ITALY & OMAN: ARCHAEOLOGY and tourism promotion symposium in Muscat
National Museum Muscat, Oman
Unearthing the Roots of the "Conscious Society" under the Patronage of H.E. Jamal Hassan Al-Moosawi
In the heart of the Sultanate, beneath the sun-drenched plains of Halban and the rugged peaks of Nakhal, a silent dialogue is taking place between the past and the future.
Archaeology in Oman has transitioned from a purely scientific endeavor into a powerful engine for Sovereign Identity and Elite Cultural Tourism.
This transformation is guided by the visionary patronage of H.E. Jamal Hassan Al-Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, who has positioned the Sultanate's heritage as a primary pillar of Oman Vision 2040.
Italy has been contributing to the roots of this identity for many years.
Specialists contribute to the search for evolution in Oman, since the early Iron Age.
Oman civilisation since the early iron age
The morning in the museum was a revelation of the archaeological professionalism, the passion of both Italian and Omani researching academics, doctors and professors.
They revealed that civilization in Oman goes back to the early Iron Age, with even links to Mesopotamia.
In the national museum of muscat, organised by the Italian Embassy
“Italy and Oman: promoting tourism and cultural identity through archaeology”.
Program
10.30 am Arrival of guests
10.45 am Welcome note by Ms. Zainab Al Wahibi, tour guide at the National Museum
10.47 am Welcome note by H.E. Pierluigi D’Elia, Ambassador of Italy to the Sultanate of Oman
10.50 am Presentation by Dr. Fatma Al Balushi, Advisor to the Secretary General for Museum Affairs ate the National Museum. “Contribution of the National Museum in Highlighting the Role of Italian Missions in the Study of Oman Archeology”.
11.05 am Presentation by Mr. Tommaso d’Errico, Honorary Consul of the Sultanate of Oman in Florence about the legacy of his father Architect Enrico D ‘Errico on the architectural heritage of the Sultanate of Oman.
11.20 am Presentation by Prof. Sara Pizzimenti - University of Pisa - Mission in Al Tikha, Rustaq.
11.35 am Presentation by Prof. Khalid Douglas - Sultan Qaboos University.
11.50 am Networking with light refreshments.
Audience in the National Museum ; Italian Oman National Museum Archaeology - Tourism symposium
H.E. Olga Selykh, Ambassador of Ukraine in Oman / Captain Saleh Al Jabri, the Jewel of Muscat.
🏛️ The Patron’s Vision: The National Museum as a Living Mirror
Under the leadership of H.E. Jamal Hassan Al-Moosawi, the National Museum of Oman has become much more than a repository of artifacts; it is the Institutional Gatekeeper of the nation’s narrative. Through his strategy of "Museum Diplomacy," Al-Moosawi has fostered high-prestige international collaborations that validate Oman’s historical role as a global crossroads.
For the 2026 archaeological season, the National Museum serves as the final destination for the Italian discoveries. Under his patronage, these missions are tasked with more than excavation—they are unearthing the Civilizational DNA of the Sultanate. By meticulously documenting ancient trade links and societal structures, the Museum provides the authentic "content" that drives Oman’s high-end tourism, transforming "buried stones" into "national capital.
Italian dedication to Oman’s historical findings and identity.
For various decades, Italy has been supporting and guiding Oman in research and findings.
The highlights by the presentors gave a wonderful overview about Oman’s hidden historical strength.
Also is accentuated the long time cooperation between the 2 countries, their mutual commitment to factfinding and exposing carefully Oman’s ancestors lives.
H.E. Pierluigi D’Elia - key note introduction: the importance of tourism as a contributor to GDP. Italy emplois 3 M people in the tourism sector.
The awareness that Oman is a milenium old civilisation adds to the impressions and experiences tourists may have while exploring the country.
Dr. Fatma Al Balushi
Advisor to the Secretary General for Museum Affairs ate the National Museum. “Contribution of the National Museum in Highlighting the Role of Italian Missions in the Study of Oman Archeology.
She highlighted various important national projects, that underscore Oman’s long lasting identity in the world.
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_fa3ma?igsh=cXBkY2xjajdkeHls&utm_source=qr
Mr. Tommaso d’Errico
He delivers a fascinating journey telling about his father Architect Enrico D ‘Errico, who restored various sites in Oman.
Since the age of 4 years, he accompanied his father in Oman, while living here.
Professor Sara Pizzimenti
She is highlighting a joint archaeological mission at Al-Tikha, within the modern city of Rustaq in the al-Batinah Governorate of Oman. Even mineral productions existed in the early days. There was a dedicated workshop for materials.
https://www.unipi.it/didattica/corsi/summer-schools/al-tikha-archaeological-field-school-oman
🇮🇹 The Italian Partnership: 11 Missions of Precision
Italy stands as Oman’s most significant European partner in archaeology. In 2026, 11 active Italian missions are operating across the Sultanate, representing a deep academic and diplomatic bond. This partnership leverages Italy’s world-class expertise in restoration and historical analysis to bring Omani history to life.
The Halban Discoveries (University of Bologna): In South Batinah, the mission led by Eugenio Bortolini has uncovered 30 large burial structures. These findings prove that ancient Oman was a vital node in the trade networks linking the Mediterranean to the Indus Valley over 4,000 years ago.
The Nakhal documentation (Sapienza University of Rome): Operating in the shadow of the Nakhal Fort, the Sapienza mission has documented over 77 archaeological features. This research into the 3rd millennium BCE highlights a legacy of settled, sophisticated Omani communities long before the modern era.
Maritime Legacies (University of Pisa & Naples "L'Orientale"): In Dhofar and Al-Baleed, Italian teams are researching the Iron Age maritime trade, proving that the Omani "Sea-faring Soul" is an ancient, unbroken tradition.
Professor Khalid Douglas presents various archeological projects. Interesting fact: Rustaq was the capital of Oman in the 17th Century.
🌍 From Excavation to Destination: Boosting Cultural Tourism
The findings of 2026 are being directly integrated into the Sultanate’s tourism strategy. In coordination with the National Museum, these sites are being developed into "Narrative Destinations."
By uncovering the human stories behind the ruins—such as the multicultural burial rites found in Halban—the Italian missions provide the "Historical Authenticity" that luxury travelers seek. Archaeology is no longer static; it is the foundation for a Conscious Tourism model where visitors don't just see a site, but participate in the unfolding story of human resilience.
✨ A Shared Heritage: The Mediterranean-Arabic Soul
The choice of Italy as a primary partner reflects a shared cultural philosophy. Both nations are "Maritime Civilizations" that understand that Heritage is Sovereignty. As H.E. Jamal Al-Moosawi has noted, the collaboration ensures that Omani "National Cadres" receive top-tier training in 3D documentation and lab analysis.
This is the ultimate achievement of the 2026 season: ensuring that as Italy helps unearth Oman’s past, a new generation of Omani curators is being built to protect its future.
Samail Fort
Falaj Ash-Sham
Sovereign Detail: The 2026 season culminates in a special exhibition at the National Museum, where artifacts from the 11 Italian missions will be showcased, highlighting the "Merchant Intelligence" that has defined the Sultanate for millennia.