Muscat – The conference, to be held at the Sultan Qaboos University, will continue until February 3, with the participation of scholars, researchers, and specialists in archaeology.

The opening ceremony will be held under the patronage of His Excellency Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said Al Busaidi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and will be attended by a number of their excellencies, dignitaries, and experts in the field.

The conference is jointly organised by the Ministry and the University as part of the celebrations marking the golden jubilee of 50 years since the publication of the Journal of Omani Studies (1975–2025). The event will feature the screening of a commemorative documentary film, the launch of a special postage stamp in cooperation with Oman Post, and the unveiling of the journal’s official website.

The conference aims to bring together researchers, specialists, students, and enthusiasts to review the latest studies, reports, and scientific papers related to the archaeology of the Omani Peninsula. Discussions will focus on six main themes: climate and the ancient environment, the Omani Peninsula in prehistoric times, the Islamic periods, rock art, built heritage, and underwater archaeology.

An accompanying exhibition will be inaugurated on the sidelines of the conference and will run for several days. The exhibition will include a photo gallery, displays of archaeological artifacts, and a historical timeline tracing Oman’s development from prehistoric eras to modern times. Dedicated sections will also showcase scientific publications, brochures, guides, and tourist maps issued by the Ministry’s Heritage Sector, alongside displays by Sultan Qaboos University and the Department of Archaeology at the College of Arts and Social Sciences.

The Ministry noted that the detailed conference programme and presentation schedule will be made available through the electronic platforms of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultan Qaboos University, and the official conference page.