NIZWA: Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is currently executing a number of projects for the restoration, rehabilitation, and maintenance of historical monuments and old neighbourhoods. This reflects the governorate’s keenness to preserving cultural heritage and enhancing Omani heritage as a significant economic and tourism contributor in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Shaikh Hilal bin Said al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, said that the total value of projects being implemented within the framework of heritage revival and strengthening the local economy has crossed RO 4.5 million. This reflects the scale of efforts to preserve cultural and urban heritage, on the one hand, and stimulating economic and tourism activity, on the other hand.
Al Hajri added that heritage revival projects go beyond restoration and maintenance, becoming part of an integrated economic system that invests in people and place and enhances local content by opening broader horizons for the local community and entrepreneurs to take advantage of available opportunities.
Work is underway, in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and other relevant authorities, to restore and maintain castles, forts and historic neighbourhoods. The aim is to preserve their authentic value and ensure their sustainability, while also developing modern facilities and quality services that enhance tourism industry in the governorate, he said.
The existing projects have directly contributed to stimulating tourism, with historic castles and forts attracting more than 302,000 visitors during the first half of 2025. This reflects growing awareness of the value of heritage and its impact on supporting economic activities, and highlights the need to continue promoting and rehabilitating heritage sites to ensure they remain competitive at the regional and international levels, he said.
Shaikh Hilal bin Said al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah stressed that these efforts are part of the decentralized development path to which Oman Vision 2040 attaches great importance. They contribute to enhancing the governorate’s position as a cultural, tourism, and investment destination, and support its aspirations to become a model of sustainable development. He added that the future holds promising opportunities for new projects that enhance these paths, which requires continued partnership with various entities to achieve comprehensive and balanced development that serves citizens, residents, and visitors alike.
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