Muscat: An Omani Crafts Forum, titled "Identity and Heritage," commenced today at Al Hafa Market in the Wilayat of Salalah. The forum, which runs until August 12, 2026, is organized by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Authority for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs Authority), in collaboration with Dhofar Municipality and the Office of the Governor of Dhofar. The event was inaugurated by HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and attended by local dignitaries and representatives of government and private sectors in the Dhofar Governorate.
According to Oman News Agency, the forum is held alongside the Khareef Dhofar (monsoon) season 2026, featuring artisans, craft project owners, and suppliers of traditional craft products. It aims to revive Omani craft history by showcasing the evolution of traditional crafts and the inherited manufacturing techniques that are part of the Sultanate of Oman's cultural identity. Additionally, the forum seeks to highlight craft heritage by documenting and reviving traditional practices through live demonstrations, allowing visitors to experience these industries firsthand.
The event also emphasizes the integration of innovation with heritage by offering platforms for modern craft designs and products inspired by Oman's historical legacy. Furthermore, it aims to build bridges between the past and the future, demonstrating how historical craft knowledge can form the basis for developing future-oriented, revitalized craft industries that align with Oman Vision 2040.
Eng. Ibrahim bin Said Al Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage, stated that the forum underscores the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to revitalizing craft industries and developing them in a manner that preserves their originality while keeping pace with modern requirements. Al Kharousi also noted that the forum provides an opportunity to enhance the presence of Omani crafts during the tourist influx generated by the Khareef Dhofar season.
