Next Tejarah Talks on Heritage Business: Unlocking Growth Opportunities for Oman’s Entrepreneurs and Investors
MUSCAT: As nations vie for attention, investment, and influence, culture is increasingly becoming a crucial part of their narratives. The upcoming edition of Tejarah Talks, scheduled for 7:30 pm on Tuesday, April 14, at the Civil Aviation Authority Training Centre, will explore how Oman can leverage its rich heritage to create broader economic value and international significance without sacrificing authenticity.
Globally, culture and creativity represent 3.1% of GDP and 6.2% of employment, highlighting the rising importance of creative industries not only as expressions of identity but also as key economic contributors. This Tejarah Talks session, themed “Cultural Capital: Turning Heritage into Global Influence,” will feature experts from the heritage, museum, and tourism sectors discussing how Oman can better share its cultural assets with the world while preserving their unique qualities.
The event will focus on how heritage can drive sustainable development, boost tourism, and foster creative enterprises in Oman. Discussions will emphasize craftsmanship, historic sites, cultural experiences, and the role of technology in expanding reach and commercial opportunities. The session will also address safeguarding traditions amid growing cultural industries, enhancing the positioning of Omani cultural exports, and supporting future growth through appropriate funding mechanisms.
Key speakers include Dr. Fatma al Balushi, Adviser to the Secretary General for Museum Affairs at The National Museum; Omar al Mamari, Museum Manager at Bait Al Zubair; and Ahmed al Mukhaini, Senior Research Fellow at the UNESCO Chair for World Heritage Sites and Sustainable Tourism Management in the Arab Region, GUtech. The discussion will be moderated by Jamal al Asmi, Creative Growth Director at Mubashir.
Badriya al Amri, from the Oman Business Forum Office at MoCIIP and organiser of Tejarah Talks, stated, “The challenge is not whether Omani heritage holds value—it unquestionably does. The true task is to bring that value to a wider audience without diluting what makes it distinctive. Often, culture is either so tightly protected it struggles to reach beyond its borders or commercialized to the point it loses meaning. We aim for a thoughtful balance, where heritage can create opportunities, support livelihoods, and engage new audiences, while remaining deeply rooted, authentic, and unmistakably Omani.”
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s cultural heritage presents a strategic asset for sustainable economic growth, particularly in tourism, creative industries, and cultural exports. Businesses should capitalize on authentic craftsmanship and historic experiences, while smart investors need to focus on innovative funding models and technology-driven market expansion to balance preservation with global influence. This approach offers a unique opportunity to develop a vibrant sector that supports livelihoods without compromising Oman’s distinctive cultural identity.
