Latest news with #SaifbinNasseralRawahi
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Fanja Heritage House: A legacy bridging authenticity and modernity
BIDBID: In a historical corner where ancestral heritage and the echoes of the past intertwine, an ancient house stands as a witness to time, transforming into a vibrant economic project that harmonises tradition with modernity, heritage with investment. Located in the village of Fanja in Bidbid, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Fanja Heritage House revives the spirit of a decades-old ancestral home, now repurposed as both a heritage museum and a boutique guesthouse. It attracts visitors from across Oman, offering an escape from urban bustle and an ideal retreat for families and friends. This project exemplifies how cultural identity can be leveraged to serve sustainable development. Saif bin Nasser al Rawahi, a photographer and the project's owner, has infused this unique initiative with artistic and innovative touches. He explains that the house belonged to his family for nearly 40 years before being converted into a tourist destination two years ago. The heritage house comprises three sections: A cafe serving diverse Omani cuisine, surrounded by seating areas scattered throughout the property; an exploration zone where visitors wander through the house's nooks, encountering animals and lush greenery along stairways and bridges leading to Fanja Valley's terrace; and a guesthouse for those seeking an overnight stay immersed in heritage. Thanks to its seamless blend of nature and Omani heritage, the site has welcomed 160,000 visitors from over 63 countries as of May 2025. This success reflects both Omani youth's innovative spirit and tourists' eagerness to explore the region's ancient environments amid Oman's rapid modernisation. The heritage exhibition is divided into three sections: Traditional Omani attire, showcasing cultural diversity; artefacts, including woodwork, palm-frond crafts, silverware and jewellery; and photographs capturing Oman's unique cultural landscapes, customs and folk heritage. Al Rawahi highlighted the guesthouse's distinctive architecture, where water channels weave through its facilities, creating a serene aesthetic that underscores Omanis' mastery of traditional construction techniques. Fanja Heritage House stands as a testament to Oman's ability to honour its past while embracing the future — a model of cultural preservation driving sustainable tourism. - ONA
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Fanja Heritage House honours past while engaging with present
Nestled in the village of Fanja in the wilayat of Bidbid, Dakhiliyah, a historic family home has been transformed into a thriving heritage tourism project that blends Oman's cultural legacy with modern development. Known as the Fanja Heritage House, the site is now a popular exhibition and heritage inn, offering visitors a quiet retreat from urban life. It stands as an example of how heritage preservation can contribute to sustainable tourism and economic growth. The house, originally built around 40 years ago, was revived and opened to the public two years ago by photographer and entrepreneur Saif bin Nasser al Rawahi. His vision was to preserve the memory of his ancestors while supporting tourism and the local economy in Bidbid. Divided into three main areas, the site features a café serving traditional and modern cuisine, with seating arranged across the premises to allow visitors to enjoy the surroundings. The second area includes scenic walking paths, trees, animals, and access to Wadi Fanja, offering a natural extension of the heritage experience. The third section serves as a guest inn for overnight stays. Rawahi said that by May 2025, the site had welcomed over 160,000 visitors from 63 countries, highlighting both the success of Omani youth in tourism initiatives and the growing interest in authentic heritage experiences. 'The beauty of the place, and the link between nature and Omani heritage, continues to attract people from all walks of life,' he said. The heritage exhibition at the house includes three sections. One is dedicated to traditional Omani clothing, showcasing the diversity of regional attire. Another displays archaeological items made from wood, palm fronds and silver, including antique ornaments. A third section presents photographs of the Omani environment, customs and traditions, capturing the cultural essence of the sultanate. Rawahi's project has become a model for reviving heritage spaces in a way that honours the past while engaging with the present — inviting both locals and international visitors to experience a living story of Omani identity.
