Monday 05 / May / 2025
Manah— The international conference “Museums and Their Role in Tourism Development" will take place from May 18 to 20 at Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah, the Governorate of A’Dakhiliyah.
Organized in collaboration with the National Records and Archives Authority and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the event will feature over 42 researchers, academics, and experts from 21 countries, along with heritage and tourism professionals from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman.
The three-day conference will present 42 diverse research papers by museum specialists, academics, and researchers, addressing multiple themes. These include the role of museums and heritage institutions in tourism development and cultural preservation, museum tourism and the cultural economy, related investment opportunities, as well as the educational and knowledge-based functions of museums through academic partnerships.
The conference will also explore the use of modern digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality to enhance visitor experiences.
Alongside the conference, three specialized workshops and an exhibition will be held, featuring participation from government and private institutions, as well as researchers and academics, to highlight the cultural, economic, and social impact of museums.
Yaqdhan Abdullah Al Harthy, Director General of Oman Across Ages Museum and General Supervisor of the conference, stated that the event serves as an international platform for exchanging expertise and best practices in the museum sector. He emphasized that Omani museums are expected to become beacons of knowledge, contributing to national economic diversification through cultural tourism.
On his turn, Dr. Mohammed Al Balushi, Head of the Conference’s Scientific Committee, noted that the committee received over 300 research abstracts from 21 countries, with 42 papers selected based on quality and diversity criteria. He added that the conference will also feature scientific posters displayed alongside the sessions, providing a broader space for knowledge exchange and showcasing innovative research projects in museums and tourism.
