Muscat: The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth organized a dialogue session titled "Qalhat in Foreign Sources" to shed light on the historical city of Qalhat. The session focused on recent French archaeological and historical studies, exploring the city's economic and political landscape during the Portuguese era.

According to Oman News Agency, Dr. Madiha Abdulaziz Al Jalasi, a heritage sciences researcher, delivered an academic paper, "Qalhat: A Center for Maritime Trade in the Middle Ages." Dr. Al Jalasi's presentation offered a critical analysis of recent French studies, emphasizing the achievements and innovative restoration and excavation methods that contributed to Qalhat's UNESCO classification.

The session revealed significant findings, such as the discovery of massive city walls, which highlighted Qalhat's defensive role and urban organization. Artifacts like glass vessels and Indian coins were unearthed, indicating a robust commercial exchange network. Additionally, the presence of maritime docks and large warehouses demonstrated the city's capacity to handle substantial trade volumes.

Dr. Al Jalasi noted the importance of these archaeological studies in enriching the historical understanding of Qalhat, particularly its pivotal role in the Indian Ocean trade network. She highlighted the use of modern techniques like GIS digital models, which have been instrumental in producing accurate maps and preserving the city's heritage.

Tariq Khamis Al Alawi, an administrative affairs researcher, contributed to the session with a paper on Qalhat's history, focusing on Portuguese documentation and the political and economic conditions of the time. He also referenced records from foreign travelers, further enriching the narrative of Qalhat's historical significance.