Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has awarded an anonymous citizen for their role in helping the state identify a 12-kilogramme stony meteorite found in Dhofar. Saeed bin Humaid Al-Harizi was acknowledged by Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for his role in helping detect a 12-kilogramme stony meteorite.
According to the reports, Al-Harizi contacted the ministry after finding the stone in Ramlat Jadila, Mitan, Dhofar Governorate. His initial thought on finding the rock was that it may have been a meteorite, and instead of keeping it or throwing it away, he chose to report it to the relevant authorities.
As such, the ministry processed technical procedures to identify the rock and the laboratory tests revealed that it was a stony meteorite that weighed about 12kg.
His Excellency Engineer Ibrahim bin Saeed Al-Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage, honoured Al-Harizi for his initiative and cooperation with government authorities.
The ministry said the discovery demonstrates the importance of cooperation between citizens and specialised institutions when potentially significant geological material is found. Proper reporting allows specialists to authenticate, document and study such specimens through established scientific procedures.
Oman has an important record of meteorite discoveries, particularly in its desert regions. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has been working to document meteorites and increase public understanding of their scientific and heritage value.
According to ministry information, an Omani-Swiss research team has documented more than 7,000 meteorite pieces representing around 1,500 individual falls since 2001.
Authorities have also stressed the need to protect meteorites from unauthorised collection and trade. The ministry has previously highlighted measures involving research, documentation, exhibitions and cooperation with border authorities to prevent illegal movement of meteorites out of Oman.
The Dhofar discovery therefore carries significance beyond the individual find. By reporting the specimen, the citizen enabled specialists to establish its identity and preserve information that could contribute to research and educational programmes.
The ministry said such initiatives can strengthen public awareness of Oman’s natural and geological wealth while encouraging greater community involvement in preserving discoveries of scientific and historical importance.
