Sunday 16 / March / 2025
Nizwa: As part of its efforts to preserve its geographical heritage rich in historical sites, the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah has launched a series of projects focusing on the development and restoration of archaeological sites.
The projects aim to open new horizons that enhance national identity and provide sustainable economic opportunities that benefit the community and transform the governorate into an attractive destination for investors and visitors.
Sheikh Hilal Said Al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, emphasised that the governorate seeks to build a solid foundation for the knowledge economy to promote sustainable development and make the governorate a vital cultural and commercial centre in the future.
He explained that investing in cultural heritage enhances national identity and contributes to building a sustainable economy that reflects society’s aspirations and enhances its ability to compete in the knowledge age.
Furthermore, involving the local community in restoration and operation processes provides new job opportunities that support the knowledge economy, he said.
He told the Oman News Agency that the governorate attaches great importance to its comparative advantages, especially its rich history, noting that the governorate has launched projects to revive heritage sites through the restoration and development of archaeological sites at a cost exceeding OMR3.78 million.
He pointed out that the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah is working in cooperation with relevant authorities to implement its projects according to precise standards that ensure the preservation of the archaeological character of the sites, while ensuring their long-term sustainability.
He added that these efforts are in line with national plans for developing the national economy, as they contribute to strengthening the knowledge economy by providing advanced tourism facilities and services.
He explained that the development and rehabilitation projects for archaeological sites in the governorate have led to a significant increase in the number of visitors, with the number of visitors to castles and forts rising from 312,200 in 2023 to more than 415,000 in 2024, achieving a growth rate of 33 percent.
The Governor stated that among the projects currently being implemented are the rehabilitation and development of Bahla Souq and the development project for the entrances to Jabreen and Basya, with a 5 percent completion rate.
He pointed out that the Jabreen Entrance Development Project aims to improve the location of Jabreen Fort, one of the most prominent historical landmarks in the Sultanate of Oman, and includes multiple development elements, such as increasing the number of parking spaces to accommodate more visitors.
He emphasised that Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is participating in urban renewal projects in Al Hamra Governorate, through the “Old Al Hamra Neighbourhood Renewal” project, which combines the governorate’s history with the needs of the modern economy, contributing to the preservation of the Sultanate of Oman’s unique architectural heritage.
The old neighbourhood is expected to become a model for sustainable urban renewal.
He added that a contract has been signed to implement the Misfat Al Abriyeen neighbourhood development project in Al Hamra.
The project includes the construction of a glass bridge linking the entrance to the valley area, facilitating visitors’ access to the surrounding natural attractions. A safe pedestrian walkway with a guardrail will also be constructed to improve the pedestrian environment and enhance public safety. The paths will also be paved and heritage lighting will be installed to add an aesthetic touch to the neighborhood.
He explained that progress on the Al-Aqar neighbourhood paving and Al-Aqar wall restoration projects is ongoing rapidly, with completion rates reaching 20 percent and 60 percent, respectively.
He added that the two projects aim to revive historical sites, improve the visitor experience, and provide an environment conducive to investment in the tourism and cultural sectors.
