Latest news with #KhalidalZadjali
Observer
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Omani film to feature at 2nd European Film Festival
MUSCAT, AUG 16 The 2nd edition of the European Film Festival in Muscat will showcase 22 films from nine EU countries, including fiction and documentaries, alongside an Omani film by Dr Khalid al Zadjali. The festival will run from September 21 to 28, at Cinépolis, Avenues Mall. The announcement was made at the German Embassy in Muscat, hosted by German Ambassador Dirk Lölke, in the presence of diplomatic representatives from the nine participating EU countries. Dr Khalid al Zadjali's film 'Zayana' will be screened as a special tribute to the Omani film industry. Speaking about the festival, EU Ambassador Christophe Farnaud, German Ambassador Dirk Lölke and Festival Coordinator Sudha Sha highlighted the expanded programme and the EU's commitment to strengthening cultural ties with Oman through cinema. 'This year's festival features 22 films from Austria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Romania and Spain — an expansion from last year's 15 films — offering audiences an extraordinary opportunity to explore Europe's diverse cultural heritage through cinema', said Dirk Lölke. The festival's line-up includes popular titles as well as award-winning films celebrated at Cannes, the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes. Side events include masterclasses and workshops by internationally renowned European filmmakers, providing hands-on training for university students and emerging Omani filmmakers. Special screenings for children will be held during weekend mornings, while expanded weekend showings will give audiences more choices. Interactive programmes, including film curation sessions and post-screening discussions, are also scheduled. The festival will open on Sunday, September 21, with the opening movie screening,and conclude on Sunday, September 28, at Cinépolis, Avenues Mall.
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
2nd EU Film Festival in Muscat from Sept 21 to 28
Muscat – The European Union Film Festival is set to return to Muscat for its highly anticipated second edition, promising a vibrant celebration of European and Omani cinema. The festival will run from September 21 to 28 at Cinepolis in Oman Avenue Mall. The festival dates were announcement at a press conference hosted by the German Embassy on Thursday. The festival will feature 22 films from nine EU countries – Austria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain. Organisers said the event aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding through cinema. A highlight of the festival is inclusion of Zayana, the latest Omani feature film by Dr Khalid al Zadjali. Organisers noted that its screening reflects the growing collaboration between the EU and Oman in cultural fields. The line-up will also include internationally acclaimed titles, some of which have been screened at Cannes, the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes. In addition to film screenings, the programme will host side events such as masterclasses and workshops by European filmmakers and industry professionals. These will provide training opportunities for students and young Omani filmmakers. Children's cinema, weekend screenings of additional films, film-curating sessions and post-screening discussions are also part of the schedule. The opening ceremony will be held on September 21 and the closing night on September 28 at Cinepolis. H E Mark Loelke, Ambassador of Germany to Oman, said, 'This festival builds upon existing strong cultural relations between the EU and Oman. Cultural diversity is a cornerstone of the EU's identity, and initiatives like this film festival are vital tools to enhance relations. The cultural influence of Europe on Oman is evident through historical ties and modern exchanges in art, language and tourism, making this festival a natural extension of a flourishing partnership.' Sudha Sha, festival coordinator, said, 'Movies unite people and we are happy to bring some of the best films that were critically acclaimed at Cannes, Berlin and the Oscars. It is tough to get to see these films in normal theatres and here we are in for a great chance to see these masterpieces.' She added that this year's edition has expanded to 22 films compared to 15 last year. The festival's poster was also unveiled at the press conference.
Observer
03-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman to host events on large scale in future
Muscat: In the coming years, one can expect the Sultanate of Oman to host events on a large scale, similar to what is seen in other countries, said a senior official of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. Speaking to the Observer, Khalid al Zadjali, director of Oman Convention Bureau, said, "There is no specific timeline, but we certainly have such plans and are working on meetings and conferences that can bring thousands of people to the country. We have nice airports, hotels and road infrastructure, among other things." Speaking about the Arabian Travel Market, he said it is one of the top three events worldwide and provides an important platform and opportunities to meet our counterparts from various source markets. We are also focusing on promoting Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) in the Sultanate of Oman. We see growth in the MICE market and are working with hoteliers, agents and those who come for these events." There has been a growth of around 7 to 8 per cent in the MICE market. "We also support and promote Salalah as a second destination after Muscat. Salalah is the only city in the Gulf area that can be visited year-round," he said. Some events were conducted last year in September, which could also be held in October. Regarding offering connectivity to visitors, he said Oman Air has been covering major cities such as India, one of the strong source markets, as well as flying to the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Russia and now Amsterdam." Al Jabal Al Akhdhar has iconic selling points for the MICE market and there are some packages available as incentives. It is a unique destination and different from beach properties. Oman is also targeting more than 140 countries that participate in these events.
