MUSCAT: On the 4th of July, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has finalized two financing agreements, each valued at RO 12 million, to fund the preliminary phases of the forthcoming Maritime History Museum project in Sur.
These agreements were concluded with Oman LNG and Oman India Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO). The ceremony was attended by Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, the Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Hamad bin Mohammed al Numani, the CEO of Oman LNG, and Dr Ahmed bin Saeed al Marhubi, the CEO of Oman India Fertiliser Company.
Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, underscored the importance of these agreements, stating, "The execution of these financing agreements underscores the commitment to fostering collaborations across sectors that support developmental initiatives. This represents a pivotal moment in the realization of this project, which has commenced with the appointment of a consultancy firm to oversee the engineering aspects."
He expressed his gratitude for the financial support received, mentioning that RO 10 million was contributed by Oman LNG and an additional RO 2 million by OMIFCO. This support, he noted, not only strengthens the strategic partnership between the public and private sectors but also underscores the importance of such collaborations in the development of the nation.
Dr. Amer bin Nasser al Mutaani, the CEO of Oman LNG Development Foundation, elaborated on the objectives of the agreement between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Oman LNG. He highlighted the aim to elevate the cultural and tourism potential of Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, specifically Sur, through this partnership. The museum is set to create employment opportunities and enhance local value addition, emphasizing the significance of investing in human resources.
Moreover, this project is in line with the 'Gift of Oman' initiatives, demonstrating Oman LNG's dedication to supporting the Omani community and enriching cultural heritage.
Dr. Yahya bin Badr al Maawali, the Governor of Al Sharqiyah South, further emphasized the positive impact of financing the Maritime Museum in Sur on the heritage and tourism sector. He described the museum as a tourist attraction that will bolster the economy across various sectors and improve the urban landscape of Sur. The project is anticipated to become a cultural and tourism landmark, showcasing the rich history of Omani navigation and maritime trade. Additionally, the establishment of the museum is seen as a significant step towards positioning Oman as a premier cultural and tourist destination, supporting scientific research and studies in the field of Omani maritime history.
In recent news, a consultancy tender for the design and supervision of the project was awarded to Ibrahim Jaidah Architects and Engineers, a firm renowned for its expertise in architectural design, contract management, and cultural architectural consulting. The design of the museum's exhibition will be handled by Haley Sharpe Design, a British firm celebrated for its proficiency in museum and cultural exhibition development.
