NAKHAL: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism continues to implement a series of vital heritage and tourism projects across several wilayats in Al Batinah South Governorate, focusing on restoration, maintenance and adaptive reuse of historic landmarks to strengthen their role as attractive tourism destinations.
Dr Al Mutasim bin Nasser al Hilali, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in Al Batinah South, told Oman News Agency that current projects primarily target the restoration and maintenance of castles, forts, towers, defensive walls and heritage mosques, with the aim of preserving their historical value while enhancing their tourism potential.
Among the most significant ongoing projects is the restoration and rehabilitation of Al Rustaq Fort, including its interior sections, towers and outer walls, with work exceeding 60 per cent completion. The restoration of Al Kasfah Tower in Al Rustaq, located adjacent to the well-known Ain Al Kasfah spring, has reached 50 per cent completion. The project includes maintenance of the tower, surrounding wall and corner towers, and is expected to add a new attraction to the area once completed.
In Al Musannah, the restoration of Al Owaid Tower, awarded in the third quarter of 2025 to a specialised company, is currently under preparation.
Meanwhile, restoration work on Al Mazahit Mosque (Al Khazina) in Al Rustaq has recently commenced, with 10 per cent of the project completed.
Dr Al Hilali highlighted the ministry’s strategy of partnering with specialised private-sector companies to operate restored landmarks. Sites are offered for investment through competitive processes that ensure preservation of their historical identity and architectural integrity while enhancing visitor experiences.
The ministry aims to create diversified tourism experiences, including transforming castles and forts into museums, cultural venues and heritage lodges. Al Mansour Castle in Al Rustaq represents the first heritage lodge investment model in Al Batinah South, offering visitors a unique stay experience within a fort dating back more than two centuries.
Six heritage sites in the governorate have been assigned for private-sector investment. These include Beit Al Ghasham in Wadi Al Maawil, now operating as a private museum; Nakhal Fort, managed by Nakhal Al Ahliya Company; and Burj Al Khamis Fort in Al Musannah. Additional sites recently assigned for investment include Barka Fort, Al Awabi Fort and Al Mansour Castle in Al Rustaq.
These initiatives aim to diversify tourism offerings, stimulate growth, and create opportunities for local communities and SMEs to benefit through tourism management and supporting service projects. — ONA
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