News

Oman Participates in Arab Film Festival in KoreaSeoul, 5 Aug (ONA) — Oman Film Society participated in the Arab Film Festival in South Korea, showcasing two Omani films: “Al-Manjour" by director Mohammed Abdullah Al Ajmi and “You Won’t Sink Alone" by director Fahd Ramadan Al Maimani. The event, organized by the Korea-Arab Society, marked its 14th edition with the participation of 12 Arab countries. The films were screened in several Korean cities, including the capital Seoul at the Momo Art House, Busan at the Busan Cinema Center and Gwangju at the Asia Culture Center. Additionally, ...

Oman Registers Four Historical Landmarks in Arab Register of Architectural, Urban HeritageBeirut, 4 Aug (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has registered four historic landmarks in the Arab Register of Architectural and Urban Heritage. These include Al Hamoudah Mosque in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, the historic forts of Sohar and Nizwa, and Al Shawadhna Mosque in the ancient village of Al Aqr in the Wilayat of Nizwa.The registration took place during Oman’s participation in the 10th meeting of the Observatory of Architectural and ...

Oman’s Child Culture Award: Strengthening Cultural Identity and National Belonging Among ChildrenMuscat, 4 Aug (ONA) — The Child Culture Award stands as one of the pioneering cultural initiatives launched by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth to nurture children’s and adolescents’ literary and intellectual expression while reinforcing their connection to Oman’s national identity and cultural heritage. The award encourages creative expression among children and fosters engagement with themes of identity and belonging. Ahmed Nasser Al Rashdi, Head of the Child Culture ...

Topkapi Palace: An Artistic Masterpiece in the Heart of Istanbul Istanbul, 28 Jul (ONA) --- Topkapi Palace stands as one of Istanbul's most iconic historical landmarks, having served as the residence of Ottoman sultans who ruled vast territories for centuries. Today, it operates as a museum preserving memories of bygone eras. Turkish historian Ismail Yagci told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the palace's construction was conceived following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed II, necessitating a new administrative center for the ...

National Museum Learning Centre at Al Mouj Benefits More Than 3,600 Users Muscat, 28 Jul (ONA) --- The Learning Centre at Al Mouj Muscat, affiliated with the National Museum, represents a strategic step towards expanding community outreach and enhancing the museum's cultural presence outside its headquarters. The Learning Centre constitutes an advanced model in the field of ‘museum education’ and the development of vibrant cultural environments capable of responding to the aspirations of individuals and strengthening their connection to the cultural heritage of the Sultanate ...

Heritage Ministry Inaugurates Meteorite Corner at Mandarin Oriental HotelMuscat, 28 Jul (ONA) --- The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism launches the Meteorite Corner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Muscat Governorate. This initiative aligns with the Ministry's efforts to utilize geological heritage and enhance the tourism and cultural experience in the Sultanate of Oman. The corner features a collection of rare meteorite samples from the "Jiddat Al Harasis" strewn field, offering hotel guests a unique opportunity to view them up close and learn about their history and ...

Royal Army of Oman Band Achieves Advanced Rankings in Scotland Edinburgh, 27 Jul (ONA) --- The Royal Army of Oman Music band has achieved advanced rankings in the initial stages of its participation in the (3B) category of the Scottish musical competitions, in preparation for the World Championship in Glasgow. The band secured fifth place in its classification. Additionally, Warrant Officer Mohammed Khamis Al Amri earned fourth place, and Sergeant Tariq Nassib Al Amri achieved sixth place in the Mace Bearer competition, among dozens of participants from various ...

Archaeologists Unearth 3,000-Year-Old Prehistoric Mural in Northern Peru Lima, 23 Jul (ONA) --- A team of archaeologists has uncovered a remarkably preserved 3,000-year-old mural in northern Peru, offering new insights into the region's ancient civilizations. The discovery was made at a previously unexplored archaeological site in the La Libertad region. Measuring over five meters in length and two meters in height, the polychrome mural features intricate depictions of marine life, including fish and fishing nets, alongside celestial symbols and native plants. Its vibrant pigments ...

Dialogue Session Highlights Culture, Library Sciences and Sustainable DevelopmentMuscat, 21 Jul (ONA) — The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth today organized a dialogue session titled “Culture, Library Sciences, and Sustainable Development" as part of the “Civilizational Horizons" program. The session addressed the challenges libraries face in the wake of the digital revolution and the widespread use of the internet, exploring how libraries have adapted to these transformations to provide reliable information beyond geographical constraints. It also highlighted their growing role in ...

Royal Guard of Oman Band Concludes Participation in Basel Tattoo in Switzerland Basel, 21 Jul (ONA) --- The Royal Guard of Oman Band concluded its participation in the 2025 "Basel Tattoo" festival, held in Basel, the Swiss Confederation. The festival is considered one of the most prestigious and largest military music shows globally, annually attracting elite bands representing numerous countries with rich military traditions. The Royal Guard of Oman Band delivered musical performances and field displays that garnered the admiration of the audience and the appreciation of the ...

"Superman" Continues to Dominate North American Box Office Washington, 21 Jul (ONA) --- The film "Superman" maintained its top position at the North American box office, earning $57.3 million, according to estimates released today by Exhibitor Relations, a company specializing in tracking cinematic performance. In second place was "Jurassic World: Renaissance," the latest installment in the famous sci-fi franchise, with earnings of $23.4 million. Taking third place was "I Know What You Did Last Summer," which grossed $13 million. The film is a sequel to the popular ...

Nadam Fair Kicks off in Xilinhot, Showcasing Inner Mongolia’s Rich Cultural Heritage Xilinhot, China, 20 Jul (ONA) --- The annual Nadam Fair officially opened in Xilinhot, located in Xilin Gol League, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with a vibrant display of traditional Mongolian culture. The event’s opening ceremony featured Mongolian wrestlers demonstrating their centuries-old sport, a highlight of the festival that celebrates the region’s nomadic heritage. This year’s fair offers an array of activities, including night parade performances, ...

Traditional Yi Folk Art Takes Center Stage in Yunnan Cultural Celebration Yunnan, China, 20 Jul (ONA) --- A vibrant performance by a Chinese Yizu Dage team captivated spectators during a cultural parade at a public square in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, located in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Yunnan Province. The event highlighted the rich heritage of the Yi ethnic group, showcasing Dage, a traditional folk art with a history spanning nearly 1,000 years. Recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2008, Yizu Dage is ...

Medellin International Poetry Festival Launches Palestine World Literature Award Medellin, Colombia, 15 Jul (ONA) —- The General Union of Palestinian Writers has launched the Palestine world literature award to give poets around the world a platform to express the suffering of Palestine and its people, support its just cause, and promote hope and freedom. The announcement came at the conclusion of the Medellin International Poetry Festival, in collaboration with the World Poetry Movement. The Award was announced in the presence of Secretary-General of the General Union of Palestinian ...

RAO Music Band Participates in World Music Competition in Scotland Muscat, July 14 (ONA) — The Royal Army of Oman (RAO) Music Band is participating in the World Music Competition taking place in Scotland, the United Kingdom, from 19 July to 16 August 2025. The participation of military music bands in international competitions aims to refine the skills of their members and enhance their artistic capabilities and potential. ---Ends/AG ...

Seminar Highlights Media and National IdentityMuscat, 8 Jul (ONA) – The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth today organized a seminar titled “Media and National Identity," highlighting the significance of national identity as a cornerstone of nations and societies. Held at the Literary Forum and moderated by Badriya Al Amri, Director of the Ministry’s Communication and Media Department, the event featured Dr. Mohammed Awad Al Mashikhi, an academic and expert in public opinion and mass communication. Dr. Al Mashikhi emphasized that the erosion of national identity can lead to societal ...

National Museum Launches Culture-Rich Summer Program Muscat, 7 Jul (ONA) — The National Museum has launched its summer program, “Our Summer is Heritage & Identity," organized by the museum’s Learning Center with support from BP Oman. The initiative aims to enhance participants' awareness of national identity and reinforce the values of Oman’s cultural heritage. The summer program targets three age groups, namely children (6–11 years), school students (12–16 years), and college/university students. Throughout July, it will feature a series of ...

Preservation of Rare Omani Manuscripts: A National Project Highlighting Oman's Intellectual Heritage Muscat, 30 Jun (ONA) – The documentation and preservation of rare Omani manuscripts stand as one of the most significant national projects showcasing Oman's intellectual heritage. These manuscripts hold a rich cultural treasure that revives the history of ancestors and chronicles the stories that shaped Oman's identity and ancient legacy across different eras. In an interview with Oman News Agency (ONA), Nasr Nasser Al Busaidi, Head of the Documentation and Inventory ...

Ministry of Culture Organizes Symposium on Educational Sciences, Sustainable Development Muscat, 30 Jun (ONA) --- The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth today organized a symposium titled "Culture, Sciences (Educational Sciences) and Sustainable Development" at the Literary Forum Hall in Muscat Governorate. The symposium featured Dr. Saif Nasser Al Maamari, Professor of Curriculum and Teaching Methods at Sultan Qaboos University's College of Education, with Dr. Huda bint Nasser Al Busaidi moderating the event. Held as part of the "Civilizational Horizons" program ...

Oman Participates in London Design Biennale 2025London, 26 Jun (ONA) —— The Sultanate of Oman is participating in London Design Biennale 2025, which runs until 29 June. Oman’s contribution is represented by the creative artwork Memory Grid by engineer and designer Haitham Al Busafi, which won the award for best design at this global exhibition.The participation aligns with the efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth to showcase Omani culture globally and transform Oman’s cultural landscape into a hub of creativity and cultural diversity, in line with the executive plan of ...

Kaaba Kiswa Replaced as Hijri Year 1447 BeginsMecca, 26 Jun (ONA) —- The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque today held the ceremonial changing of the Kiswa, the black silk covering of the Holy Kaaba, in observance of the start of the Islamic year 1447 AH. The new Kiswa, weighing 1,415 kilograms and measuring 14 meters, has been installed. It consists of four separate sides and the curtain of the door. The belt of the Kiswa comprises 16 pieces, in addition to seven pieces below the belt, 17 lanterns beneath the belt, four panels inscribed with ...

Omani Publications Corner Inaugurated at Chechen State Pedagogical University Moscow, 24 Jun (ONA) --- A dedicated "Omani Publications Corner" was inaugurated today at the Chechen State Pedagogical University, marking a milestone in the cultural cooperation between the National Museum of Oman and the university. This initiative coincides with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation. The Omani Publications Corner aims to support non-Arabic-speaking students specializing in Omani ...

Istanbul Archaeology Museum: A Mirror of Türkiye's Civilizational Legacy Istanbul, 23 Jun (ONA) --- The Istanbul Archaeology Museum stands as one of the Turkish most significant cultural landmarks, showcasing through its rich and diverse collections pivotal moments of ancient human history while highlighting the succession of civilizations that flourished on Turkish soil over millennia. Established in 1891 during the Ottoman era in the Sultanahmet district, the museum comprises three main sections housing rare artifacts from various civilizations including the Hittite, ...

National Museum Hosts “Neo-Russian Style” ExhibitionMuscat, 19 Jun (ONA) —— Within the frameworks of "The Russian Seasons,” the National Museum inaugurated today the "Neo-Russian Style" exhibition hosted in collaboration with the State Hermitage Museum, under the patronage of Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.The exhibition, which will run until 2 November 2025, is dedicated to the bright period in the history of artistic life of the Russian Empire in the 1880s - 1910s, when "the Russian style" in art formed several decades earlier was ...

Oman Participates in Beijing International Book Fair 2025Muscat, 18 Jun 18 (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Information, is participating in the Beijing International Book Fair 2025, which runs until 22 June in the Chinese capital, Beijing.Oman's participation aims to activate its pavilion as a literary and intellectual hub, offering visitors insights into the nation's past, present, and future. The pavilion features a diverse and extensive collection of publications across literary, artistic, intellectual, and ...

"Time of White Horses" Shortlisted for Prestigious Neustadt International Prize Oklahoma, 16 Jun (ONA) --- Palestinian author Ibrahim Nasrallah's acclaimed novel “Time of White Horses” has been selected as a finalist for the Neustadt International Prize for Literature—often referred to as the "American Nobel"—marking the only Arabic work among nine global contenders. The winner of the biennial award, administered by the University of Oklahoma'sWorld Literature Todaymagazine, will be announced this October 2025 during a literary festival. Nasrallah's novel, ...

"Istanbul Modern” Museum Becomes First Dedicated Modern, Contemporary Art Space Istanbul, 16 Jun (ONA) --- The “Istanbul Modern" building has been recognized as Turkey's first museum of modern and contemporary art, earning the prestigious "Building of the Year 2024" award in the cultural architecture category. Located on the European shore of Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, the museum stands out for its striking design. It has quickly become a cultural and social hub for both residents and visitors. Its vast, light-filled halls host a dynamic collection of temporary ...

27th Shanghai International Film Festival Commences Beijing, 15 Jun (ONA) --- The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) commenced in Shanghai, with 49 works shortlisted for this year's Golden Goblet Awards. The festival, featuring over 400 domestic and international films screened across Shanghai, will run till 22 June 2025, according to (Xinhua) news agency. This year marks the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema. Film Panorama will initiate a special section titled "Resonance: A Brief Encounter of Chinese and World Cinema," ...

Oman Radio Wins Second Prize in Arab Music and Singing CompetitionTunis, 3 Jun (ONA) – Oman Radio has secured second prize in the "Song" category of the Arab Music and Singing Competition, organized by the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) based in Tunis, for the song Mawtan Al-Jalal.The winning entry features lyrics by Hisham Al Saqri, composition and arrangement by Asaad Al Raisi, and vocals by Abdulhameed Al Kayoumi.The competition saw broad participation from Arab broadcasting entities, including both public and private radio stations, with 11 songs and 8 musical pieces submitted ...

Gulf Film Festival Opens Submissions for Participation Muscat, 1 Jun (ONA) — The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth has announced the opening of submissions for the upcoming Gulf Film Festival, scheduled to take place in Muscat during 16-19 November 2025. The event will be organized in collaboration with the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and aligns with the festival's regulatory framework established by the GCC Secretariat General, as part of the implementation of the GCC Cultural Strategy 2020-2030. The ministry has extended an ...