The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has officially launched the third edition of the meteorite exhibition in the Sultanate of Oman at Sur City Walk, South Al Sharqiyah Governorate.
This inauguration coincides with the recognition of Sur as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2024.
The event was graced by the presence of Sheikh Dr. Hilal Ali Al Habsi, Wali of Sur.
The exhibition opening highlights the Ministry's commitment to promoting awareness about meteorites, sustainable investment in them, and the diversification of the museum system. These efforts aim to enrich heritage and tourism sites across different governorates.
Visitors can expect to see a variety of rare meteorites of global scientific significance and exceptional value, including samples from one of the largest meteorite falls in Oman.
Additionally, the exhibition will showcase a project on meteorite monitoring devices in Oman, allowing the Ministry to track and document meteorites entering the country's atmosphere, pinpointing their landing spots for efficient collection.
Among the unique meteorite samples on display are the ureilite meteorite, known for its magnesium- and iron-rich silicate minerals with small diamond grains, and the eucrite meteorite, which originated from the asteroid Vesta 4 and fell in Al Wusta Governorate in 2010.
Another attraction is the Jiddat al Harasis 91 meteorite, available for visitors to touch. This meteorite is part of the largest meteorite fall ever found in Oman.
Harub Al Obaidani, the Director-General of Museums at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, highlighted that the Geological Heritage Department, under the Directorate General of Museums, dedicates significant efforts to research, monitor, study, and exhibit these meteorites to visitors in museums and exhibitions.
He mentioned that the exhibition is expected to draw a diverse audience to explore and learn about unique meteorite samples across different age groups. The exhibition is scheduled to run until January 12, 2025, providing an opportunity for enthusiasts, researchers, school students, and university students to visit and gain more knowledge about these meteorites.
Abdulmunim Abdullah Al Zakwani, a geologist from the Ministry, emphasized that the launch of this exhibition reflects the results of seasonal research projects carried out over the past two decades and the in-depth scientific studies conducted on various meteorites. The scientific findings have underscored their significance.
Al Zakwani highlighted that the exhibition aims to enhance programs for preserving meteorites, raise awareness about their economic and scientific value, ensure their long-term sustainability, and present them to all sectors of society based on scientific principles and global best practices.
