Latest news with #ProjectsDepartment


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


Observer
5 days ago
- Observer
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.


Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Tourist Information Centre coming up in Al Buraimi
MUSCAT: Work continues at a rapid pace on the Tourist Information Centre project at the Al Buraimi Gateway, one of the latest initiatives aimed at promoting the cultural and tourism landscape of Al Buraimi Governorate. The project has reached approximately 60 per cent completion, with some final supply and finishing works still pending. The centre is designed as a comprehensive cultural and tourism hub, combining recreational and informational services. It will feature a dedicated café for visitors, a children's play area, and a souvenir shop showcasing the governorate's cultural heritage. The facility is equipped with an advanced system of interactive digital screens, including a main display screen integrated with virtual reality (VR) technology, a semi-cylindrical screen, and four side screens, one of which is directly linked to the National Museum to provide rich and continuously updated cultural content. Obaid bin Salim Al Kaabi, Director of the Projects Department at the Office of the Governor of Al Buraimi, said, 'The Tourist Information Centre project is part of a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the tourism and service infrastructure in the governorate. It represents a qualitative leap in the way tourism information is presented, using modern digital technologies to enhance visitor experience and align with national trends towards digital tourism.' He added that the remaining works include the supply of furniture, digital games, and a decorative fountain, with completion expected in the near future ahead of the official opening. Once completed, the centre is expected to become a key attraction for visitors and those interested in digital and cultural tourism in Al Buraimi Governorate, supporting both domestic and international tourism activity. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Observer
15-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Tourist Information Centre coming up in Al Buraimi
MUSCAT: Work continues at a rapid pace on the Tourist Information Centre project at the Al Buraimi Gateway, one of the latest initiatives aimed at promoting the cultural and tourism landscape of Al Buraimi Governorate. The project has reached approximately 60 per cent completion, with some final supply and finishing works still pending. The centre is designed as a comprehensive cultural and tourism hub, combining recreational and informational services. It will feature a dedicated café for visitors, a children's play area, and a souvenir shop showcasing the governorate's cultural heritage. The facility is equipped with an advanced system of interactive digital screens, including a main display screen integrated with virtual reality (VR) technology, a semi-cylindrical screen, and four side screens, one of which is directly linked to the National Museum to provide rich and continuously updated cultural content. Obaid bin Salim Al Kaabi, Director of the Projects Department at the Office of the Governor of Al Buraimi, said, 'The Tourist Information Centre project is part of a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the tourism and service infrastructure in the governorate. It represents a qualitative leap in the way tourism information is presented, using modern digital technologies to enhance visitor experience and align with national trends towards digital tourism.' He added that the remaining works include the supply of furniture, digital games, and a decorative fountain, with completion expected in the near future ahead of the official opening. Once completed, the centre is expected to become a key attraction for visitors and those interested in digital and cultural tourism in Al Buraimi Governorate, supporting both domestic and international tourism activity.