UNESCO lists Omani navigator among influential world personalities

Muscat A number of academics and researchers of Oman’s history have praised the UNESCO’s listing of Omani navigator Ahmed bin Majid to the list of influential world personalities.

The listing, which coincides with the 600th birthday of the Omani navigator, will be recognised during a UNESCO’s International Programme of celebration of historic events and influential persons.

Ahmed bin Majid will be the sixth Omani personality on the International Programme. The listing of his name also reflects the great role he has played since long in navigating across the seas and oceans in order to communicate with the people and cultures of the world.

Dr Ahmed bin Saif Al Hamami, the Sultanate’s Permanent Representative to the UNESCO, expressed his congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik, the government and the people of Oman on incorporating the name of Omani navigator in the list of most influential personalities, worldwide, during the Unesco General Conference, which also coincides with the celebrations of the 51st National Day.

He said that the incorporation of such personalities comes after the respective country prepares a full dossier, which is verified by a number of experts, following which the dossier is examined by the Executive Council of the Unesco for approval.

However, the approval of the dossier by the Unesco General Conference is a final step. Academic and researcher Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Shuaili, member of the State Council said in a statement to ONA that Oman is rich in cultural heritage in various fields, mainly in the maritime field.

Oman has introduced to the international community influential personalities with remarkable contributions and achievements, he said. Navigator Ahmed  bin Majid has left behind a legacy in the marine field, he added.