MUSCAT : The Department of Heritage and Tourism in South Al Batinah Governorate has awarded engineering consulting services to a specialised firm to prepare a development master plan for a project linking the tomb of Imam Ahmed bin Said with Al Rustaq Fort and Harat Qasra. The project also aims to connect historical landmarks surrounding the fort, the market, and Harat Bait Al Qarn, with a total value exceeding RO 184,985.

The project aims to highlight the historical and cultural value of the Wilayat of Al Rustaq, transforming it into an integrated heritage system. It seeks to consolidate its position as a living model for historical cities that balance authenticity, sustainable development, and cultural and tourism investment.

Dr. Al-Mu’tasim Nasser Al Hilali, Director of the Department of Heritage and Tourism in the governorate, explained that the project will contribute to highlighting the status of Imam Ahmed bin Said, the founder of the Al Busaidi state. It will document the historical relationship between the fort, the ancient neighbourhoods, the traditional market and surrounding landmarks. Furthermore, it aims to create an integrated tourism and heritage trail to facilitate visitor movement between key sites and increase the duration of tourist stays within the wilayat, thereby supporting tourism activity and the local economy.

Al Hilali added that the project will assist in reviving historical neighbourhoods such as Harat Qasra and Harat Bait Al Qarn while preserving their authentic architectural character. It will also improve the urban landscape and infrastructure in the historical areas surrounding the fort, achieving visual and functional integration between heritage sites and modern facilities. Additionally, the project is expected to stimulate commercial activity in the traditional market, support artisans and SME owners, provide job opportunities for locals in tourism and guiding services, and involve the local community in protecting and investing in heritage.

The project includes several enhancements, such as the creation of heritage pedestrian paths paved with materials compatible with the historical character, the improvement of drainage and lighting networks, traffic regulation to reduce congestion, the removal of visual distortions, and the unification of building facades in historical neighbourhoods.

It also involves restoration and maintenance work for landmarks associated with the trail, the placement of unified informational signage, the establishment of visitor centres, and the enhancement of safety and security measures. Moreover, it will provide seating and rest areas for visitors while allowing residents of these historical neighbourhoods to establish investments and projects consistent with the area’s heritage character.

Al Hilali emphasised that the project is expected to have a comprehensive impact on cultural, tourism, economic, and social levels by showcasing the integrated historical value of the region. It will strengthen Al Rustaq’s status as a historical centre linked to the foundation of the Al Busaidi state and raise the level of protection for historical landmarks against neglect and encroachments.

He pointed out that the project will increase the number of local and international visitors, improve the tourist experience, and attract small and medium investments compatible with the heritage character. The Director of the Department of Heritage and Tourism in South Al Batinah concluded by noting that other projects will be announced soon to develop archaeological houses in Harat Bait Al Qarn and other initiatives aimed at achieving integration with the historical landmark linking project in the wilayat.

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