Tuesday 23 / April / 2024
Muscat: The old quarter of Misfat Al Abriyeen in the wilayat of Al Hamra will be renovated to welcome more tourists in the future.
In this regard, Bank Muscat, along with the Ministry of Tourism and Al Misfat Al Ahlia Company, signed an agreement to launch a landmark tourism development project in Misfat Al Abriyeen on Monday.
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At the ceremony, Ahmed bin Nasser Al Mahrizi, Minister of Tourism, said that Misfat Al Abriyeen is one of the most important Omani villages for heritage and cultural tourism.
“The signing of the agreement to launch the tourism development project falls within the framework of sustainable development. The project will create a unique tourism experience centred on the old Misfat village, highlighting the Omani tourism strategy based on a sustainable development model that benefits local communities, along with preserving the environment and cultural heritage,” Al Mahrizi said.
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Comprehensive study
According to a comprehensive study conducted in 2015 by the University of Liverpool, UK, Misfat Al Abriyeen was selected on the basis of its cultural heritage and investment potential. The study was commissioned by the ministry and Bank Muscat to see the potential to develop a sustainable tourism project in cooperation with stakeholders in the private sector and the local community.
Speaking to Times of Oman, Sheikha Al Farsi, Chief Strategy and Corporate Services Officer at Bank Muscat, said that the project is aimed at supporting start-ups and encouraging Omani entrepreneurship in the tourism industry.
“The project encourages Omani youth to focus on providing basic amenities at Oman’s tourist attractions, thereby ensuring sustainable sources of income for the local community. The project will contribute to promoting tourism and creating job opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the local community,” Al Farsi said.
She added the project will be launched in the next 24 hours and is expected to be completed in a span of nine months to a year.
The responsibility of the project has been entrusted to a local company, Al Misfat Al Ahlia, which will serve as a long-term investment benefit, creating new employment opportunities for the local youth and business opportunities for SMEs.
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Main components
“The main components of the project include restoration of the main gate of Misfat Al Abriyeen, preserving its original features. Restoration of some old mud houses will be done to set up a restaurant and bakery serving authentic Omani cuisine for tourists and visitors,” said Husni bin Mubarak Al Abri, Chairman of Al Misfat Al Ahlia.
“A vehicle parking facility, tourist information centre and office, a souvenir shop and signage leading to the tourist spot will also be developed,” Al Abri.
During the ceremony, Sheikh Dr. Mahmoud Al Abri delivered a speech on behalf of the residents of Misfat Al Abriyeen and thanked the Ministry of Tourism and Bank Muscat for their efforts and support over the implementation of the project, stressing the importance of the initiative in the development of local communities.
He said that the project would give a significant boost to tourism, as well as encourage sustainable development in the wilayat of Al Hamra.
