SALALAH: Mohammed Shia’ al Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq, on Thursday visited the Museum of Frankincense Land in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate, as part of his official visit to the Sultanate of Oman.
Upon arrival, he was received by Eng Ibrahim bin Said al Kharousi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage, along with several officials from the ministry. Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (Head of the Mission of Honour), accompanied the Prime Minister during the visit.
The Prime Minister and his accompanying delegation toured the museum’s halls and exhibits, receiving detailed explanations about its collections, which highlight the cultural and historical heritage of Oman and its deep-rooted civilisational legacy across the ages.
In the History Hall, which comprises six main sections, the guest viewed exhibits showcasing the unique identity of Oman. These included the Geography of Oman section, which displays maps and fundamental information about the country’s diverse terrains and environments; the Oman in Ancient Times section, documenting archaeological evidence of human settlement and the evolution of crafts and economic activities; and sections highlighting the flourishing copper trade and Oman’s historical relations with the civilisations of Mesopotamia, India and China.
The Prime Minister also toured the Land of Frankincense section, which emphasises Dhofar’s historical role as a major centre for frankincense production and export, and its commercial and cultural connections extending to the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and Mesopotamia.
The Prime Minister viewed the Islam in Oman section, which features manuscripts and documents chronicling the voluntary adoption of Islam by the Omani people and their contributions to spreading its values and knowledge. He also explored the Highlights of Omani History section, which showcases significant milestones in the country’s political and civilisational journey.
In the Maritime Hall, the guest examined seven sections illustrating Omanis’ deep connection to the sea and their trade relations with various global civilisations. He viewed models of traditional ships and displays highlighting their expertise in constructing sailing vessels and boats.
He also learned about the Navigation section, which emphasises seafaring skills across eras, and the Trade section, which details the network of historical ports such as Samahram, Al Baleed and Sohar, and their pivotal role in linking the region to global markets.
He also toured the Virtual Sea Experience, which simulates ancient navigation environments, and the Renaissance section, which showcases achievements in Oman’s modern ports and maritime transport sector.
The visit also included a tour of the 'Dhofar: A Natural History Wonder' exhibition, held at the museum, which features the mountain and marine environments of Dhofar Governorate. The exhibition highlights rare wildlife and diverse plant species, along with scientific collections documenting the governorate’s natural history.
At the end of the visit, the Prime Minister of Iraq inscribed a message in the Guest of Honour register, expressing his admiration for the museum and its cultural and civilisational significance. He emphasised its role in promoting cultural cooperation and strengthening the fraternal relations between Oman and Iraq. — ONA
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