SALALAH: The Omani Crafts Forum, held under the theme ‘Identity and Extension’, concluded, bringing together around 40 craftsmen, craft projects and suppliers of traditional craft tools and materials.
Organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, in cooperation with Dhofar Municipality, the forum was held as part of the Dhofar Autumn Festival 2026.
The closing programme featured live demonstrations showcasing traditional Omani crafts, along with presentations on techniques for developing craft products to meet market needs while preserving their heritage character and authentic Omani identity.
Visitors interacted with craftsmen and participating projects and learned about the tools, raw materials and techniques used in traditional crafts. The activities aimed to promote Omani craft heritage, support craft entrepreneurs, expand marketing opportunities and contribute to the sustainability and intergenerational transmission of traditional skills.
Participants and visitors described the forum as an important platform for showcasing authentic Omani crafts and highlighting the skills of local craftsmen. They stressed that traditional crafts form an important part of Oman’s cultural identity and called for continued forums and exhibitions to support artisans and strengthen the presence of Omani crafts in the cultural and tourism sectors.
Faiza bint Ahmed al Mahrazi, a pottery artisan and founder of Majan Pottery, said her project had evolved from voluntary family-supported work into a venture that exports its products abroad. The pottery uses specialised clay and designs inspired by the Omani environment, with some pieces taking around 10 days to complete.
Yahya bin Mohammed al Maskari, founder of the Royal Mandous Foundation for Antiques and Gifts, said his participation aimed to introduce visitors to traditional products, build connections with craftsmen and promote Omani handicrafts among government and private institutions. His work includes Omani mandous chests, wooden products and sand art.
He said maintaining precision in handcrafted details and preserving the uniqueness of products were among the main challenges facing artisans. He added that technology, quality-focused production and participation in exhibitions had helped him develop designs using Omani materials and heritage motifs while adapting them to contemporary tastes.
Amjad bin Khalifa al Shakaili, a silversmith, craftsman and designer and founder of the Swartz brand, said his passion for Omani silverware began with an interest in the intricate details of traditional daggers, swords and jewellery.
He said his hobby gradually developed into specialised craftsmanship through field learning and close observation of traditional techniques. One of the main challenges, he noted, was balancing the precision and manual techniques of authentic Omani crafts with modern market demands, including production speed and marketing.
Al Shakaili said the Swartz brand seeks to provide high-quality daggers and silverware while preserving traditional techniques and training younger generations through specialised programmes.
Fathiya bint Said al Saadi, a craftswoman specialising in rose weaving, said participating in craft exhibitions had enabled her to showcase her work and introduce the craft to wider audiences. She stressed that Omani crafts are not merely heritage products but an important part of the country’s identity and history.
Visitors also praised the forum. Anwar al Rashed from Kuwait, who has regularly visited Dhofar during the autumn season for more than two decades, said the event reflected the strong support provided to young people and craft enterprises.
She highlighted the authenticity of the crafts on display and said many traditional practices that are disappearing elsewhere in the Gulf remain vibrant in Salalah.
Other visitors praised the forum for combining authenticity and creativity and for introducing younger generations to traditional Omani industries.
The forum featured several sections showcasing traditional crafts, pioneering craft enterprises, organisations supporting the development of the sector and suppliers of specialised tools. Interactive workshops, museum displays and demonstrations also recreated elements of traditional Omani craft environments, offering visitors an immersive experience of the Sultanate’s rich craft heritage. – ONA
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