News

Korean Diaspora Literature to be Discussed at LTIK Seminar Seoul, 25 Jul (ONA) --- A seminar that will shed light on Korea’s diaspora literature is scheduled to take place coming Friday, its organizer, the Literature Translation Institute of Korea (LTIK), according to The Korea Herald News. The seminar, titled “2022 Korean Literature in Diaspora and Anthropogeography,” will take place at LTIK’s headquarters in southeast Seoul. Co-hosted by the International Association for Literature of Korean Residents Abroad, this seminar aims to reflect the growing interest in ...

Oman Hosts 35th FIAP Black and White Biennial Muscat, 21 Jul (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth will host the qualifiers for the 35th Black and White Biennial—organized by the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP)—at the headquarters of the Photographic Society of Oman. The Biennial will see the participation of 458 FIAP photographers from 46 countries. The jury members include jurors from Turkiye, Greece and Bahrain. Registration for the competition opened from 1 April to 31 May 2022. Participating ...

World Heritage Festival in Korean Jeju Accepts Applicants for Expedition Teams Seoul, 19 Jul (ONA) --- The 2022 World Heritage Festival in Jeju Island, named “CONNECT- Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes,” which seeks to promote the importance of the Korean Jeju’s UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites through the story of the volcanic island’s birth, will return as an on-site program after a break last year. Jointly organized by the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, the festival will be held Oct. 1-16 at major World Natural ...

Book Titled "Oman in Time of Corona" PublishedMuscat, 18 Jul (ONA) --- A recently published book titled “Oman in Time of Corona” outlines the major changes that the global pandemic brought about in everyday life.Published in Jordan, the book was the outcome of a project undertaken by Oman Association of Writers and Literati. It was aimed at exploring the situation in the Sultanate of Oman in the backdrops of coronavirus (Covid-19).The team of science researchers who compiled the book archived a pivotal moment in the history of humanity as a whole. They provide the readers with the ...

Decision Restructures Board of Trustees of Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and LiteratureMuscat, 14 Jul (ONA) --- Sayyid Khalid Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, has issued a decision restructuring the Board of Trustees of the Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature.The decision stipulates that Sayyid Khalid Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Minister of Information is the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees, while the Head of the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture ...

14th International Conference on Omani Manuscript to Kick off on 19 JulyAmman, 14 Jul (ONA) --- Sessions of the 14th International Conference titled “Omani Manuscript, Indexing and Verification” is scheduled to be held in Jordan next Tuesday, 19 July 2022.The two-day event will be organized by the Al Al-Bayt University, represented by the Department of Omani Studies. It will be held in cooperation with the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, represented by the Ifta Office.The conference seeks to highlight Omani civilization and the historical status Omani manuscripts.A ...

Joy Harjo Picture Book ‘Remember’ to Come out Next Year New York, 13 Jul (ONA) --- Joy Harjo, who recently completed a three-year run as the country’s poet laureate, will have a picture book out next spring. Random House Children’s Books announced Wednesday that Harjo’s “Remember,” adapted from her celebrated poem of the same name, is scheduled for 21 March 2023. The book will feature illustrations by the award-winning Michaela Goade. “In simple and direct language, Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke Nation, urges readers to pay close attention to who they are, ...

Battle of Waterloo Skeletons Uncovered in Belgium Brussels, 13 Jul (ONA) --- Skeletons of soldiers who died at the Battle of Waterloo in Belgium in 1815 have been unearthed by archaeologists. Experts say the discoveries are "incredibly rare" on a Napoleonic battlefield and further excavation is under way to learn more. Teams found remains of humans and horses in the dig, which resumed this year for the first time since 2019. The Battle of Waterloo, fought on 18 June 1815, marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Historians describe the battle as an epic turning point in ...

British Book Conveys Oman’s Experience in Linguistically Managing the Covid-19 Pandemic Muscat, 7 Jul (ONA) --- The British publishing house Palgrave Macmillan published a book titled "Language as a Social Determinant of Health: Translating and Interpreting the Covid-19 Pandemic”. Dr. Abdul Gabbar Al Sharafi, Associate Professor at the Department of English Language and Literature of the College of Arts and Social Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), contributed to the books with a study he conducted on Oman’s experience in managing the Covid-19 pandemic ...

Latest Scientific Insights Issue Explores Impact of Research on Tourism Muscat, 6 Jul (ONA) --- The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation published the 35th issue of the Scientific Insights magazine, which explored a number of different reports and articles in the fields of science and innovation. The cover story of this issue of Scientific Insights dived into the impact of research and innovation on the tourism sector. It explores the important roles of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group), the Ministry of ...

Archives Authority Rectifies Earth Image by Al Idrisi Muscat, 3 Jul (ONA)—A team from the National Records and Archives Authority has repaired and maintained a rare “Earth Image”, an artworkby Al Sharif Al Idrisi (who passed away in 560 AH). It is a compiled copy of maps drawn by the renowned Arab geographer in 1154 AD. The working team restored the intactness of the map, which was damaged due to high acidity and loss of water qualities in the artwork, known in Arabic by the name “Soorat Al Ardh”. The map constitutes an important historical reference and it is ...

National Museum Launches Official Version of its Website Muscat, 3 Jul (ONA) ---- The National Museum launched today the official version of its website after making some updates to the trial version to meet the current technological advances to serve the desired goals. The website is an important gateway to introduce the vital role of the National Museum and learn about many historical and cultural aspects of the Sultanate of Oman, additionally it serves the general categories of visitors and specialists within the museum field. The website of the National Museum ...

Frankfurt, 27 Jun (ONA) ---- Ukrainian author, translator, and musician Serhiy Zhadan will receive the 2022 Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, the Frankfurt Book Fair's prize committee announced today.A statement by the committee said that the author was being honoured "for his exceptional artistic work, as well as for his humanitarian stance, with which he turns to the people caught up in war to help them at the risk of his own life."The 47-year-old is one of the most important voices of contemporary Ukrainian literature. He published his debut "Depeche Mode" in 2007.--- Ends/AH ...

Seminar in Jordan Explores Cultural Reality in Oman Amman, 27 Jun (ONA) --- The Arab Thought Forum in Jordan held a cultural seminar themed “The Cultural Reality in the Sultanate of Oman”. The event saw the participation of Dr. Mahmoud Mubark Al Sulaimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman Cultural Club and several writers from Oman, Jordan and other countries. On the sidelines of the seminar, a cultural cooperation agreement was signed between Oman Cultural Club and the Arab Thought Forum. This agreement was signed by Al Sulaimi and Dr. Mohammed Abu Hammour. Al ...

Oman Pavilion in Biennale Arte 2022 Italy Reflects Creativity, Cultural Diversity Muscat, 22 Jun (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman’s pavilion at the Biennale Arte 2022 in Italy reflects the creativity and diversity of arts and culture in Oman. Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth’s Undersecretary for Culture and Commissioner General of Oman's pavilion at the biennale told Oman News Agency (ONA) that Oman’s participation in the biennale for the first time is an opportunity for pioneering Omani artists to present various forms of fine art. ...

Corner for Omani Publications Launched at Russian Saint Petersburg University Saint Petersburg, 14 Jun (ONA) --- The National Museum launched a specialised corner at Saint Petersburg State University in the Russian Federation for a collection of Omani publications highlighting different fields. The move comes within the framework of cultural cooperation between the National Museum and Saint Petersburg State University, represented by the Institute of Oriental Studies. The corner aims to empower students within the field of Omani studies, and provide them with knowledge on ...

Muscat, 14 Jun (ONA) --- President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the United Republic of Tanzania visited the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) today.During the visit, the Tanzanian guest was briefed on the House, its facilities and shows, as well as its programmes and the latest equipment used in the world music shows. She also viewed the ROHM unique architectural designs creatively combining Omani architectural and cultural legacy with the modern architectural pattern. She also familiarized herself with the role of the house in the cultural field and its presentation of prestigious classic ...

Rome, 9 Jun (ONA) --- Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture met here today with Lucia Borgonzoni, Italian Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture.The meeting came on the sidelines of the Omani Cultural Days’ activities which are currently being held in the Italian capital, Rome.The two sides reviewed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the cultural sphere between Oman and Italy which is expected to be discussed and signed in the near future.The two sides also explored prospects of cooperation in restoring, ...

Rome, 8 Jun (ONA) --- Activities of the Omani Cultural Days began at the Colosseum Archaeological Park in the Italian capital, Rome. The event is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, with the aim of extending cultural communication between the Sultanate of Oman and the countries around the world through culture and arts. The Omani Cultural Days run through ill 10 June 2022. Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the ministry is keen to be present in global events ...

Rabat, 7 Jun (ONA) ---- The pavilion of the Sultanate of Oman at the 27th International Book and Publishing Fair in Rabat, Morocco, is witnessing a remarkable turnout as the pavilion plays a pivotal role in introducing the visitors to the Omani culture. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and the Ministry of Information are participating in activities of the fair, which run from 2 to 12 June. in its (27) session during the period from 2 to 12 June. LatifaMoftaqir, Director of the Fair praised the distinguished displayed publications at the Omani pavilion. --- ...

Florence, 5 Jun (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman won for the fifth time consecutively, two World Cups in the 40th FIAP Youth Digital Biennial in the under 16 years-old category and the under 21 years-old category. Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture told Oman News Agency (ONA) that winning the two cups for five years consecutively is a testimony to the skills of Omani photographers and their readiness to bag awards and medals. He added that participation in such international competitions would ...

Muscat, 2 Jun (ONA) --- A new book authored by Dr. Said Ahmed Al Ghaddani takes up the issue of bad habits and how to overcome them.Published by Injaz Printing and Publishing, the book picks up the example of smoking as one of the worst common habits that can be tackled in specific ways, so that, even an addict can be terminally rehabilitated.“To drop a bad habit, it all depends on sincere desire,” said Dr. Said in the introduction of the book, noting that the book, titled “Extinguish its Fire”, comprises smart ideas and genius solutions that can be applied in the ...

Muscat, 31 May (ONA) —- The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) will open the doors of a brand-new Music Library and Exhibition of Musical Arts tomorrow (Wednesday). The exhibition is titled: “Oman and the World: A Musical Journey”. The House of Musical Arts aims to provide an extensive resource for educational enrichment. The Exhibition of Musical Arts explores the unique story of music across the world. Told from the perspective of Oman’s musical traditions, it has been specially curated as the first of its kind, an incredible immersive and interactive audio and ...

Alexandria, 26 May (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman’s embassy in Cairo, Egypt, presented two history and geography encyclopedias as gifts from Oman to Alexandria Library. The first encyclopedia, titled “Oman Since Antiquity”, showcases the contribution of Oman—as a state and society—to human civilization. The second, titled “Jibal Oman”, reflects the diversity of the country’s unique geographic and topographical features. On this occasion, Alexandria Library unveiled two new Omani books. The first, written by Dr. Saleh Mahroos, deals with the rise and decline of ...

Muscat, 25 May (ONA)-- Dr. Lubana Mushawih, Syrian Minister of Culture, has said that shared civilizational and cultural values between the Sultanate of Oman and the Syrian Arab Republic are numerous and deep-rooted in history.She added that the two countries constituted major landmarks along the Silk Route, and this made interaction among their civilization a natural and crucial outcome.“The Sultanate of Oman serves, along with Syria, as a twin home for stone age and bronze age relics,” said Dr. Lubana.She told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the two countries had signed a memorandum of ...

Muscat, 24 May (ONA) --- The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) announced its upcoming production titled “Play”, an inspiring show perfect for audiences of all ages. This dynamic presentation is a fitting event to conclude the 2022 Royal Opera House Muscat season. Play takes the art of elite sport and creates a mesmerizing show exploring themes of competition, spectating, emotional connections and the fantastical in a production which is both sophisticated and personal. The audience can enjoy this thrilling production for the whole family at ROHM on 26-28 May 2022. ...

Muscat, 22 May (ONA) --- President Sergio Mattarella of the Republic of Italy has conferred the order of the Star of Italy (knighthood) to Jamal Hassan Al Musawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum. The order was handed over by Federica Favi, Ambassador of Italy to Oman, during a ceremony held in Muscat today. The ambassador lauded the role of Al Musawi in enhancing the bilateral relations in the fields of culture and museums between the two countries since 2011. Al Musawi cooperated with Italian expertise during the foundational phase of the National Museum project, ...

Muscat, 21 May (ONA) —- The National Museum today inaugurated the exhibition “Syria: the Cradle of Civilisations” in cooperation with the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums in Damascus. The National Museum also inaugurated the “Loaned Artefacts from the Republic of India” in the Museum’s Oman and the World Gallery in cooperation with the Indian Embassy in Muscat, under the patronage of HH Sayyida Mona Fahd Al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) for International Cooperation and Deputy of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum.Present ...

Muscat, 19 May (ONA)—The National Defence College (NDC) today hosted Dr. Nayef Falah Al Hajraf, GCC Secretary-General, who delivered a lecture titled “GCC—Aspirations and Challenges”. The lecture fits in the curriculum of the college’s 9th course.Al Hajraf outlined the GCC’s march of development and cooperation among its member states at different levels since the council’s establishment way back in 1981.The lecture touched on the GCC’s position in the backdrop of regional and international events—the bloc’s elements of strength and the challenges posed to its method of ...

Beijing, 18 May (ONA) --- An "extremely rare" 18th Century Chinese vase bought in the 1980s for a few hundred pounds and kept in a kitchen has sold for £1,449,000. The 2ft (60cm) blue-glazed, silver and gilt vase was created for the court of the Qianlong Emperor. Decorated with cranes and bats, it had been estimated to sell at auction for between £100,000-£150,000. The vase was owned by a surgeon who passed it on to his son who had not realised its value. Berkshire-based Dreweatts Auctioneers said it was only when a visiting antiques specialist spotted it that its true value ...