The UNESCO Chair WH-STAR organized a workshop from 14–17 December 2024 titled “Empowering the Local Community in World Heritage Sites: Design, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship”, under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim bin Said Al Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage.
The workshop was supported by the Research Program under the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, and the Omani Women’s Association.
The workshop aimed to raise awareness about the importance of World Heritage, stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in tourism and creative industries, and engage the local community in developing projects that support heritage preservation and promote sustainable development.
It focused on enhancing understanding of World Heritage concepts and their significance in tourism and sustainable development, as well as highlighting Oman Vision 2040 and its role in supporting the heritage and tourism sectors.
The workshop also sought to develop innovative ideas and entrepreneurial projects by showcasing inspiring local, regional, and international examples such as the rehabilitation of heritage houses in Islamic Cairo, revitalization of Al-Aqar neighborhood in Nizwa, revival of traditional Omani culinary arts, restoration of the Pearling Path in Muharraq, and innovation in traditional crafts and arts in Egypt and the United Kingdom.
This workshop is part of the Chair’s ongoing research program, which focuses on activating the World Heritage Site of Bahla and enhancing the role of local communities in its management and in developing community-based tourism aligned with the site’s Outstanding Universal Value and UNESCO’s vision of achieving sustainable development and heritage preservation.
