Latest news with #SalimbinMohammedalMahrouqi
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman's tourism sector contributes over RO2 billion in 2024
Muscat: The tourism sector's contribution to the national economy rose to RO2.12 billion by the end of 2024, compared to RO1.75 billion in 2018, representing a growth rate of 3.2 percent, according to the latest data released by the National Center for Statistics and Information. The sector's contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) rose to RO2.7 billion, compared to RO2.3 billion in 2018, reflecting the overall impact of tourism as an engine of growth. Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism (MHT), said that the positive indicators achieved by the tourism sector in 2024, such as the increase in visitors to the country, are the result of government policies supporting economic diversification, as well as integration with various government agencies, which has played a key role in creating an attractive investment and accelerating the pace of delivery of tourism projects. He underlined the Ministry's commitment to adopting innovative promotional policies, expanding partnerships with the private sector, and developing tourism products and services to meet visitor aspirations and enhance the tourist experience. Spending Total spending on tourism in the Sultanate of Oman rose to RO1.02 billion in 2024, compared to RO960 million in 2018. Direct value added by the tourism grew by 5.3 percent, RO1.09 billion, compared to RO799.7 million in 2018, and it demonstrated the integration with sectors such as transportation, hospitality, retail, and culture. Incoming visitors The Sultanate of Oman received around 3.8 million visitors in 2024, of which 68.2 percent were overnight visitors and 31.8 percent were same-day visitors. Total tourism spending by these visitors amounted to RO989 million, with an average per capita expenditure of RO253.8. Need for facilitating travel between Gulf countries The data showed that more than 55 percent of incoming visitors were residents of the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the importance of enhancing land connectivity and facilitating travel between Gulf countries. International visitors European visitors accounted for 16 percent of the total visitors, compared to Asian nationalities (13.2 percent), indicating the effectiveness of the promotional campaigns launched by the Ministry in cooperation with overseas offices. Lesiure destination As for reasons for coming to the Sultanate of Oman, Leisure topped the list with 70.2 percent, followed by visiting relatives and friends (17.9 percent), and shopping (5 percent). The average length of stay ranged between 5 and 6 nights, with a total of 14.8 million tourist nights, confirming the ability of destinations in Oman to attract visitors for longer periods. Regarding accommodation patterns, hotel establishments have witnessed a growth in demand, enhancing the feasibility of investing in tourism facilities, particularly in governorates witnessing development in the tourism infrastructure, such as Dhofar, Musandam, and Al Dakhiliyah. The number of outgoing visitors was 8.1 million, spending a total of RO1.8 billion, with an average per capita expenditure of RO218.5. This reflects the volume of domestic spending on outbound tourism and opens the way for developing initiatives to enhance tourism.
Observer
07-07-2025
- Business
- 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.
Observer
25-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman signs RO 56 million pacts to boost tourism
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed three significant usufruct agreements valued at over RO 56 million to develop integrated tourism projects in the wilayats of Khasab, Nakhal and Sur. The agreements, signed on Sunday, May 25, by Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, mark a major step in Oman's strategy to enhance its tourism sector and diversify the national economy. The first agreement, signed with Omran Group and represented by its CEO Hashel bin Obaid al Mahrouqi, covers the development of Wadi Shab, Wilayat of Sur in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate. This project seeks to position Wadi Shab as a year-round eco-adventure destination, attracting both domestic and international tourists. The planned development will include an adventure park featuring a zipline, mountain climbing trails, suspension bridges, walking paths, and designated swimming areas for both children and adults. The site will also offer restaurants and cafes, all designed to blend with the valley's rich biodiversity, geological features and natural attractions such as clear water pools, caves and waterfalls. With an investment of RO 2 million, the project is expected to be completed within 18 months from the date the agreement is activated. It will also open new opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the area. The second agreement was signed with Khasab Development and Investment Company, represented by its Managing Director Hilal bin Nasser al Harthy, to develop an integrated tourism complex named 'Sandan – The Pearl of Khasab". Located on a 43,658-square-metre plot of government land, the project is strategically situated near key attractions such as Khasab Fort and the Atana Musandam Hotel. It will feature a four-star hotel with 200 rooms, along with 450 residential units available for purchase by Omanis and non-Omanis alike. Complementing these will be a traditional-style market, retail outlets, diverse dining options, and various recreational and service facilities. With an investment cost estimated at RO 17 million, the project is expected to create between 250 and 300 jobs and will be completed within a seven-year period. The third and largest agreement involves Hamyan Investment and Project Development Company, represented by Managing Director Saud bin Hamad al Taie. The company will develop 'Hamyan Village", an integrated tourism complex in the Wilayat of Nakhal, Al Batinah South Governorate. Spanning 201,031 square metres of government land, the project will include a four-star hotel with 156 rooms and 535 residential units comprising villas and apartments, all available for local and foreign ownership. The development will also include a market, various restaurants, a water park, and a range of recreational and service amenities. With a total investment of RO 38 million, the project is expected to be completed within three years and will create between 300 and 350 job opportunities. Commenting on the projects, Dr Rashid bin Saleh al Hinai, Director-General of Planning at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, noted that these developments reflect Oman's commitment to sustainable tourism and economic diversification. He highlighted the expected positive impact on local communities through job creation and support for SMEs, while also enhancing Oman's appeal as a leading destination for nature, heritage and adventure tourism. — ONA
Observer
22-05-2025
- Observer
Dhofar reviews preparations for khareef season
SALALAH: A meeting held at the Millennium Resort Salalah assessed the readiness of government and private sector entities in Dhofar Governorate to welcome the 2025 Khareef Dhofar Season. The meeting was chaired by HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar. During the meeting, attended by Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, the governor stressed the importance of integrated efforts for the success of the season by ensuring preparedness among all relevant entities, each within its jurisdiction, to achieve a successful and exemplary khareef season. Dhofar Municipality presented a visual display outlining its plan and readiness to improve services across all areas under its purview. These included an evaluation of performance during the previous season, traffic management plans, inspection and oversight measures, coordination with other entities, internal road conditions, and the readiness of proposed sites to host events and activities accompanying the tourist season across various wilayats. The Dhofar Governorate Police Command presented its plan for the khareef season, focusing on managing the influx of tourists, ensuring smooth traffic flow in high-density areas, distributing security checkpoints and outlining rescue operations, among other measures. The Directorate-General of Information in Dhofar Governorate presented its plans for broadcasting media programmes during the khareef season through a comprehensive media strategy. These include a range of radio and television programmes, news reports, press coverage and diverse digital content tailored for social media platforms. Discussions also covered the readiness of Salalah Airport, proactive services and procedures, medical and ambulance services, heritage and tourism preparedness, accommodation facilities and the required level of tourist services for the season. Additionally, the meeting addressed enhancing telecommunications services, strengthening coverage in certain areas, ensuring the provision of electricity and water resources to meet increased seasonal demand, and other relevant aspects related to the khareef season. The meeting was attended by some walis and officials from government and private institutions in the governorate. - ONA
Observer
18-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Conference focuses on museums and their role in tourism development
MANAH, MAY 18 The three-day International Conference on 'Museums and their Role in Tourism Development' kicked off on Sunday under the auspices of Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, at the Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah. Organised by the museum in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the National Records and Archives Authority, the conference brings together over 42 researchers, academics and experts from 21 countries. Coinciding with International Museum Day, the conference aims to underscore the essential role of museums in driving sustainable tourism, preserving cultural identity and fostering intercultural dialogue. It seeks to highlight how museums can function as dynamic educational and cultural platforms, contribute to economic diversification and embrace modern digital technologies to enrich the visitor experience. Eng Al Yaqdhan bin Abdullah al Harthy, Director-General of the Oman Across Ages Museum and Chairman of the Organising Committee, stated that the conference reflects Oman's growing stature as a regional hub for museum and cultural studies. "The museums today have become integral pillars of sustainable tourism by transforming history into interactive experiences that engage both the senses and the intellect. Museums offer visitors an opportunity for thoughtful participation, serving not only as cultural destinations but also as platforms that encourage dialogue between civilisations, support the creative economy and promote inclusive educational content," he said. The organising committee received nearly 300 research submissions, of which 42 were accepted and will be presented during eight intensive scientific sessions over the three-day conference. In addition to the academic programme, the conference features a poster exhibition and six specialised workshops delivered by experts from Oman and abroad. These workshops focus on various fields such as digital marketing for museums, heritage conservation techniques and community engagement for museum. Dr Ech Cherki Dahmali, President of the Arab Organization for Museums and a leading member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), provided insights on the importance of museum development and global collaboration during his keynote address. He emphasised the council's role in enhancing museum development, supporting global collaboration and providing guidance during times of cultural crises. He also reflected on the deep cultural connections between Arab museums and international networks. The conference programme covers four key theme areas: museum and cultural institutions, economy and museum tourism, the cultural and educational role of museums, and digital technologies in museum exhibitions. These themes will be explored through a variety of research papers and expert presentations from countries including Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Algeria, Sudan, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Russia, India, Iran, and others, alongside contributions from several Omani researchers and students. The event also features contributions from leading Omani academics and public institutions. The workshops and discussions are intended to engage museum professionals, tourism sector stakeholders, educators and students in meaningful dialogue and enhance their practical skills.
