Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) signed an agreement with Birkat al Mouz Investment Company to operate Bait ar Rudaydah Castle in Nizwa, Dakhliyah, on Tuesday.

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 Zaher bin Ghosn al Riyami, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company.

The agreement is in line with MHT’s plan to revitalise the tourism sector and increase national income, including finding suitable investors for the architectural and cultural heritage buildings of the sultanate.

An official of MHT said the ministry aims to develop a wide range of tourist destinations and experiences in the governorates to diversify tourism activities, while highlighting Oman’s civilisation and its cultural heritage.

It also aims to revive cultural heritage sites in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the strategic programmes of the Tenth Five-Year Plan.

According to the official, the agreement signed on Tuesday will also provide direct and indirect job opportunities, create marketing outlets for artisans, and enrich tourism through projects of local added value.

In May 2022, MHT announced that it was looking to partner with the private sector to develop Bait ar Rudaydah.

The 17th century castle is located 24km away from Nizwa at the beginning of Al Ma’ydan valley. It 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.

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

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