MUSCAT : The three-day event was inaugurated under the patronage of His Excellency Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism.

Bringing together more than 42 experts, researchers, and academics from 21 countries, the conference is a collaborative initiative by the Oman Across Ages Museum, the National Records and Archives Authority, and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. The event coincides with International Museum Day and focuses on the growing importance of museums in sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and economic development.

Speaking at the opening, Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al Dhuyani, Chairman of the National Records and Archives Authority, emphasised that the conference aims to foster partnerships among official, private, and international institutions involved in museum and heritage work. He noted that the event marks the beginning of a series of initiatives to promote Oman’s cultural identity globally.

Eng. Al Yaqdhan bin Abdullah Al Harthy, Director General of the Oman Across Ages Museum, highlighted the transformative role museums play in cultural tourism. He pointed out that Oman has developed an integrated museum system that not only preserves national memory but also contributes significantly to tourism development. The conference underscores this role through four key themes: museum institutions and heritage, the economy and museum tourism, educational and cultural outreach, and digital innovation.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Al Sharqi Dahmali, President of the Arab Organization for Museums and a member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM). He outlined the scientific and cultural missions of museums, stressing their role in promoting international cooperation and setting ethical standards for museum work.

Dr. Dahmali also highlighted the cultural linkages between Omani and Moroccan museums and discussed ICOM’s contributions to crisis preparedness, heritage preservation, and capacity building in the museum sector.

The conference features six specialised workshops covering museum management, digital technologies, community engagement, and content development. These sessions aim to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications in the field of museum operations.

An accompanying exhibition showcases the contributions of both public and private institutions in enhancing the museum experience in Oman and abroad.

The conference agenda will address practical topics across four main themes: the importance of museums and antiquities in tourism development; museums’ contribution to economic growth and the role of financial and human resources; the educational and cultural impact of museums and their cooperation with academic institutions; and the application of digital technologies in museum displays to enhance the visitor experience and promote tourism.

The conference aims to enhance Oman’s presence in global heritage discussions and to promote the Sultanate as a cultural and tourism destination. Through expert dialogue and shared experiences, it seeks to raise awareness of the value of museums in tourism and position them as key pillars in the development of a knowledge-based and culturally vibrant society.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.