Several Omani figures have been included in UNESCO’s programme for the 50th or 100th anniversaries of important historical events and globally influential personalities, including:
• Linguist Al Khalil bin Ahmad Al Farahidi, listed in 2005.
• Physician and pharmacist Rashid bin Umaira Al Rustaqi, listed in 2013.
• Encyclopaedist and social reformer Sheikh Nooruddin Abdullah bin Hamid Al Salmi, listed in 2015.
• Physician and physicist Abu Muhammad Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Azdi, known as Ibn Al Dhahabi, listed in 2015.
• Omani poet Nasser bin Salim Al Rawahi, known as Abu Muslim Al Bahlani, listed in 2019.
• Navigator Ahmad bin Majid, listed in 2021.
• Historian and poet Hamid bin Muhammad bin Rzeiq, listed in 2023.
Al Khalil bin Ahmad Al Farahidi was born in "Wadam" on Al Batinah coast overlooking the Sea of Oman in 100 AH, during the reign of the just Caliph Umar ibn Abdulaziz. He is one of the prominent Omani figures who left a significant impact on science and knowledge. Al Farahidi enriched human civilisation with his knowledge and thought, being the first to create lexicographical works, documenting the Arabic language and its vocabulary. He also laid the foundations of grammar by extracting its rules and explanations and is famously known for his contributions to the science of prosody, classifying all Arabic poetry into its metres.
In recognition of his contributions, he was included in UNESCO’s programme for the 50th or 100th anniversaries of significant historical events and globally influential figures during its 33rd session in 2005. Al Farahidi was the first Omani figure to be included in this programme.
His notable works include:
- "Al-'Ain": A dictionary that arranges words by the articulation points of letters, starting with the letter 'Ain, which the book is named after.
- "Fait al-'Ain": An extension of "Al-'Ain".
- "The Grammatical System": A poetic system of 293 verses composed in the metre known as "al-Kamil" with accurate prosody, covering many aspects of Arabic grammar.
- "Al-Naghm": A book that highlights his complete knowledge of music.
- "Al-Iqa'": A product of his musical culture.
- "Al-'Arud": A book on the science of poetry metre and its variations.
- "Al Nuqṭ wa al-Shakl": A work on diacritical marks and their innovations.
- "Al Shawahid": A book of examples he heard from the Bedouins.
- "Al Awamil": A book on grammatical factors.
- "Al-Jumal": A book on Arabic sentence structure.
- "Al-Mu'amma fi Al-Alghaz": A work on riddles.
Al Khalil bin Ahmad Al Farahidi passed away in 175 AH.
Dr. Rashid bin Umaira was listed in UNESCO’s programme for the 50th or 100th anniversaries of significant historical events and influential figures during its 37th session in 2013. He is recognised as one of the most prominent Omani figures in the field of medicine and pharmacy. Dr. Umaira made substantial contributions to the cultural and scientific development of the Sultanate of Oman throughout its illustrious history. He was a skilled physician who treated many difficult diseases, earning a reputation that attracted patients from far and wide.
In addition to practising medicine, he also contributed to medical science through teaching and writing. He was also a scholar, poet, and writer who used his talents to teach medicine and develop medical recipes. His manuscripts and writings, which combine science and literature, demonstrate his unique approach. He wrote extensive poetry on the anatomy of the human body, with some verses focusing on specific areas, such as the eye.
His notable works include:
- "Minhaj Al-Muta’allimin": A comprehensive medical text answering his son Umaira’s queries, covering a wide range of diseases and their treatments, including those of the heart, stomach, bone marrow, lungs, uterus, bladder, breasts, kidneys, eyes, nose, ears, back, liver, spleen, and gallbladder.
- "Fakihat Ibn Al Sabil": Similar to the previous work, it describes diseases and their treatments.
- "Mukhtasar Fakihat Al Sabil": A condensed version of his earlier work, summarising proven remedies for various diseases.
- "Maqasid Al Dalil wa Burhan Al Sabil": Another significant medical text.
- "Zad Al Musafir": A book on medicine.
Dr. Rashid bin Umaira lived at the end of the 10th century and the beginning of the 11th century AH, corresponding to the late period of the Banu Nabhani dynasty (549 AH – 1034 AH, or 1154-1624 CE). His rich contributions to medical literature remain in manuscript form, awaiting further scholarly effort to bring them to light, just as many foundational texts have been published.
Dr. Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Abdullah Al Azdi, known as Ibn Al Dhahabi, who passed away in Valencia, Al-Andalus, in the sixth month of the year 456 AH (May 1064 CE), was listed among the influential figures globally during UNESCO's 38th General Conference in 2015.
His notable work, "Kitab Al Maa" (The Book of Water), is a pioneering medical and linguistic dictionary that reveals his dual expertise in both medicine and linguistics. This unique work skilfully integrates the arts of medicine and pharmacy, addressing both physical and mental illnesses. Ibn Al Dhahabi was ahead of his time in proposing the idea of substituting human blood with nutrition and discussed alternative medicine practices of his era, such as exorcisms and healing with the Quran, as well as the use of astrology. His work even includes an early reference to cancer, demonstrating scientific foresight that was advanced for his time.
The Omani social reformer and encyclopaedist Sheikh Al Allama Nooruddin Abdullah bin Hamid Al Salmi was recognised by UNESCO as an influential global personality in its 38th General Conference in 2015. Al Salmi's impact was profound in the social, religious, and political spheres of Oman. He enriched both the Omani and Arab libraries with numerous works in various fields, including the fundamentals of religion, jurisprudence and its principles, hadith, Arabic language sciences, and history, among others. He skilfully combined rational and transmitted knowledge in his writings and addressed the diverse trends of his time. His expertise in the principles of jurisprudence, which blends different schools of thought and directions, greatly aided his scholarly contributions.
Omani poet Nasser bin Salim Al Rawahi, known as Abu Muslim Al Bahlani, was listed among globally influential figures on the occasion of the centenary of his death. He passed away in 1920, and this recognition took place during the 40th UNESCO General Conference held at the organization's headquarters in Paris on November 14, 2019.
Abu Muslim Al Bahlani was chosen for his role as a poet and pioneer of expatriate journalism in Zanzibar. His global influence extended beyond his homeland to many parts of the Arab world and East Africa, immortalising the name of this great Omani poet among the world’s creative minds.
Abu Muslim grew up in the "Wadi Mahram" area and studied under his father, the scholar Judge Salim bin Adeem Al Bahlani Al Rawahi, and other Omani scholars of his time. He frequently visited Muhammad bin Suleiman Al Rawahi in the town of Al-Saih in Wadi Bani Rawaha to learn the basics of Arabic sciences. Later, he relied on his own efforts to acquire further knowledge and was greatly influenced by the scholar Saeed bin Khalfan Al Khalili. Abu Muslim served as a judge in Zanzibar and became the chief judge for several sultans of Zanzibar, with whom he was closely connected. Alongside his judicial duties, he conducted Arabic language and jurisprudence classes, producing many scholars and distinguished figures.
He was also dedicated to writing, leaving behind numerous works, some published and others lost or still in manuscript form. Notably, his book on jurisprudence, titled "Nathar Al Jawhar," was intended as a commentary on Sheikh Nooruddin Al Salmi’s extended jurisprudential poem "Jawhar Al Nizam." He planned to create a comprehensive jurisprudential encyclopaedia but completed only three volumes before his death, showcasing his exceptional ability and high potential. His other works include "Al-Aqidah Al-Wahbiyah," a book on creed, which was edited by Saleh bin Said Al-Qanoubi and Abdullah bin Said Al-Qanoubi, and "Al-Lawami’ Al-Barqiyah Fi Rihlat Mawlana Sultan Al-Muazzam Hamood bin Muhammad bin Said bin Sultan Bilqatar Al-Ifrikiyah Al-Sharqiyah," which documented his observations during his journey with the sultan, presented in prose and poetry.
He also wrote "Al-Noor Al-Muhammedi," "Al-Kunuz Al-Samadiyah Fi Al-Tawassul Bil-Ma'ajiz Al-Muhammedi," (manuscript), and "Al-Nash’ah Al-Muhammadiyah Fi Mawlid Khayr Al-Bariyyah." His "Al-Nafs Al-Rahmani Fi Athkar Abu Muslim Al Bahlani" collected his prayers and their recitation conditions, reflecting the behavioural aspect that was a significant part of his poetry. Additionally, he authored "Al-Lawaih Al-Anwar Wa Arwah Al-Asrar" (lost), mentioned in the introduction to "Al-Wadi Al-Muqaddas," and "Jawahir Al-Anwar Wa Arwah Al-Asrar" (lost), referenced in "Nathar Al-Jawhar," and "Bahr Al-Anwar Fi M’athur Al-Dua’a Wa Al-Adhkar" (lost), among others.
Ahmad bin Majid bin Muhammad Al Saadi (825 – 906 AH / 1421 – 1500 CE) was a renowned navigator and maritime scholar. He received his initial education from his father, Majid bin Muhammad Al Saadi, who was a maritime captain. Ahmad also studied with various other captains, observing their discussions and debates on ships docked in Omani ports. He relied on his own methods to deduce stellar measurements, track celestial bodies' risings and settings, and understand their effects on maritime seasons.
Ahmad bin Majid is considered one of the most famous navigators in the Indian Ocean and a key figure in Arab navigation history. He invented the magnetic compass used for determining maritime directions. His works spread through European libraries, were translated into several languages, and laid the groundwork for modern European navigation techniques. His scientific contributions and numerous writings are housed in various Arab and European libraries and serve as references for modern navigation principles.
His notable inventions include the "rose" device for determining wind directions during sailing and the "three boards" device for measuring stars. He also advanced the magnetic compass used for maritime direction.
Ahmad bin Majid left behind numerous scientific works in maritime sciences, exceeding 40 books and poems. Important works include:
• "The Taimiya Poem", "The Sea Poem", and "The Hanging Poem": Published in 1377 AH / 1957 CE as part of the book "Three Unknown Rahmanjats" (with "Rahmanjats" meaning maritime fastenings in Persian). The Russian scholar Theodore Shumovsky translated it into Russian, relying on the manuscript in the Institute of Oriental Studies in Petersburg, Russia, and later translated it into Arabic as "Three Flowers in Maritime Knowledge."
• "The Classification of the Qibla in All the World": A poem detailing the direction of the Qibla from all parts of the world.
• "The Comprehensive Summary of the Principles of Maritime Science": The longest of his poems.
• "The Poem on Horses" or "The Great Nuniya".
• "The Benefits in the Principles of Maritime Science and Navigation": This book contains comprehensive benefits in maritime science and navigation, compiled in his later years (895 AH / 1480 CE). Various manuscripts of this book are available in France, Syria, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The French Orientalist Gabriel Franch (d. 1935) published a French translation between 1921 and 1925, and the English scholar Gerald Tebbs translated it into English in 1970. It has been published several times in Arabic.
Historian and poet Hamid bin Muhammad bin Rzeiq is considered one of the most significant Omani historians of the 19th century. He meticulously documented the historical period from the rise of Al Busaidi family until the end of Sultan Said bin Sultan's reign in 1856. His works faithfully recorded the events and activities of that era, including European influence in the Indian Ocean and the Arab region. His writings have become important references for researchers studying Oman's history, with his works being studied and verified by specialists both within and outside Oman.
Bin Rzeiq’s writing style is noted for its neutrality and accuracy in describing events and for critically evaluating sources that describe events prior to his time. He was also open to the knowledge of others beyond Omani scholars, having engaged with the works of renowned Arabic poets such as Abu Tammam, Al-Mutanabbi, and Ibn Hani Al-Andalusi.
His contributions include several historical and literary works, among them:
- "Saba'ik Al-Lujain" (Silver Chains)
- "Fusous Al-Marjan" (Essences of Corals)
- "Jawharat Al-Ash'ar wa Fareed Al-Afkar" (The Jewel of Poems and the Unique Thoughts)
- He also authored books combining history and literature, such as:
- "Al-Sahifa Al-Qahhtaniyya" (The Qahhtani Chronicle)
- "Al-Sahifa Al-Adnaniyya" (The Adnani Chronicle)
- "Al-Fath Al-Mubeen Fi Seerat Al-Saada Al Busaidiyin" (The Clear Conquest in the Biography of Al Busaidi family)
Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalili was born in the Wilayat of Samail in 1922 and lived there with his family. He became widely known as “The Prince of Eloquence” for his refined command of language and rhetorical mastery. His writings are distinguished by the frequent use of words such as love, transcendence, longing, and remembrance. In addition to poetry, Al Khalili wrote short stories and stage plays in a poetic style. Throughout his literary career, he published nine poetry collections, including Al Khayal Al Wafer (Abundant Imagination), Faris Al Dhad (The Knight of Arabic Language), and Bayn Al Fiqh wal Adab (Between Jurisprudence and Literature).
He also contributed to various literary forms such as short stories, poetic maqamat, and several plays, most notably Jadhimah and the King. Al Khalili passed away in Muscat on 30 July 2000.
The distinguished Omani scholar and poet Muhammad bin Yazid Al Azdi, known by his epithet Al Mubarrad, traced his origins to Maqaisah village in the Governorate of Al Batinah North. He was given the epithet Al Mubarrad by Sheikh Abu Uthman Al Mazini in recognition of his eloquent argumentation and precise reasoning.
Among his most celebrated works are “Al Kamil” on language and literature, “Al Muqtadab”, “Al Maqsur” wal-Mamdud, and “Al Ta‘azi wal Marathi” (Consolations and Elegies). His book Al Muqtadab is regarded as the second foundational work on Arabic grammar after Sibawayh’s book, and nearly every subsequent text on grammar, Qur’anic exegesis, or phonetic interpretation drew upon or referenced it.
Al Mubarrad was renowned for his mastery in the interpretation of sacred texts and philosophical expression, a discipline later known as hermeneutics. His method combined linguistic precision with spiritual depth, often citing poetry and tracing words to their Qur’anic origins to enhance understanding and cultivate moral insight. In his treatise Al Balagha (Rhetoric), Al Mubarrad formulated the concept of universal rhetoric, establishing foundational principles and procedural criteria essential for any discourse classified as artistic or literary expression.