Museum of the Frankincense Land

The Museum of the Frankincense Land is located on-site at the Archaeological Park of Al-Baleed (8th century till 16th century AD). The museum charts the area’s settlement since 2000 BC and illustrates the nation’s maritime strength and trade history. (Lonely Planet)

Al-Baleed is a harbour and exceptionally fortified site placed directly on the beaches of the Indian Ocean. Artefacts from China (Ming) and other countries indicate its importance as a harbour along the Silk Road to the Sea from where frankincense was traded.

The Land of Frankincense was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The site consists of four components: the frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkah and the remains of the caravan oasis of Shisr/Wubar, and the affiliated ports of Khor Rori and Al-Baleed. This group of archaeological sites represents the production and distribution of one of the most important luxury items of trade in the Old World in Antiquity, and demonstrates an outstanding example of medieval fortified settlements in the Persian Gulf region. (UNESCO)

Image copyright © Jozef Straka, Inspirock