Latest news with #MoHT


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


Observer
12-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
MoHT celebrates Tabseel season at Al Mirani Fort
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) under the auspices of Mahmoud bin Yahya al Thuhli, Governor of Al Sharqiyah North, celebrated the Tabseel season — a cherished part of Oman's agricultural and social heritage at Al Mirani Fort on Saturday. Tabseel marks the harvesting, cooking and transformation of dates into traditional products rich in nutritional and economic value. Beyond being an agricultural practice, it embodies traditions of collective work and commercial exchange, particularly in Oman's interior regions. Al Mirani Fort, a prominent historical landmark overlooking the Sea of Oman, was chosen deliberately for this event. 'Omani forts have always symbolised the deep connection between coast and interior, sea and palm groves, trade and heritage', said Safa al Balushi, Creative Director at Al Mirani Fort. 'Tabseel season is a living expression of this bond, as dates were historically stored, sold and transported from oases to the coasts for maritime trade'. The event featured a creative representation of Tabseel across four interactive stations. At Martyrs' Square, visitors witnessed a live simulation of the stages of Tabseel — from harvesting to sorting and cooking. This was complemented by learning sessions from the 'Bsour' company, showcasing innovative contemporary products derived from dates. Attendees also enjoyed 'Hafsa', a traditional ice cream flavoured with local Fagour and explored an exhibition of winning photographs from the Tabseel season competition. Exclusive seasonal souvenirs were available at the 'Mazard' gift shop, while the Castle Coffee Shop offered tastings of Fagour-based drinks and dishes. In the photography competition, Abdullah bin Mohammed Saeed al Ghailani won first place for his piece titled 'A History That Will Not Be Forgotten', followed by Khamis bin Hamid Ali al Hadhrami's 'Tabseel Season', Wilayat of Al Qabil and Hamad bin Rashid bin Ali al Ghanbousi's 'Al Mastah'. The jury comprised Salim al Hajri, Habib al Zadjali and Ali al Ajmi. Farmers recognised for their exceptional contributions during the documentation of Tabseel in Al Sharqiyah North — Mohammed bin Salim Saif al Hajri, Mohammed bin Khamis al Musalmi and Salman bin Muslim al Harthy — were also honoured.


Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: MoHT plans to develop Al Jabal Al Sharqi site
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) reiterated in a statement its keenness to address appeals and calls to improve and expand services in Al Jabal Al Sharqi in the Wilayat of Al Hamra, as part of its ongoing efforts to upgrade key tourism sites across the Sultanate of Oman. In coordination with the Governor's Office of Al Dakhiliyah Governorate and relevant authorities, the ministry confirmed that the Governorate recently floated a tender for the construction of Al Jabal Al Sharqi Oasis project. The initiative, which was announced in April this year, will help enhance basic public services in the area in line with the ministry's tourism development strategies. The ministry also stated that efforts are underway in collaboration with the Governorate to implement elements of the 11th Five-Year Development Plan. These include comprehensive service frameworks aimed at meeting the needs of major tourist sites and landmarks across the governorate, in parallel with the ministry's broader tourism development agenda. The ministry stressed its commitment to transforming Al Jabal Al Sharqi into a high-quality tourism destination with integrated tourism elements, while ensuring a delicate balance between tourism growth, environmental sustainability and preservation of the area's natural features. It also underlined the need for relevant stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of agreed-upon development projects, and noted that it would take the necessary legal steps, including land reclamation measures for investment plots that remain undeveloped or have failed to meet the intended development projects. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Observer
06-07-2025
- Observer
MoHT plans to develop Al Jabal Al Sharqi site
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) reiterated in a statement its keenness to address appeals and calls to improve and expand services in Al Jabal Al Sharqi in the Wilayat of Al Hamra, as part of its ongoing efforts to upgrade key tourism sites across the Sultanate of Oman. In coordination with the Governor's Office of Al Dakhiliyah Governorate and relevant authorities, the ministry confirmed that the Governorate recently floated a tender for the construction of Al Jabal Al Sharqi Oasis project. The initiative, which was announced in April this year, will help enhance basic public services in the area in line with the ministry's tourism development strategies. The ministry also stated that efforts are underway in collaboration with the Governorate to implement elements of the 11th Five-Year Development Plan. These include comprehensive service frameworks aimed at meeting the needs of major tourist sites and landmarks across the governorate, in parallel with the ministry's broader tourism development agenda. The ministry stressed its commitment to transforming Al Jabal Al Sharqi into a high-quality tourism destination with integrated tourism elements, while ensuring a delicate balance between tourism growth, environmental sustainability and preservation of the area's natural features. It also underlined the need for relevant stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of agreed-upon development projects, and noted that it would take the necessary legal steps, including land reclamation measures for investment plots that remain undeveloped or have failed to meet the intended development projects.


Observer
17-06-2025
- Observer
Campaign held in GCC cities to showcase khareef season
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT) is pressing ahead with efforts to boost tourism in Dhofar Governorate, notably by implementing promotional activities in key shopping malls across GCC cities. The campaign takes the theme 'Your Summer is Green'. The campaign focuses on Khareef Dhofar Season, one of the most prominent tourism attraction periods in the Sultanate of Oman. During the khareef season, which begins on June 21 every year, Dhofar Governorate is endowed with moderate weather and adorned with picturesque vegetation. To make optimum use of the khareef season, the MoHT provides visitors with full information that enables them to engage in different tourism experiences and activities, including recreational events, nature exploration trips and visits to heritage and archaeological sites. The information also includes an account of direct flight options to Salalah. This facilitates access to hotspots in Dhofar Governorate and enhances its appeal as a preferred summer destination. Besides attracting visitors from GCC states, the information boosts Dhofar's presence on the regional tourism map. The promotional activities provide an opportunity to introduce visitors to Dhofar Governorate's tourism attractions and reflect the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to develop the tourism sector throughout the year. The ministry launched similar promotional campaigns during its participation in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai in April 2025. Oman was represented at the event by Dhofar Municipality, which dedicated a special gallery in Oman's pavilion to highlight the features, landmarks and events that will be held during Khareef Dhofar Season 2025. Last month (May 2025), the ministry organised two workshops in Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The workshops saw the participation of tourism sector partners from Dhofar Governorate, as well as Flynas and Flyadeal. It is worth noting that direct flights will be operated on a daily basis to Salalah Airport during the khareef season. Earlier, the MoHT implemented similar promotional activities in the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain as part of events aimed at marketing the Khareef Dhofar Season 2025. - ONA