
Ministry affirms plans to develop al Jabal al Sharqi site in al Hamra
In coordination with the Governor's Office of al Dakhiliyah Governorate and relevant authorities, the ministry confirmed that the Governorate recently floated a tender for the construction of the al Jabal al Sharqi Oasis project.
The initiative, which was announced in April this year, will help enhance basic public services in the area in line with the Ministry's tourism development strategies.
The ministry also stated that efforts are underway in collaboration with the Governorate to implement elements of the 11th Five-Year Development Plan.
These include comprehensive service frameworks aimed at meeting the needs of major tourist sites and landmarks across the governorate, in parallel with the ministry's broader tourism development agenda.
The ministry stressed its commitment to transforming al Jabal al Sharqi into a high-quality tourism destination with integrated tourism elements, while ensuring a delicate balance between tourism growth, environmental sustainability, and preservation of the area's natural features.
It also underlined the need for relevant stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of agreed-upon development projects, and noted that it would take the necessary legal steps, including land reclamation measures for investment plots that remain undeveloped or have failed to meet the intended development projects.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
4 hours ago
- Observer
Qalhat to get a visitor center worth RO3 million
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has signed an agreement with the Development Foundation of the Oman LNG Company to finance the establishment of a visitors' center for the archaeological city of Qalhat, valued at RO3 million. Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, signed the financing agreement for the Qalhat Archaeological City Visitor Center project, while the agreement on behalf of the company was signed by Dr. Amer bin Nasser Al Matani, CEO of the Oman LNG Development Foundation. The Qalhat Archaeological City Visitor Center project, which will be implemented on an area of 5,000 sqm, consists of two museum exhibition halls to display the discovered archaeological artifacts. The center's facilities also include administrative offices, a gift shop, a café, an outdoor plaza for events, internal paths connecting the visitor center to the archaeological city, seating areas, outdoor canopies, and parking spaces. The historic city of Qalhat is considered one of the oldest Omani cities and ports. It was the second capital of the Kingdom of Hormuz. Its strategic location overlooking the Sea of Oman made its ancient port a magnet for trade ships, a meeting place for diverse cultures, and a hub for maritime trade with India, Yemen, and other regions of the world. It was also a center for exporting Arabian horses to India and has been described by many travelers and explorers. It is worth noting that the archaeological site of Qalhat was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018, affirming the importance of this historic city. UNESCO synopsis The Ancient City of Qalhat, which is located on the east coast of the Sultanate of Oman, includes the ancient city of Qalhat, surrounded by inner and outer walls, as well as areas beyond the ramparts where necropolises are located. The city developed as a major port on the east coast of Arabia between the 11th and 15th centuries CE, during the reign of the Hormuz princes. The Ancient City bears unique archaeological testimony to the trade links between the east coast of Arabia, East Africa, India, China, and South-East Asia. It is located on the eastern coast of the Sultanate of Oman, approximately 20 kilometers north of the city of Sur. The city was an important port on the Sea of Oman along the East Arabian Coast, which allowed for trade with the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean and hence functioned as a trade center between India and, through it, East and South East Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. Qalhat flourished in the 11th to 16th century CE under the rule of the Princes of Hormuz, who coordinated vital exports of horses, dates, incense, and pearls. Following Portuguese attacks, the Ancient city of Qalhat was abandoned in the 16th century and has since been preserved as an archaeological site. The remains and monuments on site comprehensively represent a port city of the Kingdom of Hormuz and reflect its legacy, architecture, and urban design. Qalhat exhibits the cultural and commercial interchange of values within the trading range of the Kingdom of Hormuz, which extended to India and as far as China and Southeast Asia. The archaeological site of Qalhat provides physical evidence of these interchanges, documenting the architectural features that indicate its produce, dates, Arabian horses as well as spices and pearls but also integrating the multi-cultural features of a medieval cosmopolitan city, with houses influenced by the needs of their various owners and inhabitants of foreign cultural origin. The ancient city also includes several highly representative buildings, which were referenced in narratives authored by historic travelers. The Ancient city of Qalhat, since its abandonment in the 16th century, is an archaeological site. Its architectural and urban fabric and form remain authentic, almost untouched, as does its setting. The abandonment of the Ancient City of Qalhat plays a positive role in the conservation of its authenticity. The site has not been occupied since the 16th century and, therefore, it preserves all characteristics of organization, function, and architectural techniques corresponding to the Islamic Period in general and the period of the Hormuz Kingdom in particular. Conservation, visitor management, and site presentation plans aim at preserving this state to the largest extent possible. Likewise, archaeological excavations have been well-planned, thorough, and minimal, an approach that should be commended and continued. Conservation works undertaken post-excavation will likewise be guided by minimum intervention approaches. The location of the Ancient City of Qalhat between the mountains, deep valleys, and the sea is essential to its largely retained authenticity in the setting.


Muscat Daily
4 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
RO3mn pact to build visitor centre in Qalhat
Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism signed an agreement on Monday worth RO3mn with Oman LNG Development Foundation to finance the establishment of a visitor centre at the ancient city of Qalhat. The initiative forms part of the ministry's strategy to develop and promote Unesco World Heritage sites across the sultanate. To be constructed on a 5,000sqm site, the centre will feature two museum halls to showcase archaeological finds, along with administrative offices, a gift shop, café, outdoor event space, internal walkways linking the centre to the heritage site, shaded seating areas and parking facilities. The agreement was signed by H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Dr Amer bin Nasser al Matani, CEO of Oman LNG Development Foundation. Located in South Sharqiyah, Qalhat is one of Oman's oldest known cities and maritime hubs. Strategically located overlooking the Sea of Oman, its port once served as an important hub in ancient trade routes connecting India, Yemen and other parts of the world. The city was also a key centre for exporting Arabian horses. Commenting on the agreement, Khalifa al Farsi, Director of the Ancient City of Qalhat Department, described the visitor centre as a major addition to both Qalhat and Sur. Qalhat was officially inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in 2018, underscoring its historical and cultural significance.


Observer
6 hours ago
- Observer
Khareef Dhofar Season: A strategic tourism opportunity
For Dhofar the khareef season is a crucial period for both tourism and economic growth. The authorities have confirmed their readiness for this important season, which draws a significant number of local and international visitors. The khareef season, which begins on June 21 each year, is a strategic platform to showcase Dhofar's economic potential. The khareef season transforms Salalah into a lush green paradise, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring Wadi Darbat, visiting Al Mughsail Beach, and shopping at Al Haffa Souq. The Salalah Khareef Festival, running from July 15 to August 31 is a major highlight, featuring cultural performances, local cuisine and adventure sports. The government is implementing a detailed plan to strengthen commercial oversight, boost investor confidence and safeguard consumer interests. Inspections are being conducted across markets, hotels, restaurants, and other service providers to ensure they meet legal and professional standards. Additionally, awareness workshops are also being held for business owners to improve service quality and raise awareness about consumer rights. The khareef season is a crucial period for Oman's tourism sector, offering a unique opportunity to attract visitors and boost economic growth. The hotel sector is also gearing up for the season, with over 8,000 rooms available across 100 licensed hotels in Dhofar. Many hotels are offering competitive rates, hospitality packages and customised tourism programmes to introduce visitors to Dhofar's rich cultural, natural and heritage attractions. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is actively promoting the khareef season in the GCC region through promotional campaigns and workshops. These campaigns highlight the diverse tourism experiences and activities available, including recreational events, nature exploration trips and visits to heritage sites. Direct flight options to Salalah are also being promoted to enhance accessibility. Promotional activities have been launched in key shopping malls across GCC cities, with the campaign theme 'Your Summer is Green'. The ministry participated in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai in April 2025, and organised workshops in Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to promote the season. Direct flights to Salalah Airport will be operated daily during the khareef season. The khareef season, which typically lasts from June to September, transforms the previously arid landscape into a green haven, attracting tourists worldwide, especially from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This seasonal influx significantly boosts the local economy, increasing business for hotels, restaurants and other service industries. In 2024, Dhofar attracted over 1 million visitors during the khareef season, a 10-per cent increase compared to previous years. The season has become an important fixture in Oman's tourism calendar, drawing both domestic tourists and international travellers who wish to experience the governorate's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Dhofar offers numerous tourist attractions beyond the Khareef season, providing unforgettable experiences. The governorate is known for its rich cultural heritage, embodied in festivals, traditional dance and music. Despite the positive outlook, the governorate faces challenges such as managing the increased tourist influx and preserving the natural environment. However, with a strategic approach and sustainable development plans, Dhofar has the potential to become a world-class tourist destination. Dhofar's tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by its natural beauty, cultural richness and strategic investments in infrastructure and services. The governorate is poised to become a leading destination for both domestic and international travellers, contributing significantly to Oman's economic diversification and sustainable tourism goals.