Latest news with #NRAA
Muscat Daily
18-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
Manah hosts global museum conference to boost Oman tourism
Manah – The Oman Across Ages Museum, in collaboration with the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, inaugurated the international conference 'Museums and Their Role in Tourism Development' on Sunday at its premises in Manah, Dakhliyah. Held under the patronage of H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, the three-day conference has brought together over 42 researchers, academics, and experts from 21 countries. The event aims to highlight the role of museums in driving tourism, preserving cultural identity, and fostering investment in the cultural economy. It also seeks to explore how academic partnerships and digital technologies can enhance the visitor experience and position museums as vibrant educational and cultural hubs. Dr Hamad bin Mohammed al Dhuyani, Chairman of NRAA, said the conference aims to establish strategic partnerships between public and private institutions in Oman's museum sector. 'This event promotes international collaboration through peer-reviewed scientific papers and paves the way for future conferences that will highlight integrated work across the cultural, scientific, and intellectual domains,' he said. An exhibition showcasing the role of Omani museum institutions is also being held alongside the conference. Eng Al Yaqzan bin Abdullah al Harthy, Director General of the Oman Across Ages Museum, noted that museums today are key players in sustainable development. 'They serve as mirrors of national identity, promote intercultural dialogue, and contribute significantly to the creative economy by making history an immersive and interactive experience,' he said. The conference features six specialised workshops covering critical topics, including digital technologies, museum management, community engagement, and the development of cultural content. These sessions aim to facilitate both intellectual exchange and practical learning. The agenda addresses several key themes, including the role of museums in tourism, the impact of archaeological missions, legislation protecting national heritage, and the involvement of international organisations. Discussions will also focus on how museums contribute to economic growth, resource management, tourism promotion, and sustainable investment. Additionally, the conference will explore the cultural and educational functions of museums, their collaboration with educational institutions and support for scientific research.
Observer
03-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
'Dhakira' platform to enhance digital services for NARA
Muscat: The National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) launched the electronic portal and digital services 'Dhakira' on Thursday, under the auspices of Dr Ali bin Amer al Shaithani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology. A step aims to enhance digital transformation and align with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the country's National Digital Transformation Programme. Dr Hamad bin Mohammed al Dhuwayani, Chairman of NRAA, emphasised the importance of technical development in improving institutional performance. He pointed out that the twelve services automated by the NRAA aim to expedite and streamline procedures, increase beneficiary satisfaction, reduce reliance on paper, and enable the national drive towards an e-government that meets the aspirations of its customers. The platform offers a diverse and integrated range of services for individuals, government and private institutions. The platform includes services such as the opportunity to visit the permanent and mobile exhibitions, adopt electronic document and document management systems, request registration, oral narratives, consultations in electronic document management, training in document management, training in document management, registration of private documents, submission of private documents, document restoration services, research project submissions, digital library services, and automated chat. The launch ceremony featured a presentation on external electronic services and the digital portal. The launch was capped by a symbolic gesture from the sponsor on the tablet, officially announcing the launch of electronic services via the 'Dhakira' platform. Eng Sultan al Kharousi, Head of the Digital Transformation Team at the Authority, expressed his pride in what has been achieved, noting that this initiative represents a qualitative shift in service provision and confirms the institution's commitment to innovation and keeping pace with technological developments to meet the aspirations of society. Azzan bin Khamis al Subhi, Director of the Quality Department and Deputy Head of the Digital Transformation Team at the Authority, said: "The launch of the electronic portal and digital services represents a turning point for the Authority in serving and satisfying beneficiaries and achieving the indicators of the National Digital Transformation Programme. The Authority has given its full priority to acquiring the best programmes, technologies, and applications that serve beneficiaries." The Authority affirmed its continued development of its digital platforms and services to achieve a distinguished user experience, promote a culture of digital transformation at all levels, and engage in effective partnerships to achieve the national programme indicators of Oman Vision 2040 while paying attention to the continuous improvement of preserving the rich history to create a bright future. The ceremony concluded with honouring employees for their continuous efforts in implementing the best initiatives that contribute to raising the Authority's digital transformation indicators. Collaborators from the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology were also honoured, as they played a prominent role in overcoming and facilitating challenges and contributing effectively to supporting all institutions. The Authority also commended the fruitful cooperation with its technical partner, EMBEE Novintech, for the project to re-engineer external services procedures and the 'Dhakira' services platform.
Observer
17-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Satellite tech powers smart governance in Al Sharqiyah S
MUSCAT: In a bold stride towards digital transformation, Al Sharqiyah South Governorate has unveiled its innovative Satellite Imagery Project - an initiative that aims to revolutionise local governance through the integration of cutting-edge space technologies. The project was spotlighted during a joint coordination meeting involving the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) and the private company responsible for its implementation. The gathering served as a strategic platform to discuss how satellite-based tools can be effectively leveraged to improve service delivery, drive data-informed decision-making and upgrade digital infrastructure within government institutions. Leading officials from the governorate, including the digital transformation team and the project manager, shared detailed insights into the project's development journey. They highlighted key milestones, technological breakthroughs and the challenges overcome during the execution phase. At the heart of the initiative lies the development of a dynamic, real-time geographic database that supports smarter urban planning, environmental monitoring and infrastructure development. 'This project marks a qualitative leap in how geographic data is managed,' a spokesperson for the governorate stated. 'We now rely on high-resolution satellite imagery that is consistently updated, allowing us to accurately monitor urban expansion and allocate resources with greater precision.' The system also contributes significantly to environmental protection efforts. By identifying erosion-prone zones and tracking the effects of urban sprawl, the project empowers authorities to act early and promote sustainable development practices across the region. Representatives from the ational Records and Archives Authority commended the initiative, describing it as a model of institutional synergy and modern governance. 'The success of digital projects depends not just on technology, but also on cross-sector coordination,' said one official. 'Al Sharqiyah South has showcased both the leadership and commitment essential for turning such an ambitious vision into reality.' Inspired by the project's success, the Authority is now exploring ways to replicate the model across other governorates, tailoring it to meet localised priorities and challenges. Officials also stressed the importance of cultivating digital literacy within public institutions to support Oman's broader national goals. The Satellite Imagery Project is closely aligned with Oman Vision 2040, which places digital transformation at the forefront of public sector modernisation and citizen-centric development. Though still in its initial stages, the project's future applications are far-reaching - ranging from food security and natural resource management to climate change tracking. Achieving this potential will require sustained investment in technical infrastructure and strengthened collaboration between the public and private sectors. Looking ahead, project leaders confirmed that the next phase will focus on integrating the satellite system with national geographic information systems (GIS), creating a unified database to support balanced development across all of Oman's governorates. As Oman embraces a new era of smart governance, Al Sharqiyah South's Satellite Imagery Project stands as a pioneering model - blending technology, foresight and innovation to build a more efficient and responsive public administration.
Observer
14-04-2025
- Science
- Observer
NRAA at Denmark varsity's conference
MUSCAT: The National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) participated in the international conference on manuscript preservation, organised by the University of Copenhagen in the Kingdom of Denmark. The conference is considered one of the oldest and most important specialised conferences in the field of documentary heritage preservation. This marks the Authority's first participation with an academic research paper of its kind, highlighting the study of Omani manuscripts on an international academic level. Reem al Amairi, a document restoration specialist, presented a research paper titled: 'Overcoming the Challenges of Preserving Omani Documents and Manuscripts: Language, Material and Historical Context.' The paper addressed the unique characteristics of Omani manuscripts in terms of material, content and historical context. It also reviewed the main challenges associated with their preservation and the mechanisms for safeguarding them in line with the latest international standards. The paper highlighted Omani manuscripts within a specialised international academic framework, representing a significant milestone in documenting and promoting Omani heritage on the global stage. This participation comes as part of the Authority's ongoing efforts to enhance Oman's presence in international scientific forums and to affirm the importance of Omani manuscripts as a fundamental pillar of national identity and a vital component of global cultural memory. Through this international representation, the Authority reaffirms its continued commitment to preserving Oman's documentary heritage through restoration programmes, digitisation, scientific research, and collaboration with specialised international institutions.
Muscat Daily
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
New Omani encyclopaedia explores ties with Africa, Asia
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – The National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) has released the sixth volume of the Encyclopedia of the Omani Empire from the Coasts of Africa to the Coasts of India: A Historical and Political Vision of Cultural Expansion and Communication and the Spread of Islam. The 630-page volume contains 19 studies examining the Omani Empire's relations with countries along the African coast, the Indian Ocean, the Gulf, and China between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. The research covers historical, political, geographical, economic, social, and cultural aspects, highlighting Oman's influence in the region and its role in spreading Islamic civilisation. Historically, Oman served as a key maritime and trade hub, connecting East Africa, the Indian Ocean, and the Gulf. Its strategic position made it an economic and political centre, fostering lasting ties between Oman and the surrounding regions. The encyclopaedia aims to document and reinforce these connections, promoting knowledge of Oman's role in shaping regional history. 'The publication, with its various volumes, aims to study in depth the relations of the Omani empire with countries bordering the coasts of Africa and neighbouring regions, the coasts of the Indian Ocean and the Gulf, and even China during the period from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries. It also aims to reveal the elements of unity between its regions, the rich diversity of its societies, and the evolution of customs and traditions,' said Dr Hamad bin Mohammed al Dhuyani, Chairman of NRAA.
