MHT invites bids for visitor centres at two archaeological sites

MHT invites bids for visitor centres at two archaeological sites

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) will establish two archaeological centres for visitors in the wilayats Ibri and Sur.Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) will establish two archaeological centres for visitors in the wilayats Ibri and Sur.

In a statement, MHT invited bids for construction of a visitors centre in Bat in the wilayat of Ibri, Dhahirah, and a visitors centre and ancillary building at Qalhat archaeological site in Sur, South Sharqiyah. The last date for submission of bids is February 7, 2024.

Both Qalhat and Bat are designated as Unesco World Heritage Sites.

MHT started an archaeological renovation programme in Qalhat city in 2008. In June 2021, the ministry signed an agreement with Oman LNG to finance a project to restore Qalhat archaeological city (Phase I).

The ancient city of Qalhat was an important port in the Sea of Oman along the East Arabian Coast, which facilitated trade with the Indian Ocean, functioning as a trade centre between India and through it to east and southeast Asia.

The MHT initiative to set up the archaeological centres comes within the context of a comprehensive system to develop and renew plans and programmes being conducted by the ministry to promote tourism. MHT