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MHT invites bids for restoration of two heritage sites in N Batinah

1 Apr 2023 By OUR CORRESPONDENT

Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has invited interested companies to bid for the restoration of Sohar Fort and Sur al Maghabsha Wall in the wilayat of Suwaiq in North Batinah governorate.

A statement issued by the ministry said, ‘Interested parties are expected to submit a letter of expression of interest and an action plan on how to restore the two sites.’

Applicants will also have to provide details of their organisational structure, including detailed data on shareholders and partners, and previous experience in the field.

The deadline for submission of tenders is April 19, the ministry informed.

Sur al Maghabsha is a fortification wall built during the reign of Said bin Sultan al Said in the 19th century.

The other site chosen for restoration is Sohar Fort – built in the 1st century AD.

The fort is perched atop a hill and has five towers. In its vicinity, there are two parks – the Silver Jubilee Park and Sohar Park – ideal places for people to unwind or take a break from the hectic pace of life in the city.

According to MHT, it is focused on the implementation of a number of programmes and initiatives of the Omani Tourism Strategy (2016–40), including the development of 14 tourist projects across the country.

Those projects will be undertaken taking into account the elements of sustainability, empowerment of local communities, and enhancing their role in protecting their cultural heritage and customs for posterity.

Oman’s historical and heritage sites are a big attraction both for the domestic and international tourists.

The number of visitors to various historical sites in Oman recorded a significant increase from 7,064 in 2016 to 22,259 in 2020 – posting a 215 per cent growth, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

Available data shows that the governorates of North Batinah and Dakhliyah have the highest number of castles and forts.

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