Latest news with #SalemMohammedAlMahrouqi
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.
Times of Oman
19-03-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Shura Council to host Minister of Heritage and Tourism on March 24
Muscat: The Shura Council is set to host Salem Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism on March 24 for statement before the Council. This comes as part of the series of ministerial statements approved for the second regular session of the tenth term. This was announced by Ahmed Mohammed Al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Shura Council, who stated that the Council will convene its eighth regular session for the second annual term (2024-2025) of the tenth legislative period (2023-2027). The session will be dedicated to discussing the statement of the Minister of Heritage and Tourism, in accordance with Article (69) of the Oman Council Law, which stipulates that: 'At the beginning of each annual session, the Shura Council determines the program of ministerial statements and their discussion themes, based on a joint proposal from the Council's Bureau and the heads of the standing committees. The Chairman of the Council shall inform the government of this program, specifying the elements and themes that each statement must include, according to the subject or sector it pertains to.' The Secretary-General explained that the statement will cover six main themes identified by the Council earlier. The first theme will examine the ministry's plans and programmes implemented in the heritage and tourism sectors, their alignment with Oman Vision 2040 priorities, and the development plan projects for these sectors. It will also present the ministry's vision for integrating future programs and projects to enhance the heritage and tourism sectors within the Eleventh Five-Year Plan. The second theme of the ministerial statement will analyse the tourism balance within the current five-year plan and the projections for the upcoming plan. Contribution to GDP This includes assessing tourism expenditures across various aspects, evaluating the impact of domestic tourism on the overall sector's contribution to GDP, and examining spending patterns and growth prospects. Additionally, it will assess the status of integrated tourism complexes, their investment value, job creation potential, and interconnections with other economic sectors. The third theme will focus on managing the heritage sector, addressing the administration of tangible Omani cultural heritage (both public and private) and the ministry's efforts to ensure its sustainability. It will also discuss the management of historical and archaeological sites, including documentation, preservation, and maintenance. Furthermore, the theme will examine the contribution of the heritage sector to GDP, its future growth, and the ministry's vision for developing the sector in light of existing opportunities, challenges, investment prospects, and optimal employment mechanisms. According to Al Nadabi, the fourth theme will explore the management of the tourism sector, emphasising its contribution to GDP and highlighting key tourism projects aimed at maximising the sector's economic impact. Additionally, it will address the role of tourism-related legislation in enhancing the economic returns from the sector. The fifth theme will focus on human resources in the heritage and tourism sectors. It will discuss the ministry's efforts to assess the supply and demand for national labour, improve Omanisation rates, and enhance workforce development. Moreover, it will examine workforce training programs and initiatives to create job opportunities in the two sectors. His Excellency the Secretary-General further stated that the sixth theme will cover coordination, development, and investment prospects. It will review the ministry's collaboration with the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) in advancing the tourism sector, as well as its role in enabling the private sector to invest in heritage and tourism sites. Additionally, it will highlight the ministry's initiatives to strengthen partnerships with SMEs and its policies and programs for maximising local content in coordination with various stakeholders. He also noted that the session will be held publicly, with media representatives in attendance, to ensure transparency and promote community engagement.
Times of Oman
28-02-2025
- Science
- Times of Oman
National Museum hosts symposium on documenting astronomical heritage
Muscat: The National Museum hosted today the "National Symposium on Documenting Omani Astronomical Heritage" in collaboration with the Oman Society of Astronomy and Space. The event was held under the auspices of Salem Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum. A number of researchers and enthusiasts in the field of astronomical heritage attended the event. The symposium aimed to bring together individuals interested in Omani astronomical heritage from various scientific disciplines, providing a platform to exchange knowledge and experiences on how to preserve and document this heritage, which is an integral part of Oman's rich history. Additionally, the symposium seeked to raise awareness about the significance of this heritage on the lives of Omanis and to introduce future generations to its profound and diverse aspects, including astronomical applications in agriculture, fishing, navigation, and the climate. Dr. Issa Yahya Al Shuaili, Chairman of Oman Society of Astronomy and Space, said in his speech: "This National Symposium highlights the Omani astronomical heritage as one of the important aspects of Oman's rich history, reflecting the depth of our ancestors' knowledge in astronomy and its significant role in forming their daily lives, whether in navigation, agriculture, the division of Aflaj (irrigation systems), and other fields". He added that preserving this scientific and cultural heritage is not only about documenting the past, but rather an essential step toward strengthening the national identity and leveraging the knowledge of our ancestors to develop modern studies in astronomy. This perspective aligns with the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes the importance of identity, heritage, and culture as key elements in building the future, as well as enhancing research and innovation to serve as a fundamental pillar for community development. The Chairman of Oman Society of Astronomy and Space announced the launch of the national initiative to document Omani astronomical heritage, which aims to gather and document traditional knowledge about astronomy and highlight Omanis contributions in this field. He pointed out that this initiative is not about preserving heritage only, but also an opportunity to connect the past with the present and future, while addressing the loss of heritage whose sources are becoming scarce as its narrators and experts age. The symposium shed light on the importance of preserving this astronomical heritage within the framework of Oman Vision 2040, which prioritizes "preserving, documenting, and disseminating heritage globally", thereby enhancing the position of the Sultanate of Oman regionally and internationally. The need to highlight and document the research efforts of Omani scientists in this field was also emphasized, given the obscurity as a challenge to this heritage. The symposium included three sessions that covered various astronomical topics related to Omani astronomical heritage. In the first session, two important papers were presented, focusing on agricultural heritage. The first paper, "Distribution of Aflaj Using Stars", explored the relationship between astronomy and water distribution techniques in the Sultanate of Oman using the location of stars. The second paper, "Omani Navigators' Use of Zodiac Signs, Mansions, and Stars". The second session, discussed three maritime astronomical heritage. The first paper, "Distribution of Aflaj Using al-Lamad", explained how water is divided in traditional Omani irrigation systems (Aflaj) using celestial patterns. The second paper, "Stars, Fishing Seasons, and Sea Strikes as Defined by Omanis", clarified the significance of stars in determining fishing and sailing times. Additionally, the paper "Agricultural Astronomical Heritage: An Anthropological Study of the Astronomical Heritage of the Hobiot-speaking Communities in Dhofar Governorate, Sarfait Village" examined the relationship between astronomy and agriculture in Sarfait village. Another paper, titled "Astronomy and its Relationship with Weather and Climate in the Sultanate of Oman," was also presented. The third session covered topics related to astronomical calculations and manuscripts, including a paper that discussed "Astronomical Awareness Among Omanis: Sheikh Omar bin Masoud al-Manthri's Book and al-Hajri's letter as a Model," along with another paper titled "The Sidereal Year and the Calculation of the Cycle," which explored how Omanis used the stars to determine seasons and times of the year. Finally, the session concluded with the paper "Astronomy and Military Tactics among the Omanis." The symposium concluded with a series of recommendations, including emphasizing the importance of the national initiative to document Omani astronomical heritage and publishing related research widely. There was also a call to include Omani astronomical heritage in school curricula to enhance astronomical awareness among future generations and to strengthen the position of the Sultanate of Oman in the international astronomical arena.
