Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has announced the launch of preparations for the nomination of the archaeological sites of Bisya and Salut to the Unesco World Heritage List under the title ‘Salut: An Iron Age Settlement’. Ibtisam bint Abdullah Al Maamari, Director of the World Heritage Department at the ministry, said […]

Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has announced the launch of preparations for the nomination of the archaeological sites of Bisya and Salut to the Unesco World Heritage List under the title ‘Salut: An Iron Age Settlement’.

Ibtisam bint Abdullah Al Maamari, Director of the World Heritage Department at the ministry, said the Bisya and Salut complex in the wilayat of Bahla, Dakhiliyah, holds outstanding universal value and represents a unique global cultural landmark.

“The site embodies human creativity, reflects significant exchanges of human values and bears witness to enduring cultural traditions,” she said. “It is also distinguished by its natural beauty and biodiversity-rich environment.”

Ibtisam explained that an international expert has been assigned to prepare the nomination dossier, alongside a comprehensive management plan to be submitted concurrently. The process is expected to take approximately two years and will include documentary research, technical and administrative planning, and fulfilment of Unesco’s inscription criteria.

Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Tamimi, Director of the Bisya and Salut Archaeological Site Department, highlighted the depth of archaeological work at the site, which was first registered in 1973, with excavation missions beginning in the early 1980s.

Currently, an Italian archaeological mission from the University of Milan is excavating tombs in Bisya to further investigate their historical context, while a French mission from Sorbonne University is conducting excavations at the sites of Fal and Al Dhabi. The missions are working to establish more precise dating of the remains and expand understanding of settlement patterns dating back to the late fourth millennium BC.

Archaeological discoveries at Bisya and Salut indicate extensive cultural exchange between Oman and ancient civilisations. Among the key finds are seals bearing influences from the Indus Valley Civilization, snake and animal figurines, and a variety of pottery vessels. In 2024–2025, archaeologists also uncovered dates and charred date pits at Al Dhabi dating to the third millennium BC, offering new insights into early agricultural practices.

Since opening to the public in February 2023, the site has attracted more than 16,400 visitors by the end of December 2025.

As part of its community engagement strategy, the site organises an annual programme of events in cooperation with local stakeholders. Outdoor spaces are allocated for activities hosted by Omani women’s associations, sports teams affiliated with Bahla Club, civil society organisations and community libraries. Events have included poetry evenings, exhibitions of locally made products, children’s activities and art showcases.

The Visitors Centre presents an overview of archaeological research in the region, highlighting patterns of human settlement, burial traditions and historical trade links with neighbouring civilisations. It also receives scholars and researchers conducting specialised studies, complementing the ministry’s documentation and survey efforts.

A project undertaken by a local Omani company to design and install advanced display screens at the Visitors Centre is set for completion this month. The initiative will enhance access to information and use modern technology to showcase artefacts not previously displayed in museum cases.

Since its inauguration, the centre has implemented 79 programmes and events, benefiting more than 6,230 participants across different age groups.

Planned activities for 2026 include the Unesco Associated Schools Forum, the second edition of the Salut Photography Forum, and a series of community-focused, training and technical programmes aimed at strengthening engagement, knowledge exchange and international cooperation.