SUR FESTIVAL FROM FEB 25
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in cooperation with South Sharqiyah Governor’s Office, will organise Sur Maritime Heritage Festival from February 25 to March 9.
An official at South Sharqiyah Governor’s Office informed that the two-week festival will highlight the wilayat of Sur’s historical and maritime heritage and its role in promoting tourism.
The festival will include a maritime heritage village and a section for craft industries and feature workshops and lectures, recreational and cultural events, poetry evenings, laser shows, games, children’s competitions, jugglers, a honey and dates exhibition and traditional arts performances related to the sea.
According the official, the festival’s wide array of activities will cater to people of all age groups and backgrounds.
“A food carnival will also be held to showcase local seafood, catering to food enthusiasts, alongside water sports and a paragliding carnival,” the official said.
Last year, over 72,000 people visited the Sur Maritime Heritage Festival. “This year, we are expecting a lot more,” he added.
South Sharqiyah governorate allows visitor to engage in and enjoy a wide variety of activities. Among others, it is the ideal place for camping in the plains and plateaus and for fishing.
The Fath al Khair Museum is one of the most prominent cultural and historical landmarks of governorate that highlights the ancient maritime heritage of Sur, while castles and forts in the wilayat bear witness to the rich history of the governorate.
In September 2023, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism invited bids for the design and consultancy services for the construction of the Maritime History Museum in Sur.
The new museum will be a national cultural and educational institute that will house, preserve and showcase the sea-faring Omani heritage.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has allocated 14,154sqm of land for the project along the coast, beside Al Ayjah Bridge and opposite to the wellknown Al Ayjah Watch Tower in
Khor al Batah.
In October 2023, the Maritime History Museum was chosen as the project for the second edition of the Bilarab bin Haitham Architectural Design Award, in which a concept design for the museum had been presented.