Our legacy of international bridgebuilding and welcoming diverse perspectives is reflected today in our engagement with the
United Nations.

Oman’s vision is to foster inclusivity, resilience, innovation, and peace by embracing open dialogue, multilateral partnerships, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Through this display at the UN in New York, discover the place, people and traditions that inform our outlook.

The khanjar consists of a belt, handle, curved single-edged blade, and scabbard. A symbol of national pride and identity worn by Omani men, the khanjar is a state emblem, featured on the Omani Flag and banknotes.

Today, khanjar’s are often gifted as an expression of cultural connection between nations.

In 2022, the khanjar was added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage list, reflecting shared values of building peace, equality and sustainable
solutions worldwide.

The Marie Therese coins are silver bullion trade coins first minted in 1741 and named after Empress Maria Theresa, who ruled Austria, Hungary, and Bohemia from 1740 to 1780.

This necklace, created between 1950 and 1960 in Oman’s A’Dakhiliya and A’Sharqiyah regions, embodies the spirit of resourcefulness and creativity in everyday life.

Crafted from solid recycled silver and combined with a bicycle reflector, the piece reflects a practice of reimagining ordinary objects into something new and beautiful. Such jewellery was not only decorative but also carried cultural meaning, showing how Omani artisans gave second life to materials at hand.

This tradition of upcycling reveals a deep respect for resources and an ability to balance practicality with artistry. Each piece of jewellery is unique, telling a story of resilience and ingenuity.

In an arid country with little rainfall, water is a precious resource. Omanis understood that they needed not only to safeguard these scarce resources, but also to share them for the benefit of the community as a whole. Hence, they developed the ‘aflaj’ irrigation system, which continues to function today. This system of water distribution reflects values fundamental to a shared sense of community and to the pursuit of peaceful solutions that benefit all.

The spirit of cooperation embodied in the aflaj has also shaped Oman’s approach to international diplomacy. Just as water is distributed fairly among neighbours through dialogue and mutual respect, Oman’s foreign policy seeks balanced outcomes through consensus and negotiation. This practice is described as aflaj diplomacy – the recognition that the best solutions are achieved not through competition, but through dialogue.

The Aaflaj irrigation systems of Oman are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1207/

This technique of lashing wooden planks together represents one of the most enduring and innovative contributions of Omani shipbuilders to maritime history.

For thousands of years, Omani craftsmen perfected a method of sewing teak planks together with fibres made from recycled coconut or date palm, avoiding the use of nails altogether. This ingenious approach produced vessels that were remarkably strong and flexible, enabling them to withstand the demanding conditions of long-distance ocean voyages. The technique offered strength through flexibility, allowing the vessels to bend and move with the sea rather
than resist it.

Omani ships, built with this method, sailed great trade routes across the Indian Ocean, connecting East Africa, Arabia, India, and beyond. They carried not only goods such as frankincense, spices, and textiles but also ideas, languages, and traditions.

This full-size reconstruction pays tribute to Oman’s heritage of maritime exploration and it enduring role as a bridge between continents and peoples.

Native to Oman’s Dhofar region, the frankincense tree produces a resin that was once more precious than gold. Burning frankincense unites people and place in the shared fragrance.

Clay burners (majmars) are the product of a pottery industry in parts of Oman that served to furnish many Omani households with a variety of pots and vessels for food and liquids. This clay was often recycled from home building.

From ancient ports such as Samharam (Khor Rori), frankincense was shipped across trade networks that stretched to Rome, Egypt, India, and China. These routes linked Oman to some of the great civilizations of the ancient world.

The Land of Frankincense, including the ports of Samharam and Al-Baleed, along with caravan routes inland, is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the global significance of Oman’s role in shaping ancient commerce and cultural dialogue.
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1010