News

HH Sayyid Theyazin Opens 15th Edition of Arab Theatre FestivalMuscat, 9 Jan (ONA) --- HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth presided at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre today over the opening ceremony of the 15th edition of the Arab Theatre Festival.The festival, which runs until 15 January 2025, is hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, in partnership with the Arab Theatre Authority and Oman Theatre Society.Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth ...

HH Sayyid Theyazin to Open 15th Edition of Arab Theatre Festival tomorrow Muscat, 8 Jan (ONA) ---- HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth will preside tomorrow “Thursday” over the opening of the 15th edition of the Arab Theatre Festival. The event will be hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, in partnership with the Arab Theatre Authority and the Omani Theatre Society. The event, which runs till 15 January, will feature 15 sensational theatrical performances from Oman ...

Oman to Host 15th Edition of Arab Theatre Festival Muscat, 5 Jan (ONA) --- Represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Sultanate of Oman will host the 15th edition of the Arab Theatre Festival from 9 to 15 January 2025. The festival will be organized in cooperation with the Arab Theatre Institute and Oman Theatre Society. The festival will feature 15 sensational theatrical performances from Oman and abroad. The performances will be staged in three theatres, those of Al Bustan Palace, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (Al Irfan) and the College of Banking ...

Audio Guide Service Launched at the National Museum Muscat, 1 Jan (ONA) --- As part of the National Museum's efforts to provide an interactive and unique Museum experience for its visitors, the Museum today launched the "Audio Guide" service. This service seeks to enrich visitors' experience by providing a detailed historical explanation of the museum’s Galleries and selected artefacts while touring the museum. The service includes 395 items and is available in Arabic and English. It also supports two tour options: self-guided tours or group tours. The "Audio Guide" ...

135-Million-Year-Old Tyrannosaur Teeth Unearthed in UKLondon, 30 Dec (ONA) --- A groundbreaking study by the University of Southampton has uncovered evidence of diverse meat-eating dinosaurs in East Sussex, the United Kingdom (UK),135 million years ago.Published in Papers in Palaeontology, the research identified fossilized teeth from tyrannosaurs, spinosaurs, and dromaeosaurs (Velociraptor-like theropods) in the Bexhill-on-Sea area.This marks the first identification of tyrannosaurs in sediments of this age and region. Led by Dr. Chris Barker, the team employed advanced methods, ...

Scientists Discover Prehistoric Saber-Toothed Predator That Predates Dinosaurs Madrid, 17 Dec (ONA) --- Researchers have discovered the oldest gorgonopsian fossil on Mallorca, a Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea, dating from 270-280 million years ago. This therapsid, a saber-toothed predator, offers new insights into the evolutionary lineage leading to mammals. About 200 million years ago, the first true mammals emerged during the age of dinosaurs. However, their origins can be traced back even further to a group called therapsids. While many therapsids bore ...

“Moana 2" Leads Box Office for Third WeekendWashington, 16 Dec (ONA) --- Disney's Moana 2 continues its dominance at the North American box office, earning $26.6 million in its third weekend, bringing its domestic total to $337.5 million and global earnings to over $700 million, according to Exhibitor Relations.Moana 2 features Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprise their roles as Moana and Maui.Universal's Wicked, the musical adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, placed second with $22.5 million, crossing $500 million globally. ...

National Museum Hosts Cultural Events to Promote Russian LanguageMuscat, 15 Dec (ONA) —— The National Museum, represented by its Learning Centre and supported by BP Oman, is currently hosting a series of global cultural events titled "Russian Express" to promote and spread the Russian language.The two-day program begins with the opening of the "Russia" exhibition today. The exhibition showcases photographs of Russia’s natural landscapes, models of wooden and stone architecture, and unique perspectives of Russian cities. Additionally, an evening concert titled "Vecherka", a folkloric ...

Ancient Shipwreck Off Sicily Reveals Greek and Carthaginian TradeRome, 10 Dec (ONA) --- Researchers have discovered an ancient shipwreck off the Italian coast of Santa Maria del Focallo, Ispica, Sicily, believed to be over 2,500 years old. The wreck, dating back to the 6th-5th centuries BC, offers evidence of trade during the time when Greeks and Carthaginians vied for control of the seas.The underwater exploration, which lasted three weeks and concluded in September 2024, received support from the Messina Coast Guard Diving Unit and the Port Authority of Pozzallo, who provided technical and ...

ROHM Delights Audience with World-class Performances in December Muscat, 9 Dec (ONA) --- December 2024 began in striking style as the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) welcomed world-class artists for a weekend of artistic brilliance featuring Gaetano Donizetti’s beloved opera La Fille du Régiment and an exhilarating Piano Duel between two world-renowned virtuosos. ROHM presented La Fille du Régiment (The Daughter of the Regiment), Donizetti’s celebrated opera, to delighted audiences who filled the opera house in anticipation of this timeless masterpiece. Directed by ...

National Museum Launches Book Titled “My Journey Under the Sultans of Wisdom” Muscat, 9 Dec (ONA) --- The National Museum organised a ceremony today to launch the English version of the book "My Journey Under the Sultans of Wisdom" by the late Mohammed Mohiuddin bin Abdulaziz. The event was held under the patronage of Sayyid Saud Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat. Dr. Tariq Mohiuddin Mohammed Ghulam, the son of the late author, said: "The idea for the book began in 2016 as a means of documenting an important period in Oman’s history. Since then, our father ...

Oman Participates in Meeting on Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage Asunción, 4 Dec (ONA) --- Represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Sultanate of Oman today took part in the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Convention on Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, currently being held in Asunción, Paraguay. The meeting will run until 7 December 2024. Oman’s delegation is headed by Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture. The meeting will ...

Oman Across Ages Museum Wins Versailles World Architecture, Design Award Paris, 3 Dec (ONA) --- The Oman Across Ages Museum has won the Versailles World Architecture, Design Award for the best exterior design for the most fascinating museums in the world. This was unveiled by the UNESCO in Paris today. The museum was in the lead of seven newly opened or reopened museums that serve the theme of innovation, reflect local heritage and environmental efficiency and leave a positive impact on their surroundings. Oman Across the Ages Museum is thereby termed as “the most beautiful ...

Wicked Breaks Records with Biggest Broadway Film Opening Washington, 25 Nov (ONA) --- Wicked is projected to have the top-grossing opening weekend of any Broadway musical adaptation ever in the UK and Ireland, as well as North America. The adaptation of the hit musical is raked in over $114m on its opening weekend in North America. That overtakes the previous record holder, Les Miserables, which brought in $103m globally on its opening weekend in 2012. The National Association of Theatre Owners hailed it as one of the most successful November weekends ever at ...

Dinosaur Skeleton Sells for $5 Million at Auction in ParisParis, 17 Nov (ONA) --- The skeleton of "Vulcain," a 20.5-meter-long Apatosaurus, was auctioned in Paris for €4.7 million (about $5 million), making it one of the highest-priced dinosaur skeletons ever sold in France, auction houses Collin du Bocage and Barbarossa said. The record remains with "Big John," which sold for €6 million in Paris in 2021. "Vulcain," comprised of over 80% original bones, was estimated at €3 million to €5 million before the sale. The €4.7 million sale price excludes ...

The National Museum Inaugurates Exhibition Highlighting Historic Oman-Bahrain Ties Muscat, 14 Nov (ONA) --- The National Museum, in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry, today inaugurated an exhibition titled "Historical Images of the Leaders of the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain" in the presence of Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain. This exhibition coincides with the 8th session of the Oman-Bahrain Joint Committee. The exhibition showcases ...

Winners of Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts AnnouncedMuscat, 13 Nov (ONA) --- The Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science today unveiled the names of winners of the 11th edition of the Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature.This year’s prize was made exclusive to Omanis only.The winners were announced at a press conference held here today by Habib Mohammed Al Riyami, Head of the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science.A podcast named "Witness Beyond the Ordinary" hosted by Ahmed Salim Al Kalbani won the award in the field of radio programs in the ...

35th Conference of Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Kicks off Muscat, 12 Nov (ONA) --- The 35th conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information kicked off in Muscat today under the theme "Libraries and Arab Archives Institutions and Their Role in Promoting Digital Identity and Citizenship". The conference was opened under the patronage of HH Sayyid Fahd bin Al Julanda Al Said, SQU Vice-Chancellor. The three-day conference is hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, in cooperation with Sultan ...

Big Turnout at Oman Pavilion in Algiers International Book Fair Algeria, 11 Nov (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman's pavilion at the 27th Algiers International Book Fair (which runs until 16 November 2024) saw a large turnout of Algerian public. The visitors expressed great interest to learn about Omani books and publications and other aspects of Oman's culture and history. Said Salim Al Riyami, Director of the Department of Introduction to Islam and Cultural Exchange Department (at the Iftaa Office, Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs) told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the ...

Oman Participates in International Children's Theatre Festival in Morocco Rabat, November 11 (ONA) --- Represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Sultanate of Oman is taking part in the 23rd edition of the International Children's Theatre Festival being held in the city of Taza, Kingdom of Morocco, from 12 to 15 November 2024. Al-Den Theatre Troupe represents the Ministry at the festival with a children's drama titled “Kingdom of Colors”, adding impetus to children's theatrical performances from Arab and foreign countries. The festival brings together ...

Main Committee of “Muscat International Book Fair 2025” Holds First Meeting Muscat, 10 Nov (ONA) --- The main committee of “Muscat International Book Fair 2025” today held its first preparatory meeting under the auspices of Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al Harrasi, Minister of Information, Chairman of the Committee. The committee reviewed the cultural events scheduled to be held on the sidelines of the 29th edition of the book, which will take place from 23 April to 3 May 2025. The panel focused on ensuring the quality and diversity of the events to help meet the aspirations of ...

Oman Participates in Sharjah Book Fair 2024Sharjah, 7 Nov (ONA) —— The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth is currently taking part in the 43rd edition of Sharjah International Book Fair, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).The Sultanate of Oman’s pavilionat the fair includes diverse publications in literary, intellectual, artistic, scientific and historical disciplines.As many as 2,522 publishers and exhibitors from 108 countries are taking part in the fair, which runs till 17 November.—- Ends/AH ...

First International Conference on Andalusian Cultural Heritage Held in SpainMadrid, 7 Nov (ONA) —- The international conference on Andalusian cultural heritage began today in Granada, Spain, with historians and academics participating to highlight the historical significance of Al Andalus and discuss ways to revive its legacy. This two-day conference is organized by the ICESCO Chair for Alliance of Civilizations at the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at Qatar University in cooperation with the Quality and Sustainable Development Foundation, the Arab-European Graduate ...

Oman to Host 35th Conference of Arab Federation for Libraries Muscat, 6 Nov (ONA) --- Represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and, in cooperation with Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), the Sultanate of Oman will host the 35th conference of Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI) from 12 to 14 November 2024. An elite group of Omani specialists and Arab experts will take part in the conference, titled “Role of Arab libraries and archive institutions in promoting citizenship and digital identity”. The conference offers an opportunity to highlight ...

Winners of “International Black and White Photography Biennale” Feted Jaipur, 4 Nov (ONA) --- A ceremony was held in the Indian city of Jaipur today to honour countries that emerged winners in the “36th International Black and White Photography Biennale”, organized every two years by the International Federation of Photographic Art--or Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographique (FIAP). Represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Sultanate of Oman won the gold medal at the “country level”, while photographer Hatim bin Dhahi Al Rashidi won the ...

"Sur in the Memory of Postage Stamps" Exhibition Opens at National Museum Muscat, 3 Nov (ONA) ---- In conjunction with the selection of Sur as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2024, the National Museum inaugurated today an exhibition titled "Sur in the Memory of Postage Stamps". This exhibition offers visitors a historical visual journey through stamps that narrate the rich history and culture of Sur. The event was inaugurated under the patronage of Dr. Yahya Badr Al Ma’awali, Governor of South A’Sharqiyah, and will continue until 14 November 2024. The exhibition ...

Oman Participates in Brunei Darussalam Book Fair 2024 Bandar Seri Begawan, 3 Nov (ONA) --- Represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Information, the Sultanate of Oman took part in Brunei Darussalam Book Fair (Pesta Buku Brunei 2024) held in Bandar Seri Begawan from 2 to 11 November. Oman’s participation in the event was aimed to consolidate cultural ties with Brunei and celebrate the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The event also affirmed commitment to develop sustainable cooperation, ...

Board of Trustees of National Museum Holds its 12th meeting Muscat, 31 Oct (ONA) --- The National Museum’s Board of Trustees today held its 12th meeting under the chairmanship of Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism and Chairman of the National Museum’s Board of Trustees. The meeting discussed approving the Museum’s annual report for 2024, along with the Museum’s annual plan for 2025, as well as work plans and programs related to cultural diplomacy and international cooperation. The meeting also discussed the retrieval of a number of artefacts ...

ROHM to Welcome Soul Stirring Shows in November 2024 Muscat, 28 Oct (ONA) --- Following the critically acclaimed start of the new season, the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) is continuing with a full calendar of events, bringing international performances to Oman’s stage. Looking forward to November 2024, the opera house’s calendar will feature a variety of shows including Portuguese soul music, the glorious pageantry of the marching bands, an open-air concert, and a sophisticated evening of jazz. November opens with Cristina Branco, a legendary Fado singer who brings ...

ALECSO Issues 32nd Part of Encyclopedia for Notable Arab, Muslim ScholarsTunis, 23 Oct (ONA) --- The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) issued today the 32nd part of the encyclopedia of notable Arab and Muslim scholars and writers. The organization explained in a statement that this encyclopedic scientific work is considered an authenticated reference supervised by Arab specialists in the art of biographies by reviewing literary works, documenting their data and highlighting their impact on Arab and Islamic culture. It pointed out ...