Private sector to manage Nakhal Fort

Private sector to manage Nakhal Fort

Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has signed an agreement with Nakhal Ahlia Investment Company to manage and operate Nakhal Fort in South Batinah, an important tourist attraction in the governorate.

An official of MHT said, “The agreement aims to empower the private sector to enrich tourism and revitalise cultural heritage sites in accordance with Oman Vision 2040 and the strategic programmes of the Tenth Five-Year Plan with added local value for the community.”

According to the official, the ministry is currently working on developing and restoring tourist sites in various governorates to contribute to the diversification of the sultanate’s tourism offerings, benefit from its cultural heritage and historical monuments, and highlight the ancient and authentic Omani cultural heritage.

Nakhal Fort is being handed over to the private company following major restoration work undertaken by the ministry at the site since last year.

‘We followed a systematic plan in the restoration process, including maintenance work on all exterior facades, removing damaged outer layers, treating ceilings, floors and walls of internal rooms, preparing a water drainage system and general electrical connections in the fort,’ the ministry stated.

‘The restoration work aims to preserve the character and identity of the fort by using traditional