Muscat – The number of historical places recorded a significant increase in Oman to reach 22,259 in 2020 compared to 7,064 in 2016, a growth of 215 per cent, according to the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

Statistics show that the governorates of North Batinah and Dakhiliyah have the largest number of castles and forts.

According to NCSI data, Nizwa in Dhakilayah governorate received the largest number of visitors in 2020.

The Nizwa Fort received 143, 767 visitors in 2019 and 44, 047 in 2020. While Muttrah Fort received 14,781 visitors in 2020, Taqah (4,457), Mirbat (691), Khasab (10,429), Bukha (6,367), Buraimi (1,068), Bahla (11,304), Jibreen (19,977) and Sansilah Fort (1,395).

As part of its efforts to benefit from these historical structures in the country, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) floated a tender for investment in three castles in December 2021.

The three castles open for investment are Bukha castle in the wilayat of Bukha, and Kumzarah castle and Khasab castle in the wilayat of Khasab.

Further, MHT recently signed an agreement with a private company to operate Muttrah Fort and the Grand House in the wilayat of Muttrah.