New Funding Agreement for Qalhat Heritage Site Visitor Center: Implications for Investment Opportunities in Oman
Muscat, July 7 – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed a financing agreement with the Development Foundation of the Oman Liquefied Natural Gas Company to fund the establishment of a Visitor Center at the Qalhat Archaeological City, with a budget of 3 million Omani Rials. This project is part of the ministry’s efforts to enhance World Heritage Sites.
The center will cover an area of 5,000 square meters and include two exhibition halls for showcasing discovered artifacts. Facilities will also feature administrative offices, a gift shop, a café, an outdoor event area, internal pathways linking the visitor center to the archaeological city, outdoor seating areas, shade structures, and parking spaces.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the ministry by His Excellency Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrqi, the Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and by Dr. Amer bin Nasser Al Matarani, the CEO of the Development Foundation of Oman LNG Company.
Qalhat City is one of the oldest cities and ports in Oman, strategically located overlooking the Sea of Oman. Historically, its port attracted trade ships, serving as a cultural meeting point and a hub for maritime trade with India, Yemen, and other regions. It was also a center for exporting Arab horses to India.
Khalifa bin Mubarak Al Farsi, Director of the Qalhat Archaeological Site, noted that the construction of the center is a new cultural legacy and represents a significant addition to both Qalhat City and the Wilayats of Sur, as well as the Governorate of South Sharqiya.
Ismail bin Suleiman Al Sawafi, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Relations at Oman LNG Company, explained that this project will prepare the city to become a heritage and tourism destination on national, regional, and global levels, while also creating direct job opportunities and promoting local products.
It’s worth mentioning that the Qalhat Archaeological City was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018, highlighting the significance of this historical site.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The recent investment of 3 million Omani Rials into the visitor center at the historic city of Qalhat signals a strategic push towards enhancing heritage tourism in Oman. This initiative presents significant opportunities for local businesses to capitalize on increased visitor traffic and promote local products, while also creating direct job opportunities in the region. Smart investors should consider positioning themselves in sectors linked to tourism, hospitality, and cultural experiences to leverage the expected growth in this vital market.
Source: Oman News
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