News

Oman Marks Omani Personalities with Global Impact Included in UNESCO Programmes Muscat, 10 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman today celebrates the globally influential Omani personalities included in UNESCO programmes and the efforts made by relevant cultural institutions in collecting and documenting Omani literature and works authored by prominent Omani figures whose stars have shone over hundreds of years. This celebration also reflects the fruit of continuous national efforts in documenting Omani cultural heritage and highlighting it in international forums, enhancing ...

Historical Association Launches Book on Oman’s History, Military Heritage Muscat, 9 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Acting in cooperation with the National Museum, Oman Historical Association today launched a new book titled “Oman’s History and Military Heritage”, authored by Falih Saif Al Maamari. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng. Ibrahim bin Said Al Kharousi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, for Heritage. The book serves as a comprehensive scholarly study of Oman’s history and its military heritage, spanning a broad range of ...

Historic Muscat: An Open-Air Museum Embodying Oman’s Identity Muscat, 8 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Historic Muscat stands today as a complete cultural monument and a distinguished tourist destination, with the National Museum at its heart and as its focal point. The city's iconic white houses, imposing walls, and formidable fortresses inspire visitors, serving as a beacon of civilization whose influence has enriched the history of the Arabian Gulf and western Indian Ocean for centuries. Through a series of conservation and rehabilitation initiatives, alongside the creation of new ...

Ministry of Culture Publishes 4 Books on Literature, Arts Muscat, 5 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- As part of the outcomes of the ongoing Literary Forum, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth recently published four new books on literature and arts. The step seeks to enhance the cultural scene in a manner that reflects the diversity of the Omani intellectual repertory The first publication, authored by Dr. Fakhria Al Yahya'ee, deals with the contemporary experience of artist Rasheed Abdul-Rahman, offering an in-depth conceptional perusal about the thinking of the late ...

7th Edition of Carthage Puppet Arts Festival Opens in TunisiaTunis, 2 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Carthage Puppet Arts Festival opened its seventh edition, bringing together around 100 puppeteers from 16 countries representing 17 international and Arab troupes, with performances running until 8 February 2026.This edition has seen the participation of 16 Arab and foreign countries and will present several performances for children and adults. The festival, which is held annually, has become an important opportunity to promote this kind of art which offers both theatrical and musical ...

Panel Discussion Showcases Pioneering Omani, Emirati Youth Experiences Muscat, 28 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- A youth panel discussion titled "Emirati-Omani Footprint: Success Stories Inspiring a Future Entrepreneurial Generation" was held in Muscat today. The event was attended by officials, and entrepreneurs from Oman and the UAE. Organized by the Federal Youth Authority of the United Arab Emirates in cooperation with the UAE Embassy in the Sultanate of Oman, the session aimed to highlight inspiring models of young Omani and Emirati talents who have made a tangible impact on the ...

Nizwa Magazine Organizes Workshop Titled "Project Sustainability & Vision Modernization" Muscat, 21 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The workshop organized by Nizwa Magazine today under the title "Project Sustainability and Vision Modernization" recommended the formation of an advisory committee for the magazine, the establishment of a cultural observatory, the development of clear policies for selecting writers and visual identity, reviewing the magazine's size to align with the new reader and distribution opportunities, and enhancing integration with cultural projects in other ...

Omani Theatre Actively Present at Muscat Nights 2026 Muscat, 19 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The active presence of theatrical performances within the "Muscat Nights 2026" festivities represents one of the most significant entertainment and cultural pillars offered to the public. These performances provide an ideal space for Omani theater practitioners to exchange expertise, appropriately activate the performing arts, and highlight vibrant youth talent, reflecting the cultural and artistic movement currently witnessed in the Sultanate of Oman. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and ...

Graffiti Art: A Youthful Artistic Space in Muscat Nights 2026 Muscat, 19 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Under the enchanting lights of Muscat Nights, colors blended to adorn walls with artistic murals brimming with youthful creativity, giving graffiti art a notable presence in the social sphere. This art form, which began as a means of individual expression, has evolved to carry a contemporary visual language reflecting the views of youth and opening a space for dialogue between the artist and society. Providing graffiti artists the opportunity to participate in Muscat Nights was one of the ...

Beijing Book Fair Attracts Visitors with Advanced Printing Technology Beijing, 8 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The 2026 Beijing Book Fair opened today, offering a series of activities to showcase modern digital publishing techniques. At one interactive display, visitors can have the edges of their books adorned with intricate designs using advanced printing techniques – a magical touch offered free of charge. Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital publishing have taken center stage at the fair, with new technologies like intelligent editing systems showcasing the industry's ...

Vast 14th-Century Turkish Cemetery Unearthed on Gallipoli Peninsula Istanbul, 8 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Archaeologists have uncovered a vast historic cemetery on the Gallipoli Peninsula, a discovery experts describe as a major milestone shedding new light on the earliest Turkish presence in southeastern Europe. The site is believed to date back to the 14th century. The find was made by the Gallipoli Historical Site Directorate during restoration and survey work at the Küçükanafarta Historic Turkish Cemetery in Çanakkale’s Eceabat district. Researchers have identified a ...

Five National Publications Document Omani Trade, Industry Figures Before 1970 Muscat, 7 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth recently unveiled five key publications of a comprehensive national project titled “Omani Personalities Engaged in Trade and Industry Before 1970”. The project falls in five parts that cover the governorates of Muscat, Musandam, Dhofar and Al Dakhiliyah (Part One and Part Two). It was undertaken in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and Oman National Commission for Education, ...

NRAA Signs MoU with Qatar National Library Doha, 6 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) and the Qatar National Library (QNL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to strengthen institutional cooperation in the fields of documentation, archives, scientific research, and other areas of mutual interest. The agreement aims to support the archival and library sectors while preserving documentary heritage. The MoU was signed on behalf of the Omani side by Dr. Hamad Mohammed Al Dhawyani, Chairman of the NRAA, and on behalf of the Qatari side ...

Trenčín, Oulu Selected as European Capitals of Culture for 2026 Brussels, 1 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The cities of Trenčín in Slovakia and Oulu in Finland have been officially designated as the European Capitals of Culture for the year 2026. Each year, the European Union selects specific cities for this title as part of a strategic initiative to highlight the vast cultural diversity within Europe. The program is designed to celebrate the distinct arts, history, and traditions of each region. Trenčín and Oulu succeed the 2025 titleholders, which included Chemnitz in the ...

Oman, Belgium Ink Agreement to Organize “Wonders of the World” Exhibition Muscat, 31 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The National Museum signed today an agreement to stage an exhibition titled “Wonders of the World: From Maps to Artistic Masterpieces”, in collaboration with the Phoebus Foundation of Belgium. This initiative aims to enhance cultural and artistic cooperation between the two countries in the fields of art, culture, and shared artistic heritage. The agreement was signed on behalf of The National Museum by Jamal Hassan Al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National ...

ROHM January 2026 Program Includes Dazzling Performances, Events Muscat, 30 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) announced that January 2026 opens with a rich and varied programme, inviting audiences to begin the new year with performances and events that celebrate artistic excellence, cultural exchange and shared experiences for all ages. The month begins with Cinderella on Ice at ROHM on Thursday 1 January and Friday 2 January at 7:00pm, and Saturday 3 January at 4:00pm. This family friendly production reimagines the classic fairytale through expressive ice ...

Heritage Ministry Implements "Dolphins in Prehistoric Oman" Project Muscat, 30 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is implementing a project titled "Dolphins in Prehistoric Oman (DExPO)," aimed at enhancing the understanding of the relationship between humans and the marine environment in the Sultanate of Oman during prehistoric times. This is achieved through the systematic study and documentation of faunal remains discovered at various archaeological sites. The project is a specialized research initiative in zooarchaeology, focusing on the study of ...

Book Titled "The Sultanate of Oman: The Rainbow of Tourism" Published in Iran Tehran, 29 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- A book titled "The Sultanate of Oman: The Rainbow of Tourism" has been published by Nazri Publishing House in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Authored by the Iranian writer and journalist Reza Noor Mohammadi, the book introduces the Sultanate of Oman as one of the prominent tourists and cultural destinations in the region. The 208-page book, written in Persian, targets the Iranian reader and Persian speakers, presenting a comprehensive, multi-dimensional image of the ...

Scientific Publication Documents Civilizational Presence of South A’Sharqiyah Muscat, 29 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) has released two new volumes of the book titled "South A’Sharqiyah in the Memory of Omani History." These volumes are part of the Authority's historical and civilizational series dedicated to Omani governorates and cities, reflecting its ongoing efforts to document national history, highlight the civilizational contributions of Omani governorates, and support specialized scientific research and academic ...

Archaeologists in Pakistan Discover Ancient Civilization Dating Back to Sixth Century BCIslamabad, 28 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- Archaeologists in Pakistan stumbled on the remains of a well-organized ancient civilization dating back to the sixth century BC. This groundbreaking discovery was made during their excavation operations at the Bhir Mound site near the ancient city of Taxila. According to scientists, the excavation uncovered vintages of early urban planning, including narrow streets, residential buildings, wells, grain storage facilities, and tools used in daily life. They noted that the ...

Embassy of Oman in Cairo Marks World Arabic Language Day Cairo, 22 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Cairo organized a celebration on the occasion of World Arabic Language Day, under the patronage of Abdullah Nasser Al Rahbi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Arab Republic of Egypt and its Permanent Representative to the Arab League. The ceremony, held at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, was organized in partnership and cooperation with the Museum and the Friends of the Civilization Museum Association. Organizing the event at ...

National Museum Signs Two Cooperation Agreements with Cultural Institutions in Belarus Minsk, 21 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The National Museum signed two strategic cooperation agreements with the National Art Museum and the National Library of the Republic of Belarus, in the Belarusian capital, Minsk. The signing coincided with the inauguration of the "Oman Day" events and the opening of the exhibition titled "The Splendor of Silver: Treasures from the Omani Court". The first agreement, signed with the Belarusian National Art Museum, aims to host a specialized Belarusian art ...

Andalusian Cultural Studies Association Launched in JordanAmman, 21 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Andalusian Cultural Studies Association was launched in Amman, Jordan. The launch was marked by a ceremony held at the National Library of Jordan. This association will open wide avenues for readings and studies of the history of Al Andalus and its arts, architecture, and literature, underscoring the deep interest of many Spanish academics and researchers in re‑examining Arab heritage as an essential component of Spanish history and culture.Al Andalus positioned itself as a beacon of civilizational ...

At HM's Behest, Endowments Minister Presides Over Ceremony to Confer Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts, Literature Muscat, 17 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- At the behest of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Dr. Mohammed bin Said Al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, today presided over a ceremony to hand over the Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature 2025 (12th edition) at Al Wahat Club in the Governorate of Muscat. The top three winners of this year’s award were: Asilah Forum Foundation (among private cultural institutions), Essam Mohamed ...

RGO Band Participates in Doha International Music and Marching Festival 2025 Doha, 17 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Royal Guard of Oman (RGO) band presented a dazzling musical show last night (16 Dec 2025) as part of its participation in the opening of the first edition of Doha International Music and Marching Festival 2025. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Sheikh Khalifa Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Interior of Qatar, and attended by Sayyid Ammar bin Abdullah Al Busaidi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the State of Qatar. The RGO’s ...

Oman Registers 'Bisht' on UNESCO's Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage New Delhi, 9 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman, along with Arab countries under the leadership of the State of Qatar, succeeded today in inscribing the 'Bisht': Skills and Practices, as a shared Arab element on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Bisht is a symbol of elegance, prestige, and social status in Arab societies. It is worn on official, national, and social occasions ...

Omani Designer Weaves Heritage, Modernity into Jewelry Artistry Nizwa, 8 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- Omani designer Afrah Al Ishaqi is illuminating the realm of jewelry design, fusing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. Her creations draw inspiration from Omani landscapes, the nation’s rich heritage, Islamic art and timeless human narratives. In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), Afrah bint Nasser Al Ishaqi, a professor at the University of Nizwa and a jewelry designer, remarked: "My work integrates diverse cultures and artistic traditions by studying ...

New Publication Chronicles Profound Depth of Oman-Russia Ties in Nineteenth Century Muscat, 8 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) has released a landmark historical work, "Oman-Russia Relations in the Nineteenth Century AD – A Documentary Study Based on Russian Archives." This publication forms part of the Authority's strategic mission to enhance Omani and Arab scholarly resources with rigorously documented historical sources and to foster academic research into the Sultanate of Oman's rich diplomatic history. This comprehensive volume ...

ROHM Unveils December 2025 Season of Ballet, Orchestral Concerts, Family Festivities Muscat, 8 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) unveiled a collection of artistic and cultural performances and events it has prepared for the current month of December as part of its ongoing season (2025-2026). Offering the audience a blend of ballet, orchestral music, and celebratory programs, these include: the ballet performance (Coppélia), an Omani Night featuring the melodies of Sayyid Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi, the acrobatic spectacle (Symphony of Lights), and a ...

Growing Turkish Interest in Translating Arabic Poetry: An Ascendant Cultural Phenomenon Ankara, 8 Dec 2025 (ONA) ---Türkiye has witnessed a notable surge in interest in Arabic poetry and its translation into Turkish over the past two decades, driven by cultural, historical and literary motivations. Arabic literature was a fundamental cultural source for poets in Anatolia during the Ottoman era, particularly within religious and Sufi domains. Many eminent Turkish poets such as Yunus Emre and the Mevlevis were influenced by Arabic literature and the Arabic language. ...