Living Heritage Symposium Highlights Oman’s Cultural Legacy

Oman hosted a national symposium titled "Living Heritage: A Human Story and the Sustainability of Knowledge" at the German University of Technology. The event marked the International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and focused on the importance of preserving Omani cultural traditions. It brought together researchers, academics, and professionals working in the field to discuss sustainable strategies for safeguarding intangible heritage.

The symposium was held under the patronage of Eng. Ibrahim bin Said Al Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage, and attended by Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth for Culture. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, organized the event to promote awareness and highlight the value of intangible cultural heritage in Oman's society.

The event featured discussions on key indicators of intangible cultural heritage in Oman, focusing on its alignment with sustainable development. Experts highlighted the contributions of intangible heritage to traditional practices, healthcare, and community well-being. Digital documentation methods and the integration of heritage knowledge into education systems were also explored, emphasizing the need to preserve Oman’s cultural legacy for future generations.

The symposium included two main working sessions. The first session, "Intangible Cultural Heritage: Policies and Initiatives," featured presentations on Oman’s intangible heritage indicators, the link between culinary arts and sustainable development, and cultural milestones recorded during the "Glories of the Seas 2025" maritime voyage. Presenters included Khulood Ali Al Rashdi from the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, Eng. Majed Al Muhanna from Saudi Arabia, and Lieutenant Commodore Hilal bin Ali Al Hinai from the Royal Navy of Oman.

The second session focused on "The Role of Governmental and Private Entities in Intangible Cultural Heritage." Presentations highlighted government efforts to preserve intangible heritage, traditional knowledge systems in fishing and seafaring, and the role of heritage in healthcare practices, including traditional horse breeding. Speakers included Ahmed bin Rashid Al Shehi from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, Salim bin Darwish Al Hasani from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Sultan bin Ali Al Hasani from Al Batinah Stud Farm.

The opening ceremony featured a documentary showcasing Omani cultural elements inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage lists. Guests also visited an exhibition displaying historical manuscripts and photographic works by Omani photographers, illustrating the country’s rich cultural diversity.

The symposium reinforced Oman’s commitment to protecting its intangible cultural heritage. By combining education, traditional knowledge, and modern documentation methods, Oman aims to preserve its cultural identity while promoting sustainable development and inspiring future generations.