Monday 04 / August / 2025
A’Rustaq: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism emphasized that the restoration of forts and castles plays a vital role in preserving Oman’s cultural, historical, and architectural heritage, boosting tourism, revitalising local economies, and restoring these landmarks to their original splendor—making them attractive tourist destinations and creating investment opportunities for both public and private sectors.
The Department of Heritage and Tourism in South Al Batinah Governorate is currently undertaking restoration projects at A’Rustaq Fort, Al Khasfah Tower, and Al Uwayd Tower, adhering to the highest technical standards while optimizing costs. Key measures include locally producing “Sarooj" (traditional mortar) at a specialized ministry-supervised facility and sourcing high-quality imported “Kandal" wood to ensure compliance with specifications, enhancing efficiency and reducing overall restoration costs.
Dr. Al-Mu'tasim Nasser Al Hilali, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in South Al Batinah, stated that the ministry’s primary objective in restoring historical sites is to safeguard this cultural legacy for future generations, as these landmarks serve as architectural testaments to Oman’s rich history, particularly in their respective regions.
He noted that each historical site reflects the architectural style of its era and carries documented and oral narratives, adding that heritage landmarks present investment opportunities to enhance visitor experiences and diversify cultural tourism in line with sector demands.
Al Hilali highlighted that heritage and museum projects align with the ministry’s vision to position Oman as a leader in national heritage management and a top sustainable tourism destination offering unique experiences.
