His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, held a meeting with His Excellency Engineer Ibrahim bin Said Al Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of heritage, on Tuesday, attended by several officials from both sides. This meeting aims to discuss enhancing cooperation to preserve cultural and historical heritage, enhance the development and tourism in Muscat Governorate, and promote it through the walis` offices.

 This meeting reviewed statistical data on archaeological sites and monuments in Oman, numbering approximately 3025 monuments. 

     Quriyat has 80 monuments and 287 archaeological sites, whereas Muscat contains 36 monuments and 23 archaeological sites. Mutrah includes 46 monuments and 23 archaeological sites, while Bawshar includes 37 monuments and 62 archaeological sites. Seeb features 23 monuments and 31 archaeological sites, and Al Amerat has 20 monuments and 26 archaeological sites. 

  Several landmarks in Muscat Governorate are being restored, according to plans priority and utilising historical landmarks. The Directorate General of Antiquities` efforts to protect and promote Oman`s heritage as the national identity`s pillar were reviewed. As well as, its implemented and planned projects in Muscat Governorate. The Journal of Oman Studies, the significant reference scientific publication in cultural and natural heritage since its inauguration in 1975, was also introduced. 

     The Department of Craft Heritage working to document and archive traditional crafts in Oman delivered a presentation. A total of 14 crafts and 44 artisanal industries, 601 objects of craft heritage were documented, 23 in a special collection within the "Treasures of Omani Craft Heritage" project. Innovative projects to produce Omani sarouj, green cotton and leather as an artisanal heritage. Besides awareness efforts and media campaigns, were displayed in the presentation.

       The Department reviewed the efforts to implement the Omani Cultural Heritage Law, including registering archaeological and cultural objects and the transfer stipulations, to protect the national heritage and ensure its documentation in an official database. The department`s efforts to establish the ‘Omani Heritage Registry’ as a national database to protect cultural possessions and enhance monitoring were also introduced.

       The Directorate General of Museums also reviewed the most remarkable museums in Muscat Governorate, rising awareness of geological heritage, evaluating geological parks projects, collecting and restoring meteorites project, and suggesting to transfer the Natural History Museum to the Oman Botanic Garden.

      The ‘Historic Landmarks Linkage Committee’ in Muscat and Mutrah outlined its efforts and roles within this regard.  

     This meeting reflects Muscat Governorate`s efforts to deepen partnerships with relevant institutions and enhance efforts to preserve heritage and utilise it in urban development projects and achieve sustainable development.