Muscat: The National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) is set to host a symposium entitled "Dhofar in the Memory of Omani History" on 14 September 2025 in the Wilayat of Salalah.
This event will take place under the patronage of HH Sayyid Marwan Turki Al Said, the Governor of Dhofar.
The symposium represents a significant milestone in the Authority's ongoing series of academic events, which have previously showcased the histories of Musandam, Al Buraimi, Al Dhahirah, South Al Sharqiyah, and North Al Batinah. The focus of the Dhofar session will be on its extensive civilizational and human heritage, which has developed over thousands of years.
Attendees can expect 33 working papers to be presented by researchers and academics from both Oman and international institutions. These papers will be categorized into five primary themes: historical and political, economic and social, cultural and scientific, as well as documents, manuscripts, and oral history.
The objective of these presentations is to underscore Dhofar's historical importance and its influence on the formation of Omani and human identity. Additionally, they will delve into the effects of its strategically significant geographical position and the connections it established with civilizations from both the East and West. The symposium will also examine ancient caravan routes and trade expeditions that began in its plains and mountains, establishing the land of frankincense as a continuous civilizational link.
Over the course of three days, seven academic sessions will cover a variety of subjects, including political events, historical treaties, notable figures, economic and social activities, aflaj and water resources, the contributions of women in society, the scientific and intellectual achievements of Dhofar's scholars and writers, defensive structures, archaeological sites, and the documents, manuscripts, and oral histories that safeguard the region's collective memory.
The symposium seeks to reinterpret the history of the governorate within a wider civilizational framework and to inform future generations about its pioneering contributions to human history. Dhofar, known as the land of frankincense, will continue to serve as a living testament to the richness of the past and present and the enduring Omani identity across time and place.
