More than 29,500 people visit Fatah Al Khair Centre in Sur

Muscat:  The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) reported that the Fatah Al Khair Centre in the Wilayat of Sur, Ash Sharqiyah South Governorate, has received 29,586 visitors from various nationalities, both from within and outside Oman, since its opening in November 2021 until the end of April 2024.

The centre is a cultural and historical landmark that showcases the maritime heritage of Sur.

Ali Al Mashaikhi, the Acting Director of the Fatah Al Khair Centre, said that the centre aims to introduce the maritime heritage and legacy of Sur and its maritime history, highlighting the achievements of the ancestors through the large ships that crossed the oceans.

He furtherv noted that the centre comprises five halls: a hall that narrates the history of Sur, including some archaeological sites, forts, castles, and traditional ships that contributed to the economic and maritime role; a maritime heritage hall displaying the craft of traditional shipbuilding and models of traditional ships famous in Sur, such as Al Ghanjah, Sambuq, Jalboot, and Al Bum, along with various tools used in traditional shipbuilding; and a Sinbad Adventures hall dedicated to children, offering educational and informative materials related to maritime history.

The centre’s courtyard features the Fatah Al Khair ship and other Omani boats known for their craftsmanship.
Additionally, the center enhances the tourism aspect of Sur, serving as a cultural and educational reference and destination for visitors.

It highlights the pioneering and cultural role Omanis have played in maritime navigation.

In addition to the Fatah Al Khair ship and other boats, the centre, as Al Mashaikhi noted, houses over 400 artifacts.

It also includes the manuscript ‘Maden Al Asrar Fi Elm Al Behar Manuscript’ by Nasser bin Ali bin Nasser Al Khudhori, as well as the tools of the master carpenter, the captain’s tools, traditional household items from Sur, and old doors, including a door made on the ship Al Malik Nasr in 1942.

Furthermore, as Al Mashaikhi mentioned, the centre features various artifacts and clothing that were historically used in the Wilayat of Sur.

He also noted that the centre organises workshops and training sessions for university and college students, school students, and public and private entities, providing a range of information related to the maritime heritage of Sur.