Latest news with #Manah
Times of Oman
28-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman's Wilayat of Manah yields 3 tonnes of honey in current season
Manah: The production of honey, including both Sidr (jujube tree) honey and Samar (Acacia tree) varieties, in the Wilayat of Manah in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate for this season reached approximately 3 tonnes. The number of beekeepers in the wilayat exceeds 100, managing around 1,400 beehives. Mohammed bin Hareb Al Bahlani, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources in the Wilayat of Manah, stated that honeybee gathering is a profession of great interest to broad segments of society in the wilayat and serves as a vital source of income for many families engaged in this profession. It contributes to supporting the national economy by meeting the local market's demand for various types of honey and promoting it both within and outside the Sultanate of Oman through participation in specialised festivals and events, he said. He added that this year's production, particularly of Samar (Acacia tree) honey, saw better yields compared to the previous year due to the availability of pasture and the absence of pests and diseases in the hives. This led to increased availability and a noticeable drop in prices for consumers. Reflecting on his experience in local honey production, beekeeper Nasser bin Hamoud Al Busaidi noted that his journey with Omani honey gathering began 40 years ago, highlighting the challenges of collecting honey while traversing valleys and mountains. He explained that transporting hives outside the wilayat is costly, though some beekeepers prefer it due to drought and high temperatures. This year, however, favourable conditions—such as limited rainfall and abundant Samar tree blossoms—resulted in good production. He further noted variations in the taste and quality of honey across Oman's governorates due to higher coastal humidity compared to inland areas, despite bees requiring minimal humidity. Additionally, he emphasised that beekeeping provides a stable and rewarding income for many, with prices remaining affordable, thereby adding value to the local economy. Effective marketing efforts, particularly among youth and through various communication channels, as well as participation in ongoing festivals and events, further contribute to this sector. It is worth noting that the number of beekeepers in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate stands at approximately 1,639, with honey production last year (2024) reaching around 168 tonnes of Sidr (jujube tree) and Samar (Acacia tree) honey. This figure is expected to increase by the end of the current season.
Times of Oman
20-05-2025
- Times of Oman
Museums tourism development conference recommends enhancing integrated management of cultural heritage
Manah: The International Conference 'Museums and Their Role in Tourism Development" concluded its deliberations on Tuesday in the Wilayat of Manah, A'Dakhiliyah Governorate, under the patronage of Nasr Hamoud Al Kindi, Secretary General of the Royal Court Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Oman Across Ages Museum. Regarding museum and heritage institutions, the conference recommended enhancing the integrated management of cultural heritage through digital documentation, oral narratives, and institutional partnerships. This aims to establish museums as living memories and drivers of sustainable tourism and cultural development. It also called for activating multilingual and multimedia museum programmes to enrich visitor experiences, expanding participation in national and international tourism routes linked to cultural identity, and integrating museums into tourism policies through models such as archaeological and heritage site museums and intangible museums. These efforts would bolster the community economy and preserve local cultural diversity. In a statement delivered by Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Balushi, Chairman of the Scientific Committee, concerning museum economy and tourism, the conference emphasised consolidating the role of museums in urban and tourism planning as interactive creative hubs capable of stimulating local economies and creating educational and experiential tourism pathways. It also recommended leveraging cultural entrepreneurship and digital transformation to develop smart museum models that generate sustainable income, support economic diversification within the cultural economy, and enhance participatory governance models and partnerships with the private sector and communities to improve museum investment efficiency and expand its tourism and social impact within the sustainable development agenda. As for the cultural and educational role of museums, the conference recommended repurposing museums as interactive educational spaces that promote cultural citizenship and integrate multiculturalism into educational programmes and local curricula within a comprehensive societal vision. It also advocated supporting mobile, scientific, and literary museums as alternative models to bridge learning gaps, connect visitors with knowledge and tourism experiences in marginalised environments and multicultural communities, and develop institutional partnerships between museums, educational institutions, and professional bodies to build technical capacities and produce quality cultural content that fosters integration between education and tourism. As far as digital technologies in museum exhibitions and their tourism role are concerned, the conference recommended adopting integrated digital strategies based on artificial intelligence and other modern technologies to deepen visitor experiences and amplify the cultural and tourism impact of museum content. It also called for using non-invasive analysis and documentation tools, such as multispectral imaging and digital modeling, to preserve collections and enhance museums' research and educational appeal. Additionally, it emphasised integrating interactive digital storytelling into museum marketing, transforming historical figures into digital symbols that bridge memory and innovation while engaging the global digital-native audience. Dr. Mohammed Ismail Al Nasrat, in his address on behalf of participants, highlighted Oman's ancient history spanning thousands of years and its vibrant cultural treasures embodied in every museum, fort, and city. He noted that these institutions have proven not only to be guardians of memory but also key players in shaping the future of cultural tourism in the region and the world. He emphasised Oman's profound commitment to heritage and its relentless efforts to link heritage with development, serving as a model for transforming culture into an economic, social, and humanitarian asset. The conference's third theme, 'The Cultural and Educational Role of Museums," featured several working papers discussing the educational and interactive experiences of contemporary museums. Meanwhile, the fourth theme, 'Digital Technologies in Museum Exhibitions and Their Role in Tourism," explored digital imaging, interactive guidance in museums, and artificial intelligence innovations. Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of Omran Group and the keynote speaker on the final day of the conference, delivered a lecture titled 'Museums as Strategic Drivers of Tourism Growth." He highlighted museums as one of the most important attractions for cultural and knowledge-seeking tourists, their role in boosting the tourism sector, and their connection to economic, social, and cultural development. He underscored their importance in attracting culturally oriented tourists, supporting local economies, and strengthening national identity, as well as their contribution to sustainable tourism development and the diversification of tourism products and experiences. He also examined their role in reshaping cities as prime destinations, extending visitor stays, and stimulating year-round tourism spending.
Times of Oman
18-05-2025
- Times of Oman
International conference in Oman addresses role of museums in tourism development
Manah: The deliberations of the international conference titled 'Museums and Their Role in Tourism Development" began on Sunday at the Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah, the A'Dakhiliyah Governorate. The event, held under the patronage of Salem Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, brings together over 42 researchers, academics, and experts from 21 countries. Organised by the Oman Across Ages Museum in collaboration with the National Records and Archives Authority and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the three-day conference seeks to highlight the role of museums and heritage institutions in tourism development and cultural preservation. It also aims to promote museum tourism, cultural economy, and related investment opportunities, explore the educational and knowledge-based role of museums through academic partnerships, and leverage modern digital technologies to enrich visitor experiences. Additionally, the conference facilitates the exchange of expertise at both local and international levels. Dr. Hamad Mohammed Al Dhoyani, Chairman of the National Records and Archives Authority, stated that this international conference coincides with International Museum Day and seeks to foster meaningful partnerships and communication between official and private institutions in Oman's museum sector, alongside international participants from around the world. The discussions will revolve around peer-reviewed research papers, and the event also features a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the role of museum institutions in Oman. He emphasised that organising this conference is a significant step toward future events that highlight collaborative efforts among institutions involved in cultural, scientific, intellectual, and museum-related fields. In his speech, Eng. Yaqdhan Abdullah Al Harthy, Director General of the Oman Across Ages Museum, affirmed that the conference underscores the museum's pivotal role in sustainable development as a mirror of identity and a driving force for cultural tourism. He noted that museums have become a cornerstone of sustainable tourism, presenting history as an interactive experience that engages the senses and intellect, offering visitors opportunities for conscious participation. Museums also serve as a civilizational platform fostering intercultural dialogue, providing authentic knowledge experiences, and supporting the creative economy while diversifying income sources, he said. The opening ceremony featured a keynote speech by Dr. Sharqi Dahmali, President of the Arab Museums Organisation and member of the Advisory Council and Strategic Planning Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM). He began by defining museums and their scientific, cultural, and touristic roles for nations, emphasising their services in conveying core messages and fulfilling their social and humanitarian roles, particularly in scientific marketing. He also outlined various methods for presenting museum exhibits and explored ideas connecting Omani and Moroccan museums, given their cultural ties. Dr. Dahmali reviewed ICOM's role in museum development and international cooperation, as well as its efforts in collections management and museum administration. He discussed ICOM's professional and ethical standards for museum activities, its recommendations on cultural heritage issues, and its initiatives to build professional capacities in protecting museums and movable cultural heritage during crises. The conference is accompanied by six specialised workshops focusing on museum work and providing a platform for knowledge and practical interaction among participants. The workshops cover diverse topics such as digital technologies, museum management, community experiences, and cultural content development, bridging theoretical and practical approaches. The event also includes a parallel exhibition featuring participation from various government and private institutions. The conference will address practical themes, with the first session titled 'Museum and Heritage Institutions" exploring the importance of museums and archaeological sites in tourism development, the role of archaeological missions in uncovering civilizational and historical depth, legislative frameworks for museums in safeguarding national heritage, and the role of international organizations in protecting museum and heritage components. It will also discuss development plans for preparing archaeological and museum sites for tourism. The second theme, 'Economy and Museum Tourism," will examine museums' contributions to tourism and economic development, the economic dimensions of tourism growth, financial and human resources in museum tourism, the role of travel agencies in promoting museums, and how museums, historical sites, and cultural institutions contribute to national and individual income. Discussions will also cover sustainable investment in museums, tourism seasons, and museum and archaeological promotion. The third theme focuses on the cultural and educational role of museums, addressing curricula that emphasise museums' importance in education, collaboration between museums and academic institutions, the cultural and touristic role of private museums, and their historical and social value in scientific research. It will also explore museums' role in promoting tourism culture, serving society, and producing educational and intellectual content. The fourth theme will delve into digital technologies and experiences in museum exhibitions, their impact on cultural tourism, and their role in enhancing knowledge and intellectual engagement. It will also address the use of artificial intelligence in museum displays. The conference aims to highlight the role of museums and archaeological sites in boosting tourism, raise public awareness of museums' importance in tourism development, examine the relationship between tourism-related institutions and their role in revitalising museum activity, and strengthen cooperation between Omani, Arab, and international museums. It will also showcase their experiences in promoting Oman's civilizational and cultural aspects, marketing the Sultanate of Oman as a cultural and historical hub in the Arab world, with a focus on archaeological tourism and the significance of modern digital technologies in museum exhibitions and tourism promotion.
