Meteorite Corner Opens at Crowne Plaza Duqm: What It Means for Tourism and Business Growth in Oman
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism officially opened the Meteorite Corner on October 25, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Duqm Hotel in Al Wusta Governorate. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote geological heritage and enrich the tourism and cultural experience across the Sultanate of Oman.
The Meteorite Corner showcases a collection of rare meteorite samples from the Jiddat al Harasis region, providing hotel visitors with a unique opportunity to closely observe these celestial objects. The exhibit educates visitors on the meteorites’ historical significance, scientific value, and Oman’s commitment to preserving them as vital cultural heritage.
A centerpiece of the collection is a distinctive sample from the Jiddat al-Harasis 91 meteorite, recognized as the largest meteorite fall discovered in Oman to date. This meteorite’s trajectory spans approximately 52 kilometers, with over 700 fragments recovered, weighing a combined total of around 4,600 kilograms. Scientific research has dated this meteorite fall at its original site to more than 12,600 years ago.
Additionally, the display features a sample from the Jiddat al-Harasis 73 meteorite, classified as an L6 stony chondrite. It is the second-largest meteorite fall identified in Oman. Studies indicate that this meteorite, which weighed over 20 tons while traveling through the asteroid belt, fell roughly 15,600 years ago during the Paleolithic period. To date, 3,638 fragments have been documented, totaling 620.9 kilograms, scattered over a 25.8-kilometer long path.
The Meteorite Corner aims to raise awareness among both domestic and international visitors about the importance of meteorites, their scientific and historical relevance, and the legal protections provided under Oman’s Cultural Heritage Law. These meteorites represent critical evidence regarding the formation of the solar system.
The exhibition also highlights Oman’s dedicated efforts in collecting, preserving, and researching meteorite specimens. Situated in the strategically located Crowne Plaza Duqm, this display is expected to be a significant cultural and tourism attraction in the region.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The inauguration of the Meteorite Corner at Crowne Plaza Duqm signifies a strategic move to diversify Oman’s tourism portfolio by leveraging its unique geological heritage. For businesses, this presents an opportunity to capitalize on niche cultural and scientific tourism, particularly in the Al Wusta region, driving higher visitor engagement and local economic growth. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should consider developing complementary services around eco-tourism, scientific education, and heritage conservation to tap into this emerging market and position Oman as a global destination for unique cultural experiences.
