Latest news with #CollegeofArtsandSciences
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Creative industries seen as bridge between Oman's past and future
Muscat – Creative and cultural industries are emerging as a key driver of Oman's economic diversification, with potential to link heritage with innovation and support the goals of Oman Vision 2040. Dr Salim bin Mohammed al Hinai, Assistant Professor at the College of Arts and Sciences, University of Nizwa, while giving a background, underlined that creative industries encompass sectors that 'rely on innovation and individual talent, and contribute to transforming ideas into products and services with an economic dimension'. These range from traditional crafts and fine arts to literature, publishing, music, cinema, design and digital media. 'I have witnessed significant development in the Omani dagger industry, silver jewellery and traditional weaving, particularly in the wilayats of Nizwa and Suhar,' Dr Hinai said. 'There is also strong growth in graphic design, digital content production and the Omani film industry, as well as cultural events like the Muscat International Book Fair and Muscat International Film Festival. This sector supports Omani identity and the local economy.' He added that the sector creates jobs in design, crafts and digital content while linking heritage with modern products to enhance cultural tourism. 'It offers high added value at relatively low investment costs and opens the door to global partnerships that showcase Omani culture.' For Badriya bint Mohammed al Fouriya, Director of the Entrepreneurship Department at the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Riyada), the creative sector is also a platform for entrepreneurship. 'Riyada works to empower owners of creative ideas through training, technical guidance, incubation programmes and financing facilities,' she said. 'We also partner with cultural, educational and community institutions to invest in Omani intellectual heritage and produce renewed cultural content.' She stressed that the sector can increase competitiveness, generate income and create jobs if supported by the right legislative framework and skilled national talent. Murtadha bin Abdul Khaliq al Lawati, Director General of the Place and People Museum, underlined the cultural value of traditional crafts. 'Omani traditional industries go beyond function to become visual and cultural expressions of identity,' he said, adding that they have gained international admiration for their craftsmanship. While welcoming innovation, he warned against altering heritage products in ways that compromise authenticity. 'Industries linked to heritage symbols, such as the Omani dagger, should be preserved in their original form,' he said. In Nizwa, entrepreneur Khalid bin Sulaiman Ambusaidi's 'Nuzul al Manazel' project restores heritage houses using traditional materials and designs. 'We kept the original structure intact, highlighting the moral and cultural value of the place,' he said. 'Such projects promote Oman abroad as a country that values and protects its heritage.' Ambusaidi believes the creative sector can thrive if restoration specialists highlight the stories behind heritage sites and use modern technologies for documentation and promotion. 'Creative industries can connect past and present, strengthen cultural identity, and turn heritage into a sustainable cultural and economic resource,' he said. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
12-08-2025
- 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
Muscat Daily
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
University of Nizwa launches creativity competition
Nizwa – The University of Nizwa's College of Arts and Sciences has launched the first edition of the 'Creativity Competition' in short story writing, open to students from higher education institutions across Oman. The competition aims to highlight young literary talent and promote noble human values through classical Arabic short stories. It seeks to encourage creativity, develop writing skills, and support emerging Omani authors. Dr Masoud bin Saeed al Hadidi 'The competition aims to consolidate the role of literature in serving society and strengthening cultural identity,' said Dr Masoud bin Saeed al Hadidi, Assistant Professor of Arabic Language and Literature at the University of Nizwa. 'It contributes to building a cultured generation aware of the issues facing its homeland and nation.' Submissions must be original, unpublished works written in classical Arabic, consistent with Islamic principles and human values. Each participant may submit only one entry. The deadline for submissions is November 10. The competition is part of the university's broader efforts to nurture creative individuals, researchers and innovators by organising events and contests in literature, thought and culture. It reflects the institution's commitment to consolidating Arab culture and motivating youth to express themselves through Arabic literature. Dr Hadidi informed that the competition will be held annually, rotating among various literary genres such as novels, poetry, and short stories. Winners will be honoured at the Arabic Language Department's annual celebration.
Muscat Daily
11-08-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Creative industries seen as bridge between Oman's past and future
Muscat – Creative and cultural industries are emerging as a key driver of Oman's economic diversification, with potential to link heritage with innovation and support the goals of Oman Vision 2040. Dr Salim bin Mohammed al Hinai, Assistant Professor at the College of Arts and Sciences, University of Nizwa, while giving a background, underlined that creative industries encompass sectors that 'rely on innovation and individual talent, and contribute to transforming ideas into products and services with an economic dimension'. These range from traditional crafts and fine arts to literature, publishing, music, cinema, design and digital media. Dr Salim bin Mohammed al Hinai 'I have witnessed significant development in the Omani dagger industry, silver jewellery and traditional weaving, particularly in the wilayats of Nizwa and Suhar,' Dr Hinai said. 'There is also strong growth in graphic design, digital content production and the Omani film industry, as well as cultural events like the Muscat International Book Fair and Muscat International Film Festival. This sector supports Omani identity and the local economy.' He added that the sector creates jobs in design, crafts and digital content while linking heritage with modern products to enhance cultural tourism. 'It offers high added value at relatively low investment costs and opens the door to global partnerships that showcase Omani culture.' For Badriya bint Mohammed al Fouriya, Director of the Entrepreneurship Department at the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Riyada), the creative sector is also a platform for entrepreneurship. 'Riyada works to empower owners of creative ideas through training, technical guidance, incubation programmes and financing facilities,' she said. 'We also partner with cultural, educational and community institutions to invest in Omani intellectual heritage and produce renewed cultural content.' She stressed that the sector can increase competitiveness, generate income and create jobs if supported by the right legislative framework and skilled national talent. Murtadha bin Abdul Khaliq al Lawati, Director General of the Place and People Museum, underlined the cultural value of traditional crafts. 'Omani traditional industries go beyond function to become visual and cultural expressions of identity,' he said, adding that they have gained international admiration for their craftsmanship. While welcoming innovation, he warned against altering heritage products in ways that compromise authenticity. 'Industries linked to heritage symbols, such as the Omani dagger, should be preserved in their original form,' he said. In Nizwa, entrepreneur Khalid bin Sulaiman Ambusaidi's 'Nuzul al Manazel' project restores heritage houses using traditional materials and designs. 'We kept the original structure intact, highlighting the moral and cultural value of the place,' he said. 'Such projects promote Oman abroad as a country that values and protects its heritage.' Ambusaidi believes the creative sector can thrive if restoration specialists highlight the stories behind heritage sites and use modern technologies for documentation and promotion. 'Creative industries can connect past and present, strengthen cultural identity, and turn heritage into a sustainable cultural and economic resource,' he said.
Muscat Daily
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
University of Nizwa launches first short story creativity competition
Nizwa – The University of Nizwa, represented by the College of Arts and Sciences, has announced the first edition of its Creativity Competition in short story writing, open to students from higher education institutions across the Sultanate of Oman. The aim of this programme is to discover the creativity of the youth, promote classical Arabic writing, and strengthen cultural identity. Entries must be original, unpublished works in classical Arabic, reflecting Islamic principles and human values. The submission deadline is November 10, 2025, with winners to be honored during the Arabic Language Department's celebration of World Arabic Language Day on December 18. According to Dr. Masoud bin Saeed al Hadidi, the competition will be held annually, rotating among various Arabic literary genres such as novels, poetry, and short stories. The initiative is part of the university's ongoing efforts to nurture creativity, support young writers, and reinforce the role of literature in serving society.
