MUSCAT: Represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT), the Sultanate of Oman is taking part in celebration marking World Heritage Day, which falls on 18 April every year, under the slogan “Discover and Experience Diversity”.
This year, the event coincides with the launch of a programme of Sur as the Arab Tourism Capital 2024 — a programme that highlights the City of Sur’s historical monuments, archaeological sites and community culture in the Wilayat of Sur. Those features serve as authentic components of cultural tourism.
Commenting on the event, Eng Ibrahim bin Said bin Khalaf al Kharousi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage, said, “The World Heritage Day is an opportunity to spotlight our ancient cultural heritage that reflects our historical identity. Through this celebration, the Sultanate of Oman enhances global understanding of the diversity of heritage and encourages cultural interaction among various communities. The event also seeks to encourage research and discoveries in the field of cultural heritage and establishing a community partnership system capable of consolidating identity and citizenship”.
Al Kharousi pointed out that the Ministry prepared a programme to celebrate this occasion at the City Walk Centre in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate. The programme includes an exhibition and an educational workshop on the basics of archaeological excavation. Targeting children, the workshop showcases a practical experience on the excavation of heritage sites and the use of decoupage (use of paper decoration) and plastic to highlight ancient Omani symbols on souvenir items.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism accords attention to the documentation and restoration of historical and archaeological sites, in addition to highlighting global significance of the sites through projects that contribute to the growth of the local economy within context of Oman Vision 2040.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism registered approximately 36,000 archaeological sites. Out of a total of 3,525 historical monuments, the Ministry restored 366 in different governorates of the Sultanate of Oman until 2023, as part of a programme to protect the country’s monuments against extinction and keep them witness to Omani civilisation throughout the ages. — ONA
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