Muscat – Thirty volunteers from Oman and abroad are taking part in the UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers 2026 initiative at Bahla Fort, aimed at promoting heritage conservation and preserving Oman’s traditional crafts for future generations.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Ali Ahmed Al Shaqsi, Director of Management and Operations at Maraseem Tourism Company, which manages Bahla Fort, said the initiative provides volunteers with an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience in cultural heritage conservation and management.

Running until September 13 under this year’s theme “Working for the Future”, the initiative brings together 30 volunteers, with 11 participants representing seven countries — Italy, Spain, India, Egypt, Iran, Algeria and Russia.

The initiative is organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Bahla Volunteer Team, Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED).

Al Shaqsi said the initiative gives participants first-hand exposure to traditional crafts closely linked to Bahla’s identity, including pottery, metalwork and woodworking.

“The initiative gives young people an opportunity to see heritage beyond museums and historic buildings. They can meet craftsmen, learn traditional skills and understand the knowledge that has been passed down through generations,” he said.

The programme features lectures, workshops and specialised training sessions covering UNESCO’s role in protecting World Heritage Sites, Oman’s heritage sites and intangible cultural heritage.

Participants are also learning about traditional pottery, metalworking and woodworking techniques, as well as the role of craftsmen in preserving these skills.

Other sessions focus on digital documentation of heritage, cultural indicators and the contribution of cultural industries to sustainable development. Discussions with craftsmen examine ways of preserving traditional skills and transferring them to future generations.

The volunteers are also visiting a number of heritage and archaeological sites, including Bahla Fort, pottery workshops, Oman Across Ages Museum, Nizwa Fort and Souq, Al Aqr neighbourhood and the ancient site of Salut and its associated archaeological sites.

These visits provide participants with first-hand knowledge of Oman’s historical and cultural heritage and highlight the importance of protecting sites, traditional knowledge and craftsmanship.

Al Shaqsi (in photo) urged Omani youth to take a leading role in protecting the country’s heritage, stressing that preserving traditional crafts and cultural knowledge should not be left solely to heritage specialists or government institutions.

“Our youth must see heritage as a living part of Oman’s identity, not simply something from the past. I encourage young people to learn from our craftsmen, acquire traditional skills and actively participate in heritage initiatives. If we do not transfer this knowledge to the next generation, we risk losing an important part of our identity,” he said.

He called on young people to combine traditional knowledge with modern skills and technology to give Oman’s heritage a stronger future.

“Volunteering gives young people an opportunity to gain practical experience, exchange ideas with people from different cultures and contribute directly to preserving our heritage,” he said.

“The future of our heritage depends on today’s youth. They should not wait for others to protect it; they should be part of the effort and become ambassadors for Oman’s heritage wherever they go,” Al Shaqsi added.

The initiative aims to raise awareness among young people and volunteers about the importance of protecting World Heritage and safeguarding traditional knowledge and skills.

It also seeks to strengthen cooperation between government institutions, local communities and volunteers while equipping young people with practical skills in heritage conservation and encouraging their future involvement in protecting and managing heritage sites.

Al Shaqsi said traditional crafts such as pottery, copper and metalwork and woodworking remain important elements of Oman’s cultural identity and contribute to the sustainability of local communities and cultural industries.