A'dakhiliyah: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, is conducting studies and rehabilitation work on a number of heritage quarters and sites of historical value in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, in accordance with priorities that consider readiness and the anticipated economic and social impact.
According to Oman News Agency, Ahlam Hamad Al Qassabi, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, stated that old quarter rehabilitation projects contribute to creating an attractive environment for investment by repurposing historic buildings for various economic activities. These activities include the establishment of heritage inns, traditional caf©s and restaurants, handicraft and traditional industries exhibitions, private museums, and cultural centres. Additionally, the projects aim to organize events, festivals, and heritage markets.
She emphasized that these activities are designed to stimulate economic activity and attract visitors throughout the year. Old quarters, she noted, represent a civilizational, cultural, and economic asset, and are an authentic part of Omani identity. Therefore, work in the governorate focuses on rehabilitating them in a way that combines preserving their heritage and architectural values with utilizing them as sustainable economic, tourism, and cultural destinations.
Al Qassabi explained that A'Dakhiliyah Governorate comprises more than 220 historic quarters, with several having undergone rehabilitation and development projects in recent years. The department continues to implement restoration and rehabilitation projects for heritage quarters and buildings, focusing on the restoration of sabahs (open courtyards), gates, historic mosques, and the rehabilitation of pathways and alleys within the quarters. This is done to preserve their authentic architectural character and enhance their readiness to welcome visitors.
Among the most notable projects are the restoration of Al Waljah Mosque and the sabah of Al Saybani quarter in Birkat Al Mouz. The area in front of the quarter and its entrance has been prepared and paved, consistent with the urban character of the site. Restoration work on the sabahs and tower of the Al Ain and Al Sawad quarters in the Wilayat of Izki has also been completed.
In the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, the Al Aqr, Al Ain, and Al Shurayjah villages trail project is ongoing. This project links several quarters by paving the trail with flat gravel and creating seating areas along its length, thereby enriching the visitor experience and enhancing the utilization of the wilayat's heritage and natural assets.
Al Qassabi added that the ministry supports owners of heritage houses by providing restoration materials needed to rehabilitate them and convert them into heritage inns. The ministry also offers technical supervision of restoration and maintenance work, contributing to preserving the urban identity of the quarters and sustaining their historical and heritage value.
In collaboration with the local community, the ministry has supported community initiatives in the Wilayat of Adam to restore and maintain Al Hawashim and Bani Shiban quarters by providing essential restoration materials, including sarooj, kandhal wood, and stone.
She affirmed that the rehabilitation projects have directly and indirectly created diverse job opportunities during the restoration and construction phases and after the operation and investment of the sites. Small and medium enterprises have benefited from the implementation of works and services associated with the projects, and opportunities have been created for productive families and artisans to market their traditional products to visitors.
She indicated that reviving old quarters contributes to stimulating the local economy by increasing tourism traffic, raising spending rates within local communities, enhancing the value of real estate assets, and encouraging entrepreneurs to launch new projects related to tourism, culture, and heritage. This positively impacts the income of families and individuals and supports the sustainability of development in the wilayats.
She explained that partnerships with the private sector are essential in developing heritage sites by providing the necessary financing and operational and marketing expertise to transform them into sustainable economic projects. Additionally, this raises the quality of services, accelerates project implementation, and enhances the attraction of local and international investments.
These efforts align with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 by supporting economic diversification, enhancing cultural and creative industries, developing heritage tourism, and increasing the contribution of small and medium enterprises to the national economy.
