Muscat: According to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT), the Fatah Al Khair Centre in the Wilayat of Sur, Ash Sharqiyah South Governorate, has attracted a total of 29,586 visitors from different nationalities, both local and international, since its inauguration in November 2021 until the end of April 2024.
The Fatah Al Khair Centre is a significant cultural and historical site that showcases the rich maritime heritage of Sur.
Ali Al Mashaikhi, the Acting Director of the Fatah Al Khair Centre, expressed that the primary objective of the center is to introduce and promote the maritime legacy and history of Sur, shedding light on the remarkable accomplishments of our ancestors who sailed across vast oceans on grand ships.
He further elaborated that the center consists of five distinct halls. The first hall provides a comprehensive narrative of Sur's history, including archaeological sites, forts, castles, and traditional ships that played a vital role in the region's economic and maritime development. The second hall, known as the maritime heritage hall, exhibits the traditional craft of shipbuilding and showcases models of renowned Sur ships like Al Ghanjah, Sambuq, Jalboot, and Al Bum, along with various tools used in traditional shipbuilding. The third hall, named Sinbad Adventures, is dedicated to children and offers educational and informative materials related to maritime history.
The center's courtyard proudly displays the Fatah Al Khair ship and other Omani boats renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship. Moreover, the center plays a crucial role in boosting tourism in Sur, serving as a cultural and educational hub for visitors seeking to explore the region's rich heritage.
The maritime navigation center not only showcases the Fatah Al Khair ship and other boats, but it also houses a collection of over 400 artifacts, as mentioned by Al Mashaikhi.
Among the notable items in the center is the manuscript 'Maden Al Asrar Fi Elm Al Behar Manuscript' by Nasser bin Ali bin Nasser Al Khudhori. Additionally, visitors can explore the tools of the master carpenter, the captain's tools, traditional household items from Sur, and even old doors, including one crafted from the ship Al Malik Nasr in 1942.
Moreover, as highlighted by Al Mashaikhi, the center proudly displays various artifacts and clothing that were historically used in the Wilayat of Sur.
To further promote maritime heritage, the center organizes workshops and training sessions for university and college students, school students, as well as public and private entities. These sessions provide valuable information about Sur's rich maritime legacy.
