Sunday 13 / September / 2026
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in cooperation with relevant authorities, is studying and rehabilitating a number of historically significant neighborhood and heritage sites in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, prioritizing projects that consider readiness and the expected economic and social impact.
Ahlam bint Hamad Al Qassabi , Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, said that the projects to rehabilitate old neighborhoods contribute to creating an attractive investment environment by repurposing historical buildings for diverse economic activities, such as heritage lodges, traditional cafes and restaurants, craft and handicraft exhibitions, private museums, cultural centers, and the organization of events, festivals, and heritage markets.
She added that these activities aim to revitalize the economy and attract visitors throughout the year, noting that the old neighborhoods represent a cultural, civilizational, and economic asset and an integral part of Omani identity.
Al Qassabi explained that the work in the governorate focuses on rehabilitating them according to a methodology that combines preserving their heritage and architectural values with developing them as sustainable economic, tourist, and cultural destinations.
Al Qassabi clarified that the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate includes more than 220 historical neighborhoods, several of which have undergone rehabilitation and development projects in recent years. These include the Al Aqr and Al Sibani neighborhoods in the Wilayat of Nizwa, the Al Ain and Al Sawad neighborhoods in the Wilayat of Izki, the Bani Shaiban, Al Hawashim, and Al Jami' neighborhoods in the Wilayat of Adam, the Al Aqr and Al Sujrah neighborhoods in the Wilayat of Jabal Akhdar, as well as the Misfat Al Abriyeen and Old Quarter quarters in the Wilayat of Al Hamra, and the Al Bilad quarter in the Wilayat of Manah.
She emphasized that the administration is continuing its restoration and rehabilitation projects for heritage neighborhoods and buildings, including the restoration of courtyards, gates, and historical mosques, as well as the rehabilitation of alleyways and narrow lanes, all while preserving their authentic architectural character and enhancing their readiness to receive visitors.
Among the most prominent of these projects are the restoration of Al-Walja Mosque and the courtyard of Al-Sibani neighborhood in Birkat Al-Mawz, along with the preparation and paving of the area in front of the neighborhood and its entrance in a manner consistent with the site's architectural style. Restoration work on the courtyards and tower of Al-Ain and Al-Sawad neighborhoods in the Wilayat of Izki has also been completed.
Furthermore, in the Wilayat of Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, work continues on the Al-Aqr, Al-Ain, and Al-Sharijah Villages Trail project. This project connects several neighborhoods in Al-Aqr, Al-Ain, and Al-Sharijah by paving the trail with flat gravel and creating seating areas along its length, enriching the visitor experience and enhancing the enjoyment of the Wilayat's heritage and natural features.
Al-Qassabi added that the Ministry's efforts include supporting owners of heritage houses, providing the necessary restoration materials to rehabilitate and convert them into heritage inns, and offering technical supervision for restoration and maintenance work. This contributes to preserving the architectural identity of the neighborhoods and sustaining their historical and cultural value.
As part of strengthening partnerships with the local community, the Ministry supported community initiatives in the Wilayat of Adam to restore and maintain the Al-Hawashim and Bani Shaiban neighborhoods by providing essential restoration materials, including mortar, mangrove wood, and stones.
She emphasized that the rehabilitation projects have contributed directly and indirectly to creating diverse job opportunities during the restoration and construction phases and after the sites are operational and utilized. Small and medium-sized enterprises have also benefited from implementing the work and services associated with the projects, and opportunities have been created for productive families and artisans to market their traditional products to visitors.
She pointed out that revitalizing old neighborhoods contributes to stimulating the local economy by increasing tourism, raising spending rates within local communities, enhancing the value of real estate assets, and encouraging entrepreneurs to launch new projects related to tourism, culture, and heritage. This, in turn, positively impacts the income of families and individuals and supports sustainable development in the states.
She explained that partnerships with the private sector are a fundamental pillar in developing heritage sites by providing the necessary funding, operational expertise, and marketing capabilities to transform them into sustainable economic projects. This also improves the quality of services, accelerates project implementation, and enhances the attraction of local and international investments.
In conclusion, Al-Qassabi emphasized that old neighborhoods can be transformed into integrated tourist and cultural destinations by developing a visitor experience that includes accommodation, cultural, artistic, and craft activities, organizing seasonal events, providing tourist and guidance services, creating walking and exploration routes, and employing modern technologies to showcase the history and cultural narratives of the place. This will contribute to transforming them into vibrant destinations that attract visitors and extend their stay.
These efforts are in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 by supporting economic diversification, promoting cultural and creative industries, developing heritage tourism, and increasing the contribution of small and medium enterprises to the national economy.
