The Oman Business and Private Sector Partnership Forum (OBP) office at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion is organizing the second session of its "Trade Dialogues" initiative, titled "Cultural Capital: Transforming Heritage into Global Impact," on April 14th at the Civil Aviation Authority's training center.
The session will focus on discussing the role of heritage in supporting sustainable growth, promoting tourism, and developing creative projects in the Sultanate of Oman. Emphasis will be placed on handicrafts, historical sites, and cultural experiences, as well as exploring the role of modern technologies in expanding access and maximizing commercial potential.
The session will also address ways to preserve traditions alongside the growth of cultural industries, mechanisms to enhance the position of Omani cultural exports, and innovative financing models that support the sector's future growth.
Furthermore, the session will explore innovative ways to present Omani heritage, enabling wider dissemination and enhancing its reach to diverse audiences, thus contributing to its sustainable value while preserving its authenticity.
The session will also discuss Haritha bint Salim Al Busaidi, Director of the Oman Business Forum and Public-Private Partnership Office at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, stated that the challenge lies not in proving the value of Omani heritage, as it is already well-established, but rather in showcasing this value on a broader scale without compromising its authentic essence.
She explained that the initiative seeks to achieve a balance that allows heritage to generate economic opportunities, support livelihoods, and reach new audiences, while preserving its credibility and national identity.
The "Trade Dialogues" initiative, which launched its first session of the year on February 3rd and will continue throughout the year, is a platform that brings together a select group of thinkers and specialists in economic fields to exchange their expertise and experiences with the public. It plays a pivotal role in providing an effective dialogue space that explores the future of promising economic sectors in the Sultanate of Oman by addressing key issues that contribute to enhancing the added value of the national economy.
It is worth noting that culture and creative industries contribute 3.1 percent to global GDP and provide approximately 6.2 percent of employment opportunities, reflecting the growing recognition of their role, not only Not only as a bearer of identity, but also as a key driver of economic growth.
It is hoped that this session will contribute to strengthening dialogue among the various stakeholders in the heritage, museums, and tourism sectors, thereby supporting efforts to showcase the cultural assets of the Sultanate of Oman globally, while preserving its unique character and distinctiveness.
