Muscat- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) has approved the establishment of the UNESCO–Sultan Haitham Prize for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, marking international recognition of Oman’s pioneering role in protecting and promoting intangible cultural heritage as a shared legacy of humanity.

The prize was launched through a joint initiative led by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and in coordination with Oman’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO. Its framework and objectives have been designed in line with international approaches to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

Oman was among the first countries to ratify the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, through Royal Decree No. 56/2005 issued on June 22, 2005. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth plays a key role in implementing the convention, including registering Omani heritage elements on UNESCO’s three lists covering representative heritage, urgent safeguarding and good safeguarding practices.

The prize reflects the longstanding commitment of Haitham bin Tarik to the cultural sector. During his tenure as Minister of Heritage and Culture from 2002, the Sultanate witnessed significant cultural development and deeper engagement with UNESCO’s cultural conventions.

Among the major cultural achievements realized during this period were the establishment of the National Museum of Oman, the Oman Across Ages Museum, the National Records and Archives Authority, and the Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex, currently under construction, in addition to cultural centres and libraries across the Sultanate.

The prize is expected to become a leading global initiative honouring outstanding contributions to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. It will recognise individuals, institutions, organisations, academic and cultural centres, as well as governmental and non-governmental bodies that contribute to preserving, documenting and sustaining cultural traditions.

It also aims to strengthen the role of heritage in promoting social cohesion, peace, equality and sustainable development, while raising awareness at local, national and international levels of the importance of protecting intangible cultural heritage.

Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, said the establishment of the prize reflects global recognition of Oman’s contribution to international efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage.

He noted that the initiative will enhance UNESCO’s cultural framework and reinforce intangible cultural heritage as a pillar of human identity and a bridge for dialogue among peoples. The prize will also support pioneering initiatives and strengthen community participation in preserving this shared human legacy.

The award will cover the full spectrum of intangible cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO, including oral traditions, performing arts, social practices and festive events, knowledge related to nature and the universe, as well as traditional craftsmanship.

Eligibility will be open to institutions, cultural associations, community centres and non-governmental organisations that have made significant contributions to safeguarding and promoting intangible cultural heritage. Detailed criteria and thematic areas for the prize will be developed by UNESCO in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.