Muscat, Acting in cooperation with the Academy of Industrial Innovation and Oman Cement Company, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism today launched the Omani Sarooj mortar, which is used as a construction material in restoration, urbanization and decoration works.

Eng. Ibrahim Said Al Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage, said that the project launched was aimed at promoting the production of Omani Sarooj mortar with high quality standards.

Al Kharousi said that the project was conducted in three phases. “The first was an exploratory stage that dealt with surveying Sarooj to understand its local status in view of international practices. The second phase focused on conducting laboratory tests for the production of trial quantities. The third phase was the practical application of the material in restoration operations,” he explained.

Al Kharousi added that the project will contribute to the conservation of Omani professional crafts through the application of high standards, and sustain them so that they could reach the future generations.

An agreement between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Oman Cement Company was inked during the project’s launch ceremony. The agreement is aimed at developing and manufacturing the Omani Sarooj product.

Source: Oman News Agency