The Oman Corridor at UN Headquarters, New York

The Oman Corridor at UN Headquarters is one of the most demanding international projects ever executed by Proasur. Commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, the team took full responsibility for technical development, production and installation of this permanent exhibit. The space is located on the second floor of the United Nations building in New York, just a few metres from the General Assembly and the Security Council. The exhibition features pieces of significant cultural value: traditional vessels assembled with palm and coconut lashing, khanjar ceremonial daggers, international silver coins, recycled clay incense burners, and audiovisual resources reflecting the inclusive and sustainable spirit of Oman. Every phase required precise coordination and thorough planning to overcome the technical and logistical challenges of the project.

Structural Engineering of the Oman Corridor at UN Headquarters

The greatest technical challenge was building a structure over 10.6 metres long, completely free-standing and self-supporting: no element rests against the walls of the building. The corridor is 5 metres wide with walls exceeding 3 metres in height. To address this challenge, the team developed three lines of work:

• Critical engineering. The self-supporting structure required precise load calculations and floor anchoring solutions with no contact with the building’s original walls.
• Precision finishes. El revestimiento que reproduce la piedra característica de Omán requirió técnicas de producción específicas y pruebas de acabado en taller antes del envío.
• The cladding reproducing Oman’s characteristic stone required specific production techniques and workshop finishing tests prior to shipment.Producción modular para transporte aéreo. All components were manufactured and pre-assembled at Proasur’s facilities in Asturias. The modular and lightweight design allowed shipment via direct commercial cargo flight to New York.

Audiovisual and logistical coordination for the Oman-UN Corridor

The integrated audiovisual technology comprises four 98-inch screens in display cabinets, four 55-inch recessed screens and 12 strategically placed speakers. All the equipment has been designed to facilitate future maintenance without requiring any work on the main structure. The logistics were as demanding as the engineering. The full installation was completed in two weeks, working overnight to avoid interfering with the corridor’s daily use. The project was delivered ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, meeting the deadline with no margin for delay.

Location and Significance of the Oman Corridor at UN Headquarters

The location gives the project a unique diplomatic dimension. The space is situated directly opposite the office of the President of the General Assembly, in one of the building’s busiest institutional corridors, frequented by representatives of all 193 member states. We are grateful for the trust placed in us by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, as well as the collaboration of Squint/Opera (concept design) and Fraser Randall (quantity surveyor), whose involvement was decisive. To explore more international production projects, visit our Museums and Culture section. © Sim Canetty-Clarke / Foreign Ministry of Oman