Latest news with #RO2mn
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Climate
- Muscat Daily
RO2mn spent on maintenance work of aflaj across North Sharqiyah
Ibra – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has completed maintenance work of 162 aflaj in North Sharqiyah as part of efforts to sustain traditional water systems vital to agriculture and rural communities. The work, covering 90% of a total target of 179 aflaj across several wilayats, cost more than RO2mn. The effort is part of the ministry's broader plan to rehabilitate aflaj damaged by extreme weather events, including the Al Mutayr depression that affected the governorate last year. Hamad bin Rashid al Sawai from the Directorate General of Agriculture and Water Resources in North Sharqiyah said assessments were carried out by local agriculture and water departments in coordination with the Water Resources Department. These teams assessed the extent of damage, developed technical plans, issued tenders and monitored project execution on site. Of the total 179 targeted, 78 aflaj are in Dima wa al Taiyyin, 30 in Wadi Bani Khalid, 21 in Ibra, 19 in Al Qabil, 17 in Al Mudhaibi, ten in Bidiyah and four in Sinaw. North Sharqiyah has a total of 571 registered aflaj, many of which are the key source of water for farming and domestic use across the governorate's diverse terrain. These traditional irrigation channels, recognised as a Unesco heritage system in Oman, continue to play a critical role in managing water resources, especially in remote and agriculture dependent villages.
Muscat Daily
25-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
RO56mn for Wadi Shab development, ITCs in Nakhal and Khasab
Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed three usufruct agreements valued at RO56mn to develop two integrated tourism complexes (ITCs) and transform Wadi Shab into a year-round destination for nature and adventure tourism. This is in line with efforts to diversify the economy and boost the tourism sector. The projects are located in three governorates. The agreements were signed by H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, at a ceremony on Sunday. The first agreement, signed with Omran Group worth RO2mn, is for development of Wadi Shab in Tiwi, wilayat of Sur in South Sharqiyah. The site will be transformed into an eco-tourism destination, featuring a zip line, mountain trails, suspension bridges, swimming areas and dining facilities. 'Wadi Shab is a site of exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity, known for its clear waters, caves and waterfalls,' H E Mahrouqi said. 'This project will promote environmental sustainability while offering unique recreational experiences.' The second agreement is for development of the Sandan – Pearl of Khasab tourism complex in Musandam. Built on a 43,658sqm site near Khasab Fort and Atana Musandam Hotel, it will include a 200-room four-star hotel, 450 residential units for Omanis and foreign nationals, a traditional market, shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. The third agreement is for the Halban Gardens complex in wilayat of Nakhal in South Batinah. Spread over 201,031sqm, the project will feature a four-star hotel with 156 rooms, 535 residential units including villas and apartments, a market, water park, restaurants and recreational amenities. In a statement, the ministry said the agreements reflect the government's strategy to promote sustainable tourism and attract investment to key regions. The projects support Oman Vision 2040 objectives to position tourism as a key non-oil economic sector while preserving the country's natural and cultural heritage.
