Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has signed an agreement with Qalat Muttrah Company to operate Muttrah Fort and the Grand House in the wilayat of Muttrah.

The agreement was signed by H E Ibrahim bin Saeed bin Khalaf al Kharousi, Undersecretary for Heritage in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and Hilal bin Hamad al Busaidi from Qalat Muttrah Company.

The agreement comes in line with the ministry’s plan to revitalise the tourism sector and increase national income as it is within its remit to find suitable investors for the various architectural and cultural heritage buildings in Oman.

In November, the ministry announced that it was planning to offer Rustaq Fort in South Batinah to investors after its ongoing restoration work is complete.

The ministry announced that almost 40 per cent of the work is complete. This initiative is part of the ministry’s efforts to preserve historical monuments and attract tourists, a statement said.

Amjad bin Ahmed al Mukhaldi, director of Department of Restoration and Maintenance in MHT, said, “The restoration of the fort will continue for two-and-a-half years due to its large area. The work includes restoration of structural parts which were damaged by natural elements.

“The ministry will offer Rustaq Fort for investment after the completion of its restoration. Such historical assets of great cultural and heritage value will attract local and foreign investors and help make tourism a vital sector.”

He informed that the ministry is exerting great efforts to restore archaeological and historical monuments – such as castles, forts and old houses – spread across all governorates.

The ministry is also implementing a comprehensive restoration project for Nakhl Fort in South Batinah.

Forts and castles in Oman attract a large number of tourists because of their unique place in the history of the region.