BAHLA: Four new museums have been inaugurated at Bahla Fort on Sunday under the auspices of Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, as part of efforts to enhance cultural offerings and strengthen the site as a comprehensive heritage destination.
The museums, launched in the first phase of development, are spread across different sections of the historic fort, leveraging its archaeological and architectural significance to enrich visitor experience.
The Archaeological Collections Museum, located in 'Bait Al Hadith,' showcases artefacts discovered during restoration works at Bahla Fort and within the Bahla oasis, with most items dating back to the third millennium BCE. The museum has been developed to high technical standards, with archaeological collections provided by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
The Meteorites Museum, housed in 'Bait Al Jabal,' presents three types of meteorites found in Oman, supported by scientific explanations that highlight their origin and composition.
The Omani Honey Museum, located in 'Burj Al Jihadri,' highlights traditional beekeeping methods and honey production practices. It is operated by a local investor from Bahla in cooperation with the fort’s management company.
The Doors Museum in 'Al Qasaba' features eight of the oldest wooden doors in Oman, including one estimated to be over 750 years old. Some pieces carry original craftsmen’s inscriptions, along with carvings linked to pre-Islamic civilisations and an Islamic inscription from the Nabahina era preserved in its original form.
Additional museums, including those dedicated to traditional weapons and manuscripts, are currently under development, along with supporting facilities such as exhibitions, workshops, and interactive cultural spaces.
Eng Ali bin Ahmed al Shaqsi, Director-General of Al Marasim Tourism and Investment, said the initiative is part of a broader vision to diversify the visitor experience at the site.
He added that the project includes advanced display systems, upgraded visitor infrastructure, and cultural activity spaces, aimed at transforming the fort into an immersive heritage destination rather than a brief stopover. He also highlighted its contribution to community engagement through job creation, SME support and opportunities for productive families.
The initiative is also expected to boost economic activity in Bahla Traditional Souq and strengthen tourism in the region by increasing demand for hospitality services and supporting research in heritage and history.
Since taking over management of the fort, the operating company has organised 53 cultural, tourism and entertainment events, with further exhibitions planned, including themes on traditional mud industries, the Omani house and postal heritage.
At the end of the ceremony, the minister and attendees toured the museums, viewed exhibits, and met with the teams involved. The visit also included pottery workshops in Bahla, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote cultural tourism and traditional crafts in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.
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