Latest news with #CulturalHeritageLaw
Observer
28-07-2025
- Observer
MoHT inaugurates meteorite corner in Muscat
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) launches the Meteorite Corner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Muscat Governorate. This initiative aligns with the ministry's efforts to utilise geological heritage and enhance the tourism and cultural experience in the Sultanate of Oman. The corner features a collection of rare meteorite samples, offering guests a unique opportunity to view them up close and learn about their history and scientific value. It also highlights Oman's commitment to preserving these meteorites as an important cultural legacy. Among the exhibits is a distinctive sample from Jiddat Al Harasis 091, which represents the largest meteorite fall discovered in Oman to date. Its strewn field extends approximately 52 kilometres, with over 700 collected pieces totalling around 4,600 kilogrammes. Documented scientific studies indicate that this fall at its original site occurred over 12,600 years ago. The corner also includes a meteorite sample from Jiddat Al Harasis 073, classified as an L6 chondrite stony meteorite. This is considered the second-largest meteorite fall discovered in Oman so far. Scientific studies suggest that this meteorite travelled through the asteroid belt in space, weighing over 20 tonnes, and is estimated to have fallen at its original site 15,600 years ago, during the Palaeolithic era. A total of 3,638 pieces from this fall have been documented, with an aggregate weight of 620.9 kilogrammes and a strewn field extending 25.8 kilometres. The display of these meteorites aims to educate hotel guests, both local and international, about the significance of meteorites, their scientific and historical value, and the legal frameworks and legislations governing them under the Cultural Heritage Law. This initiative emphasises meteorites as crucial evidence of the solar system's formation, while also showcasing Oman's efforts in collecting, preserving and studying meteorite samples. This pioneering initiative represents a step towards fostering more partnerships between the government and private sectors to showcase Oman's unique natural treasures on diverse and modern platforms. It aligns with the country's vision to integrate culture and science into a comprehensive and holistic tourism experience. - ONA
Muscat Daily
28-07-2025
- Muscat Daily
Meteorite corner opens in Mandarin Oriental Muscat
Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has launched a meteorite corner at Mandarin Oriental, Muscat as part of its strategy to harness the sultanate's geological heritage and enhance the cultural and tourism experience for visitors. The corner features a collection of rare meteorite samples discovered in Oman's Jiddat al Harasis desert, offering hotel guests a chance to closely view and learn about their scientific significance, historical context and the country's efforts to preserve these under the Cultural Heritage Law. Among the highlights is a sample from Jiddat al Harasis 91, the largest documented meteorite fall in Oman. The fall's path spans 52km, with over 700 pieces collected, weighing a total of approximately 4,600kg. Scientific studies date the fall to more than 12,600 years ago. Also on display is a sample from Jiddat al Harasis 73, classified as a stony chondrite meteorite of the L6 type. Considered the second largest meteorite fall discovered in Oman, this specimen is estimated to have fallen 15,600 years ago during the Paleolithic period. It had a scattering path extending 25.8km, with 3,638 pieces recorded, totalling 620.9kg. The meteorite corner aims to introduce local and international visitors to the importance of meteorites in understanding the formation of the solar system. It also highlights the scientific and cultural value of these finds and the regulatory frameworks that govern their study and preservation in Oman.
Muscat Daily
13-07-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
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.
Observer
13-07-2025
- General
- Observer
MHT makes statement on citizen possessing rare meteorite
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has issued a clarification regarding rumours circulating about a meteorite piece. An official statement said, 'The ministry has followed up on recent social media reports about a citizen in possession of a piece suspected to be a rare meteorite. The ministry has begun contacting him and collecting the sample. It has since been found that the information circulating is tainted with some inaccuracies and is not based on accurate scientific evidence.' The Ministry calls upon all citizens and residents who possess geological heritage samples, or suspect that they possess a meteorite sample to take the initiative to hand them over to the Ministry or the directorates/departments of heritage and tourism in the governorates. It stressed the need to refrain from possessing or transferring any component of geological heritage, to avoid legal accountability, under the provisions of the Cultural Heritage Law issued by Royal Decree No. (35/2019), which is considered public property of the Sultanate of Oman.
Muscat Daily
13-07-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Ministry clarifies inaccuracies surrounding circulated meteorite sample
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.
