About Us

Oman Vision 2040 has identified Citizenship, Identity, National Heritage, and Culture as key priority areas. The establishment of a UNESCO chair in collaboration with the ARCWH exemplifies regional cooperation aimed at shared objectives. The primary mission of ARCWH is to enhance the implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention in the Arab States by promoting the decisions and recommendations of the World Heritage Committee, thereby benefiting World Heritage properties in the region. The UNESCO chair will further this mission by linking it to socio-economic development and utilizing sustainable tourism at World Heritage Sites as a means to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On a national level, Oman’s Vision 2040 emphasizes the importance of Citizenship, Identity, National Heritage, and Culture. It highlights the roles of the private sector, civil society organizations, and government policies in preserving cultural legacies, with tourism identified as a major catalyst for these efforts.

The Vision also prioritizes the development of governorates and sustainable cities. World Heritage and national heritage sites are distributed across various governorates in Oman. The chair will focus on the sustainable management of tourism within these sites, serving as an implementation mechanism for this priority.

Another key focus is on the labour market and employment. The chair’s objectives and activities align closely with this priority, contributing to SDG 7. Tourism can play a vital role in job creation and fostering creative industries. To support this, the chair will conduct capacity-building workshops aimed at students and local community members to encourage an entrepreneurial spirit.

Finally, Oman Vision 2040 places significant emphasis on education, learning, and scientific research. The UNESCO chair is situated in one of Oman’s leading universities and is supported by the university’s research, teaching, and innovation mandate. The university has committed funding for research and innovation in this area, with a particular focus on heritage and technology, facilitated by a multidisciplinary approach.