Oman - hub of cultures in the Indian Ocean

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Oman's culture is characterised by the country's past as a maritime trading nation. Traces of all the cultures with which Oman has been in contact throughout history can still be found in the Sultanate today. Thus, Oman is still a hub of cultures in the Indian Ocean today.

The isolation policy of Sultan Qaboos' father and predecessor also had a positive effect despite all the negative repercussions: Oman's culture remained largely unaffected by the often questionable trends and fashions of the West until 1970.

The late opening of the country made it possible to take a critical look at negative developments in other countries. The Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, which was established in 1976, ensured that despite the initially high revenues from the oil business, no pointless magnificent buildings were built, but that historical buildings were restored and new buildings were formally integrated into the country's own culture.

A loss of cultural identity, caused by rapidly increasing prosperity, was thus largely avoided even after 1970.