Latest news with #BaniAraba
Observer
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Oman unveils immersive virtual pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka
OSAKA: The Sultanate of Oman has introduced an innovative virtual platform as part of its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan. Developed by the Omani tech company U-Verse, the platform is seamlessly integrated into Oman's national pavilion and offers visitors an immersive digital experience that bridges heritage and future aspirations. According to Ibrahim Bani Araba, Assistant Director General of the Arts Directorate at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and a member of the pavilion's Technical Committee, the virtual platform leverages cutting-edge extended reality and artificial intelligence technologies. Created in collaboration with a group of Omani innovators, the platform reflects the country's vision for technological advancement and openness to global innovation. "This is more than a digital showcase — it's a gateway to Oman's limitless potential," said Bani Araba in a statement to the Oman News Agency. 'It merges our rich cultural legacy with forward-looking innovation, in line with Oman Vision 2040.' The platform features a wide array of interactive content, allowing users to explore Omani culture through digitized manuscripts, visual and audio arts, and modern representations of Omani theatre and cinema. Notably, it includes a creative blend of Japanese manga and Omani cultural elements — an effort aimed at engaging younger audiences and presenting tradition in a contemporary format. It also serves as a promotional tool for Oman's higher education sector and highlights investment opportunities in advanced technologies, underscoring the Sultanate's strategic focus on building a knowledge-based economy and strengthening global cooperation in research and innovation. Bani Araba emphasized that the U-Verse platform, developed entirely by Omanis, represents a unifying space that fosters cultural exchange and celebrates innovation and creativity. Importantly, this virtual initiative is designed to live on beyond the Expo, offering a sustainable and accessible window into Oman's cultural identity and future ambitions through a dynamic digital environment. — ONA
Muscat Daily
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Oman to showcase cultural heritage through Manga at Expo 2025 Osaka
Visual magazine follows journey of Japanese student discovering Omani traditions and history Osaka, Japan – MUSCAT – The Sultanate of Oman is set to present a unique cultural offering at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, through a visually engaging magazine in the style of Japanese manga. This artistic project reflects Oman's historic role as a bridge between civilisations and showcases its rich cultural heritage through a modern storytelling medium. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, involves eight Omani artists and illustrators who have collaboratively developed a fictional story in graphic novel format. The project is part of the wider efforts of the Sultanate's pavilion to highlight Omani identity and foster cultural communication with the world. In a statement to the Oman News Agency, Ibrahim bin Saif Bani Araba, Assistant Director General for Arts at the Ministry and a member and rapporteur of the Technical Committee for Oman's Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, said the visual magazine was inspired by the wide popularity of manga in Japanese society and its global appeal. He explained that the storyline follows a Japanese student who, after studying ancient writings, embarks on an imaginative journey to the Sultanate of Oman. His travels take him from Suhar to Muscat, exposing him to the essence of Omani culture and civilisation. The narrative includes stops at historical sites such as aflaj systems, forts, castles, and natural landmarks like valleys. The student also explores traditional customs and social events, visits bustling souqs, and experiences folk arts and crafts. A highlight of the story is his visit to Muttrah Souq, where he learns about its historical role in trade and tourism. After travelling through various Omani cities and immersing himself in their cultural wealth, the student returns to Japan and shares his journey with his family and classmates. Coinciding with Japan's hosting of the world exposition, the student later visits Oman's pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka. There, he recognises the same elements from his imaginative journey—confirming the pavilion's success in bringing Oman's cultural treasures vividly to life. 'This manga project is a creative fusion of traditional Omani heritage and Japanese art style, aiming to appeal to younger generations and manga lovers,' said Bani Araba. 'It serves as a bridge of cultural dialogue, and a powerful artistic tool to communicate our history and values to a global audience.' The Ministry's choice of manga as a storytelling vehicle underscores its strategy of blending modern artistic trends with authentic cultural content, reinforcing Oman's image as a nation deeply rooted in tradition while embracing contemporary global connections.
