Wednesday 28 / January / 2026
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has documented 90 historical landmarks across various governorates using 3D virtual tour technology, as part of efforts to enhance accessibility, promote sustainable tourism, and attract international interest in the Sultanate’s national heritage, a senior official said on Tuesday.
Speaking during a media briefing held by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Muscat, His Excellency the Engineer, Undersecretary for Heritage Affairs, said the initiative aims to showcase Oman’s cultural assets using modern digital tools while preserving them for future generations.
He revealed that the total number of archaeological discoveries in Oman has exceeded 100,000, noting that work is currently underway on an Atlas of Archaeological Sites, which is under preparation, as well as a Central Antiquities Repository, which is under study.
According to the ministry, more than 100 restoration and conservation projects were completed between 2021 and 2025, with support provided through traditional restoration materials and local community involvement. An additional 27 projects are currently planned for 2026.
The undersecretary also stated that the restoration and rehabilitation of the Beit Al Ajaib (House of Wonders) in Zanzibar has reached 55 per cent completion, reflecting Oman’s continued commitment to preserving shared historical landmarks abroad.
Highlighting Oman’s global standing in scientific heritage, he said the Sultanate ranks first worldwide in documenting meteorite samples, possessing 5.6 per cent of all known meteorites globally, with more than 7,000 meteorite specimens recorded.
He added that detailed designs and tender documents are currently being prepared for the Maritime History Museum, while tender documents for the construction works of the Natural History Museum are also under preparation.
In 2025, the number of licensed private museums and heritage houses in Oman reached 22, the official noted.
Progress was also reported on several visitor centre projects. The Dibba Archaeological Site Visitor Centre in Musandam Governorate has reached 96 per cent completion, while completion rates stand at 40 per cent for both the Qalhat Archaeological City Visitor Centre in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate and the Bat, Al Khatm and Al Ain Archaeological Sites Visitor Centre in Al Dhahirah Governorate.
Construction has begun on the Wadi Dawkah Visitor Centre in Dhofar Governorate, with completion expected in the third quarter of 2027. The project carries a total cost of RO 3 million, he said.
