Al Hamra – From a glass bridge overlooking the historic village of Misfat Al Abriyeen to a new pedestrian corridor connecting Bahla’s old mosque with its Unesco-listed fort, Dakhliyah is reshaping some of its best-known heritage sites for a new generation of visitors.

A suite of tourism and heritage projects under way in Al Hamra and Bahla have reached completion rates ranging from 40% to 94%, as the governorate seeks to turn cultural and natural assets into stronger drivers of tourism, investment and local business.

Among the most advanced is the redevelopment of Bahla Market, now 94% complete. The project, costing more than RO477,000, includes restoration of traditional façades and shops, rehabilitation of architectural elements, and improvements to pathways and services.

A new tourist corridor will link the old mosque with Bahla Fort, a Unesco World Heritage Site, creating a more continuous visitor experience while drawing footfall towards shops, craftspeople and small businesses.

In Al Hamra, work on the Jabal Al Sharqi Oasis project exceeds 80% completion. Spread over about 10,000sqm, it includes a restaurant, outdoor theatre, shaded seating, prayer rooms, walking paths and open spaces.

The project is designed to support mountain tourism and attract private investment. Local content during its implementation has reached 85%, according to the governorate.

Nearby, the rehabilitation of Misfat Al Abriyeen is 40% complete. Plans include a glass bridge and pedestrian walkway as well as upgraded paths, lighting, sign boards and parking facilities, while preserving the character of the historic village.

Sheikh Mahmoud bin Rashid Al Saadi, acting Governor of Dakhliyah, said projects were being tailored to the distinctive strengths of each wilayat.

The aim, he said, was to “enhance their developmental and economic impact, support the tourism sector, investment opportunities and small and medium enterprises, and raise the local value of projects”.

In Bahla, the development of the Jabrin entrance and Basya area is also 40% complete. Works include improved facilities, parking, lighting and seating, alongside upgrades to the road leading to the Salut Archaeological Centre.

Al Saadi said field inspections were being conducted to identify implementation challenges early and ensure projects met required quality standards and schedules.

The projects reflect a wider effort in Dakhliyah to link conservation with economic use – preserving the setting and architecture that draw visitors while creating spaces where tourism can generate income for communities, craftsmen and entrepreneurs.