Possession, trade of meteorites prohibited by law in Oman
According to the Ministry, the individual in possession of the sample was contacted and the item was subsequently handed over to the relevant authorities. Upon review, the Ministry confirmed that the details surrounding the sample's identification and origin were inconsistent with established scientific standards.
The Ministry took the opportunity to remind all citizens and residents that any samples believed to be part of Oman's geological heritage, including meteorites, must be submitted to the Ministry or its branches across the various governorates.
It further emphasised that geological heritage is considered public property under the Cultural Heritage Law (Royal Decree No. 35/2019). As such, the possession, trade, or unauthorised transfer of meteorites or any related geological specimens is prohibited by law, and individuals found in violation may be held legally accountable.
The Ministry urged the public to engage with official institutions when discovering unusual rocks or heritage materials, and to refrain from spreading unverified claims to avoid misinformation and potential legal consequences.
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Possession, trade of meteorites prohibited by law in Oman
Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has issued an official clarification regarding a meteorite sample that was recently circulated on social media and other platforms, stating that the information shared was scientifically inaccurate and lacked proper verification. According to the Ministry, the individual in possession of the sample was contacted and the item was subsequently handed over to the relevant authorities. Upon review, the Ministry confirmed that the details surrounding the sample's identification and origin were inconsistent with established scientific standards. The Ministry took the opportunity to remind all citizens and residents that any samples believed to be part of Oman's geological heritage, including meteorites, must be submitted to the Ministry or its branches across the various governorates. It further emphasised that geological heritage is considered public property under the Cultural Heritage Law (Royal Decree No. 35/2019). As such, the possession, trade, or unauthorised transfer of meteorites or any related geological specimens is prohibited by law, and individuals found in violation may be held legally accountable. The Ministry urged the public to engage with official institutions when discovering unusual rocks or heritage materials, and to refrain from spreading unverified claims to avoid misinformation and potential legal consequences.
