UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oman

There are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oman. All of these sites are cultural.

Oman UNESCO Sites Placeholder
Oman UNESCO Sites

  • Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman (2006)
  • Ancient City of Qalhat (2018)
  • Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn (1988)
  • Bahla Fort (1987)
  • Land of Frankincense (2000)

Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman (2006)

This particular listing consists of five irrigation systems that showcase the irrigation method from way back 500 CE. This site is listed of cultural significance under UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oman as it is used to distribute water using gravity. Water flows through these systems and is utilized for agricultural use, as well as domestic use in various regions of Oman.

Ancient City of Qalhat (2018)

Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn (1988)

These sites are considered the best example of earlier settlements and necropolises that date back to the 3rd millennium BCE. The archaeological complex of Bat, al-Khutm, and al-Ayn consists of a rural settlement, monumental tower, necropolises, and an agricultural irrigation system. The remnants of this fossilized Bronze Age landscape are of an exceptional state of preservation. Hence, by including it in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oman, the government and researchers hope that they will be able to protect this cultural relic.

Bahla Fort (1987)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oman

The Bahla Fort is an immense and monumental fort that was built for by the tribe of Banu Nebhan during the height of its power (from the 12th to the 15th centuries). To this day, what is left of the fort includes the main walls, towers, and the majority of its stone foundation. Archaeological experts consider this of cultural significance to the region, thus naming it as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oman. It is believed to be the best example of a fortification that attests to the power that the Banu Nebhan tribe had during the time of its building.

Land of Frankincense (2000)

The Land of Frankincense, also known as Frankincense Trail, was listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oman in the year 2000 (the latest site to be inscribed into the list). It is a site along the Incense Road in Oman that features frankincense trees, affiliated ports of Al-Baleed and Khor Rori, and what was left of the caravan oasis of Shisr/Wubar. The trade of frankincense in the region brought about success to the economy and this went on for many centuries. In fact, the trade of frankincense was considered as one of the most important trading activities in the medieval and ancient times.

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