The President of the Swiss Confederation and his Spouse visit the National Museum

His Excellency Dr. Alan Persie, President of the Swiss Confederation, and his Spouse visited the National Museum today, Friday, December 1, 2023, as part of their official visit to the Sultanate of Oman.

Upon their arrival at the Museum, His Excellency Jamal bin Hassan al-Moosawi, the Secretary-General of the National Museum, and several Museum officials welcomed the distinguished guest.

During his visit, the Swiss President was briefed on the designs of some Museum projects being created by a team of Swiss architects and designers at the as-Saidiya School for Education, Bayt Sayyid Nadir bin Faisal, and Bayt Sayyida Muzna bint Nader. These projects coincided with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Omani-Swiss diplomatic relations. The celebration included the signing of agreements between the National Museum and the Swiss side for the design of some Museum projects. Additionally, there was a collaboration with the Swiss Confederation in organising the exhibition "Swiss Non-Conformist Design " during the period from February to July 2023. The exhibition celebrated the uniqueness of Swiss modern design from the early 20th century. This exhibition marked the first appearance of the Swiss Non-Conformist design in the Middle East and one of the first of its kind globally outside Switzerland.

Following this, His Excellency toured the Museum and its corridors with his accompanying delegation, receiving detailed explanations about it. They explored the Museum`s Galleries highlighting the cultural heritage of the Sultanate of Oman, from the emergence of human civilisation in Oman to the present day. The tour included viewing artefacts representing prominent Omani sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in Prehistory Galleries (such as Bat, Al-Khutm, and Al-Ayn Gallery, the Land of Frankincense and Magan Civilisation). They also visited the Splendors of Islam Galley and Oman and the World Gallery.

The Swiss President visited the Corner of Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Timur, "The Dearest and Purest of Men," in the Renaissance Gallery. There, he viewed the original Well Letter No. "1" from the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Timur addressed to the esteemed members of the Royal Family Council through the Defense Council. Furthermore, he toured the Intangible Heritage Gallery, learning about traditional Omani musical patterns and viewing exhibits of musical instruments in the Sultanate of Oman.

At the end of the tour, His Excellency recorded a message in the VIP visitors` book expressing his admiration for the National Museum`s collection, which reflects the history and culture of the Sultanate of Oman. He thanked and appreciated those responsible for the National Museum.

His Excellency Jamal bin Hassan al-Moosawi, the Secretary-General of the National Museum, presented several publications from the National Museum as a gift to His Excellency Dr. Alan Persie, President of the Swiss Confederation.

Accompanying the Swiss President, Dr. Alan Persie, and his Spouse during the visit were Dr. Hilal bin Ali al-Sabti, Minister of Health and Honorary Mission Chief, and Dr. Madiha bint Ahmed al-Shibaniya, Minister of Education, and several officials.