News

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 ...

Martyrs' Memorial and National Museum of Moudjahid Showcase Glorious Pages of Algeria’s History Algiers, 5 May (ONA) —— The Algerian landmark, which includes Memorial of the Martyr, or Maqam E'chahid, and the National Museum of Moudjahid, recounts shining pages of Algeria’s history. The landmark, visited by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik today, was built to commemorate the struggle and resistance of the Algerian people against foreign colonialism and was officially inaugurated on 5 July, 1982, marking the 20th anniversary of Algeria’s independence. The El ...

Oman Across Ages Museum to Organize International Conference on 18 May Manah, 5 May (ONA) —— The international conference “Museums and Their Role in Tourism Development" will take place from May 18 to 20 at Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah, the Governorate of A’Dakhiliyah. Organized in collaboration with the National Records and Archives Authority and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the event will feature over 42 researchers, academics, and experts from 21 countries, along with heritage and tourism professionals from within and outside the ...

Muscat International Book Fair Sees 64.81% Surge in VisitorsMuscat, 4 May (ONA) —— The 29th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair recorded a 64.81% increase in visitors, attracting 649,589 attendees compared to 394,172 in the previous edition. This significant turnout reflects the fair’s leading cultural stature and prominent position on the global events map.Ahmed Saud Al Rawahi, Director of Muscat International Book Fair, told Oman News Agency (ONA): “With each edition, we strive to offer programs that align with the aspirations and interests of all groups across various ...

Deserts Teeming with Life in an Exhibition at National Museum of Natural History in Paris Paris, 4 May (ONA) --- The Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Natural History in the French capital, Paris, is hosting an exhibition about the world’s deserts and the contradictions these arid lands embody. Far from the idea of empty, lifeless spaces, the exhibition titled "Desert" portrays these regions as worlds where life adapts in astonishing ways to survive. Visitors can explore the great desert families of the Earth and the extraordinary adaptive abilities of animals, plants, and humans. The ...

Panel Discussion Held on Cultural, Intellectual Role of National Library of OmanMuscat, 1 May (ONA) – As part of the programmes of 29th edition of Muscat International Book Fair, the National Library of Oman today organized a panel discussion on its intellectual and cultural role.The dialogue session highlighted the role of Omanis and their intellectual and scholarly contributions to civilization, since the dawn of Islam. It also elaborated on the national bibliography and its significance in preserving Omani intellectual outcomes, manuscripts and their role in safeguarding ...

Agatha Christie Brought to Life by AI for Writing CourseLondon, 1 May (ONA) —- Aspiring writers are being offered vital clues on writing from Agatha Christie, with a little help from artificial intelligence (AI). The British public broadcaster BBC and the late best-selling author's estate have teamed up to create Agatha Christie Writing, an online course using her own words delivered by the woman herself. Brought to life by actress Vivien Keen and visual effect artists, the course will use AI-enhanced technology, images and restored audio recordings to recreate Christie's words and ...

Dialogue Session Explores Role of Cultural Diversity in Strengthening National Identity Muscat, 29 Apr (ONA) --- The Cultural Committee of the Muscat International Book Fair organized a dialogue session titled "Cultural Diversity and Identity" as part of Fair’s activities. The session highlighted Oman’s cultural heritage and its role in solidifying national identity and fostering a sense of belonging. The discussion, led by Dr. Nader Kazem (a writer and former professor of cultural studies at the University of Bahrain), examined the significance of ...

Ayn for Kids Interface: Kid-Friendly Content in Comprehensive Learning Environment Muscat, 28 Apr (ONA) —— Amid the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution and the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence—coupled with the evolution of media content delivery technologies such as smartphones and tablets, modern parenting faces genuine challenges in many societies. These challenges revolve around preserving principles, identity, and ethical values in the face of child-targeted content from various satellite and digital channels carrying foreign cultures, customs, and ...

HH Sayyid Theyazin Issues Decision to Form Team for "Omani Cultural Laboratories" Project Muscat, 28 Apr (ONA) --- HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, has issued a decision to form the "Omani Cultural Laboratories" (OCL) project team. The initiative constitutes a collaborative effort undertaken by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Cultural Club and Bait Al Zubair Foundation. The project seeks to encourage initiatives, partnerships and cooperation among various sectors to promote cultural action locally ...

Iranian Foreign Minister Signs His Book "The Power of Negotiation" at Muscat Book FairMuscat, 25 Apr (ONA) —— Dr. Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, signed copies of his book “The Power of Negotiation"* at the Luban Publishing House pavilion during the 29th Muscat International Book Fair.The event was attended by Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al Harrasi, Minister of Information and Chairman of the Book Fair’s Organizing Committee.Published by Hashem Publishing House in Beirut and translated by Dr. Fatemeh ...

Oman Participates in International Book, Publishing Fair in Rabat Rabat, 22 Apr (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman is participating in the 30th International Book and Publishing Fair held in Rabat. The event will run until 27 April 2025. The participation aims to augment Oman’s presence in international book fairs, promote Omani intellectual output, and introduce it to a wider audience. This year, Oman's pavilion features a collection of recent publications from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, as well as works by various ...

Oman Marks World Heritage Day, Celebrates its Cultural Identity Muscat, 20 Apr (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman today celebrated World Heritage Day under the theme "Heritage Resilience in the Face of Disasters and Conflicts". The event seeks to raise public awareness about the value of cultural heritage and the need to protect it against challenges that arise from natural factors or human activities. Eng. Ibrahim Said Al Kharousi, Undersecretary for Heritage at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said that the event seeks to highlight efforts made by the authorities ...

Discussion Panel Highlights Oman Unified Promotional Identity Project Muscat, 15 Apr (ONA) --- Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) today organized a dialogue session to discuss the Unified Promotional Identity Project for Oman, held in the university’s conference hall with the attendance of a select group of project representatives. The session featured a presentation highlighting the importance of Oman’s promotional identity as a tool for communication with the world and a catalyst for investment projects and international initiatives. It emphasized that the promotional identity ...

UAE Delegation Views National Archives Experience Muscat, 14 Apr (ONA) — A delegation from Sharjah Archives, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today visited the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA). The visit aimed to review the experience of the NRAA in the field of records and archives. The delegation were briefed about the NRAA’s role in preserving the nation’s memory through the establishment of a modern system for the management of archives and records based on the latest international standards. They were also briefed about the authority’s role in introducing ...

Nominations Opened for 12th Edition of Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, ArtsMuscat, 26 Mar (ONA) --- The Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science at the Diwan of Royal Court today announced the opening of nominations for the 12th edition of the Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature 2025.Both Omanis and other Arab counterparts in the fields of “Private Cultural Institutions” (for the Culture category), “Sculpture” (for the Arts category) and “Autobiography” (for the Literature category).The Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature is a ...

Oman Participates in London Design Biennale 2025Muscat, 24 Mar (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman is participating for the first time in London Design Biennale 2025, one of the world's most outstanding design events.On 5 June 2025, Oman present an artwork titled "Memory Network" designed by Omani architect Haitham Al Bousafi. Oman’s participation in the event stems from efforts made by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth to highlight Omani culture and showcase Oman’s cultural heritage in the global arena.The contribution reflects endeavours to transform the Omani cultural scene ...

Istanbul Hosts Ramadan Book Fair Istanbul, 20 Mar (ONA) —- The city of Istanbul hosts the 42nd edition of the Ramadan Book Fair, involving a large number of publishing houses that present a variety of books. The exhibition is displaying books about religion, literature, sciences and other subjects, in addition to books for children and teaching languages including Arabic. The fair ground is drawing eminent religious and cultural personalities who participate in seminars narrating their accomplishments and works. —- ...

National Museum Inaugurates the Exhibition "Masterpieces of Art from the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization"Muscat, 17 Mar (ONA) — The National Museum, in collaboration with the Sharjah Museums Authority, inaugurated today, an exhibition titled "Masterpieces of Art from the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization."The event is held with the aim of highlighting the beauty and evolution of Islamic art, alongside the scientific contributions of Muslim scholars throughout the ages. The event was held under the auspices of Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism and ...