Reviving Omani Heritage: Initiative Launched to Preserve and Innovate Traditional Architecture

On February 20, 2025, His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said inaugurated an initiative aimed at revitalizing ancient Omani architecture at the Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah. The event saw the presence of Royal Family members, ministers, senior officials, and architectural design experts.

The initiative aspires to rejuvenate Oman's architectural identity by raising awareness of architectural design's significance as a facet of national heritage. It encourages the community to delve into Omani architecture, appreciating its cultural, social, and economic influences. The program also spotlights innovative models crafted by Omani architects over centuries, aiming to integrate traditional design and construction methods into contemporary practices that honor heritage while fostering innovation. Additionally, it seeks to engage various societal segments in discussions on architectural design, cultivate a creative and entrepreneurial environment, and enhance architects' prospects in Oman's labor market.

During the event, His Highness toured a pavilion showcasing 3D models of projects that secured first place in the inaugural and second editions of the Bilarab Bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design. The pavilion also featured the winning design for Oman's pavilion at the upcoming Expo 2025 in Japan.

A visual presentation chronicled the journey from the first edition of the Bilarab Bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design to the current Architecture Revival Initiative. It introduced the new framework under the Bilarab Bin Haitham Initiatives, encompassing the Bilarab Bin Haitham Community, the Award for Architectural Design, and various programs. The presentation concluded with the announcement that the third edition of the Award is slated for launch towards the end of the year.