MUSCAT : The initiative is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to preserve and develop Oman’s heritage sites.

The agreement was signed on Monday by His Excellency Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Dr. Amer Nasser Al Matani, CEO of the Oman LNG Development Foundation.

Set to cover an area of 5,000 square meters, the visitor centre will feature two museum exhibition halls showcasing archaeological artifacts unearthed in Qalhat. The facility will also include administrative offices, a gift shop, café, outdoor events plaza, pathways linking the centre to the archaeological site, outdoor seating areas, canopies, and parking spaces.

The Ancient City of Qalhat, located in Wilayat Sur, South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018. Once a thriving port city, Qalhat served as a major hub for trade and maritime commerce, connecting Oman with India, Yemen, and beyond. It was also renowned for exporting Arabian horses to the Indian subcontinent.

Speaking on the significance of the project, Khalifa bin Mubarak Al Farsi, Director of the Qalhat Archaeological Site Department, described it as a vital cultural addition to both Qalhat and the wider region, helping to preserve the city’s historical legacy.

Eng. Ismail bin Sulaiman Al-Sawafi, General Manager of Social Responsibility and Public Relations at Oman LNG, emphasised the project’s potential to position Qalhat as a national and international heritage tourism destination, while also creating job opportunities and supporting local products and crafts.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.