Nakhal: Nakhal Fort is one of the most important tourist destinations in South Al Batinah.
During the previous several years, locals and visitors have paid special attention to the fort, which has aided in the promotion of cultural movement and tourism, as well as youth empowerment, female involvement, local community crafts, and tourism in the Nakhal Wilayat.
The fort's operation in 2023, when the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism inked a 25-year management agreement with Nakhal Ahlia Investment Company, granting the company the right to convert the fort into a tourism and recreation destination that is compatible with the area's topography and Omani identity.
Since 2023, the operators have organized a variety of programs and events aimed at transforming the fort into a year-round must-visit location.
According to Nakhal Ahlia Investment Company's Chief Executive Officer, Saud bin Khalfan Al Kindi, the fort drew 11,274 visitors from inside and outside the Sultanate of Oman in the first quarter of 2025, including 1,731 Omanis and 9,543 tourists from other countries, in addition to 5,986 children aged under seven years and school students who visited the fort for free.
According to him, the total number of activities/events planned was ten, encompassing all community programs up to the end of March 2025.
Following the deal signature, Nakhal Fort has been transformed into a venue for cultural events and festivals.
Following the completion of the repairs, the fort hosted the first Nakhal Fort Forum, he said, adding that the fort also provided interactive educational programs for youngsters and children.
Nakhal Ahlia Investment Company enhanced the efforts dedicated to the fort through collaborations with educational and historical institutions, including a joint cooperation agreement signed in April 2025 with the Oman Memory Centre to establish a permanent exhibit at the fort highlighting the lives of Omani individuals in the Nakhal Wilayat.
The display will introduce visitors to more than 100 notable individuals, including judges, academics, and copywriters, who were well-known throughout previous generations for their contributions to national legacy and their priceless manuscripts, records, and possessions.
The fort, which was organized by the Oman Film Society, hosted the Al Batinah International Film Festival and hosted fine art exhibits.
The Omani women's organization cooperated with local community members in the fort's numerous programs and activities.
According to Al Kindi, Nakhal Ahlia Investment Company plans to launch new cultural projects, workshops, seminars, and forums.
