Fath Al Khair Center

Fath Al Khair Center (also known as the Fath Al Khair Maritime Museum), Officially inaugurated in November 2021 under the supervision of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the center embodies the deep historical roots and glorious maritime heritage for which the city of Sur is renowned, having served as one of the preeminent capitals of shipbuilding in the Arabian Peninsula and a vital bridge of commercial and cultural communication between Oman and various continents around the world. The Centre features integrated halls displaying rare archaeological artifacts, manuscripts, and navigational tools, in addition to housing the historical "Fath Al Khair" ship in its outdoor courtyard, which is the last traditional "Ghanjah" ship in the Sultanate of Oman. The paramount importance of the center stems from its housing of the historic "Fath Al Khair" ship—the last traditional (Ghanjah) vessel in the Oman. These giant ships once traversed oceans and seas, carrying messages of peace and trade. The vessel was returned to its hometown in Sur in the early 1990s through the efforts and funding of the city’s esteemed residents and merchants, and it now stands proudly in the center's outdoor plaza alongside other models of traditional boats and ships distinguished by their exquisite, handcrafted workmanship. Thus, it serves as a living touristic and educational destination that tells the heroic tales of the ancestors and their deep connection to the sea. The role of Fath Al Khair Center extends far beyond being a silent museum; it stands as a vibrant tourist and educational destination that attracts researchers, students, and tourists from both within the Oman and abroad, actively contributing to the preservation of Oman's rich maritime heritage and keeping it alive in the memory of generations to come.