Muscat: The new headquarters of the Zaree Khasab project was officially opened in the Wilayat of Khasab, under the patronage of Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said Al Busaidi, Governor of Musandam.
The initiative, supported by the Development Bank, was inaugurated in the presence of Mahmood bin Abdullah Al Aweini, Secretary General of the Ministry of Finance and Chairman of the Bank’s Board of Directors, along with Hussein bin Ali Al Lawati, CEO of the Development Bank, and various officials.
During the inauguration, the Governor and other attendees explored the new Zaree Khasab headquarters located at Bassa Beach, which aims to enhance the tourism experience for visitors in Musandam.
The project is designed to position Musandam as a prominent tourist destination, improve visitor experiences, and highlight the cultural heritage of the region.
It offers a variety of handcrafted souvenirs created by local artisans, enabling tourists to engage with the area's traditions through henna applications, traditional clothing, hospitality services, and tastings of local cuisine.
Iman bint Saleh Al Salti, the founder of Zaree Khasab, shared insights about the project, stressing its importance in empowering local artisans by motivating them to refine their crafts, enhance their products, and access broader markets.
She noted the project's journey since its launch in 2012, evolving from a simple concept into a recognized business that has achieved acclaim through international exhibitions and prestigious awards, serving as a benchmark for promoting Omani handicrafts globally.
Zaree Khasab not only champions traditional crafts but also provides guided tourism services, with its team possessing official tour guide licenses.
The initiative has showcased its work at various international and global exhibitions, receiving multiple awards and recognitions.
The facility boasts a fully equipped pottery studio, an art workshop, and a designated area for handcrafted souvenirs, enabling visitors to explore their creativity and create personalized, heritage-inspired mementos.
Al Salti, a licensed tour guide accredited by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, remarked that the inauguration of the new Zaree Khasab headquarters at Bassa Beach marks a pivotal achievement for the project.
She highlighted that this location serves as a vital platform for showcasing and preserving Musandam’s rich heritage to a global audience, facilitated by local tourism experiences and international exhibitions supported by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, which has enabled participation in worldwide events.
Al Salti expressed her appreciation to the Governor for his unwavering support and interest in the project, as well as to the Development Bank for its crucial funding and assistance in equipping the new headquarters to fulfill the project’s needs.
She also pointed out that Zaree Khasab provides a distinctive experience for visitors, allowing them to craft their own souvenirs inspired by the region.
The facility includes a fully equipped pottery studio, an art workshop, and a specific area for handcrafted keepsakes, offering tourists the chance to express their creativity and create personalized pieces inspired by the heritage of the area.
Al Salti highlighted that Zaree Khasab has actively participated in a range of international exhibitions and has garnered several local and global accolades. These include recognition from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism on World Tourism Day, the Al Roya Youth Initiative Award, the Tourism Ambassador Award for Musandam, the Women’s Excellence Award, the Best Project Award on Omani Youth Day, and the Best Social Responsibility Project Award.
Furthermore, Zaree Khasab has represented the Sultanate of Oman at significant events, including the Arabian Travel Market (held annually from 2013 to 2024), Expo Dubai, the London Equestrian Festival, the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Abu Dhabi, along with various other local and international exhibitions.
