Month: February 2024

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism recently published the book titled ‘Persistent Pastoralism: Monuments and Settlements in the Archaeology of Dhofar,’ written by Professor Joy McCorriston. It is the Ministry’s tenth publication in the last five years within the Oman Archaeological Heritage Series.

In this book, the author focuses on the cultural identity, economic activities, and social practices of pastoral societies in the prehistoric era in the southern Arabian Peninsula.

Additionally, the author provides a summary of the archaeological research that dealt with this aspect in the Governorate of Dhofar. The summary includes regional survey activities and excavations for the cemeteries and settlements of ancient pastoral communities in Dhofar, and the role of livestock herders in building archaeological monuments and linking transient families to the broader communities in ancient Dhofar for more than 7,500 years ago.

The book deals with archaeological analysis of social and cultural identities, patter
ns of use of available resources, the development of means of communication and exchange in these pastoral communities, their relationships and contributions to the development of the broader neighboring communities in this region over the course of time, up to the modern era.

This book is the outcome of studies and field work carried out by Professor Joy McCorriston in Dhofar Governorate starting in 1996. She is an anthropological archaeologist and holds the position of Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Ohio University in the United States of America.

The first edition of this book, published in English, was allocated to the international market and was printed in cooperation with the specialized international publishing house ‘Archaeopress’ in Oxford, United Kingdom. Note that its second edition, dedicated to the Omani market, was issued in the Sultanate of Oman and is available in the pavilion of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism at Muscat International Book Fair 2024.

Source: Oma
n News Agency

Amman: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates denounced the Israeli occupation authorities’ seizure of about 2,640 dunums of land from the towns of Abu Dis, Al-Eizariya, and Arab Al-Sawahra.

It considered the Israeli move as a flagrant and serious breach of international law and resolutions pertaining to international legitimacy.

The ministry spokesperson, Ambassador Sufian Qudah, emphasized that the Kingdom continues to condemn and reject Israel’s unilateral, unlawful actions, including confiscation Palestinians’ lands and uprooting them from their homes.

He emphasized that, in accordance with the two-state solution and the pertinent resolutions of international legitimacy, these Israeli practices and provocations undermine all prospects of achieving peace and creating an autonomous, sovereign, geographically contiguous Palestinian state on June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Oman Investment Bank, wholly owned by the government, was launched today to serve as the first specialized investment bank in the country. The step materialized after the relevant licenses were obtained from the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) and the Capital Market Authority (CMA).

Oman Investment Bank will have its headquarters at ‘Bait Al Dana’ in Al Khuwair, Muscat Governorate. The bank has been established to lend support to the government’s strategic goals and meet the aspirations of local and regional investors.

The bank will offer a wide range of financial services, including corporate consultancy and the development of local and regional stock markets.

Abdulsalam Mohammed Al Murshidi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Investment Bank, said that the bank is now poised to shoulder its vital role in supporting the implementation of strategic goals of Oman Vision 2040.

Priority is accorded to developing a flexible, diversified, and sustainable economy and introducing more competitiveness, he
added.

Upon the realization of the bank, Oman has thus taken steps to finalize the tools and instruments required internationally for developing projects and investments, the most recent of which was the launch of the Future Fund Oman early this year (2024).

As part of efforts to enhance its list of commercial franchise in upcoming years, Oman Investment Bank is focusing on providing an integrated set of strategic consultations and capital market products to serve listed and unlisted companies in Oman and other GCC states, in addition to global firms.

The bank will operate in many sectors, including energy, industry, mining, consumer sectors, agriculture, money and asset management, real estate, infrastructure, technology, media and communications, as well as any other sectors targeted by the Sultanate of Oman.

Source: Oman News Agency

Oman Economic Association today felicitated winners of the second edition of the Economic Research Award. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Said Mohammed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy.

Dr. Fatma Sulaiman Al Abri and Dr. Tripti Sharma won first place in the segment of researchers holding Master’s and PhD degrees. Dr. Mohammed Shaqroon won second place.

The prize was withheld for the segment of researchers who are holders of Bachelor’s degrees and students of universities and colleges, due to shortage in meeting the required research standards.

Dr. Khalid Said Al Amri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman Economic Association, said that the number of participants and entries submitted for this edition significantly exceeded those contesting the first edition of the award. This, he observed, underscores the role of the award as an inspiring platform for exchanging knowledge and enhancing cooperation between researchers and specialists in the field of economics.

Al Amri pointed out that th
is award also assumes significance as an effective source of data that benefits decision makers and provides them with accurate and reliable information.

He added that the award offers opportunities for specialists to exercise their research capabilities and make tangible contributions to sustainable economic development in Oman.

Source: Oman News Agency

A business collaboration exhibition codenamed ‘Takaful’ kicked off at the Civil Aviation Club, Muscat today.

The three-day exhibition brings together entrepreneurs running small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups.

The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Ibtisam Ahmed Al Farooji, Investment Promotion Undersecretary at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.

Besides offering entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their products, the exhibition seeks to enhance public awareness, explore business options and exchange experiences.

The exhibition also opens up vistas for partnerships and cooperation with similar business establishments from GCC states.

Source: Oman News Agency

Scientists have developed a novel technique using hazelnut shells to unveil ancient landscapes surrounding archaeological sites.

Led by Dr. Amy Styring from the University of Oxford, the study published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology reveals how hazelnut shells provide insights into the environment’s past state and human impact.

Through carbon analysis of hazelnuts from various Swedish archaeological sites spanning the Mesolithic to the Iron Age, researchers observed a shift towards more open habitats over time.

Dr. Karl Ljung of Lund University explained that hazelnuts were crucial for sustenance and possibly even fuel for ancient communities.

The method relies on carbon isotopes, altered by sunlight and water availability in the surrounding environment. Hazelnuts from open areas exhibit distinct isotopic values, reflecting higher rates of photosynthesis due to increased sunlight exposure.

To validate their findings, scientists collected hazelnuts from trees in varying light conditions and co
mpared their isotopic values with archaeological samples.

Their analysis revealed a transition from closed woodland environments in the Mesolithic to open landscapes by the Iron Age.

This technique offers a direct link between environmental changes and human activities like foraging.

By studying hazelnut shells from more sites, researchers hope to refine their understanding of past woodlands and landscapes, aiding in the interpretation of human-environment interactions.

The study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in archaeology, shedding light on ancient ecosystems while providing insights into modern woodland management practices.

Source: Oman News Agency