NRAA Archives Open to Public During Khareef

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 3, 2026

Oman’s National Records and Archives Authority has opened a public exhibition featuring over 4,000 historical documents and digital materials during the Khareef Dhofar Season at the Return of the Past site in Al Saadah. The event aims to enhance public engagement with Oman’s heritage, promote awareness of archival preservation, and is accessible through interactive displays and inclusive resources until August 20.

Oman’s National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) has opened its extensive collection of historical records to the public during the Khareef Dhofar Season, offering an opportunity for visitors to engage with the country’s documentary heritage outside traditional research settings. The exhibition, titled "A Nation’s Memory in the Land of Frankincense," is being held at the Return of the Past site in Al Saadah and features over 4,000 printed and digital documents.

According to Hatim bin Abdulkarim bin Ali al Shahi, Cultural Activity Specialist at the NRAA, the exhibition is drawing more than 2,000 visitors daily, reflecting growing interest in Oman’s political, cultural, and diplomatic history. The collection includes photographs of Oman’s imams and sultans, records from the Al Busaid era in Zanzibar, documents related to Dhofar, and materials covering Oman’s relations with Gulf countries and the broader international community.

The displays incorporate rare manuscripts, distinctive historical records, and publications from conferences and seminars hosted by the Authority both domestically and abroad. The exhibition employs a combination of traditional exhibits alongside digital and interactive elements, allowing visitors to explore archival materials electronically through educational applications.

Special provisions have been made to engage younger audiences through educational booklets and activities designed to introduce the significance of historical documentation and preservation. Additionally, the exhibition features inclusive content in sign language and Braille, ensuring accessibility for visitors with hearing and visual impairments.

Al Shahi emphasized that the initiative aims not only to make archival collections more accessible to the public but also to promote national identity, raise awareness about documentary preservation, and highlight the NRAA’s role in safeguarding Oman’s historical memory. By aligning the exhibition with the Khareef Dhofar Season, authorities are leveraging the influx of visitors to deepen public connection with Omani heritage.

The exhibition will remain open through August 20, operating daily from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

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