A group of Omani children recently had the opportunity to explore the rich heritage, culture and archaeological wonders of Oman. This hands-on experience at one of the region's most prominent archaeological sites, dating back to the Early Iron Age (circa 3000 BCE), aimed to deepen their understanding of Oman's historical and cultural significance.
The students, from Ahmad bin Majid International School, were hosted by the Department of Archaeology at Sultan Qaboos University as part of the 'Manaqi Archaeological Site Research Project'. The visit, which aimed to promote community partnership and raise youth awareness of Oman's rich heritage, allowed both male and female students to visit the archaeological site on separate days.
The Manaqi Archaeological Site, one of the largest settlements of its era, contains artefacts and evidence of ancient social and economic life. It features residential structures, tombs and a unique funerary site for children, offering rare insights into burial practices in the Arabian Peninsula. The site also serves as a hub for scientific research, attracting collaboration from international universities such as Sorbonne University and the University of Poland.
During the two-day visit, the children participated in field tours and workshops, observing excavation processes, exploring artifacts and learning about documentation techniques under the guidance of archaeologists. They also had the opportunity to analyse findings, date artefacts and study human remains, gaining practical insights into archaeology.
Experts, including Dr Mohammed Abdul Hamid from Sultan Qaboos University, explained the research team's work and the significance of the site. International archaeologists praised the students' enthusiasm, emphasising the importance of preserving Oman's heritage.
The visit underscored the significance of field learning in connecting students to their heritage and fostering national pride. Waheeda Said, CEO and Board Member of Ahmad bin Majid International School, highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities and schools in establishing effective STEM programmes, promoting 21st-century skills acquisition, cultural preservation, social responsibility and community engagement partnerships that foster action research.
She noted that such field visits would nurture a sense of national belonging and ignite students' passion for Oman's history, tradition and heritage, strengthening their community ties.
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