Muscat – A regional conference on combating illicit trafficking of cultural property opened in Muscat on Monday, bringing together experts from across the region to discuss strengthening regulations and improving cooperation against the growing trade in stolen heritage. The three-day meeting – organised by Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in cooperation with Oman National Commission […]
Muscat – A regional conference on combating illicit trafficking of cultural property opened in Muscat on Monday, bringing together experts from across the region to discuss strengthening regulations and improving cooperation against the growing trade in stolen heritage.
The three-day meeting – organised by Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in cooperation with Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science – aims to underline the sultanate’s role in safeguarding cultural property and its engagement in international efforts to address the illicit trade.
The conference opened under the patronage of Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidi, Governor of Musandam, attended by researchers, academics and specialists in cultural protection.
In his address, H E Ibrahim bin Saeed al Kharousi, Undersecretary for Heritage, said the gathering seeks to discuss illicit trafficking, support regional and international cultural cooperation, and present Oman’s heritage and related protection measures. He said discussions would review best practices, legal procedures and the experiences of countries that have successfully recovered cultural property.
He noted that the protection of cultural heritage is a shared human responsibility central to preserving the historical and cultural identity of societies. Citing the 1954 Hague Convention on protection of cultural property in armed conflict, he said Oman joined the treaty in 1977 as part of its commitment to international cooperation and the preservation of heritage.
Salah Khaled, Director of the Unesco Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, said safeguarding cultural property is essential for cultural diversity and peaceful societies. He warned that illicit trafficking has expanded in recent years due to armed conflict, weak legislation, increased online trade and the involvement of organised criminal networks.
He said Oman has adopted key Unesco conventions and taken steps to strengthen national legislation, raise public awareness and engage relevant institutions in preventive action. These measures, he added, create an enabling environment for dialogue and regional cooperation in heritage protection.
The opening event also featured the launch of a guide on cultural property vulnerable to trafficking and a documentary outlining Oman’s heritage protection efforts. An accompanying exhibition displayed archaeological and cultural artefacts seized at border points, items voluntarily returned by citizens and objects confiscated under legal procedures, including stone and shell artefacts, silver coins, spearheads, statues and metal seals.
Eight working papers will be presented during the conference, covering international agreements, national legal frameworks, regional cooperation, repatriation challenges and community awareness — viewed as a key pillar in the long-term protection of cultural heritage.
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