Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has invited investors to restore and operate two historic castles under plans to turn them into cultural tourism attractions featuring museums, traditional crafts and community events.

The ministry is seeking competitive proposals for Al Khoudh Castle in Seeb and the Al Faiqain Castle in Manah, Dakhliyah.

Investors selected for the projects will receive a rent grace period of up to three years. They will be required to develop, manage and operate the landmarks while preserving their architectural and historical character.

For Al Khoudh Castle, the successful bid must also bear the cost of restoration in accordance with ministry standards.

Applicants must submit a development and management plan, implementation timetable, valid commercial registration and details of relevant experience. Proposals must also outline in-country value, including the direct and indirect jobs expected to be created.

MHT wants bidders to assess the tourism and economic potential of each site and propose activities based on an integrated master plan.

Suggested avenues of use include permanent museums documenting the history of the respective wilayats, their geography, scholars and social and economic development.

The castles could also include spaces where local artisans display and sell traditional crafts. The sites may host training programmes and workshops to pass skills to younger generations.

Souvenir shops selling locally produced gifts, publications and information about the landmarks are also proposed.

Investors have been asked to design guided visitor routes, organise cultural and academic events and introduce activities capable of drawing residents and tourists throughout the year.

The projects are expected to involve local communities and support the commercial promotion of Oman’s architectural heritage. Bidders may submit additional concepts to improve the visitor experience and ensure the developments remain financially sustainable.

Proposals for the Al Faiqain Castle must be submitted by November 8, while the deadline for the Al Khoudh Castle bids is November 12, at the ministry’s headquarters in Al Khuwair.

Al Khoudh Castle is among Seeb’s principal historical landmarks. It forms part of the heritage landscape of Al Khoudh village, alongside old houses, defensive walls and early mosques. 

Built in 1617 by Sheikh Masoud bin Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al Busaidi, the fortified Faiqain castle in Manah rises over four levels containing rooms, stores and concealed passages. Its design includes a 7m deep well connected to the upper floors. The landmark was restored in 1994.