Muscat, April 22, 2026 – Oman Shell recently marked the official unveiling of its 7th Gift to the Nation (GttN), announcing a long-term initiative to support the development of Al Aqar Village in Nizwa. The project aims to preserve cultural heritage, strengthen sustainable tourism, and create upskilling and business opportunities for local enterprise through a programme designed for lasting impact.
Through this initiative, Oman Shell will support the ongoing development of Al Aqar as a key cultural and tourism hub in Oman, while preserving its historic essence. The initiative will combine heritage restoration with enhanced visitor experiences and the integration of renewable energy solutions to help power the village. The project will be delivered in partnership with Al Aqar Nizwa Endowments, in collaboration with the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
Commenting on the unveiling, Said Al Rawahi, General Manager, Corporate Relations at Oman Shell said, “The seventh Gift to the Nation is grounded in a simple idea, heritage is most powerful when it remains lived, valued, and economically meaningful to the community around it. Our role is to support Al Aqar Village in a way that protects authenticity, strengthens capability, and brings sustainability into the practical details of delivery, from HSSE standards and renewable solutions, to enabling local entrepreneurs and businesses to benefit from the growth of responsible tourism.”
Ishaq Al-Shariyani, Advisor to the Al Aqar Nizwa Endowment said, “Al Aqar is not only a historic site, it is a place with people, stories, and responsibilities. Preserving it requires a careful balance between restoration and stewardship, between welcoming visitors and protecting identity. This partnership helps us advance that balance, strengthening the village’s heritage foundations while opening pathways for sustainable livelihoods and a visitor experience that respects the spirit of Al Aqar.”
The project includes the restoration of key heritage structures and routes across Al Aqar. Alongside restoration, the initiative will enhance the visitor experience through the development of a dedicated Visitor Center. Renewable energy integration is a core element of the project, with solar solutions planned to help power the wall and village. Comfort enhancements will also be introduced through cooling solutions, supporting a more welcoming year-round experience while maintaining the village’s character.
A key focus of the 7th Gift to the Nation is enabling local economic participation and building capability. The project is expected to create 78 direct job opportunities and 20 indirect job opportunities, while opening pathways for local companies specializing in tourism, retail, and heritage preservation to contribute to delivery and long-term operations. As part of Shell’s commitment to responsible delivery, all contractors and subcontractors involved in the project will receive HSSE training aligned with Shell standards, reinforcing safe, disciplined execution.
