's historic structures in an educational and attractive way, promoting sustainable tourism to generate jobs and boost local incomes, and conserving the island's rich marine environment, home to vibrant coral reefs and fish. He emphasised that the project offers a rare opportunity to connect the past with the present by using heritage as a foundation for tourism and cultural development. With a balanced approach between preservation and renewal, the project aims to transform the island into a regional and global destination that highlights a forgotten chapter in the history of global communications. The development includes a 731-square-metre multi-use hall, a 130-square-metre service building, an 8-meter-long marine landing platform with a floating system, a guard room with full access facilities, a utility building for electricity generators and fuel storage, and a shaded canopy area. Additionally, a mountain walkway will link the island's facilities, along with two dedicated photo platforms offering views of its main landmarks. Al Shehhi noted that Maqlab Island gained historical importance in 1864 as a transmission station for the submarine telegraph cable linking Mumbai in India to Basra in Iraq—making it the site of the first modern telecommunications line in the Middle East. The island's natural landscape and location among Musandam's sea creeks further enhance its appeal to tourists and adventure seekers. In recognition of its architectural and cultural value, the project recently received a special mention at the Architizer A+ Awards, placing it among the world's most notable architectural projects. Once complete, the development is expected to become a distinctive tourist destination and a model for the revitalization of heritage sites across the region. — ONA
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
50% completion achieved in Telegraph Island development project in Musandam
Khasab: The development project of the historical Telegraph Island (Al-Maqlab) in Musandam Governorate has reached 50% completion. The project aligns with the governorate's efforts to achieve comprehensive economic development and enhance sustainable tourism initiatives. Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Shehi, Director of the Projects Department at Musandam Municipality, stated that the Telegraph Island development project is based on several strategic objectives, including: reviving the site's historical significance by restoring remaining structures and presenting them in an engaging educational and touristic manner, promoting sustainable tourism to boost local community income and generate job opportunities, and preserving the island's natural environment and biodiversity—particularly given its location in a marine area rich in coral reefs and fish. Additionally, the project aims to strengthen national identity by connecting new generations with the region's history and its role in historical global communication networks. He emphasised that the Telegraph Island development project presents a unique opportunity to bridge the past with the present by leveraging heritage for cultural and touristic development while maintaining a balanced approach between preservation and modernisation. The island has the potential to become a regional and global attraction, narrating a forgotten chapter of maritime communications and serving as a model for historical site development. The project includes the construction of a multi-purpose hall spanning 731 square metres, a service building adjacent to the hall covering 130 square metres, an 8-metre-long and 2.5-metre-wide floating marine landing platform, a guardhouse at the island's entrance with all necessary facilities, a generator and fuel tank building, a shaded seating area with dedicated flooring, and a mountain walkway providing access to all facilities on the island. Additionally, two photography platforms overlooking key landmarks around the island are being built. Al Shehi noted that the island holds unique historical significance as the site of the Middle East's first modern communication line. Its name derives from the undersea telegraph cable stretching from Mumbai, India, to Basra, Iraq, with Telegraph Island in Khor Sham, Khasab, serving as a transmission station in 1864. This makes it a witness to the birth of modern telecommunications in the region. Its demographics, natural features, and location amid sea inlets also make it an attractive destination for tourists, explorers, and adventure enthusiasts. It is worth mentioning that the project recently received special recognition in the prestigious Architizer A+ Awards as one of the world's most notable architectural projects.
