SUR: From Monday, January 1, 2024 onward, the Wilayat of Sur in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate begins its preparations to celebrate the Arab Tourism Capital 2024. Meanwhile, the office of the Governor of South Al Sharqiyah, in coordination with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, partners and relevant authorities, is preparing a package of events, activities, programmes. In addition, a number of projects will be implemented to enhance tourism, aesthetic and development structure of the Wilayat of Sur.
Salim Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, said: “The Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism in its 26th session held in Doha this month (December) selected Sur as Capital of Arab Tourism 2024. This constitutes a unique experience for this ancient wilayat and would contribute to enhancing tourist attraction through organizing varied activities. We will make sure that the Wilayat of Sur will make the most of this event by highlighting its tourism potentials and creating tourism activities.”
The Wilayat of Sur is rich in historical, tourism, heritage and cultural components as well as an excellent infrastructure which enhances tourist attractions and encourages local, regional and international tourism, the minister said adding: “We seek to add positive successes to upgrade the status of Sur. There is a trend to develop the areas adjoining the city that will be announced in the near future after the issuance of the ministerial decision to designate the Wadi Shab area in the Niyabat of Tiwi in the Wilayat of Sur as a tourist area based on the approval of the Council of Ministers. Consultancy work is currently underway to develop many tourist facilities.”
The minister of heritage and tourism added: “Over the next two months, in coincidence with the celebrations of the Wilayat of Sur as the Capital of Arab Tourism 2024, consultancy services will be awarded to develop the Maritime History Museum in Sur, and we hope that it will be completed within two years. A project will also be awarded to set up the visitors’ centre at the Qalhat archaeological site, a world heritage site, and develop. Archaeological surveys and excavations continue at the site in addition to surveys to recover submerged antiquities. The archaeological surveying programme continues at the archaeological sites in the Wilayat of Sur including in Ras Al Hadd and Ras AL Jinz sites.”
Dr Yahya bin Badr al Maawali, Governor of South Al Sharqiyah, said that nomination of the Wilayat of Sur as the Arab Tourism Capital 2024 came from the basis that this wilayat has enormous capabilities that placed it on the map of Arab tourism. The Wilayat of Sur boasts rich historical, cultural and social heritage as well as diverse components whether on the maritime aspect or in other areas. Sur is already one of the key tourist destinations in the Sultanate of Oman and its designation as the Arab Tourism Capital 2024 provides further opportunity for this ancient city to deepen its presence on the Arab tourism map. Coordination has begun with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, partners and relevant authorities to prepare a good package of events and activities that reflect the historical and cultural heritage that characterizes the Wilayat of Sur. He pointed out that the office of the Governor of South Al Sharqiyah will hold a press conference in the coming days to reveal details about the celebration. — ONA
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