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Major restoration push boosts heritage tourism in North Sharqiyah

Sunday, 16 November 2025 22:21

Ibra – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has completed restoration work on several historical and archaeological landmarks in North Sharqiyah as part of ongoing efforts to preserve Oman’s cultural identity and boost tourism development. Sumaya bint Hamad al Busaidi, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in the governorate, said the ministry restored a […]

Ibra – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has completed restoration work on several historical and archaeological landmarks in North Sharqiyah as part of ongoing efforts to preserve Oman’s cultural identity and boost tourism development.

Sumaya bint Hamad al Busaidi, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in the governorate, said the ministry restored a number of traditional gateways in Ibra, including Darwazat al Wali, Darwazat al Naseeb and Darwazat al Manzifa. Restoration work was also carried out on Darwazat al Hujra in Samad al Shan and on Al Radda Tower in Mudhaibi. The completed works cost more than RO100,000.

She informed that the ministry’s goal is to protect sites of historical value while opening opportunities for private investment. The restored landmarks are expected to support the growth of tourism-related businesses and enhance the governorate’s appeal to visitors.

Sumaya bint Hamad al Busaidi, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in North Sharqiyah

A larger restoration project is underway at Al Muntarib and Al Wasil forts in Bidiyah. Carried out on a budget of over RO300,000, 65% of the project is complete. The scope of work includes reinforcing walls, repairing rooms and courtyards, and upgrading lighting, decorative elements and air-conditioning systems. The project follows detailed structural tests to assess the condition of the two forts and guide long-term conservation.

Sumaya noted that MHT is committed to preserving the original architectural style of the forts through the use of traditional materials such as mud, mortar, stone and mangrove wood.

Alongside the restoration programme, the ministry has signed ten usufruct agreements for tourism projects across the governorate. These include a three-star hotel, a three-star resort, four luxury camps, three standard camps and a tourism complex. The new developments will add 120 hotel rooms in different wilayats of North Sharqiyah.

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