Funded by Oman LNG Development Foundation, the Centre aims to provide an insight into Sur’s rich maritime history and seafaring legacy, apart from providing a cultural experience to visitors.
In line with the Sultanate’s celebrations of the 51st National Day, a new maritime museum the “Fatah Al Khair Centre” project was inaugurated on Monday, November 1, under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Yahya bin Badr Al Mawali, the Governor of South Sharqiya.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by higher dignitaries, including His Excellency Ibrahim bin Said Al Kharusi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and Dr. Amor bin Nasser Al Matani, Oman LNG Development Foundation’s CEO.
The ceremony was held as part of an agreement signed earlier between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Oman LNG Development Foundation; with a budget of 450,000 OMR.
The Centre aims to provide an insight into Sur’s rich maritime history and seafaring legacy, apart from providing a cultural experience to visitors.
Since ancient times, Sur has always been known as a vital trading and commercial hub and played an essential role in the maritime trade in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman. In addition, it sits at a strategic location linking the Arabian Peninsula with the Indian subcontinent, Africa and Southeast Asia. It was therefore quite obvious that Sur was the most appropriate choice for this project.
His Excellency Ibrahim bin Said Al Kharusi In his opening speech shed light on the project’s compliance with the Oman 2040 Vision’s goal of preserving the Sultanate’s ancient heritage and traditions.
He also highlighted the Ministry’s tireless efforts to establish museums as a testimony to our ancient civilisation. Moreover, such projects in Sur and South Sharqiya will help the Ministry’s goals of building similar cultural centres and museums throughout the Sultanate.
Since ancient times, Sur has always been known as a vital trading and commercial hub and played an essential role in the maritime trade in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman.
His Excellency also added that the Centre’s main ship -Fatah Al Khair- had sailed to various destinations in the world and was a living proof of the Oman’s trade, brilliance and creativity.
The ship would dock at different ports to deliver goods. But the people to people interaction also led to an invaluable exchange of knowledge and cultures. Overall it helped to shape Sur’s inclusive nature of accepting different cultures and civilisations.
In conclusion His Excellency thanked all those who had contributed to the project’s success, including Oman LNG Development Foundation for its continuous support of the project in its different stages. He also extended his thanks and appreciation to the local Aruba Club, as well as to distinguished members of the community in Sur.
Speaking on the occasion, Oman LNG’s Development Foundation CEO Dr. Amor bin Nasser Al Matani, expressed his gratitude to have had the opportunity to work with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism on such a prestigious project that will preserve Sur’s unique legacy for posterity.
The museum, “Fatah Al Khair” Centre will not only enhance Sur’s potential as a tourism hub, but will also serve as a repository of the region’s rich history and legacy with infinite educational benefits for generations to come.
The Centre has five main halls:
Hall (1): An introduction about Sur
Hall (2): Maritime legacy
Hall (3): The last “Ghanjah”, type of a ship, in Oman
Hall (4): An extended culture
Hall (5): Sindbad’s Adventures
More than 400 different pieces that were used to make ships in Sur, were restored. Other historical tools were also restored including; navigation tools, photos, books, written letters, household items, jewels and clothes. These were provided by the local Sur community.
The Centre’s rather unique name comes from the Ghanjah Ship that bears the same name. The Centre houses a showroom where information on the ship and its history is presented. The ship was built in 1951 and returned to Sur in 1993.
Oman LNG LLC
Oman Liquefied Natural Gas LLC (Oman LNG) is a joint venture established by a Royal Decree in 1994 and operates under the laws of the Sultanate of Oman. The joint venture has a shareholding structure comprising the Government of Oman (51%), Shell Gas B.V (30%), Total S.A. (5.54%), Korea LNG (5%), Mitsubishi Corporation (2.77%), Mitsui & Co. (2.77%), Partex (Oman) Corporation 2%, and Itochu (0.92%).
The Company engages in the business of producing and selling Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and its by-product, Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs). Oman LNG’s Liquefaction Plant is located on the coast at Qalhat near Sur in the South Sharqiyah Governorate and its head office is in Muscat.
Oman LNG was recognised by the Council of Ministers of Social Affairs for the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) as the best company in corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Oman.
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