Ali Al Kathiri

Biography

Ali became Director of the Museum of the Frankincense Land in 2010. The museum is located in Al Baleed Archaeological Park, southern Oman, a site which was added to UNESCO’s world heritage list in 2000. Ali is a member of the National Committee for Museums in Oman since 2012 and a member of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

As Director of the museum, Ali manages the strategy of the Museum and is responsible for the galleries, collections, storage and documentation. He also gives tours for official visits. Ali coordinates the activities of museum employees and the educational programmes. He represents the museum during conferences and interviews.

Ali is currently supervising a number of international research projects including a study of wooden planks from Al Baleed with researches from University of Exeter, a study of Islamic coins with specialists from University of Naples, a study of the pre-Islamic coins with experts from National Museum of Oriental Art, Moscow and a study of the findings from Al Baleed and Sumhuram with the University of Pisa.

At the British Museum
During his time on the International Training Programme, Ali was based in the Middle East Department, and spent his partner placement at Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums.

Ali worked with Suruchika Chawla (India) on his Object in Focus project, Pathfinders: Outrigger Pacific Canoes.

Ali’s place on the International Training Programme was generously supported by the Anglo-Omani Society.