Agreement Signed to Develop, Operate
Sumharam Archaeological Park in Dhofar

Muscat, 12 Mar 2026 (ONA) — The
Ministry of Heritage and Tourism today signed an agreement to develop and
operate Sumharam Archaeological Park at Khor Rori site in the Dhofar
Governorate.

The agreement, signed with Sumharam
Tourism Investment Company, seeks to promote sustainable tourism investment in
cultural heritage. It was inked by Sayyid
Ibrahim bin Said Al Busaidi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Eng. Hilal bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Chairman of the Board of Directors
of Sumharam Tourism Investment Company.

The project aims to develop the centuries-old
city of Sumharam—one of the Land of Frankincense sites registered on the UNESCO
World Heritage List—to convert the city into a global tourist destination that
combines both historical and natural beauty. It constitutes a step forward in
upgrading the status of Dhofar Governorate as one of the most prominent tourist
destinations in the region.

The project includes the development
of integrated tourism facilities, including luxury hospitality establishments,
culture and heritage facilities and hotspots for launching nature adventures,
in addition to auxiliary facilities like restaurants and centres for traditional
crafts, in addition to organizing cultural events that reflect the originality of Omani identity.

The project also contributes to
adding value to the national economy by supporting small and medium enterprises
(SMEs) in the tourism sector, promoting investment and generating direct and
indirect employment opportunities for the people of Dhofar Governorate, enabling
the local community to participate in economic activities related to the
project.

— Ends/Bishara