Oman Inaugurates Third Edition of Meteorite Exhibition in Sur

Sur, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism today inaugurated the third edition of the meteorite exhibition at Sur City Walk in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. This event coincides with Sur’s designation as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2024, marking a significant milestone in the city’s cultural and scientific endeavors.

The inauguration ceremony was officiated by Sheikh Dr. Hilal Ali Al Habsi, Wali of Sur, and highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the importance of meteorites, promote sustainable investment in them, and diversify the museum system. These initiatives aim to enhance heritage and tourism destinations across Oman’s governorates.

The exhibition features several rare meteorites of significant global scientific importance and exceptional value. Among the showcased samples are meteorites from one of the largest falls in Oman. Additionally, the Ministry is presenting a project on meteorite monitoring devices in Oman, which tracks and documents meteorites as they enter the atmosphere, facilitating their immediate collection upon landing.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view unique meteorite samples, including the ureilite meteorite, notable for containing small diamond grains, and the eucrite meteorite, formed from basaltic rocks of the asteroid Vesta 4, which fell in Al Wusta Governorate in 2010. Another highlight is the Jiddat al Harasis 91 meteorite, part of the largest meteorite fall discovered in Oman, which visitors can touch.

Said Harub Al Obaidani, Director-General of Museums at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, emphasized the significant efforts by the Geological Heritage Department in researching, monitoring, studying, and presenting these meteorites to the public. He noted that the exhibition is expected to attract a wide audience, including enthusiasts, researchers, school students, and university students, providing educational opportunities until January 12, 2025.

Geologist Abdulmunim Abdullah Al Zakwani highlighted that the exhibition translates the outcomes of seasonal research projects and detailed scientific studies conducted over the past two decades. The scientific results have underscored the importance of these meteorites.

Al Zakwani further noted that the exhibition aims to maximize programs for preserving meteorites, raise awareness about their economic and scientific significance, ensure their sustainability, and present them to all segments of society according to scientific principles and best global practices.

This meteorite exhibition not only celebrates Oman’s rich geological heritage but also aligns with Sur’s status as the Arab Tourism Capital, reinforcing the city’s position as a key destination for cultural and scientific tourism.