Salalah – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism inaugurated ‘Omani Coins Exhibition’ at Land of Frankincense Museum in Salalah on Thursday.

Opened by Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the exhibition will run till September 15 displaying Omani coins and currency, featuring images of Oman’s sultans who played a significant role in shaping the nation’s modern currency.

The exhibition traces the history of Omani currency, showcasing pieces from the reign of Sultan Faisal bin Turki to the present era under His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. Visitors can view a range of historical items, including 19th-century coins and the Indian Gulf Rupee.

Osama bin Mohammed al Rawas, Director of Land of Frankincense Museum, informed that the exhibition is part of the ministry’s efforts to enrich Dhofar Khareef 2024 with engaging activities and events. He highlighted the fact that the exhibition aims to raise public awareness of Oman’s monetary history and its evolution over the centuries.

Historical records indicate that the oldest Islamic mint in the Arabian Peninsula was established in Oman, where silver dirhams were produced during the era of Umayyad Caliph Abdul Malik bin Marwan. These dirhams bore the Hijri year 81, corresponding to 700 AD.