‘Shabab Oman’ training ship registered for UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage

Muscat: This marks Oman’s first national file to be recognized on this prestigious list, reflecting the principles of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The announcement was made during the 19th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the 2003 Convention, held in Asunción, Paraguay, from December 4 to 7. Oman’s delegation, led by His Excellency Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Culture at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, also succeeded in registering henna as a shared Arab cultural element on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Shabab Oman, operated by the Royal Navy of Oman, serves as a mobile ambassador of Omani culture, promoting dialogue, respect for cultural diversity, and sustainable cultural exchange. Sailing across global seas, the ship introduces the world to Oman’s maritime traditions, arts, and crafts while fostering connections between civilizations.
This recognition underscores Oman’s efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage and aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. UNESCO’s Expert Evaluation Committee praised the ship’s contributions to cultural dialogue and its role in refining youth skills, celebrating Oman’s legacy in traditional maritime navigation.

Oman also celebrated the inclusion of henna as a shared Arab cultural heritage. A symbol of beauty, health, and tradition, henna plays a vital role in festive and therapeutic practices across Omani and Arab cultures. Its recognition highlights Oman’s dedication to preserving shared cultural elements with its Arab neighbors.

Oman’s inclusion of Shabab Oman adds to its impressive record of 14 intangible cultural heritage elements recognized by UNESCO. This includes iconic traditions such as Al-Bar’ah, Al-Azi, and Al-Khanjar Al-Omani.