Oman works on joint submission for UNESCO recognition of Arabian horse breeding

Oman is collaborating with other Arab states to include Arabian horse breeding on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in Oman hosted a workshop titled “Arabian Horse Breeding: Authentic Legacy and Sustainable Vision”, gathering researchers, practitioners and officials together to discuss the cultural significance and future of Arabian horse breeding. The workshop also reviewed a draft UNESCO submission.

According to Muscat Daily, Sheikh Hamad Bin Salem Al-Balushi, a Board Member of the Oman Equestrian Federation, highlighted for seminar participants the historical significance of Arabian horses in Oman, including the legendary Zad Al-Rikib, and the tradition of gifting these horses internationally to preserve the breed.

Suleiman Bin Ali Al-Hattali from the Royal Cavalry in Oman then stressed the need to maintain purebred Arabian lineages, documenting breeds and promoting preservation through publications and initiatives.

The session was closed by Dr Sand Bin Saif Al-Sunaidi who discussed the cultural and social importance of Arabian horses in Oman, calling them “symbols of pride, courage, and community” and vital to the sultanate’s heritage and economy.

This workshop follows a meeting in November 2024 organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO).

At the time, the President of BACA, Shaikh Khalifa Bin Ahmed Bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa, said that, “The Kingdom of Bahrain is proud to lead joint Arab efforts to include the Arabian Horse on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list alongside 17 Arab countries.”

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