News

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 ...

Medieval Ring Found by Detectorist in Norfolk Field London, 12 Mar (ONA) --- A rare Medieval bishop's ring found by a retired firefighter in a Norfolk field is expected to fetch up to USD23,000 at auction. The gold ring, which has a central hexagonal cabochon sapphire with two emeralds and two garnets, was uncovered by detectorist Mark Sell, 63, in King Row, Shipdham, in 2019. The ring, which dates from the late 12th to early 13th Century, will go under the hammer at Noonans Mayfair on 26 March 2025. --- Ends/Khalid ...

Chinese Archaeologists Find Historical Sites Dating Bank to Thousands of YearsBeijing, 11 Mar (ONA) --- Archaeologists have recently discovered multiple Hongshan culture sites in the city of Lingyuan, northeast China's Liaoning Province. According to the Liaoning provincial institute of cultural relics and archaeology, through sample collection and analysis, these findings provide new evidence of the evolutionary process of Hongshan culture, as the recently found sites are located in the Wubaiding site complex, where archaeologists from the institute have conducted a ...

4th Edition of Private Libraries, Cultural Centres’ Excellence Competition Launched Muscat, 10 Mar (ONA) --- The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth has launched the 4thedition of the 2025 “Excellence Competition for Private Libraries and Cultural Centres”. The contest is aimed at developing smart private libraries featuring a programme that explores “open knowledge horizons”. The launch of the 4thedition of the competition coincides with celebrations marking the Arab Libraries Day, which falls on 10 March every year. The completion gains significance through ...

Omani Exhibition in Russia Attracts More Than 400,000 Visitors Muscat, 4 Mar (ONA) --- As many as 414,481 visitors turned up at an exhibition titled “Omani Empire between Asia and Africa”, held at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, from December 2023 to January 2025. The exhibition, the second of its kind to be organized as part of Oman Hall Initiative, was applauded by visitors from different countries of the world. The visitors expressed their great appreciation for the unique collections which, they said, reflected the deep-rooted history of the Sultanate ...

Recitations of the Quran Illuminate Muslim Cities during Ramadan Istanbul, 2 Mar (ONA) --- One of the most frequently heard phrases by Muslims during Ramadan is that this is "the month of the Quran." Perhaps the most important and accurate statement about Ramadan is precisely this. To speak of Ramadan is to speak of the Quran. Islamic scholars constantly emphasize this connection; recitations of the Quran are held in mosques and homes, and with Ramadan, the Quran is once again revealed, illuminating Muslim cities. The connection between Ramadan and the Quran stems from ...

Information Ministry Concert Marks Opening of New Theatre Muscat, 25 Feb (ONA) --- The Ministry of Information today held a concert to mark the opening of the “Information Ministry’s Theatre”. The event was held under the auspices of Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi, Minister of Information, and attended by senior government officials, members of the State Council, media persons, performers and culture specialists and enthusiasts. Performances staged by the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra (ROSO) and the Royal Guard of Oman’s inspirational chanting troupe reflected ...

Ancient Walled City Unearthed in South China Beijing, 25 Feb (ONA) --- A walled city over 600 years old has been unearthed in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province, shedding light on the South China Sea coastal defense strategy at that time. Besides the two city wall sections about 100 meters long and 7.6 meters thick, urban facilities such as roads, drains, building bases and wells have also been discovered, as well as a large number of building components and household items, said Cao Jin, director of the Guangdong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and ...

National Museum Launches Russian-Language Version of its Website Muscat, 23 Feb (ONA) ---- The National Museum today launched the Russian-language version of its website. The move comes in alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which aims to enhance digital transformation. The launch ceremony was held under the patronage of Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum. The event was attended by Oleg Vladimirovich Levitin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Sultanate ...

HH Sayyid Bilarab Presides over Launch of Initiative to Revive Omani Architecture Manah, 20 Feb (ONA) --- HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said presided over the launch of an initiative to revive ancient architecture at Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah today. The ceremony was attended by Royal Family members, ministers, senior officials and experts in architectural design. HH Sayyid Bilarab took note of the goals of the initiative, which include the following: Reviving the Omani architectural identity by enhancing awareness about the value of architectural design ...

Oman Embassy in New Delhi Organizes Symposium on Historical Relations with India New Delhi, 19 Feb (ONA) --- The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in New Delhi organized a historical cultural symposium on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of India. The symposium dealt with the two-countries’ commercial and cultural ties extending for more than 5,000 years. The event, held in collaboration with Jamia Millia Islamia, highlighted the role of Omani ports like Muscat, Sohar and Qalhat ...

Chinese Film Nezha 2 Becomes Highest-grossing Animated Film Globally Beijing, 18 Feb (ONA) --- Chinese animated blockbuster Nezha 2 overtook Pixar's Inside Out 2 on Tuesday to become the highest-grossing animated film globally, according to data from ticketing platform Maoyan. Nezha 2 has amassed a total box office of 12.3 billion yuan ($1.69 billion) including pre-sales and overseas earnings, making it the eighth highest box office film globally. Over 99% of Nezha 2's box office income has come from mainland China, starkly in contrast to Hollywood films, which typically ...

Bait Al Ghasham DarArab Translation Prize Foundation Announces Winners of 2nd EditionMuscat, 17 Feb (ONA) --- The Bait Al Ghasham Press, Publishing and Advertising Foundation today announced the names of winners of the second edition of “Bait Al Ghasham DarArab International Translation Prize”.The Prize’s annual ceremony, hosted by the Cultural Club in Qurum, was held under the auspices of Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi, Minister of Information.In the translators’ branch, the coveted prize was won by American Luke Leafgren, while Sudanese Mustafa Khalid Mustafa won the Prize in ...

Agreement Inked to Establish Omani Publications’ Corner at Chechen State Pedagogical University Muscat, 17 Feb (ONA) ---- The National Museum signed an agreement today with the Chechen State Pedagogical University to establish “Omani Publications’ Corner” at the university. This initiative is part of the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation. On behalf of the National Museum, the agreement was signed by Jamal Hassan Al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, while Professor Dr. ...

ROHM to Present Exciting Concert Featuring Pipe Organ Muscat, 12 Feb (ONA) --- Music lovers in Muscat are in for a treat tomorrow (Thursday), 13 February 2025, as the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) presents an exciting concert that promises to be an unforgettable event. While the evening’s programme, featuring Claudio Astronio, Gianluca Marciano, and the Piccoli Cantori di Torino Children’s Choir, is filled with captivating performances, the real star of the show is the magnificent pipe organ housed in the Opera House—a true national treasure. The pipe organ at the ...

More Than 100 Documents on Oman-Indo Relations Showcased at Exhibition in New Delhi New Delhi, 11 Feb (ONA) --- A documentary exhibition titled "Legacy of Indo-Oman Relations" was opened in New Delhi today. The three-day exhibition is jointly organised by the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) and the National Archives of India. The exhibition showcases documents, photos and maps covering different historical epochs. Besides reflecting the Oman-Indo deep-rooted cultural and civilizational treasures, the exhibits also highlight the two countries’ centuries-old ...

ROHM Brings Together International Talent with Brilliant Young Artists Muscat, 11 Feb (ONA) --- 2025 February continued at the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) with the Emerging Talents initiative, which focuses on fostering young musicians and providing them with valuable learning experiences. A major highlight of the programme was the world-renowned baritone Thomas Hampson, who led a series of masterclasses for aspiring musicians in Muscat. These sessions offered in-depth demonstrations into vocal technique, performance practices, and artistic growth. Included 2 Omani ...

Fossils Found in South China Identified as Duck-billed Dinosaur Beijing, 11 Feb (ONA) --- Scientists have confirmed that a set of skeletal fossils discovered in southern China belonged to duck-billed dinosaurs from over 70 million years ago, expanding the region's fossil record of these large, toothy creatures that likely migrated from North America. The bones were found in May 2009 by a Chinese amateur fossil hunter at a construction site in Taipinggang, Sihui City, Guangdong Province, and he donated them to a local museum. After cleaning and ...

Oman, India Sign Executive Programme for Cooperation in Archives New Delhi, 10 Feb (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA), signed with the National Archives of India in New Delhi, Republic of India today, an executive programme for cooperation in the field of historical documentation and management of records and archives. The programme was signed by Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al Dhoyani, NRAA Chairman and by Arun Singhal, Director General of the National Archives of India. The executive programme includes a set of ...

National Museum Hosts Italian Jewellery Exhibition Muscat, 9 Feb (ONA) ---- The National Museum, in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Muscat, is currently hosting an exhibition titled "DIVA! Italian Glamour in Fashion Jewellery", which highlights the beauty and creativity of Italian fashion. The opening ceremony took place today under the patronage of HH Sayyidah Dr. Mona Fahad Al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Cooperation at Sultan Qaboos University and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum. The event was attended by ...

National Museum Inaugurates Russian Seasons,State Hermitage Museum CornerMuscat, 1 Feb (ONA) —— As part of the celebrations marking forty years of diplomatic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation, the National Museum held a press conference today to inaugurate the "Russian Seasons" in the Sultanate of Oman.This initiative is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the ANO "Russian Seasons".Additionally, the Museum inaugurated the State Hermitage Museum’s Corner titled "Gifts of Bukharan and Central Asian ...

Bronze Age Finds Unearthed at Bat Archaeological Site in Al DhahirahIbri, 29 Jan (ONA) --- Archaeological excavations at the site of “Rakhat Al Madrah”, near the ruins of Bat in Al Dhahirah Governorate, have revealed a settlement dating back to the Bronze Age.Diggings carried out by the Ministry in cooperation with an American mission affirmed the existence of graves dating back to the period from 3200 BC to 2700 BC, in addition to four buildings from the Bronze Age. Bat is a UNESCO archaeological site where archaeological research and studies are being conducted to explore ...

Oman Participates in 4th GCC Forum for Visual Arts Doha, 22 Jan (ONA) --- Several Omani visual artists are participating in the 4th GCC Visual Arts Forum, held in Doha, the State of Qatar. The forum is organized by the Cultural Village “KATARA” during the period from 15-25 January 2025. The forum aims to exchange expertise and innovative ideas among artists, in a way that enhances cooperation and enriches the artistic scene in the region. Moreover, the event includes an artistic seminar and a workshop, in addition to an exhibition showcasing several artistic works. ...

Large Deposits of Rare Metals Discovered in ChinaBeijing, 19 Jan (ONA) --- The China Geological Survey (CGS) announced the discovery of a large rare earth deposit in southwest China's Yunnan Province, with potential resources of 1.15 million tonnes. Critical rare earth elements such as praseodymium, neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium exceed 470,000 tonnes in this newly discovered deposit, said the CGS. The deposit is a super-large ion-adsorption type of rare earth, marking another significant breakthrough in China since the first such discovery in east China's ...