Muscat – Oman has finalised the dossier for the Al Hajar Geopark project and submitted it to Unesco for inclusion, Ahlam bint Hamad Al Qasabi, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in Dakhliyah, announced.

She made the announcement at the opening of the 5th Omani Geological Heritage Exhibition last week – titled Sustainability and Job Opportunities – held in Jabal Akhdar. The exhibition will continue till the end of December.

Ahlam said the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism had completed the dossier for the Al Hajar Geopark project and submitted it to Unesco for inclusion in its Global Geoparks.

Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. Their bottom-up approach of combining conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities is becoming increasingly popular. At present, there are 241 Unesco Global Geoparks in 51 countries.

The latest edition of the Omani Geological Heritage Exhibition features new sections introducing the Al Hajar Geopark project, Oman’s first national geopark project. It aims to contribute to the conservation of geological heritage sites and promote their utilisation in tourism, education and scientific research.

The exhibition presents scientific and interactive content highlighting Oman’s geological heritage and diversity, the formation of the country’s land through different geological eras, the importance of conserving geological heritage, and employment opportunities in geotourism.

Among the exhibits are geological heritage specimens, including a fossil estimated to be about 800mn years old, 3D scientific models of an extinct primitive elephant whose fossilised teeth were discovered in the Adam area of Dhofar, and a dinosaur whose fossilised bone remains were found in Al Khoudh in Seeb.

Dedicated sections introduce the Al Hajar Geopark project, covering its concept, objectives and tourism, scientific and developmental significance.

The geopark covers approximately 5,400sq km across 11 wilayats in three governorates – Dakhliyah, North Sharqiyah and South Batinah – encompassing sites of geological, natural and cultural heritage. The project is intended to support conservation efforts, local community development and sustainable tourism.

Oman’s Unesco-inscribed heritage also encompasses a diverse range of performing arts, social practices, cultural traditions, traditional crafts and culinary practices. Notable elements include performing arts and poetry such as Al Bar’ah, Al ‘Azi, Al Razfa and Al Taghrooda, as well as traditions such as Al Ayyala.

Social practices and cultural spaces are represented by the majlis, alongside equestrian and festive traditions including horse and camel Ardhah and camel racing. The sultanate’s heritage also includes traditional skills and crafts such as Arabic calligraphy, the khanjar, Alheda’a (camel call), date palm heritage, the harees dish, Arabic coffee, henna, Arabic kohl, the bisht (men’s abaa) and the Oman youth sail training ship (Safinat Shabab Oman).