Latest news with #AlHinai
Observer
13 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
Creativity, culture a driver of transformation
Oman is increasingly recognising the vital role of creative and cultural industries in supporting the knowledge economy and driving sustainable national development. These sectors contribute significantly to the country's GDP, diversify income streams and reinforce cultural identity, aligning with Oman Vision 2040's focus on investing in heritage, culture and the arts. Dr Salim bin Mohammed al Hinai, Assistant Professor at the University of Nizwa's College of Arts and Sciences, highlighted that creative industries encompass innovation-driven sectors such as traditional crafts, visual arts, literature, music, cinema, design and digital media. 'Notable progress has been made in producing Omani daggers, silver jewellery, and traditional textiles, especially in Nizwa and Suhar,' he said. 'Additionally, graphic design and digital content are growing rapidly on social media platforms, and Omani cinema is gaining both local and international recognition.' Cultural events like the Muscat International Book Fair and the Muscat International Film Festival underscore the sector's contribution to strengthening national identity and boosting the economy. Dr Al Hinai emphasised that creative industries generate valuable employment for Omani youth, promote sustainable economic models, and enhance cultural tourism by linking heritage with modern industries. They also open avenues in the digital economy through e-platforms for global marketing at relatively low investment costs. Badriyah bint Mohammed al Fooriyah, Director of Entrepreneurship at Riyada, stressed the agency's commitment to empowering creative entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, incubation and financial support. Riyada fosters strategic partnerships with cultural and educational institutions to maximise investment in Omani intellectual heritage and create contemporary cultural content. 'Creative industries offer promising opportunities for income generation, job creation and competitiveness, provided they are supported by a strong legislative framework and skilled workforce,' she said. Murtadha bin Abdulkhaliq al Lawati, Director-General of the Museum of Place and People, praised Omani traditional industries as a rich civilisational legacy, combining functionality with artistic expression. He warned against innovation that erases the core identity of local crafts, advocating for the preservation of their cultural and economic values to sustain heritage and promote cultural tourism. Khalid bin Sulaiman Ambusaidi, owner of Manazil Inn in Nizwa, added that authentic restoration projects like preserving the Omani heritage without alteration, showcasing national identity and enhancing Oman's global cultural image. To develop creative industries amid digital transformation, experts call for specialised restoration professionals and collaborative efforts to use modern technologies for heritage documentation and promotion — ensuring Oman's culture remains a sustainable resource for future generations. — ONA
Observer
02-08-2025
- Business
- Observer
Taqah launches khareef festivities to boost tourism
SALALAH: The Wilayat of Taqah officially launched its khareef Dhofar 2025 celebrations on Friday with a colourful traditional ceremony attended by local residents, folk performers and government officials. Organised by the Taqah Office in coordination with the Office of the Governor of Dhofar, the celebrations will run until August 20. The programme is designed to highlight the wilayat's cultural identity, promote sustainable tourism and foster greater economic and social participation from the local community. Shaikh Tariq bin Khalid al Hinai, Wali of Taqah, said the events serve as a platform to showcase the rich heritage of the wilayat while strengthening its role in Oman's national development framework. 'These activities reflect the importance of cultural, social and economic integration at the local level,' he said. 'They contribute to sustainable development and help reinforce Taqah's standing as a prominent destination on the khareef tourism map.' The season's activities feature a wide variety of cultural performances, folk dances, art exhibitions, traditional games and local handicraft displays. There is also a growing emphasis on promoting home-grown talent and supporting youth-led initiatives. In a bid to encourage entrepreneurship, the wilayat is facilitating opportunities for home-based businesses and family-run enterprises to exhibit and market their products. Dedicated spaces have been allocated for youth to display innovations and community-driven projects. Shaikh Al Hinai stressed the wilayat's commitment to aligning with Oman Vision 2040 by creating new pathways for employment, especially for young Omanis. 'The khareef season is not just a tourist attraction—it is a chance to build momentum that supports social and economic progress,' he noted. In addition, awareness campaigns, interactive workshops and environmental activities are also being held to instil values of civic responsibility and cultural preservation among younger generations. As the khareef season draws visitors from across the country and beyond, Taqah's initiative aims to blend festive spirit with meaningful engagement, ensuring that the local community remains at the heart of its tourism and development journey.
Observer
14-07-2025
- General
- Observer
Takaful programme a commitment to youth empowerment
Suhar, July 14 More than 50 well-trained volunteers from the Takaful Sohar Charity Team have conducted the sixth edition of the community-based youth programme in Suhar. The initiative, which runs for three weeks, reflects the team's commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable community development. This year's programme brings together about 64 participants, engaging them in a carefully designed schedule that nurtures personal growth, entrepreneurial thinking and career exploration. Each week of the programme focuses on a specific theme. The first week, under the title 'Rakeeza', was dedicated to personality development and confidence building. The second week, titled 'Challenge of Wealth', was introducing youth to entrepreneurship and financial planning. The third week, titled "Majors and Future Aspirations', focused on helping participants discover their academic and career interests. According to Ma'an al Hinai, the programme supervisor, all volunteers underwent a series of nine specialised workshops before the programme began. These sessions covered key skills and knowledge areas, ensuring that every volunteer was fully prepared to guide and support the youth throughout the programme. 'This preparation is essential,' said Al Hinai. 'We believe that investing in our volunteers is the first step to creating a meaningful and impactful experience for the participants.' The broader goal of the programme is to reshape how youth spend their free time by providing them with interactive, skill-building experiences that help shape their future. At the same time, the initiative reflects the team's larger mission of delivering sustainable development projects that contribute to a more productive, generous and happy society. Amal al Maqbali, a mother of one of the participants, commented, 'This programme has a positive impact on our children where they realised that their mission is to support and lead the change in the community. In fact, the programme helps to widen their horizons and prepare them for future careers with responsible personalities.' Through the dedication of its volunteers and its focus on real-world skills, Summer of Takaful was a good model of community-driven youth engagement and empowerment and that can be easily seen through the large participation from the community individuals.
Observer
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Al Hinai Coding Initiative powers digital future
MUSCAT: The Al Hinai Coding Initiative, spearheaded by tech educator Mohammed al Hinai, is igniting a passion for programming among children across Oman. With more than 5,000 trainees and an inclusive approach that reaches even the remotest corners of the country, the initiative is fast becoming a national model for creative and impactful tech education. A pioneering developer of educational programmes since 2006, Al Hinai was inspired by the BBC micro:bit initiative launched in 2015, which aimed to introduce coding to over one million children globally. Building on this vision, he crafted an entirely homegrown curriculum tailored to Oman's youth — an approach that emphasises learning through real-world challenges and hands-on application. 'What makes this initiative truly special,' says Al Hinai, 'is that it's built entirely from the ground up. The curriculum, activities and learning paths are all designed to make programming fun, accessible and deeply impactful. Programming becomes a form of expression, not just a technical skill.' What sets the Al Hinai Coding Initiative apart is its custom-designed educational framework, incorporating original programmes, structured learning activities and a progressive methodology that ensures children not only understand coding concepts, but also apply them creatively. These workshops are offered free of charge through Al Hinai's mobile coding lab, a travelling classroom that has reached students from Musandam to Salalah. Feedback from teachers and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the initiative's ability to keep children engaged in meaningful learning and laying a strong foundation for future academic and professional pursuits in science and technology. Al Hinai has also taken on the BBC's advanced 28-station programming challenge, placing him among the few Arab educators globally to tackle this prestigious benchmark. His educational contributions have even earned global recognition — the official BBC micro:bit website featured his original explanation of dice programming, showcasing his credibility and innovative teaching approach to a global audience. 'As we move into the summer,' Al Hinai adds, 'we're expanding our reach with intensive workshops across new regions. Advanced sessions are also planned for returning students to deepen their skills and foster a long-term relationship with technology.' The Al Hinai Coding Initiative is not just teaching children how to code — it's preparing them to lead Oman's digital future.
Observer
22-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
‘Muharrik' platform to drive digital education
MUSCAT: The 'Muharrik' platform represents an entrepreneurial initiative that leverages augmented reality (AR) technologies for digital learning, offering innovative educational solutions based on interactive 3D models that have significantly improved students' academic performance. Ziyad bin Salim al Hinai said that the idea for the platform emerged during his studies in the United States, where he faced several academic and personal challenges. However, these challenges helped refine his entrepreneurial skills and avoid future mistakes. He noted that the platform originated from a personal desire to enhance digital learning tools and provide an engaging educational environment. He added that this challenge motivated him to seek innovative educational solutions, ultimately leading to the adoption of augmented reality technology. AR enables the transformation of abstract information into interactive 3D models, simplifying comprehension and stimulating learning. Al Hinai explained that AR technology allows complex concepts to be presented in a visual, three-dimensional format, accelerating understanding and retention. The platform has expanded its use of AR into other fields, such as museums, engineering and healthcare, collaborating with international companies to train medical personnel. He pointed out that the platform's trials have demonstrated a tangible impact on improving education. An experiment involving early-grade students using fourth-grade tailored content showed a 54-per cent improvement in academic achievement, confirming the technology's effectiveness in simplifying scientific concepts and making them more engaging. Al Hinai emphasised that the support provided by Oman Technology Fund was pivotal, not only financially but also through training workshops and knowledge mentoring, which enhanced the team's entrepreneurial capabilities and helped turn the idea into a viable and sustainable project. He added that 'Muharrik' is currently finalising a direct partnership with the Ministry of Education to promote the use of AR technology in schools. The platform also aims to expand into Arab and global markets by exporting digital educational content rather than importing it. Notably, the platform has received international awards and recognition from the Unicef and the Generation Unlimited initiative, marking a turning point in the company's trajectory and boosting the team's confidence to grow further. This recognition also helped attract its first investor, the Oman Technology Fund. - ONA
