BIDBID: In a historical corner where ancestral heritage and the echoes of the past intertwine, an ancient house stands as a witness to time, transforming into a vibrant economic project that harmonises tradition with modernity, heritage with investment.
Located in the village of Fanja in Bidbid, Al 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 bin 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.
The heritage house comprises three sections: A cafe 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 Fanja Valley’s terrace; and a guesthouse for those seeking an overnight stay immersed in heritage.
Thanks to its seamless blend of nature and Omani 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 modernisation.
The heritage exhibition is divided into three sections: Traditional Omani attire, showcasing cultural diversity; artefacts, including woodwork, palm-frond crafts, silverware and jewellery; 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.
Fanja Heritage House stands as a testament to Oman’s ability to honour its past while embracing the future — a model of cultural preservation driving sustainable tourism. - ONA
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