Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT), in cooperation with the Unesco Chair for World Heritage Management and Sustainable Tourism in the Arab Region, on Monday launched a new visual identity for Bahla Fort to reinforce its historical and cultural standing.

Bahla Fort is the first site in Oman to be inscribed on Unesco’s World Heritage List in 1987 and remains a key cultural landmark attracting visitors from around the world.

The launch ceremony – held at the Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah – was attended by H E Ibrahim bin Said al Kharusi, Undersecretary for Heritage at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.

The event included a presentation on the fort’s architectural features, its ancient mosque and other elements of historical significance.

Ali bin Ahmed al Shaqsi, General Manager of the Bahla Fort Management and Operation Project, said the fort symbolises Oman’s enduring civilisation. “Bahla Fort has always been a testament to the greatness of the Omani people. This new identity reflects a renewed vision and a balance of form and meaning.”

Dr Hussein bin Suleiman al Salmi, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs at the German University of Technology in Oman, said the visual identity was selected through an international competition that attracted 31 participants from nine countries.

This is the first time a World Heritage Site in the GCC has adopted such an identity through an open contest. Salmi said Bahla Fort was recognised for its importance as one of the Middle Ages’ main defensive fortresses, known for its mud-brick architecture and advanced irrigation and agricultural systems.

The new identity promotion aims to unify the visual elements used in projects, events and media linked to the fort, and to strengthen its presence in the tourism and cultural circles.