KHASAB: The historic development project on Maqlab Island, commonly known as Telegraph Island, has reached 50 perc ent completion, marking a key milestone in Musandam Governorate’s efforts to boost sustainable tourism and preserve cultural heritage. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance economic growth in the governorate while revitalising the island’s unique historical significance.
Engineer Ahmed bin Mohammed al Shehhi, Director of the Projects Department at Musandam Municipality, said the project is anchored on several strategic goals: restoring and showcasing the site’s historic structures in an educational and attractive way, promoting sustainable tourism to generate jobs and boost local incomes, and conserving the island’s rich marine environment, home to vibrant coral reefs and fish. He emphasised that the project offers a rare opportunity to connect the past with the present by using heritage as a foundation for tourism and cultural development. With a balanced approach between preservation and renewal, the project aims to transform the island into a regional and global destination that highlights a forgotten chapter in the history of global communications.
The development includes a 731-square-metre multi-use hall, a 130-square-metre service building, an 8-meter-long marine landing platform with a floating system, a guard room with full access facilities, a utility building for electricity generators and fuel storage, and a shaded canopy area. Additionally, a mountain walkway will link the island’s facilities, along with two dedicated photo platforms offering views of its main landmarks.
Al Shehhi noted that Maqlab Island gained historical importance in 1864 as a transmission station for the submarine telegraph cable linking Mumbai in India to Basra in Iraq—making it the site of the first modern telecommunications line in the Middle East. The island’s natural landscape and location among Musandam’s sea creeks further enhance its appeal to tourists and adventure seekers.
In recognition of its architectural and cultural value, the project recently received a special mention at the Architizer A+ Awards, placing it among the world’s most notable architectural projects. Once complete, the development is expected to become a distinctive tourist destination and a model for the revitalization of heritage sites across the region. — ONA
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