Muscat – The sultanate has achieved a cultural milestone with the inclusion of the training ship Shabab Oman in Unesco’s Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.

Oman has also succeeded in registering ‘Henna: Rituals, aesthetic and social practices’ on Unesco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, in collaboration with other Arab states.

Shabab Oman’s sail training programme aims to promote peace and foster cultural dialogue, introducing Oman’s intangible heritage to the world. Since its launch, the ship has embarked on 18 voyages, visiting over 55 countries. The programme offers a platform for young people of all genders to participate in voyages and coordinate cultural events on board in partnership with practitioners of arts, literature and traditional crafts.

The official registration was announced during Oman’s participation in the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Asuncion, Paraguay. The Omani delegation was led by H E Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Culture in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and included representatives of Royal Navy of Oman and Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

The Unesco Expert Evaluation Committee praised Shabab Oman’s efforts, acknowledging the ship’s role in advancing the International Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Officials noted that its inclusion in the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices is a testament to Oman’s commitment to preserving its cultural identity and promoting international peace.

Registration of henna traditions alongside other Arab countries highlights the cultural and social significance of the practice in Oman. Henna is deeply rooted in Omani customs and is linked to celebrations, beauty, health and its fragrant appeal. The traditional dye is also known for its therapeutic uses and symbolic role in marking special occasions.

Over the years, the sultanate has successfully registered a total of 15 elements on Unesco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. These include four national elements unique to Oman – Al Bar’ah (2010), Al Azi (2012), Al Ardha al Khail Wa al Jamal (2018) and Khanjar (2022) – as well as ten joint Arab elements such as Al Taghroud (2012), Al Ayala (2014), Al Razfa (2015) and the cultural spaces of councils (2015).

Other elements on the list include Arabic coffee, the palm tree, camel races, Arabic calligraphy and harees.