On 12 November 2026, Oman unveiled its first submerged ecological museum along the Mirbat coastline in Dhofar, installing six massive concrete sculptures on the sea floor to foster marine habitats and attract tourists.
The project, a collaboration between the Dhofar Environment Authority and various specialist institutes, places the figures at depths ranging from 20 to 22 metres. The lineup includes a 14‑tonne blue whale, an 11‑tonne green sea turtle, an 8‑tonne Indo‑Pacific dolphin, an 8‑tonne spotted Arabian fish, an Arabian gazelle and an 11‑tonne sword‑leaf tree replica.
The installations are intended to act as artificial reefs, encouraging marine life to colonise the structures.
Issam Saeed Al Bousi, head of the Khawr Reserves Centre and project director, explained that the low‑impact sand seabed was selected to minimise environmental disturbance while providing a testbed for long‑term habitat use studies.
Construction, design and placement involved Omani firms such as Malad Al Reef, ensuring local expertise shaped the venture. Officials anticipate that, after the Khareef season, the site will draw divers, boat tours and other recreational operators, expanding Mirbat’s tourism offerings.
Beyond recreation, the museum will serve as an educational hub, teaching the public and younger generations about marine protection and the region’s biodiversity.
