Muscat – These endeavours have led to the discovery of approximately 7,340 meteorite samples, weighing over 6,193 kilograms.

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is committed to preserving, studying, and conserving these valuable meteorites in accordance with scientific principles and international best practices. The Omani Cultural Heritage Law, issued by Royal Decree 35/2019, provides the legal framework for the protection and management of meteorites.

Under the law, any part or piece of a meteorite is considered movable cultural heritage to which the provisions of the Cultural Heritage Law apply. “Accordingly, meteorites are considered cultural heritage and public property of the country, and it is prohibited to trade, possess and search for meteorites without obtaining an official permit from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism,” stated an announcement from the ministry.