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Nearly 50,000 visit South Batinah’s historic sites in 2025

Monday, 20 October 2025 21:26

Rustaq – South Batinah has recorded a steady increase in visitors to its historic forts and castles in 2025 reflecting the growing appeal of heritage tourism in the governorate. By the end of June, 48,575 people had visited the governorate’s cultural landmarks, highlighting growing public interest in Oman’s history and architectural heritage. Rustaq remains the […]

Rustaq – South Batinah has recorded a steady increase in visitors to its historic forts and castles in 2025 reflecting the growing appeal of heritage tourism in the governorate.

By the end of June, 48,575 people had visited the governorate’s cultural landmarks, highlighting growing public interest in Oman’s history and architectural heritage.

Rustaq remains the main draw for history enthusiasts in South Batinah, with nearly 250 heritage sites – more than half of all registered landmarks. It is followed by Nakhal with 93 sites, Al Awabi with 63 and Wadi al Maawil with 49, while the rest are located in Barka and Musannah.

The Department of Heritage and Tourism in South Batinah continues to preserve and promote these landmarks through ongoing restoration work, including recent projects at Rustaq Fort and Al Kasfa Tower. By the end of September 2025, 495 archaeological and historical sites had been identified for conservation to prevent deterioration.

To attract more visitors, the department has launched promotional initiatives such as the ‘Change the Atmosphere’ campaign, alongside heritage festivals, cultural forums, and sports events that have drawn both local and international tourists.

Home to a blend of natural beauty and history, South Batinah is emerging as one of Oman’s most promising tourist destinations. The governorate’s ancient sites include Al Taikha in Rustaq, dating back to the Umm al Nar period, Halban and Al Khatm in Nakhal, and Al Awabi castle in Al Awabi.

Tourism infrastructure has also expanded, with the number of licensed facilities reaching 274 by the end of September, including hotels, furnished apartments, guesthouses and heritage inns. The governorate is also home to 148 registered travel agencies and tour operators.

Barka leads with 197 tourism establishments, followed by Musannah with 41 and Rustaq with 30, while the remaining facilities are distributed across Nakhal, Wadi al Maawil and Al Awabi.

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