Doha: The Sultanate of Oman participated in the ‘Heritage Opportunities’ conference in its second edition, hosted by Doha. The event was organized by the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair on World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Management in the Arab Region at the German University of Technology in Muscat.

According to Oman News Agency, Eng. Ibrahim Said Al Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage, shared insights into Oman’s approach to leveraging cultural heritage for tourism. He emphasized Oman’s success in engaging local communities as key partners in the management, operation, conservation, and preservation of heritage in alignment with UNESCO guidelines.

Eng. Al Kharousi highlighted notable partnership models in Oman, particularly the initiative to operate and manage 28 historical sites through private sector involvement. This program includes small and medium enterprises, local and international companies, and an endowment institution. The model has created job opportunities, revitalized old neighborhoods and traditional markets, and motivated owners of historical houses to preserve and repurpose their properties for tourism and cultural use.

He asserted that Oman’s experience demonstrates that heritage offers ongoing development opportunities with economic, cultural, and social benefits, reinforcing national identity among younger generations.