To stimulate cultural tourism and encourage investment, the Ministry of Heritage and Culture (MHC) has called on companies and institutions to manage Bahla Fort. Bahla Fort lies in the wilayat of Bahla in Dakhliyah. Since 1987, it has been included in Unesco’s World Heritage List.  

Bahla Fort includes Bahla Oasis with its traditional souqs, old alleys, ancient mosques, and its wall that extends over a distance of approximately 13km and whose construction dates back to the pre-Islamic era.  

Originally, Bahla Fort was built in the 3rd millennium BC. The length of its south facade is about 112km. 

It is evident that the Bahla Wall, which extends over a distance of 12km, with its terraces, apertures for opening fire and guardhouses, was designed for defence purposes. The ministry confirmed that the interested companies must present a plan to develop and manage the fort. 

The companies must be from the wilayat of Bahla or Dakhliyah governorate, and should have the financial capacity to implement the project. 

The companies must also possess previous experience in developing and managing cultural tourism projects. 

The ministry is offering a renewable contract for ten years. The deadline for submission of applications is April 30. 

MHC issued a decision (No 81/2019) on May 13, 2019 to manage the site of Bahla Fort, encouraging development which promotes the value of the World Heritage Site. Oman has many forts such as Al Jalali Fort, Al Mirani Fort, Bahla Fort, Al Fiqayn Fort, Muttrah Fort and Nizwa Fort.  

These forts offer a glimpse of the Arabian culture and heritage.