A Friend to All
This gift from Oman, “A Friend to All”, consists of 2 side arched colonnade frames, with 5 displays on each side holding 10 artifacts, 8 audiovisual screens, 2 benches, overhead trellis, red wool carpet, programmed media & equipment. While passing the thresholds, you are enveloped into a multi-sensory display of sounds, moving images, and artefacts. Oman has updated their gift on multiple occasions, most recently in 2025.
With this newest display, visitors can explore objects of cultural significance whilst celebrating the resourcefulness of the Omani people and beauty of place.
The arches host 5 stories:
1.The ceremonial Khanjar dagger with scabbard cover tucks into the belt and demonstrates Omani cultural identity for more than 400 years. The four silver European coins were at times melted down and used to create the dagger as well as serving as currency across the Arab world and beyond.
2. The Omani crafted necklace demonstrates a traditional design style in recycled silver with reimagined modern bicycle reflector that straddles beauty and practicality.
3. The water theme is a demonstration of the ‘aflaj’ irrigation system currently in use in Oman and is over 5,000 years old. Sharing precious resources benefits all and supports consensus in the community – a tradition that extends to Oman’s approach as a friend to all.
4. The two frankincense burners are made from recycled clay. The frankincense resin has been harvested in Oman for several thousand years and has medicinal benefits.
5. The lashed plank of teak and braided coconut fibers of a dhow ship demonstrates Oman’s maritime skill facilitating trade and connection throughout the open seas.
The display directly references several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production.