The idea came when we saw crowds of tourists visiting the area without basic services such as food, drinks, rest areas, and restrooms — and also to revitalize tourism in this historic village, which is rich in diverse tourist attractions.

Al Saybani neighborhood draws the attention of tourists and is listed as part of world heritage, and it receives attention from researchers and scholars in heritage for its unique character; it lies at the foot of a mountain, with the Al Khatmeen falaj running along both sides of the neighborhood, in addition to its fortified system of a watchtower, wall, and "sabahs." These features combined are what drew us to choose it.

"Bait Al Sabah" (House of Morning) is the house's old name, given its location beside the main western "sabah" of Al Saybani neighborhood, so we chose to keep this authentic name as it was.

We made sure to use local materials such as clay and traditional Omani sarooj, though we had to use "kandal" wood as a substitute for tree trunks due to its durability, long lifespan, and the difficulty of sourcing trunks in the local market. Before restoration, the house was in a dire state — no ceilings standing, and some walls damaged by rain.

Bringing our ancestors' heritage back to life and protecting it from decay — which will, God willing, help revitalize tourism in Al Saybani neighborhood specifically, and in the Wilayat of Birkat Al Mouz more broadly.

The inn includes bedrooms, a specialty café, and a heritage exhibition, along with guidance for visitors toward other tourist sites within the wilayat.

Restoration is a costly process, including foundation work, wall repairs, replacing doors and windows, and using Omani sarooj — not to mention installing modern restrooms, lighting, and air conditioning. The total cost came to about 100,000 Omani rials.

Yes, most notably: the scarcity of technical supervisors and specialized contractors, the high cost of restoration, the difficulty of sourcing basic materials, and limited support from relevant authorities.

Through social media platforms and both public and private media, which contributed to wide reach and brought the project to diverse segments of tourists and heritage enthusiasts.

Birkat Al Mouz and Al Saybani neighborhood are a gateway to all the tourist sites in Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate, in addition to the specialty café and the stunning view over the entire neighborhood and its varied green farms.

Specialty coffee has set Bait Al Sabah apart from others, along with its unique location in the midst of the neighborhood and the farms, and the flow of the two Al Khatmeen falaj channels beside and through it.

We aspire to develop the entire neighborhood into a world-class tourist destination and a specialized center for the study of Omani heritage.