News

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 ...

Oman Participates in London Design Biennale 2025 Muscat, 1 Jun (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman is set to participate, for the first time, in London Design Biennale 2025 on 5 June with an artwork titled “Memory Network” designed by Omani architect and designer Haitham Al Busaidi. The “Memory Network” is presented under the artistic auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth. It bridges the past and present by reimagining traditional Omani pottery through a contemporary lens. Designer Haitham Al Busaidi presents transparent formations inspired by Omani ...

Giant of African Literature, Kenya's Ngugi wa Thiong'o Dies Aged 87Nairobi, 29 May (ONA) —- Kenyan writer Ngugi wa Thiong'o, considered one of the greats of African literature, passed away at the age of 87, a spokeswoman for his Nairobi publisher confirmed. Thiong'o, who died in the US state of Georgia, leaves behind a long legacy of critical works. Born in 1938 under British colonial rule, he lived in exile in Britain, before moving on to the United States. He only briefly returned to Kenya. An author and an academic, Thiong'o's works range from novels including "Weep Not, Child," ...

Oman Participates in Arab-Chinese Experts Meeting on AI in Libraries in ChinaNanjing, 28 May (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman is taking part in the sixth session of the Arab-Chinese Experts Meeting on Libraries and Information, held in Nanjing, China, from during 26-30 May 2025 under the theme: "Trends in National and Central Libraries in the Age of Artificial Intelligence."The meeting falls within the executive program of the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum for 2024–2026, under the patronage of the General Secretariat of the Arab League and the National Library of China, and is hosted by the ...

Digital Projects by Children's Cultural CenterBlend Fun, Learning, Cultural Identity for Youth Muscat, 26 May (ONA) --- In a pioneering step to strengthen national identity and preserve cultural heritage, the Children’s Cultural Center, under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, is launching a series of innovative projects aimed at children and youth. These initiatives seek to reinforce Omani cultural identity, foster social cohesion, and promote innovation and creativity by integrating Omani heritage into education—aligning with a vision that balances heritage ...

“Radiance” Art Exhibition Launched at Royal Opera House Muscat Muscat, 25 May (ONA) --- The second edition of the "Sutou" (Radiance) exhibition opened today at the Art Gallery of the House of Musical Arts in the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM). The ceremony was held under the auspices of Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth for Culture. The exhibition is an initiative by the Team of Omani Art Ambassadors. The current edition features distinguished participation from 19 male and female artists from the team, ...

Museums Tourism Development Conference Recommends Enhancing Integrated Management of Cultural Heritage Manah, 20 May (ONA) —— The International Conference “Museums and Their Role in Tourism Development" concluded its deliberations today in the Wilayat of Manah, A’Dakhiliyah Governorate, under the patronage of Nasr Hamoud Al Kindi, Secretary General of the Royal Court Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Oman Across Ages Museum. Regarding museum and heritage institutions, the conference recommended enhancing the integrated management of cultural heritage ...

Oman Joins World in Celebrating International Day for Cultural Diversity Tomorrow Muscat, 20 May (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman will join nations worldwide tomorrow in celebrating the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, observed annually on 21 May. The occasion aims to highlight the richness of global cultures and emphasize the vital role of intercultural dialogue in fostering peace and sustainable development. Marking the event, the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, in collaboration with the working team of the ...

Apple Pencil to Gain Arabic Calligraphy Tool in iPadOS 19Washington, 20 May (ONA) --- Apple will introduce a new calligraphy pen for Apple Pencil users that will allow them to digitally write in Arabic script. According to Bloomberg, Apple plans to offer a "highly advanced bi-directional keyboard" for moving between Arabic and English on iPhones and iPads, alongside a "virtual reed calligraphy pen" for Apple Pencil users on iPad. The two upcoming new features, expected to arrive in iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, play into Apple's ambitions for Arab markets where the company has been recently ...

Legendary Bolshoi Ballet Choreographer Yuri Grigorovich Dies at 98Moscow, 19 May (ONA) --- The renowned Russian choreographer Yuri Grigorovich, of Moscow's Bolshoi Ballet, has died at the age of 98. His death was announced today by the Bakhrushin State Central Theatre Museum in Moscow, which has often organized exhibitions on the life and work of the ballet master. Born on 2 January 1927 in Leningrad (now St Petersburg), Grigorovich shaped Soviet and Russian ballet for decades at the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Grigorovich choreographed Khachaturian's "Spartacus," and ...

International Conference in Oman Addresses Role of Museums in Tourism Development Manah, 18 May (ONA) —— The deliberations of the international conference titled “Museums and Their Role in Tourism Development" began today at the Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah, the A’Dakhiliyah Governorate. The event, held under the patronage of Salem Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, brings together over 42 researchers, academics, and experts from 21 countries. Organized by the Oman Across Ages Museum in collaboration with the ...

Royal Opera House Muscat Wins International BRAVO Music Awards Moscow, 12 May (ONA) ——- The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) has won the prestigious International BRAVO Music Award in the "Best Opera House for Performance and Music" category. Hamoud bin Salim Al Tuwayah, Oman's Ambassador to the Russian Federation received the award on behalf of ROHM. He stated that this achievement reflects the high standards attained by the Opera House in arts and culture, marking a culmination of its relentless efforts to promote global arts. He added that winning this distinguished ...

New Publication Redefines Concepts of National Security and International Relations London, 12 May (ONA) --- Recently published by Al-Falaq Publishing and Distribution in the United Kingdom, a new book by Omani author Dr. Abdulnasser bin Ahmed Al-Abri, titled “Security and International Relations: A Strategic Vision”, marks a qualitative addition to the Arabic library in the fields of security and international studies. In his latest work, the author redefines the concept of national security within a comprehensive analytical framework that takes into account the rapid transformations in ...

China Taps Digital Tech to Save Thousand-year-old Cliff Inscriptions Beijing, 11 May (ONA) --- On a cliffside in southern China, ancient inscriptions weathered by more than 1,000 years are being rediscovered, not with chisels, but with code. The Wuxi Stele Forest in Yongzhou, Hunan Province, is one of China's most remarkable open-air repositories of carved texts. Over 500 inscriptions, etched into cliff faces and stone tablets from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) through the early 20th century, bear witness to centuries of poetry, politics, and devotion to the art of the ...

May Performances at Opera House Celebrate Season of Excellence Muscat, 5 May (ONA) ---- As the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) draws the curtain on its extraordinary 2024–2025 season, the month of May promises an unmissable celebration of musical diversity, artistic mastery, and unforgettable experiences. World-renowned conductor Plácido Domingo returns to ROHM to lead Verdi’s iconic opera La Traviata on May 1 and 3, a stunning production by director Marta Domingo with Juliana Grigoryan singing Violetta and Yusif Eyvasov singing Alfredo. Pre-performance talks will be ...