Friday 26 / July / 2024
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has launched on Wednesday an Omani product 'Sarooj', a material that can be used in restoration, decorations, and other processes.
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in cooperation with the Industrial Innovation Academy and Oman Cement Company, launched the “Sarooj” product, which is used as a material in restoration, urbanisation and decoration.
His Excellency Engineer Ibrahim bin Said Al Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage, said that this project aims to develop the process of producing Omani sarooj according to high standards and quality.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry pointed out that the project went through three successive stages, starting with carrying out comprehensive exploratory operations on sarooj material to understand the current situation locally and comparing it with best practices globally, then conducting detailed laboratory experiments to produce experimental quantities of sarooj material, after which it was tested in one of the existing restoration operations.
"After completing these stages, the focus was on producing sarooj with high specifications and standards, and registering it as a trademark with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion on behalf of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism," Al Kharousi added
" The project will contribute to preserve Omani crafts and develop them using modern methods and the highest standards and specifications for their sustainability and ensuring their transfer to future generations."
Alia bint Salim Al Hinai, at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, indicated that the Ministry, in cooperation with the Industrial Innovation Academy , has been preparing a study on “Innovation in Omani Sarooj” over a period of two years, starting with collecting data and information about the Omani Sarooj industry in the Sultanate of Oman in the past, and comparing it with industries and experiences of international best practices, then it ended with detailed laboratory experiments for the production of sarooj with high standards and quality. After that, quality assurance was checked through restoration processes that proved the product's worth.
During the product launch ceremony, an agreement was signed between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Oman Cement Company to develop and manufacture the Omani sarooj product.
Dr. Hilal bin Saif Al-Dhamri, Director of Manufacturing at Oman Cement Company, explained that the company, in cooperation with the Ministry and the Academy of Industrial Innovation, conducted joint research to reach the production of sarooj in innovative ways using technology, controlling the quality of the product and preserving its characteristics. The project has moved today from the stage of trial and testing to the stage of production and commercial marketing.
Al-Dhamri stressed that Oman Cement Company has the ability to produce Omani sarooj with high standards and quality. This product will add value and facilitate the restoration of castles, forts, monuments and other ancient buildings.
