Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has floated two tenders for the management and development of Saham Fort and Haibi Fort in North Batinah.

The strategic location of the governorate along the Sea of Oman and its significant population make it a key area in Oman’s overall development process.

Saham has several historical sites, such as Al-Fulaij Castle, Al Rawashid Castle, Al Hulis Castle, Al Reddah Castle, Saham Fort, Al Shiekh Fort, Daqal Castle and Al Ghayz Castle.

‘The ministry is looking for partnerships with private sector groups for the development and management of those two heritage sites,’ MHT said in a statement.

The ministry confirmed that the competing companies must submit a study that should include ways to market the two sites commercially and culturally, ideas on cultural workshops, organising artistic and cultural events, and plans for various activities to revive the two heritage sites.

Competing companies must highlight the architectural uniqueness of the forts and involve the local community in various cultural and social events, the ministry added.

February 15 has been notified as the deadline for the submission of bids. An investor will be granted a rental period of up to three years, MHT stated.

North Batinah is set to invest around RO14mn over the next three years in a series of urban renewal and development projects, officials from the governorate said.

These projects have been taken up to further improve its city life through developments of waterfronts, parks and gardens; besides the improvements of the entrances to various wilayats, beautification of wadi banks and establishment of sports pathways and tourism infrastructure.

Oman is hugely investing in heritage sites, which are a big draw for international tourists, apart from the local ones.

MHT data indicates that the sultanate’s heritage sites attracted 80,317 visitors till the end of September of this year.