Omani students reconnect with date palm heritage in Mudhaibi
Titled 'The Palm Tree: A Heritage Throughout History', the event brought together more than 50 male and female students from a summer programme in Al Suwairij village.
Organised by the Citizenship Department of the Ministry of Education, the initiative highlighted the central role of the date palm in Omani society and its significance as a source of livelihood.
Subha bint Sulaiman al Hemaili, Senior Educational Researcher at the ministry's Citizenship Department, said the event was designed to instil values of citizenship and preserve the authentic Omani tradition associated with palm cultivation and use.
'The initiative stems from the importance of the date palm tree in Omani society and aims to preserve its history. It educates students about its significance, components, and economic value, and encourages preservation of the professions linked to it,' Subha said.
Participants were introduced to the various parts of the palm tree, its different types and varieties, and the traditional industries that depend on it. The programme also explored the tree's connection to Oman's heritage and identity.
The students learned about ancient irrigation system – the aflaj – methods of water distribution among farmers, and the sale of water shares. Traditional methods of determining irrigation times, including the use of stars – locally referred to as sawar -were also explained.
The event concluded with a session on the seasonal period known as Al Qaidh (summer), during which community activities such as Tanaa al Nakheel, Jadad al Nakheel, and Al Tabsil are observed. These practices remain closely linked with the annual date harvest and continue to be an integral part of rural life in Oman.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
8 hours ago
- Observer
Whale carcass washed ashore in South Al Sharqiyah
Al Ashkharah: A whale was found dead on the shores of Al Ashkharah in South Al Sharqiyah this week, after becoming fatally entangled in fishing nets — yet another example of the growing threat marine debris poses to wildlife along Oman's coasts. According to an initial examination, the whale had a rope tightly wrapped around its body, which restricted its movement and ultimately prevented it from breathing. The entanglement is believed to have originated from discarded or lost fishing gear drifting in the water — a recurring hazard in Omani waters. Environmental experts say such cases underscore the dangers of ghost gear — abandoned fishing nets and ropes that continue to trap, injure, and kill marine animals long after they've been discarded. Large marine mammals like whales are especially vulnerable due to their size and the distances they travel. After the carcass was discovered by locals, the Environment Authority was notified and dispatched a team to handle the situation. The authority confirmed the cause of death and carried out standard procedures for carcass removal. In a statement, the Environment Authority reiterated calls for fishermen and sea-goers to properly dispose of fishing gear and avoid polluting marine environments. Officials warned that irresponsible dumping not only threatens marine life but also disrupts delicate ocean ecosystems. Marine conservationists have long pushed for stronger regulations, more rigorous cleanup efforts, and better education around the impact of ghost nets. As cases like this continue to surface, pressure is mounting for immediate action to protect Oman's marine biodiversity from further decline.
Observer
21 hours ago
- Observer
Audience satisfaction with radio programmes at 76 per cent, TV at 73 per cent: NCSI survey
MUSCAT: Public satisfaction with the programme content reached 76 per cent for radio channels and 73 per cent for TV channels, according to a public opinion survey conducted by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information. Satisfaction with TV content covering national occasions, religious events and weather conditions reached approximately 88 per cent, while content related to raising awareness, government and tourism projects, social issues, and children's programmes scored around 69 per cent. Omani viewers primarily engaged with Oman TV's religious and cultural programmes such as 'Matoun', 'Dhifaf' and 'Al Fahras' as well as talk shows like 'Al Bayt' (The House) and 'Kunna Huna' (We Were Here), and Ramadhan drama series such as 'Al Waqeed' and 'Al Madyoonir'. For radio content, satisfaction levels stood at 88 per cent for coverage of national occasions, religious events and weather conditions, and around 74 per cent for government and tourism projects, social issues, and children's programmes. Omanis showed the highest interest in religious programmes, Ramadhan talk shows like 'Layali Ramadhan' (Ramadhan Nights), and radio drama series such as 'Sawalif Al Jadd Hameed', 'Qala'ed Al Yasmin', 'Dalshad' and 'Rihla Shaqqa'. At the governorate level, Al Sharqiyah South Governorate recorded the highest satisfaction with radio content at 84 per cent. Satisfaction was equal between genders at 74 per cent, while the age group 30-49 registered 78 per cent. For TV content, Al Sharqiyah South and Al Dakhiliyah governorates recorded the highest satisfaction at 76 per cent, with equal satisfaction between genders at 74 per cent. The survey aimed to strengthen communication between the Ministry of Information and the public by involving citizens in media evaluation, contributing to content development, and measuring satisfaction with the quality and diversity of programmes on Oman Radio and TV. — ONA
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Oman registers 4 historical landmarks in Arab Register
BEIRUT: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, has registered four historical landmarks in the Arab Register of Architectural and Urban Heritage. These include Al Hamoudah Mosque in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, the historic forts of Sohar and Nizwa, and Al Shawadhna Mosque in the ancient village of Al Aqr in the Wilayat of Nizwa. The registration took place during Oman's participation in the 10th meeting of the Observatory of Architectural and Urban Heritage in Arab States, held in the Lebanese Republic with the participation of several Arab countries. The Observatory of Architectural and Urban Heritage is one of the programmes affiliated with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). It focuses on documenting architectural and urban heritage in Arab states, promoting cooperation in preservation and conservation efforts, and facilitating the exchange of expertise. Additionally, it aims to establish joint policies to protect this heritage as a vital part of the Arab cultural identity. The inclusion of these four Omani landmarks reflects regional recognition of Oman's standing in heritage protection and conservation. It also highlights the country's ongoing efforts to showcase its architectural and historical features at both the Arab and international levels. Al Hamoudah Mosque, locally known as the 'Domes Mosque' in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, is one of the oldest mosques in the governorate. It is distinguished by its traditional architectural style, which embodies the essence of Omani Islamic architecture. The registration of Sohar and Nizwa forts marks a significant addition. Sohar Fort, located in Al Batinah North Governorate, is one of the oldest coastal fortresses in Oman and had played a pivotal role as an administrative and political centre throughout different historical periods. Meanwhile, Nizwa Fort in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate stands as a prominent symbol of Omani defensive architecture. It served as a hub for knowledge and governance in various historical eras and remains one of the most notable cultural and tourist landmarks in the Wilayat of Nizwa today. Al Shawadhna Mosque, in the ancient village of Al Aqr in the Wilayat of Nizwa, is renowned for the beauty of its gypsum mihrab and the intricate details of its architecture, exemplifying the characteristics of traditional religious architecture in Oman. Preserving historical heritage is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and the reinforcement of national identity. This authentic cultural legacy opens doors for cultural tourism and strengthens Oman's image as a destination that blends authenticity with modernity, enhancing its standing locally, regionally and globally. - ONA
