The Oman Cultural Heritage Programme which has representatives from various government bodies is seeking to identify traditional practices such as handicrafts archive them and then train people to practise them.

Dr Yousuf al Busaidi research director for culture and social and basic sciences TRC said this would have an effect on jobs tourism and general awareness in society. 'We're trying to link the cultural heritage research with sustainable development' he said. 'We're running out of time to protect much of the cultural heritage especially intangible heritage.'

Busaidi said the main priority is to widen research in the field. Potential areas of research are Omani personalities (historical political and literature) historical places (forts castles and aflaj) tools (agriculture maritime and handicrafts) Oman before Islam and languages and dialects.

In 2014 MoHC had registered 5736 ruins 55829 artefacts 1798 physical heritage items and 1384 old neighbourhoods across the country.

Busaidi said the strategy will be presented to the TRC Board of Directors for approval in June. If and when approved the programme will create a set of new funding opportunities in research he said.

The strategy is being prepared by a steering committee chaired by Dr Abdullah al Harrasi chairman of the Public Authority for Radio and Television.

Other members include representatives from the Ministry of Heritage and Culture Sultan

Qaboos Higher Center for Culture and Science the Public Authority for Crafts and Industry Ministry of Education the National Museum and academics.