Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has announced that throughout the calendar year 2023, the governorate of Musandam witnessed a notable influx of tourists, with a total of 25,009 visitors gracing its historical castles, forts, and monuments. By the tail-end of June in the same year, the numbers had only increased to 23,535 visitors, reflecting a positive trend towards sustainable tourism in the region.
Maryam bint Ahmed Al Shehhi, who serves as the head of the Craft Heritage Section within the Heritage and Tourism Department of Musandam Governorate, highlighted that the historical monuments within the governorate have consistently attracted visitors from around the globe. These landmarks vary significantly in their historical significance, with notable examples including the "Khasab" and "Al-Kamazra" forts within the Wilayat of Khasab, the fort of Bukha in the Wilayat of Bukha, and the fort of Dibba in the Wilayat of Dibba.
Al Shehhi further emphasized the importance of facilitating investment in these historical sites within Musandam Governorate by both private entities and the general public. Such efforts are not only aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of these castles and forts but also at creating employment opportunities for the local populace.
She noted that this growing interest in historical and cultural tourism aligns with the tenth five-year development plan of the Sultanate of Oman, which has prioritized the development of tourist heritage sites and cultural elements as a means of sustainable economic investment. This initiative seeks to promote the growth of the national economy by offering a diverse array of heritage and tourist attractions, including castles, forts, museums, and ancient neighborhoods.
In addition, Al Shehhi outlined the administrative measures being taken to promote the local talent by coordinating with government officials at the state level. This collaboration aims to support productive families, artisans, and small and medium-sized enterprise owners in showcasing their products, boosting commercial activities among craftsmen, and enriching the cultural landscape of Oman.
Bassam bin Mohammed Al Kamzari, the head of the Antiquities and Museums Department within the Heritage and Tourism Department of Musandam Governorate, mentioned that substantial progress is being made in the development of archaeological sites of significant historical value. Among these initiatives, the construction of the Dibba Archaeological Visitor Center, which began earlier this year, has seen significant support from OQ and the Musandam Governor’s Office. This site, discovered in 2012, is recognized as one of the most crucial archaeological sites in the Sultanate of Oman, dating back to the 1st millennium BC.
Bassam Al Kamzari elucidated that the site encompasses a multitude of archaeological tombs, tracing back to the early Iron Age, with over 190 skeletons, a plethora of archaeological discoveries, an array of pottery, stone and bronze vessels, and precious jewelry made of gold and bronze.
He emphasized the significant endeavors undertaken by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in collaboration with archaeological missions, through extensive construction and excavation activities.
Furthermore, he highlighted the current initiatives aimed at bolstering and fostering the development of private museums. This support includes assisting private museum proprietors and the construction of modern facilities for them, or the restoration of archaeological sites, housing invaluable artifacts that are showcased prominently and safeguarded against any potential threats to the integrity of these pieces, thereby enriching the public museum landscape in the Sultanate of Oman. Specialists from the Department regularly conduct visits to these private museums and archaeological sites to assess their standards, offer support where necessary, and guarantee the excellence of services rendered to visitors.
