Musandam’s gems attracted record 23,500 visitors in April 2024, against 25,000 in 2023

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, reported that Musandam Governorate’s castles, forts, and historical sites had attracted 25,009 visitors in 2023 as against 23,535 visitors in April 2024. Key landmarks such as Khasab Fort, Al-Kamazra Fort, Bukha Fort, and Dibba Fort were highlighted for their appeal to Arab and foreign tourits by Maryam bint Ahmed Al Shehiya, Head, Craft Heritage Section.

She emphasised the investment opportunities at these sites for individuals and the private sector, aligned with Oman’s 10th five-year plan to boost sustainable tourism and the national economy. This objective of the initiative is to develop heritage, culture & arts, and offer diverse tourism experiences through public-private partnerships, she added. Efforts are also on to support private museums by constructing modern buildings or restoring archaeological sites to showcase rare artifacts.

The construction of the Dibba Archaeological Visitor Centre began this year, funded by OQ Company and the Musandam Governor’s Office. Discovered in 2012, the site dates to the first millennium BC and includes early Iron Age tombs, skeletons, and artifacts, Bassam bin Muhammad bin Abdullah al Kamzari, Head, Department of Antiquities and Museums, revealed.

Efforts are ongoing to support private museums by constructing modern buildings or restoring archaeological sites to showcase rare artifacts. Specialists regularly visit these museums to ensure quality services and provide necessary support, he added.