World Heritage Sites : The impressive status of Oman's natural and cultural sites has helped The Sultanate to gain special attention and interest of the UNESCO, through its International Heritage Preserve Programme Administration, which by its turn aim to categorise and name all significant heritage sites worldwide, both cultural and/or natural.

To date, UNESCO has classified three major localities in the Sultanate:

• Castle of Bahla, its perimeter and adjoining oasis in A'Dakhiliyah Region, listed in 1987.
• The Third Millennium (BC) Settlement and Tombs in Bat. Additionally, the Al-Khatm and Al-Ain locations in Adh-Dhahira Region, all listed in 1988.
• The Luban (Frankincense) Route in the Governorate of Dhofar which was listed in 2000. The Route comprises the ancient cities of Al-Blaid and Shasr, Khuwr Rori, and Wadi Dooka. These locations collectively contributed to the flourishing of Frankincense trade for many centuries throughout the Middle Ages.
• In July 2006 the UNESCO World Heritage Committee approved the inscription of five Aflaj irrigation system of Oman on the World Heritage List. The origin of this system of irrigation may date back two thousand years. Aflaj, the plural of Falj which, in Arabic means equitable sharing of a scarce resource to ensure sustainability, remain the landmark of this ancient irrigation system. Using gravity, water is channelled from underground sources, or springs to support agriculture and domestic use, often over many kilometers. The fair and effective management and sharing of water in villages and towns is still underpinned by mutual dependence and communal values and guided by astronomical observations. the Aflaj inscribed on the list are:
• Falaj Dariis: in the Dakhiliah Region
• Falaj Al-Khatmeen: in Niabat Barkat Al-Muz - Nizwa- Dakhiliah Region.
• Falaj Al-Malki: in the Willayat of Izki - Dakhiliah region.
• Falaj Al-Mayser: in the Wilayat of Rustaq- Batinah region.
• Falaj Al-Jeilah: in the willayat of Sur-Sharqia region.

Castles and Forts : Oman Forts

• Al-Jalali Castle : Al-Jalali Castle rests on top of an Eastern rock, overlooking the old Harbour of Muscat, flanking the majestic Al-Alam Palace. Its name is thought to be derived from the Persian name Jalal.

  The Castle was originally Built in the early of the 16th century by Portuguese captain Melkior Calaca, with more fortifications and towers being added towards the latter half of the century.

  Upon its capture by Omani forces in 1650, it was gradually rebuilt and strengthened into present form.

  Al-Jalali Castle is fortified by two towers, connected by a long wall with built-in crevices that were used to fire cannons. It also hosts barricades, cannons and a reservoir to collect rainwater. Aside from a small bridge and stairway next to one of its towers, the Castle is entirely secluded and cannot be reached by land.

  The Castle and its twin Al-Mirani, in conjunction with veritable defences of Muttrah Castle and a host of fortified structures and watchtowers along the rocky ridges of the bay, made Muscat virtually impregnable. They collectively supplemented the old city's natural defences offered by the massed rows of rocky hills fringing the bay.

  At present, a proud monument of that glorious era of Omani gallantry and its martial heritage, the Castle resemble a grand museum set in an authentic, but grandiose ambience.

• Al-Mirani Castle : The unconquerable Castle of Al-Mirani tops the Western rocks of Muscat Bay, flanking Al-Alam Palace. Its is thought to be named after one of its Portuguese forebears.

  The Castle was originally Built by Portuguese in the early of the 16th century, who took it as their major headquarter during the 60 years of thier occupation to Oman. Towards the latter half of the century, they added more fortifications and towers to the Castle, then they founded a dock in 1610 at the foot of its rock, equipped with a low-level battery ram to repel attacks of passing ships. In 1650, Omani forces expeled the Portuguese, and gradually rebuilt and strengthened the Castle into its present form.

  The notable feature of the Castle is its oval-shaped artillery tower, scaling to a height of 26.5 m from its rocky base at sea level to the top of the roof wall, as well as the complicated and intriguing network of passageways it houses.

  The Castle and its twin Al-Jalali, in conjunction with veritable defences of Muttrah Castle and a host of fortified structures and watchtowers along the rocky ridges of the bay, made Muscat virtually impregnable. They collectively supplemented the old city's natural defences offered by the massed rows of rocky hills fringing the bay.

  At present, a proud monument of that glorious era of Omani gallantry and its martial heritage, the Castle resemble a grand museum set in an authentic, but grandiose ambience.

• Nakhal Castle : Located in Al-Batina Region, Nakhl Castle sets on top of a 200-metre rocky prominence in the foothills of the Western Hajar Mountains, overlooking the extended verdant palm (Nakhl in Arabic) farms of Nakhl countryside.