MHT restores 40 heritage sites in South Batinah

16 Dec 2024 MHT restores 40 heritage sites in S Batinah

By MUSCAT DAILY CORRESPONDENT

Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has successfully restored 40 heritage sites in South Batinah and is now offering investment opportunities in Al Hazm Fort and Al Numan Fort, according to Dr Al Moatasem bin Nasser al Hilali, Director of Department of Heritage and Tourism in the governorate.

He informed that 67 plots of land have been allocated for investment in the tourism sector across the six wilayats of South Batinah and highlighted ongoing projects, including tourist camps in Al Abiyad Sands and Khabbat al Ja’adan.

He added that the governorate is home to 411 historical landmarks, including castles, forts, towers, walls, harats and mud houses. MHT has restored 40 of these sites, including three castles, seven forts, nine towers, 18 historic mosques, a historic wall site and a heritage house.

Hilali emphasised the ministry’s commitment to restoring historical landmarks in line with available plans and financial resources.

The management of two historical sites – Nakhal Fort and Al Khamis Wall in Musannah – has been entrusted to specialised private companies.

Recently, Al Mansour Fort in Rustaq was also assigned to a specialised investment company.

He further informed that additional investment opportunities are available at Al Hazm Fort in Rustaq and Bait al Nuaman Fort in Barka.

**Dr Al Moatasem bin Nasser al Hilali, Director of Department of Heritage and Tourism in South Batinah**

Investments in the tourism sector have led to the addition of 28 new facilities in 2024. The majority – 19 – of these facilities are guest houses, followed by eight green lodges and one facility offering hotel apartments. These additions have contributed 95 new rooms and apartments since the beginning of the year.

Additionally, the number of travel agency offices in South Batinah has reached 104, while the number of tour operators increased to 64.

Hilali added that moderate weather throughout the year in certain tourist destinations in South Batinah plays a key role in the governorate’s tourism. Notable ongoing projects include developments in Balad Sait village in Rustaq, the villages of Kan and Hadash in Nakhal, and Jabal al Sarat in Rustaq.