Just over a month after the opening of Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, Oman’s pavilion had more than 570,000 visits.

The pavilion, under the theme ‘Heritage in Harvest: Harnessing the sea, sun and sand,’ tells the story of an unusual, unknown country that sees water and its agricultural traditions as an asset to preserve and a driver of sustainable development, said a statement.

It spans four areas representing water, oases, the sea and traditions, so it perfectly encapsulates Oman, it said.

Under ‘Harnessing every drop of water,’ Oman has introduced its strong tradition in the management of water resources.

From khareef, the summer monsoon crossing the Indian Ocean, whose influence seasonal makes the lush desert region of Dhofar making possible the cultivation of Boswelia that gives rise incense and feeds the Aflaj, ancient irrigation system sized a dense network of canals and dams dating back over 2,000 years ago inscribed as a World Heritage Site.

The Sultanate is continuously working to increase its self-sufficiency in food production in a sustainable way and this is the central theme of the pavilion because there can be no life without water.

The second section ‘Our rich farming heritage’ covers agriculture, with its crops for the local population and export.

It is the story of a country that combines technological innovation and sustainable development made unique by the harmony of a Mediterranean climate and tropical. Date palms, heart of the Omani agricultural tradition, is the centre of this section with the project ‘a million palm trees’ which should be completed in 2025.

In the third section ‘Treasures of our seas,’ visitors can learn about the rich marine environments and the fishing industry, which is still based on traditional techniques.

The country, which has declared an intention to double the proceeds of fishing within the next 30 years, is already involved in the activation of new regulations for the protection of marine areas and encouraging fishing for native species.

The fourth section ‘Welcome to our home’ is showcasing the authentic and friendly Omani hospitality with the ritual of coffee and dates and sharing tasty and spicy inside the sablat, the room of the typical Omani house where the family welcomes guests at parties, said the statement.

The area also features a typical local cuisine, with all the ingredients and utensils needed to prepare traditional dishes.

At the end of their visits, guests can take it easy on one of the most stunning terraces at Expo 2015 as they savour some traditional Omani dishes and coffee, it said.

Every day, more than 800 people succumb to the temptation of the delights on offer in the restaurant and the juice bar. The flavours and aromas that come from afar bear witness to the indissoluble bond between Oman and its traditions, it added. - TradeArabia News Service