SUHAR, AUG 23
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has unveiled plans to redevelop the Sohar Fort Museum, marking a significant step in preserving and promoting one of Al Batinah North Governorate’s most iconic landmarks.
Closed since 2008, the museum is now set for a comprehensive transformation designed to blend cultural preservation with modern visitor experiences.
The project will revamp existing exhibition halls and introduce new galleries, supported by the latest technologies in displays and storytelling. Facilities will also be upgraded, alongside the addition of cultural and educational activities aimed at engaging schools, researchers and local communities. The initiative is not limited to conservation, it seeks to turn the museum into a dynamic cultural hub where heritage and innovation intersect.
Highlighting the importance of the project, Sultan al Maqbali, the manager of Sohar Fort Museum, said: “The redevelopment of Sohar Fort Museum reflects our vision to present heritage in ways that speak to today’s audiences. It is about more than preservation, it is about strengthening citizenship, enhancing cultural awareness and ensuring that our historic treasures continue to inspire future generations.”
The revival of the museum comes within broader national efforts to invest in Oman’s forts and castles, which are increasingly being restored, repurposed and activated as living spaces of culture and identity. Through usufruct agreements with the private sector, the ministry is enhancing visitor services while safeguarding architectural integrity and authenticity. There are 12 historical landmarks in Al Batinah North Governorate, which have been restored, with three handed to private operators for management and operation.
Aligned with Oman Vision 2040, these initiatives integrate heritage into sustainable development and tourism strategies, reinforcing the forts and castles not only as symbols of history but as platforms for education, community engagement and national pride.
With its new identity, the museum is also expected to play a vital role in stimulating tourism in the Wilayat of Suhar, adding momentum to the region’s cultural and economic development.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
