A delegation from the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), led by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Organization, visited a number of heritage, cultural, and tourist sites in Oman’s Dhofar Governorate, at the invitation of Mr. Sayyid Ibrahim bin Saeed ALBusaidi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman.

The visit forms part of ICESCO’s “Civilization Bridges” program, which the Sultanate of Oman is hosting in Dhofar from 25 to 28 August 2026. The initiative aims to highlight the governorate’s civilizational, cultural, heritage, and tourism assets, while providing an opportunity to learn about national experiences in heritage preservation and its sustainable use for tourism development.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, emphasized that holding this stage of the program in Dhofar reflects the distinguished strategic partnership between the Organization and the Sultanate of Oman, which has given rise to numerous pioneering programs and initiatives serving the Islamic world. He also commended Oman’s continued support for ICESCO’s efforts across its fields of competence.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted the rich cultural assets of Dhofar, where heritage and natural sites combine to create a distinctive tourist destination that showcases Oman’s civilizational heritage and strengthens its position on the global tourism map.

For his part, Dr. Salim Al Habsi, Head of the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences at ICESCO, stated that the “Civilization Bridges” program reflects the Organization’s commitment to strengthening civilizational diplomacy. It provides an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the distinctive characteristics of Member States, their national experiences, and their cultural and civilizational assets, while identifying opportunities for joint cooperation.

Mr. Talal bin Humaid al Khusaibi, Director-General of the General Directorate of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, said that the visit forms part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and communication with international organizations and institutions, while promoting the Sultanate of Oman’s heritage, cultural, and tourism assets. He underlined the importance of such visits in showcasing Oman’s civilizational heritage and national experience in developing tourism assets, preserving heritage, and enhancing its value.

He further noted that the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism attaches particular importance to strengthening its partnership with ICESCO, adding that the “Civilization Bridges” program represents an important model of institutional and civilizational engagement. Beyond introducing participants to sites and landmarks, the program enables the delegation to gain insight into national experiences.

The visit program includes tours of a number of heritage, tourist, and natural sites and landmarks, providing an overview of the diversity of tourism patterns and products. It also features meetings with officials and relevant stakeholders, supporting national efforts to preserve cultural and natural heritage and leverage it for tourism and development.

The visit of the ICESCO delegation to Dhofar Governorate highlights the role of heritage and natural sites in shaping cultural and tourism identity. Archaeological sites associated with the Land of Frankincense complement forts, traditional houses, and traditional markets, alongside valleys, springs, mountains, beaches, and rural landscapes.