The Zheng He Monument in Dhofar, Oman completion ceremony was held by the Chinese Embassy in Oman coincides with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Oman-China diplomatic relations.

Oman is an important country along the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Oman-China traditional friendship dating back more than 1,200 years.

In the year 750 AD, the first Arab recorded in Chinese history, Abu Obeid, an Omani navigator, set sail from Sohar—the Omani ancient port city—and successfully navigated a wooden sailing ship to Guangzhou, China. This historic trip marked the beginning of friendly exchanges between China and Oman.

During the Ming Dynasty, the great navigator Zheng He embarked on seven voyages to the North Indian Ocean. Dhofar, being one of the important trade hubs along the Indian Ocean coast, became a frequently-visited port of Zheng He’s fleet. 

His four times visits to Dhofar in Oman facilitated economic and trade interactions between China and Oman, in addition to promoting friendly exchanges between ancient China and the arab world.

On May 25, 1978, China and Oman established diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level.

In November 1980, the replica of the “Sohar” ancient wooden sailboat, commissioned by the Sultan Qaboos, retraced the maritime journey of the Omani navigator Abu Obeid. The “Sohar” embarked on a 231-day voyage, reaching Guangzhou, and was warmly received by the local people. 

After its return to Oman, the “Sohar” was permanently placed on the Al Bustan Palace Roundabout, right in front of the Majlis Oman in Muscat, serving as a symbol of China-Oman friendship.

In December 1995, Oman completed the construction of the “Sohar” monument in Guangzhou. Several years ago, to enhance the friendly relations between China and Oman， and further promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields, the two sides reached an agreement: China has decided to establish the Zheng He Monument in Salalah, which is the second largest city of Oman in the Dhofar Governorate, to commemorate the friendly exchanges between our two countries throughout history and to envision a bright future of everlasting interactions between our two peoples.

In addition, the monument was constructed using cutting-edge 3D printing technology by China Communications Construction Company (Oman), which is the constructor of the program.

Zheng He Monument Oman

In March 2021, during a visit to Oman, the then-Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi jointly unveiled the model of the Zheng He Monument.

On May 30, 2023, the Chinese Embassy in Oman held a completion ceremony for the Zheng He Monument in Salalah. The completion of the Zheng He Monument coincides with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Oman.

This landmark building, with its unique significance, will become a new symbol of the continued progress of the friendship between China and Oman in the new era. It bears witness to the continuous consolidation of friendly relations and cooperation in various fields between China and Oman, and the construction of a community of shared future with mutual benefit and common development, bringing greater benefits to the people of both countries.

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