Eng Ibrahim bin Said al Kharousi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage, presided over the ceremony honouring Japanese professor and geologist Dr Kondo Yasuhisa, who has been leading archaeological excavations in historic settlements across Musandam Governorate and Tanuf.
Dr Kondo, who has explored Oman’s archaeological treasures seasonally for the past 17 years, was awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Oman and Japan through archaeology.
Over his years of fieldwork, Dr Kondo has conducted surveys in areas such as Arain, Tanuf, cave-side settlements in the Canyon area in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, and in Musandam Governorate, enhancing the nation’s heritage inventory.
Speaking to the Oman Daily Observer, Dr Kondo noted that Oman has strong potential for archaeological tourism, appealing to nature-loving tourists. He emphasised that Oman’s rich cultural heritage, integrated with tourism, could position the country as a future hub for archaeology.
Dr Kondo underscored the importance of raising public awareness of Oman’s heritage by publicising these achievements.
The ongoing archaeological surveys in Musandam Governorate and Tanuf are part of a continuous national heritage inventory project, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature. The project is financially supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
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