Oman, a land with rootsdeeply embedded in history

MUSCAT: The proceedings of the first International Conference on the Archaeology of the Oman Peninsula began on Sunday at Sultan Qaboos University, with the participation of approximately 100 scientists, researchers and archaeology specialists from the Sultanate of Oman and abroad.
During the event, 60 researchers and academics are presenting scientific papers across six primary themes. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Minister of Heritage and Tourism.
The three-day conference is a joint initiative organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Sultan Qaboos University to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Journal of Oman Studies (1975–2025). The conference aims to provide a scientific platform for dialogue and the exchange of expertise, discuss contemporary issues in archaeological research, site management and heritage protection, and explore horizons for scientific cooperation. These efforts seek to build a robust knowledge base that supports heritage preservation and cultural development.
The conference targets researchers, specialists, students and those interested in archaeology and heritage, offering insight into the latest studies, reports and academic papers covering a wide range of topics. These include palaeoclimate and ancient environments, prehistory of the Omani Peninsula, Islamic periods, rock art, built architectural heritage and underwater archaeology. The conference also aims to provide an academic platform for dialogue and exchange of expertise, addressing current issues in archaeological research, site management, and heritage protection, while exploring future prospects for scientific cooperation in support of cultural preservation and sustainable development.

In his keynote address, Eng Ibrahim bin Said al Kharousi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage, emphasised that the Sultanate of Oman is a land with roots deeply embedded in history and a living witness to civilisational and human interaction across the ages. He noted that archaeological discoveries serve as material evidence reflecting human lifestyles and the interaction between humans and their environment over thousands of years.
He further said that these findings have proven the grandeur of ancient Omani civilisation and its vital role in global trade and cultural networks, connecting the civilisations of Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and East Africa due to Oman’s geographic location and its maritime and terrestrial legacy.
He pointed out that systematic archaeological research, which began in the 1950s, evolved institutionally with the establishment of the ministry, contributing to the organisation of surveys, excavations and the protection of archaeological sites.
He highlighted prominent sites dating back to the third millennium BCE that reflect Oman’s historical status as a major centre for copper mining and export in the ancient world under the name 'Magan,' noting that modern discoveries have revealed sites spanning from the Neolithic period through the Bronze and Iron Ages to the Islamic eras, confirming continuous human settlement in Oman over millennia.
Dr Nasser al Jahwari, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said that holding this conference as a specialised international scientific event reflects the civilisational importance of the region. He added that it aims to consolidate Oman's position as a hub for scientific dialogue in archaeology and heritage while enhancing research partnerships.

He also noted the development of the Journal of Oman Studies into an open-access publication in cooperation with the international publisher 'Archaeopress,' as part of an effort to include it in international databases.
Meanwhile, Sultan bin Saif al Bakri from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Supervisor of the Archaeological Missions Programme and Heritage Publications, stated that the launch of the Journal of Omani Studies website reflects Oman’s strong commitment to supporting scientific research, preserving national heritage and enhancing its presence in international academic forums.
He said that the launch of the journal’s website marks a significant milestone in its academic journey and represents a strategic step in keeping pace with digital transformation in scholarly publishing, facilitating access to knowledge, and expanding the reach of specialised research and studies on Oman’s rich archaeological and cultural heritage.
The conference also featured a keynote address by Dr Muawiya Ibrahim Yusuf, Emeritus Professor of Archaeology, who highlighted the importance of archaeological studies in understanding the development of human societies and Oman’s pivotal role in connecting civilisations throughout history. He praised the scientific momentum of the conference and the expected outcomes of its research contributions.
Additionally, an accompanying exhibition was inaugurated featuring photographs, archaeological artefacts, a chronological timeline of Oman’s history, and introductory sections for the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultan Qaboos University, and the Department of Archaeology at the College of Arts and Social Sciences.
The first day featured six specialised scientific sessions discussing research papers on prehistoric eras, the Stone and Iron Ages, paleoenvironments, human settlements, tool manufacturing, coastal archaeological heritage and various archaeological sites in the Sultanate of Oman.