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Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Pacts inked to develop tourist sites in Wadi Al Shab, Nakhal, Khasab
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) signed three usufruct contracts to build two integrated tourism complexes in the Wilayats of Khasab and Nakhal, and to develop Wadi al Shab in the Wilayat of Sur, for RO56 million. As part of the tourism development plan in the various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, His Excellency Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, signed usufruct agreements for the implementation of two integrated tourism complexes in the Wilayats of Khasab (Sindan - Pearl of Khasab) and Nakhl (Hamyan Village), and the development of Wadi Shab in the Wilayat of Sur. The first agreement signed with the CEO of Omran Group to develop Wadi Shab in the Wilayat of Tiwi, Sur, South al Sharqiyah Governorate, aims to develop the valley as an integrated year-round tourist destination. The goal is to attract tourists from within and outside the Sultanate, providing a tourism experience that combines adventure and recreation and promotes environmental sustainability. Wadi Shab Omran will implement an adventure park that includes a zip line, mountain climbing trails, suspension bridges, walking trails, swimming areas for children and adults, restaurants, and cafes. Wadi Shab is an area rich in biodiversity and geological formations, and offers clear water, caves, and waterfalls. It is an ideal location for nature and adventure lovers. Khasab While the second usufruct contract was with Khasab Development and Investment Company to establish an integrated tourism complex project (Sandan - Pearl of Khasab) on a government tourism land with an area of 43,658 sqm. The company was represented by Hilal bin Nasser bin Hamad al Harthy, the company's managing director, who signed the agreement. The project is distinguished by its location near the sea and tourist attractions in the Wilayat of Khasab, such as Khasab Fort and Atana Musandam Hotel. The project includes a 4-star hotel with a total capacity of 200 hotel rooms and residential apartments comprising 450 residential units that will be available for ownership to Omanis and other nationalities, a market with a heritage character, shops, various restaurants, and recreational and service facilities. Nakhal The third usufruct contract was signed with Hamyan Investment and Project Development Company to establish an integrated tourism complex project (Hamyan Village) in the Halban area of the Wilayat of Nakhal in the South Al Batinah Governorate on government land with an area of (201,031 sqm. The company was represented in signing the usufruct agreement by Saud bin Hamad bin Issa al Taie, the managing director of the company. The project will include a four-star hotel with a total capacity of 156 hotel rooms and 535 residential units of apartments and villas that will be available for ownership to Omanis and other nationalities. The project will also include a market, various restaurants, a water park, and other recreational and service facilities. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman signs 3 deals for tourism development
Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed three agreements valued at over 56 million Omani rials ($145 million) to develop integrated tourism projects in the wilayats of Khasab, Nakhal and Sur. The agreements, signed on Sunday by Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, mark a major step in Oman's strategy to enhance its tourism sector and diversify the national economy, the official news agency reported. The first agreement, signed with Omran Group, covers the development of Wadi Shab, Wilayat of Sur in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate. This project seeks to position Wadi Shab as a year-round eco-adventure destination, attracting both domestic and international tourists. The planned development will include an adventure park featuring a zipline, mountain climbing trails, suspension bridges, walking paths, and designated swimming areas for both children and adults. The site will also offer restaurants and cafes, all designed to blend with the valley's rich biodiversity, geological features and natural attractions such as clear water pools, caves and waterfalls. The project is expected to be completed within 18 months from the date the agreement is activated. It will also open new opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the area. The second contract was signed with Khasab Development and Investment Company to develop an integrated tourism complex named 'Sandan – The Pearl of Khasab". Located on a 43,658-square-metre (sqm) plot of government land, the project is strategically situated near key attractions such as Khasab Fort and the Atana Musandam Hotel. The third and largest agreement involves Hamyan Investment and Project Development Company which will develop 'Hamyan Village", an integrated tourism complex in the Wilayat of Nakhal in Al Batinah South Governorate. Spanning 201,031 sqm of government land, the project will include a four-star hotel with 156 rooms and 535 residential units comprising villas and apartments. The development will also include a market, various restaurants, a water park, and a range of recreational and service amenities. With a total investment of OMR 38 million, the project is expected to be completed within three years and will create between 300 and 350 job opportunities.


Times of Oman
25-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Contracts signed to implement tourism projects worth more than OMR56 million
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism on Sunday signed three usufruct contracts, worth more than OMR56 million, to establish two integrated tourism complexes in the Wilayats of Khasab (Sandan – Khasab Pearl) and Nakhl (Hamyan Village), and to develop Wadi Al Shab valley in the Wilayat of Sur. The contracts were signed by Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. The first contract, signed by Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, deals with the development of Wadi Al Shab in the Wilayat of Sur, South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. It aims to develop the valley as a tourism destination that attracts visitors throughout the year, from Oman and abroad, offering them exciting experience that combines adventure and recreation. The project also seeks to promote environmental sustainability. As per the contract, OMRAN Group will establish an adventure park that includes a zip line, mountain climbing trails, suspension bridges, walking trails, swimming areas for children and adults, restaurants and cafés. Wadi Al Shab, which stands out as landmark rich in biodiversity and geological formations, boasts impressive resources of clear water, caves and waterfalls. The second usufruct contract was signed with Khasab Development and Investment Company to establish an integrated tourism complex project (Sandan – Khasab Pearl) on a government tourism land area of 43,658 square metres. The contract was signed by Hilal Nasser Al Harthy, Managing Director of Khasab Development and Investment Company. The project includes a 4-star hotel that comprises 200 rooms, in addition to 450 residential units that can be owned by Omanis and from people from other countries. The project also includes a heritage-themed market, various shops and restaurants, entertainment and service facilities. The third usufruct contract was with Hamyan Investment and Project Development Company to establish an integrated tourism complex (Hamyan Village) in Halban area in the Wilayat of Nakhl in the South Al Batinah Governorate. The project will come up on a government land area of 201,031 square metres. The contract was signed by Saud Hamad Al Ta'ei, Managing Director of Hamyan Investment and Project Development Company. The project includes the setting up of a 4-star hotel with 156 rooms, in addition to 535 residential units, including apartments and villas that will be available for ownership by Omanis and people from other countries. The project will also include a market, restaurants, a water park and other recreational and service facilities.


Times of Oman
22-05-2025
- Times of Oman
Meeting reviews preparations for Dhofar Khareef Season 2025
Salalah: A meeting was held today at the Millennium Resort Salalah to assess the readiness of government and private entities in Dhofar Governorate to welcome the 2025 Dhofar Khareef season. The meeting was chaired by HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar. During the meeting, attended by Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Dr. Ahmed Mohsen Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, HH the Governor stressed the importance of integrated efforts to enhance performance and success by ensuring preparedness among all relevant entities, each within its jurisdiction, to achieve a successful and exemplary Khareef season. Dhofar Municipality presented a visual display outlining its plan and readiness to improve municipal services across all areas under its purview. This included an evaluation of performance during the previous season, traffic management plans, inspection and oversight measures, coordination with other entities, internal road conditions, and the readiness of proposed sites to host events and activities accompanying the tourist season across the governorate's various wilayats. The Command of Dhofar Governorate Police of the Royal Oman Police then presented its plan for the Khareef season, focusing on managing the season's influx, ensuring smooth traffic flow in high-density areas, distributing security checkpoints, and outlining rescue operations, among other measures. The Directorate General of Information in Dhofar Governorate presented its plan for broadcasting media programs accompanying the Khareef season through a comprehensive media strategy. This includes a range of radio and television programs, news reports, press coverage, and diverse digital content tailored for social media platforms. Discussions also covered the readiness of Salalah Airport, proactive services and procedures, medical and ambulance services, heritage and tourism preparedness, accommodation facilities, and the required level of tourist services for the season. Additionally, the meeting addressed enhancing telecommunications services, strengthening coverage in certain areas, ensuring the provision of electricity and water resources to meet increased seasonal demand, and other relevant aspects related to the Dhofar Khareef season.


Times of Oman
14-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Conference to highlight role of museum and heritage institutions in tourism development
Muscat: The international conference titled 'Museums and Their Role in Tourism Development' will launch next Sunday at the Oman Across Ages Museum, with participation from over 42 researchers, academics, and experts from 21 countries. The event is held under the patronage of Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and is organized by the Oman Across Ages Museum in cooperation with the National Records and Archives Authority and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. Spanning three days, the conference aims to highlight the role of museum and heritage institutions in tourism development and the preservation of cultural components. It also seeks to promote museum-based tourism, the cultural economy, and associated investment opportunities. Moreover, it will address the educational and knowledge-based role of museums through academic partnerships and the integration of modern digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality to enrich visitor experiences. Another key goal is to foster the exchange of expertise both locally and internationally in this field. Workshops and accompanying exhibition The international conference will feature six specialized workshops as a core component to enhance the outcomes of the event. These workshops will focus on key museum-related issues and provide a platform for interactive knowledge-sharing among participants. Topics include digital technologies, museum management, community engagement, and cultural content development, bridging theoretical approaches with practical applications. An accompanying exhibition will also take place, featuring contributions from both governments and private institutions, alongside prominent researchers and academics. The exhibition aims to showcase the cultural and economic dimensions of museums and to highlight their growing societal and tourism roles. Promoting knowledge-based roles Commenting on the significance of the event, Moza Al-Wardiyah, Assistant Director General for Museum Affairs, stated that the conference represents a strategic opportunity to spotlight museums as dynamic cultural and economic drivers. She emphasized that Oman's hosting of such a distinguished group of specialists underscores the country's commitment to enhancing the intellectual and societal roles of museums. This, she noted, supports sustainable development goals and strengthens national efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage through tourism. Al-Wardiyah added entities that the collaboration among organizing reflects a spirit of institutional synergy and affirms the importance of leveraging culture and heritage as a sustainable economic resource that strengthens identity and enriches the visitor experience. Royal Orchestra to accompany the event As part of the conference's side events, the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra will perform two musical evenings on Sunday and Monday. The programme will include 'The Epic of Ahmed bin Majid, offering an artistic experience that celebrates Oman's maritime history and immortalises its civilisational legacy. This participation provides a valuable opportunity to experience the event in its historical and artistic dimensions, complementing the conference's cultural message through musical storytelling.