Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has launched the 2025–2026 archaeological season as part of its efforts to protect Oman’s heritage, document evidence dating back thousands of years, and strengthen the sultanate’s position as a regional centre for archaeological research.

The new season includes excavation and survey projects, laboratory studies, 3D documentation and field-training programmes aimed at developing national talent.

An Italian scientific mission from Sapienza University has begun work at archaeological sites in the wilayats of Nakhl and Wadi al Ma’awil in South Batinah. The team is excavating sites dating to the third and first millennia BC and has recorded more than 77 archaeological remains during its surveys.

At the end of the season, an exhibition will display the artefacts uncovered during the mission to help raise awareness and promote a deeper understanding of Oman’s archaeological heritage