Oman Observes Global Day Against Illegal Cultural Trafficking

The Sultanate of Oman joined the international community in marking the International Day Against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property, observed every year on 14 November. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the need to safeguard cultural heritage and stop illegal trade in historical objects.

The main goal of this annual celebration is to help people understand why protecting cultural property is important. It also highlights the need for countries to work together to stop the theft, smuggling, and sale of cultural items. Since illicit trafficking is a worldwide problem, countries must exchange knowledge and cooperate to stop or reduce these crimes.

Oman is home to a wide variety of tangible cultural heritage. This includes fixed landmarks such as castles, forts, archaeological sites, and unique geological areas. It also includes movable heritage like pottery, flint tools, ancient coins, seals, arrowheads, meteorites, and many other valuable historical objects. These treasures represent the story, identity, and achievements of Omani civilization.

According to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, illegal trafficking destroys the identity of nations. When cultural items are stolen or sold illegally, countries lose important pieces of their history. This loss affects cultural memory and harms the connection people have with their past.

The Ministry has carried out many programs to protect and preserve Oman’s cultural heritage. These efforts include increasing public awareness, training Omani specialists, and encouraging institutions to guard their cultural items. The Ministry continuously works with global organizations and participates in international workshops to strengthen its preservation efforts.

The Ministry emphasized the importance of enforcing the Omani Cultural Heritage Law issued under Royal Decree No. 35/2019. This law ensures the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of cultural heritage. One of the key parts of this law is the creation of a Register of Omani Cultural Heritage, which helps document and preserve all cultural property across the country.

A specialized website and electronic application have been launched to support the cultural heritage register. Through this platform, citizens and private or government museums can list cultural items they possess. Ministry specialists then examine, document, and register each item, issuing a certificate for it. Every item receives a unique code, making it easier to track in case of loss or theft.

The digital system allows users to perform many functions, such as requesting permission for export, loan, sale, purchase, donation, or reporting lost items. This modern tracking system ensures that cultural property remains protected and easily identifiable.

The Ministry is currently working with museums across Oman to register all cultural property in the national database. The goal is to build a complete scientific record that follows international standards. This record helps authorities manage cultural heritage and stop illegal trafficking.

The register aims to protect Omani heritage for future generations. It helps manage the movement of cultural property inside and outside the country and supports global efforts to prevent illegal trade. It also promotes Omani cultural heritage locally and internationally.

The Sultanate of Oman reaffirmed its support for international agreements that protect cultural heritage. Oman has ratified several global treaties and continues to work closely with international partners to protect the shared history of humanity.