Muscat – The 17th century Bait ar Rudaydah Castle at the foothills of Jabal Akhdar will be given to the private sector for development and management.

The castle also houses the Centre of Excellence for Historic Arms featuring a collection of small arms from Oman, Europe and the Americas.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT), as part of its plan to privatise management of forts and castles in the sultanate, is looking to partner with the private sector to develop Bait ar Rudaydah in Nizwa.

Located 24km away from Nizwa at the beginning of Al Ma’ydan valley, the castle was built by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Yarubi, who ruled from 1649 to 1679, and expanded by Mohammed bin Imam Ahmed bin Saeed.

Falaj Khatmayn, which springs from Jabal Akhdar and counted among Unesco World Heritage sites, passes through the castle.

Bait ar Rudaydah includes defensive features and traditional elements of architecture, with multiple arches, painted ceilings, elaborate plaster engravings and its thick walls topped with towers constructed of brick clay.

“As part of our efforts to support the national economy and benefit from the presence of historical structures in the country, the ministry has floated a tender for management and development of Bait ar Rudaydah,” a MHT official said.

The ministry confirmed that interested companies must submit a study that includes marketing the castle commercially and culturally, holding cultural workshops, organising artistic and cultural events, and introducing various activities to revive the castle. Bids must highlight the architectural uniqueness of the castle and involve the local community in various cultural and social events.
The deadline for bid submission is June 23, 2022.