Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has signed agreements with three Omani companies to manage, operate and staff Al Khandaq Fort in Buraimi, Al Misfah Fortress in South Batinah and Saham Fort in North Batinah, as part of efforts to enhance heritage tourism and increase private sector participation.

The agreements were signed by H E Sayyid Ibrahim bin Saeed Al Busaidi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, on behalf of the ministry, and representatives of the three companies.

Under the first agreement, Al Buraimi Centre for Commerce Company will manage and operate Al Khandaq Fort in Buraimi. The project aims to enhance the visitor experience and maximise the use of the fort’s historical and cultural assets, reinforcing its position as one of the governorate’s leading heritage landmarks.

The second agreement was signed with Al Hisn Al Aali for Investment Company for the management and operations of Al Misfah Fortress in Al Awabi. The ministry said the project will transform the fortress into a tourism and cultural destination while supporting private sector investment in heritage sites, stimulating tourism activity and creating investment and employment opportunities that contribute to local economic development.

The ministry also signed an agreement with Quntar Modern Projects Company to manage and operate Saham Fort.

According to MHT, the project seeks to maximise the fort’s tourism and heritage potential, strengthen partnerships with the private sector in the management of heritage sites, and generate investment and job opportunities that support the national economy.

The agreements are part of the ministry’s strategy to improve the management and utilisation of heritage assets, expand cultural tourism offerings and encourage greater private sector involvement in preserving and promoting Oman’s historic landmarks.