Fanja Heritage House: Authenticity blending with modernity
Located in the village of Fanja in Bidbid, A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, Fanja Heritage House revives the spirit of a decades-old ancestral home, now repurposed as both a heritage museum and a boutique guesthouse. It attracts visitors from across Oman, offering an escape from urban bustle and an ideal retreat for families and friends. This project exemplifies how cultural identity can be leveraged to serve sustainable development.
Saif Nasser al Rawahi, a photographer and the project's owner, has infused this unique initiative with artistic and innovative touches. He explains that the house belonged to his family for nearly 40 years before being converted into a tourist destination two years ago, contributing to local tourism and the economy of Bidbid at large.
The heritage house comprises three sections: A Café serving diverse Omani cuisine, surrounded by seating areas scattered throughout the property; An Exploration Zone where visitors wander through the house's nooks, encountering animals and lush greenery along stairways and bridges leading to FanjaValley's terrace; A Guesthouse for those seeking an overnight stay immersed in heritage.
The site has welcomed 160,000 visitors from over 63 countries as of May 2025. This success reflects both Omani youth's innovative spirit and tourists' eagerness to explore the region's ancient environments amid Oman's rapid modernization.
The heritage exhibition is divided into three sections: Traditional Omani attire, showcasing cultural diversity; Artifacts, including woodwork, palm-frond crafts, silverware, and jewelry; and Photographs capturing Oman's unique cultural landscapes, customs, and folk heritage.
Al Rawahi highlighted the guesthouse's distinctive architecture, where water channels weave through its facilities, creating a serene aesthetic that underscores Omanis' mastery of traditional construction techniques.
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