ITP Reunion in Oman

Written by Nevine Nizar Zakaria, Alexander von Humboldt Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Würzburg, Museology Section and Assistant to the MoTA’s Minister for the Development of Museums and Archaeological Sites (Egypt, ITP 2012)

Celebrating International Museum Day 2025 in Oman took on a special meaning this year. From 18 to 20 May, museum professionals from different countries across the globe gathered for the International Conference: Museums and Their Role in Tourism Development – hosted at one of the most impressive new museum venues in the region: the Oman Across Ages Museum.

What made the experience even more meaningful was the strong presence of ITP alumni – from the organizing team to session chairs and presenters – turning the event into an unexpected yet joyful ITP reunion.

It was a proud moment to see Moza Al-Wardi, Assistant Director General for Museum Affairs, Oman Across Ages Museum (Oman, ITP 2013) playing a pivotal role in leading the organization of this successful conference, which welcomed participants from over 21 countries. Moza not only managed the implementation of the event but also moderated a session on the educational role of museums, offering thoughtful reflections on how learning can be embedded in the visitor journey.

Also, part of the organizing team was Ruqaia Al Shokri, Head of Information, Oman Across Ages Museum (Oman, ITP 2024), who provided crucial support behind the scenes as part of the coordination team -ensuring the smooth running of the conference across its three rich days.

ITP Contributions

Many ITPers took to the stage to share their expertise:

Mohamed Ahmed Abdel Salam, Assistant Professor of Archaeology & Museum Studies, in the Archaeology Faculty, Ain Shams University in Cairo (Egypt, ITP 2013) presented an insightful talk on the Ottoman Damascus Room, raising important questions about authenticity and context in object display and preservation, sparking meaningful dialogue among attendees.

Marwa Abdel Razq, Head of Registration, Collection Management and Documentation, The Egyptian Museum (Egypt, ITP 2012) not only presented but also moderated a compelling session on Digital Technologies in Museum Exhibitions. Her presentation offered innovative perspectives on how effective collection management can enhance cultural tourism.

Heba Amer, Curator & Head of Education, Alexandria National Museum (Egypt, ITP 2024) captivated the audience with a talk and hands-on workshop on transforming historical figures into digital characters — an exciting strategy to boost museum engagement through technology.

As for myself, I had the pleasure of presenting a joint study paper with Dr. Eslam Nofel (Associate Professor at Sharjah University) exploring the evolving management model of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Our study reflects on how this new model aims to attract investment and promote financial sustainability while maintaining the museum’s cultural mission.

Beyond the Conference

What truly made the event special was the opportunity to reconnect with fellow ITPers, exchange ideas about our current projects, and discuss how museums across the world are adapting to changing social, economic, and environmental contexts.

Outside the conference, we had the chance to explore the stunning Nizwa Castle, where we were transported back in time through its architecture and the timeless charm of Omani heritage. The hospitality and warmth of the Omani people made this visit even more unforgettable.

A Rich and Rewarding Experience

From the scale of participation to the quality of dialogue, this conference was a milestone event in the region’s museum calendar. The Oman Across Ages Museum itself was impressive – offering a world-class visitor experience in a setting deeply rooted in the country’s identity.

For me, the conference was not just an opportunity for professional growth; it was also a celebration of the ITP network—a community that continues to inspire, collaborate, and strengthen with each passing year.