The National Museum organised the National Symposium on the Repatriation of Omani Cultural Property Abroad on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim bin Said al-Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage, with the participation of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Records and Archives Authority, and the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

The symposium aimed to raise national awareness of the importance of Omani cultural property as a core component of national identity and the historical memory of society, and to highlight the legal and international dimensions of the repatriation of cultural property.

The symposium opened with a keynote address by Dr Fatma bint Mohammed al-Balushi, Advisor to the Secretary-General for Museum Affairs at the National Museum and Head of the Team for the Repatriation of Omani Cultural Property Abroad, entitled “The Importance of Repatriating Omani Cultural Property Abroad”.

The symposium comprised two academic sessions that discussed a range of themes related to the protection and repatriation of cultural property. These included the role of institutional action and international cooperation in this field, a review of national efforts undertaken, highlighting the impact of illicit trafficking on the removal of cultural property, and the importance of enhancing awareness and coordination among relevant stakeholders in order to safeguard and protect cultural heritage.

The symposium concluded with a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening integration among national entities and supporting the protection and recovery of Omani cultural heritage, reflecting its historical and civilisational value.