Manah In Dakhliyah Near Nizwa And Muscat Emerges As Oman’s Cultural Powerhouse As Oman Across Ages Museum Approaches One Million Visitors, Transforming Inland Tourism—Discover What Makes It A Must Visit Landmark

The Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah, Dakhliyah Governorate, located close to Nizwa and Muscat, has emerged as one of the most compelling cultural landmarks in the Sultanate, drawing an impressive 940,000 visitors since its official opening in 2023. As the museum approaches its third anniversary on March 13, its impact on Oman’s tourism landscape has become increasingly evident.

The Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah, Dakhliyah Governorate, near Nizwa and Muscat, has not only captivated domestic audiences but has also strengthened the country’s appeal as a heritage-rich destination in the Arabian Peninsula. With a significant majority of visitors being Omani nationals and families, and a growing number of international tourists and students, the museum stands as a dynamic symbol of how cultural institutions can elevate regional tourism, expand hospitality capacity, and inspire deeper engagement with national identity.

A Landmark Cultural Attraction Anchoring Inland Tourism

Since its inauguration in 2023, the Oman Across Ages Museum has welcomed nearly 940,000 visitors up to the end of January 2026. Official figures indicate that Omani nationals accounted for approximately 770,000 visitors, representing 82 percent of total attendance.

The museum’s popularity among residents has been especially notable, with around 90 percent of Omani visitors arriving as families from across the Sultanate’s governorates. This pattern highlights its role not only as a tourist attraction but also as a community-centered educational destination.

In 2025 alone, visitor numbers surpassed 204,000, including:

• 134,669 Omanis
• 31,922 foreign tourists
• 3,317 visitors from GCC countries
• 25,114 residents
• 77,828 school students

These figures underscore the museum’s growing reputation as a cornerstone of cultural tourism in Oman.

Seasonal Momentum And Tourism Patterns

The museum experienced particularly strong footfall during peak travel periods. More than 44,000 visitors were recorded in November and December, traditionally active months for tourism due to cooler weather across Oman.

Meanwhile, the summer season from May to August also saw significant engagement, with over 62,500 visitors recorded. This performance is notable given Oman’s warm climate, suggesting that the museum has become a preferred indoor cultural experience for families and tourists seeking air-conditioned attractions during hotter months.

For travelers planning a visit, the months between October and March generally offer the most comfortable conditions to explore not only the museum but also nearby heritage sites in Nizwa, Bahla, and other parts of Dakhliyah.

How The Museum Has Transformed Dakhliyah’s Hospitality Landscape

One of the most striking ripple effects of the museum’s success has been the expansion of hotel infrastructure in Dakhliyah Governorate. According to official data, hotel room capacity in the region has effectively doubled since the museum’s opening, supported by associated tourism projects.

This surge in accommodation has enhanced the overall visitor journey, encouraging multi-day stays rather than short stopovers. Tourists are increasingly combining museum visits with:

• Guided walks through historic haraths (old quarters)
• Explorations of traditional souqs
• Visits to UNESCO-recognised aflaj irrigation systems
• Archaeological site tours
• Local café and culinary experiences

For international visitors flying into Muscat, the museum provides a compelling reason to extend their itinerary inland rather than remaining along the coast.

Cultural Programming That Deepens Visitor Engagement

Beyond exhibitions, the museum has actively collaborated with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to deliver a wide range of educational and cultural initiatives. Lectures, heritage-focused programmes, and presentations of archaeological excavation findings have been conducted to enrich public understanding of Oman’s historical evolution.

In 2025, the museum implemented 66 museum education programmes, engaging around 26,700 participants. These programmes catered to school students, families, youth, and individuals with disabilities. Themes included:

• Heritage and national identity
• Technology and innovation
• Environmental awareness
• Sustainability
• Entrepreneurship

Such initiatives align closely with Oman’s broader cultural preservation and youth empowerment strategies, making the museum an active contributor to national development goals.

The institution also organized a Summer Season event in cooperation with Nakheel Oman Company and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, reinforcing its role as a multidisciplinary cultural platform.

Student Engagement And Educational Tourism Growth

The presence of 77,828 school students in 2025 alone reflects the museum’s educational significance. This high level of student participation strengthens what is often referred to as educational tourism, where travel experiences are directly linked to curriculum-based learning.

For families visiting from neighboring GCC countries, the museum offers an opportunity to explore the historical narrative of Oman through immersive exhibits. Its interactive approach has made it particularly appealing to younger audiences.

Travel Tip For Families: Pair a museum visit with a stop at Nizwa Fort and nearby date farms to create a full-day heritage circuit that blends structured learning with experiential exploration.

Strengthening National Preparedness And Cultural Safeguarding

In addition to its public-facing programmes, the museum has contributed to the development of a national emergency response plan aimed at protecting museums within Oman’s risk reduction framework. This initiative has been carried out in coordination with the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority and other government entities.

Field simulation exercises are expected to test preparedness measures, demonstrating the country’s commitment to safeguarding cultural assets. For international travelers, such frameworks reinforce confidence in Oman as a destination that values and protects its heritage.

Why Oman Across Ages Museum Matters For Global Travelers

The museum’s success is not merely a story of visitor numbers. It represents a strategic pivot toward cultural tourism diversification in Oman. Traditionally known for its natural landscapes, desert adventures, and coastal retreats, the Sultanate is now amplifying its inland heritage attractions.

Located in Manah, the museum serves as a gateway to the historic heartland of Oman. Its proximity to Nizwa, often referred to as the cultural capital of the country, enhances its appeal for travelers seeking authenticity beyond beach resorts.

With rising international interest in immersive cultural experiences, the museum’s narrative-driven exhibits help position Oman as a destination that bridges ancient civilizations with modern development.

Anniversary Celebrations And Community Recognition

As the museum marks its third anniversary on March 13, celebrations have been planned to honor the institution’s staff. This internal recognition reflects the collaborative effort behind managing a high-volume cultural destination.

Anniversary periods often coincide with special programming, making them ideal windows for visitors interested in enhanced cultural activities.

The Expanding Cultural Horizon Of Inland Oman

The story of the Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah, Dakhliyah Governorate, near Nizwa and Muscat illustrates how a single institution can catalyze regional tourism transformation. With 940,000 visitors recorded since 2023, expanding hotel infrastructure, and a robust calendar of educational programmes, the museum stands as a powerful engine of inland travel growth.

For travelers mapping a journey through the Arabian Peninsula, incorporating Manah and Nizwa into a Muscat-based itinerary now offers a more layered understanding of Oman’s past and present. As cultural tourism continues to gain momentum globally, Oman’s investment in heritage institutions positions it strongly within the international travel landscape.

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