The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) intangible cultural heritage elements are the non-physical traditions and practices performed by a people. As part of a country's cultural heritage, they include celebrations, festivals, performances, oral traditions, music, and the making of handicrafts. The "intangible cultural heritage" is defined by the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, drafted in 2003 and took effect in 2006. Inscription of new heritage elements on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists is determined by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, an organisation established by the convention.
Oman signed the convention on 4 August 2005.
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Representative List Name Image Year No. Description Al-Bar'ah, music and dance of Oman Dhofari valleys 2010 00372 Al-Bar'ah from the Dhofar Mountains is a dance of two or four bedouins swaying a Khanjar dagger, accompanied by drums, flute and song. Al-Taghrooda, traditional Bedouin chanted poetry in the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman + 2012 00744 Al-Taghrooda is a camel rider's song of seven verses, performed in two antiphonal groups. Al 'azi, elegy, processional march and poetry 2012 00850 Al 'azi is performed solo by a lead singer brandishing a sword. The group following him replies with single notes. Al-Ayyala, a traditional performing art of the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates + 2014 01012 Al-Ayyala is a weapon dance traditionally performed during weddings, celebrations, and other events. Majlis, a cultural and social space + 2015 01076 Majlis –meaning "sitting room"– is a meeting place for society's individuals to debate matters and local issues, and exchanging news whether public affairs news or what concern the attendees. Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity + 2015 02111 Serving qahwa is an important part of hospitality. It is prepared in front of the guests, starting with roasting the beans. It is bitter and served without sugar. Al-Razfa, a traditional performing art + 2015 01078 Between two rows of men with symbolic rifles is room for dancers, accompanied by antiphonal singing. Horse and camel Ardhah 2018 01359 ardhah is the art of instructing a horse or camel for work. It is frequently presented at Alardha festivals. Camel racing, a social practice and a festive heritage associated with camels + 2020 01576 Arabic calligraphy: knowledge, skills and practices + 2021 01718 The artistic practice of writing Arabic letters and words to convey grace and beauty. Alheda'a, oral traditions of calling camel flocks + 2022 01717 Alheda'a is an oral tradition of calling a flock of camels passed on through generations. Al-Khanjar, craft skills and social practices 2022 01844 A khanjar is a traditional dagger worn by men for ceremonial occasions, it is a short curved blade shaped like the letter "J" and resembles a hook. Date palm, knowledge, skills, traditions and practices + 2022 01902 The Palm tree is considered to be a part of the history of the countries where it is a source for farmers, craftsmen, handicrafts owners, merchants, factory owners and food companies. Harees dish: know-how, skills and practices + 2023 01744 Harees, is a dish of boiled, cracked, or coarsely-ground cracked wheat or bulgur, mixed with meat and seasoned. Henna, rituals, aesthetic and social practices + 2024 02116A temporary tattooing practice with medicinal and aesthetic motivations. Bisht (men's Abaa): skills and practices + 2025 02233 A bisht is a traditional men's cloak popular in the Arab world for hundreds of years. Arabic Kohl + 2025 02261 Kohl is a fine black powder used as eyeliner traditionally made by crushing stibnite.
Good Safeguarding Practices Name Year inscribed No. Description Oman Youth Sail Training Ship (Safinat Shabab Oman) programme for peace and sustainable cultural dialogue 2024 02080
See also List of World Heritage Sites in Oman
Notes
References
External links UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Official site UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Oman: Official site