Tuesday 08 / September / 2026
Salalah--- President Paul Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda visited the Museum of the Frankincense Land in the Wilayat of Salalah today, as part of his official visit to the Sultanate of Oman. He was received upon arrival by Eng. Ibrahim bin Said Al Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage for Heritage, along with a number of ministry officials.
The President of Rwanda and his accompanying delegation toured the museum's halls, receiving a comprehensive briefing on its collections and exhibits, which showcase the cultural and historical heritage of the Sultanate of Oman and its enduring civilisational legacy across the ages.
In the History Hall, which comprises six main sections, the guest viewed exhibits reflecting the distinctiveness of Omani identity, beginning with the Geography of Oman section, which displays maps and essential information on Oman's terrain and environmental diversity, moving through the Oman in Ancient Times section, which documents archaeological evidence of early human settlement, the development of crafts and economic activities and the flourishing of the copper trade and relations with the civilisations of Mesopotamia, India and China.
The President of Rwanda also viewed the Land of Frankincense section, which highlights Dhofar's historical role as a major centre for frankincense production and export and the trade and cultural bridges it established reaching the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and Mesopotamia.
The guest’s attention was drawn to the Islam and the People of Oman section, which displays manuscripts and documents chronicling the voluntary embrace of Islam by the people of Oman and their contributions to spreading its values and sciences. He also explored the Highlights of Omani History section, which presents key milestones in the country's political and civilisational journey.
In the Maritime Hall, the President of Rwanda toured seven sections illustrating the Omani people's enduring connection with the sea and their commercial relations with peoples around the world. He viewed models of traditional vessels and replicas showcasing their mastery of sailing ship construction and boat building.
He received explanations on the Navigation section, which highlights seafaring skills across the ages and the Trade section, which illustrates the network of historic ports — including Samharam, Al Baleed and Sohar — and their pivotal role in connecting the region to global markets.
The guest also viewed the Virtual Sea section, which simulates the environment of ancient navigation and the Renaissance section, which reflects the achievements made in the ports and maritime transport sector in modern Oman.
His Excellency also toured the Central Bank of Oman's numismatic exhibition, which showcases the Bank's various issues of banknotes and coins, alongside the historic Islamic coinage minted in the Sultanate of Oman up until 1970, in addition to commemorative coins issued by the Central Bank of Oman.
At the conclusion of the visit, the President of Rwanda signed the Distinguished Visitors' Book, expressing his delight at visiting the museum and its cultural and civilisational significance, and affirming its importance in fostering cultural cooperation between the two friendly countries.
