US Ambassador Visits Cultural, Education Sites in Dhofar

December 27, 2011

At the site of the ancient city of Sumhuram

U.S. Ambassador Richard J. Schmierer, Mrs. Schmierer, and U.S Embassy staff traveled to Dhofar Governorate on December 19 to 21 to visit Omani cultural sites and educational projects. 

The U.S. Embassy delegation first visited the Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, HE Sheikh Salim bin Aufait Al Shanfari. The ambassador congratulated His Excellency Al Shanfari on the success of the recent Khareef Festival and hailed the Municipality’s invaluable cooperation which has resulted in two successful participations of the embassy in this event.

The Ambassador’s delegation then traveled to the Wilayat of Taqqah, where they toured the distinguished Taqqah Fort and Khor Rori archaeological site, site of the ancient city of Sumhuram. The ambassador and his wife also had the opportunity to visit the beautiful Wadi Dawkah Reserve, one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Cultural Sites, on the ancient frankincense trade route.  “We are extremely impressed by the wealth of history and culture Oman has to offer,” said Ambassador Schmierer.  “We encourage Omanis and Americans to visit these cultural treasures and see the natural beauty Dhofar Governorate has to offer throughout the year.” 

In recognition of the importance of education in the region, Ambassador Schmierer paid a visit to Dhofar University’s new campus.  There, he met with Vice Chancellor Dr. Hassan Kashoob to discuss areas of cooperation in educational and cultural programs and tour the campus.   The ambassador’s delegation also visited the Al Murooj School to greet students in the English ACCESS Microscholarship Program, which gives Omani students the opportunity to engage in two years of after-school English-language classes with an American instructor. The ACCESS program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State, is currently implemented in Muscat, Sohar, Salalah, and Nizwa, by AMIDEAST and the Ministry of Education.   “The U.S. Embassy is delighted to support this important program, which opens doors for Omani students’ educational and professional advancement,” said the ambassador.  Including the students in Dhofar, 320 Omani students will have taken part in the ACCESS program in 2011.