MUSCAT – The initiative, revealed by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism during a media briefing, marks a significant leap in the Sultanate’s strategy to boost global tourism and safeguard its cultural identity.

His Excellency Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, highlighted the role of modern digital solutions in presenting Oman’s historical assets while ensuring their long-term preservation.

He emphasised that the 3D digitalization project is designed to make Oman’s heritage accessible to a global audience while ensuring its digital preservation for posterity. This tech-forward approach coincides with a massive expansion in archaeological data, which shows that the number of documented discoveries in the Sultanate has now surpassed 100,000 sites.

Data also indicates that more than 100 conservation and restoration projects were completed between 2021 and 2025, supported by the use of traditional building materials and active participation from local communities. A further 27 restoration initiatives are scheduled for implementation in 2026.

On overseas heritage projects, the undersecretary said restoration work on Zanzibar’s Beit Al Ajaib (House of Wonders) has advanced to 55 per cent completion, underscoring Oman’s commitment to safeguarding shared historical landmarks beyond its borders.

Addressing Oman’s contributions to scientific heritage, he pointed out that the Sultanate ranks first globally in the documentation of meteorites, accounting for 5.6 per cent of known meteorite findings worldwide, with over 7,000 samples officially recorded.

He also confirmed that detailed designs and tender documentation are currently being prepared for the Maritime History Museum, while tender documents for the Natural History Museum are in the final stages of preparation. It is pertinent to note that the number of licensed private museums and heritage houses in Oman had reached 22 by 2025.

Updates were also provided on visitor infrastructure projects across the country. The visitor centre at the Dibba Archaeological Site in Musandam Governorate is nearing completion at 96 per cent, while progress at the Qalhat Archaeological City Visitor Centre in South Al Sharqiyah and the Bat, Al Khatm and Al Ain Archaeological Sites Visitor Centre in Al Dhahirah has reached 40 per cent for each project. The ministry also pointed out that construction work has commenced on the Wadi Dawkah Visitor Centre in Dhofar Governorate, with completion expected in the third quarter of 2027.