Tuesday 14 / April / 2026
Muscat: President Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana, accompanied by an official delegation, visited the National Museum today as part of a working visit to the Sultanate of Oman.
Upon arrival at the museum, the visiting President was received by several museum officials.
The distinguished guest toured the museum’s halls and galleries, receiving a comprehensive briefing on the edifice and its exhibits, which highlight significant aspects of Oman’s history and civilisation.
At the outset of the visit, the President of Botswana viewed the Earth and Man Gallery, where he was introduced to a collection of artefacts that embody Oman’s identity, most notably the Sultan’s Dagger (Al Dagla Al Sultaniyah), as well as objects illustrating traditional methods of treasure preservation.
He also visited the Maritime History Gallery, learning about the contributions of Omani captains in shaping the nation’s far‑reaching maritime presence, and viewed discoveries from the wreck of a sunken ship belonging to Vasco da Gama’s fleet.
In the Arms Gallery, the President watched the visual presentation “Oman: The Pearl of the East in the Land of Hope.” In the Land of Frankincense Gallery, he was introduced to archaeological sites inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, while in the Bat, Al Khutm and Al Ayn Gallery, he learned about ancient tomb construction techniques and discovered archaeological finds from these UNESCO‑listed sites.
The visiting President also examined tombstones dating back to the Rasulid dynasty, which ruled Dhofar in the 14th century CE. In the Prehistory and Ancient Ages Gallery, he viewed artefacts from the Magan Civilisation, including the oldest known incense burner, dating from between 2500 and 2000 BCE.
In the Splendours of Islam Gallery, he saw a replica of a letter sent by the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), along with artefacts showcasing the beauty of Islamic creativity, most notably the mihrab of Al Owainah Mosque. He also explored the sections on religious coexistence and the status of women in Islam.
The visit included the Oman and the World Gallery, where the President of Botswana viewed the Sultana ship, learned about the history of the Sultanate of Zanzibar, and discovered prominent Omani figures in Africa – a vivid testament to the deep historical and cultural ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the African continent.
In the Renaissance Gallery, the President visited the corner dedicated to the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimour(the Dearest and Finest of Men)– viewing the original text of Sultan Qaboos’s first official letter, addressed to the esteemed members of the Royal Family Council through the Defence Council. He also examined several artefacts from Sultan Qaboos’s legacy, renowned for his wisdom and peaceful leadership.
The visiting President was also shown the “Makonde Ujamaa” Tree of Life sculpture, carved by hand from ebony wood by Makonde artisans. The piece was gifted to Sultan Qaboos bin Said by the late Tanzanian President Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli.
At the conclusion of the visit, the President of Botswana signed the distinguished visitors’ book, expressing his admiration for the museum’s collections, which reflect the history and culture of the Sultanate of Oman, and wishing for further cooperation, progress and prosperity in bilateral relations between Oman and Botswana.
President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana was accompanied during the visit by Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, Chairman of Oman Investment Authority (Head of Mission of Honour).
