A'Rustaq: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism underscored that restoring forts and castles is critical to conserving Oman's cultural, historical, and architectural legacy, increasing tourism, revitalizing local economies, and restoring these monuments to their former glory—making them appealing tourist sites while also providing investment opportunities for both the public and commercial sectors.
The Department of Heritage and Tourism in South Al Batinah Governorate is now working on repair projects at A'Rustaq Fort, Al Khasfah Tower, and Al Uwayd Tower, following the highest technical standards while lowering expenses. Key methods include locally manufacture "Sarooj" (traditional mortar) at a specialized ministry-supervised facility and procuring high-quality imported "Kandal wood" to guarantee conformance with standards, improving efficiency, and lowering overall restoration expenses.
Dr. AlMu'tasim Nasser Al Hilali, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in South Al Batinah, said that the ministry's primary goal in restoring historical sites is to preserve this cultural heritage for future generations, as these landmarks serve as architectural reminders of Oman's rich history, particularly in their regions.
He stated that each historical site represents the architectural style of its time and has documented and oral narratives, and that heritage monuments provide possibilities for investment to improve visitor experiences and diversify cultural tourism in accordance with industry needs.
Al Hilali emphasized that heritage and museum projects are consistent with the ministry's goal of establishing Oman as a national heritage management leader and a top sustainable tourism destination providing unique experiences.
