Latest news with #MinistryofCulture
Muscat Daily
an hour ago
- General
- Muscat Daily
Omani navigator Ibn Majid's manuscript earns Unesco honour
Paris – Oman has received official recognition from Unesco for inscription of the manuscript Al Nuniyah al Kubra (The Great Nuniyah) by renowned Omani navigator Ahmad ibn Majid in the Memory of the World register. The certificate was handed over during a meeting in Paris on Tuesday between H E Amna bint Salem al Balushi, Oman's Permanent Representative to Unesco, and Dr Tawfiq al Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information at the organisation's headquarters. Inclusion of The Great Nuniyah is the result of joint efforts by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, in coordination with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and Oman's Permanent Delegation to Unesco. The manuscript is regarded as a landmark in the field of marine science and navigation. Inscribed in April 2025, The Great Nuniyah is the second Omani manuscript to be recognised under Unesco's Memory of the World programme. The first was The Mine of Secrets in Oceanography by navigator Nasser bin Ali al Khadouri, added in 2017. Ibn Majid's work documents maritime geography and ancient shipping routes in detail. It also records societies encountered during his voyages and provides insight into anchoring techniques and marine life. Significantly, while earlier scholars divided the Earth into seven northern regions, Ibn Majid extended the classification by introducing seven regions in the southern hemisphere. The Memory of the World programme was established by Unesco in 1992 to safeguard documentary heritage at risk of loss. Manuscripts are selected based on criteria such as historical importance, rarity, authenticity and cross-cultural impact.
Al-Ahram Weekly
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egyptian National Theatre Festival kicks off its 18th edition - Stage & Street - Arts & Culture
The 18th edition of the Egyptian National Theatre Festival launched on Sunday, 20 July, with an inaugural ceremony at the Cairo Opera House's main hall. Related 18th Egyptian National Theatre Festival features 35 plays in the main competition Running until 6 August, this year's edition is held under the slogan The Festival Across All Egyptl. The ceremony featured the play Open the Curtains of Our Theatres, hosted by actor Amr Abdel-Aziz. In his opening remarks, Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hano paid tribute to generations of theatre artists: 'On this exceptional evening, we stand in appreciation and reverence for all those who dedicated their lives to theatre art… Our honouring of them today is an acknowledgment of their merit and a tribute to an unforgettable journey.' Ahead of the official opening, the festival toured four governorates representing Egypt's regional diversity, where theatrical performances were staged and local artists honoured. This year's edition pays tribute to ten leading figures in Egyptian theatre, including actors Ashraf Abdel-Baki, Mohie Ismail, Samira Abdel-Aziz, Mimi Gamal, Ahmed Nabil, Selim Kitchener, and Jalal Al-Ashry, as well as directors Abeer Ali, Ahmed Abdel Jalil, and Sobhi Al-Sayed. A special posthumous honour was given to the late actress Samiha Ayoub, who passed away in June. The official competition features 35 theatrical productions different bodies operating under the Ministry of Culture as well as independent troupes. This edition features a greater number of specialized creative workshops. It will also include discussions about the theatre world, the impact of artificial intelligence on performances and scripts, as well as the influence of wars and conflicts shaking the region on theatre. Launched in 2006, the festival serves as a platform for honouring theatre-makers, documenting significant productions, and fostering dialogue around the future of Egyptian theatre. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Not to be missed: From Nancy Ajram, Tamer Hosny, Ehab Tawfik to abundance of theatre - Music - Arts & Culture
18th Egyptian National Theatre Festival 20 July - 6 August Launched in 2006, the Egyptian National Theatre Festival has grown into the country's largest annual event dedicated to the theatrical arts. This year's lineup features a diverse array of performances from troupes affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the General Organization of Cultural Palaces, the Art House for Theatre, the Academy of Arts, private theatres, and student groups from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts and various universities. Many of the plays have already premiered to critical and audience acclaim, while others are being introduced to wider audiences for the first time. New films across cinemas starting 24 July - The Fantastic Four: First Steps, starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach - O.T.H.E.R., starring Olga Kurylenko, Philip Schurer The Cell - film Wednesday 23 July, 8pm Cervantes Institute in Cairo, 20, Boulos Hanna St., Dokki, Cairo The film Cell 211 (Celda 211) is a 2009 Spanish production directed by Daniel Monzón and based on the novel of the same name by Francisco Pérez Gandul. Winner of 8 Goya Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor, it was named Film of the Year in Spain. The plot follows Juan, who starts his new job as a prison officer, and on the first day, he gets caught in a prison riot. He then decides to pose as an inmate to save his life and to help bring an end to the uprising, led by the fearsome Malamadre. What he doesn't know is that fate has set a trap for him. Yarab Bent - theatre play Thursday 24 July at 7pm & 9pm Friday 25 July at 7pm & 9pm Saturday 26 July at 6.30pm & 8.30pm Rawabet Art Space, 5 Hussein Basha Al Meamari, Downtown Cairo Anas, a standout student in his final year of university and the only son in his family, is on the cusp of earning a scholarship to the United States. But just as everything seems within reach, his plans are upended by his family's unexpected objections, jeopardizing not only his preparations but also his future. Faced with the looming prospect of compulsory military service, Anas must reckon with the possibility of losing the opportunity altogether. The play is written by Karim Adel and directed by Abdel-Rahman Amer. Cassette 90 band - music Thursday 24 July, 8pm Wisdom hall, El-Sawy Culturewheel, 26th of July street, Zamalek, Cairo The band is composed of eight musicians who bring the spirit of the 1990s back to life, performing hits by Egyptian artists such as Mostafa Amar, Hisham Abbas, Alaa Abdelkhalek, and Ehab Tawfik. Hisham Abbas - music Thursday 24 July, 9pm Masrah Sokseeh, Porto Golf Alamein Born in 1963, Hisham Abbas is a well-known Egyptian pop singer recognized for both his upbeat hits and religious songs. He rose to fame in the early 1990s with tracks like Wana Wana Wana and Ta'ala, and is perhaps best known for his international hit Habibi Dah (Nari Narain) and the religious anthem Asmaa Allah Al-Husna. Over the years, Abbas has released numerous solo albums, regularly performs in concerts, and has also appeared in television series, films, and theatrical productions. Tamer Hosny - music Friday 25 July U Arena, New Alamein Tamer Hosny is a renowned Egyptian pop singer, songwriter, and actor who began his career in 2002, first gaining recognition through early collaborations with Sherine on mixtapes. Since then, he has become one of the most prominent pop stars in Egypt and the wider Arab world. Hosny has released more than 13 best-selling albums, with his music featured in numerous television series. Known for his energetic stage presence, he has performed across the region and collaborated with international artists such as Snoop Dogg and Shaggy, as well as Arab musicians including Rim Banna, Latifa, Souad Massi, and Ramy Sabry. His latest album, Leena Maad (We Have a Date), includes a duet with iconic Egyptian singer Mohamed Mounir. Hosny's upcoming concert is part of the 3rd New Alamein Festival, running from 18 July to 29 August. The festival promises a packed program of music, sports, entertainment, and culinary events, with performances by top regional and international artists. Read more about the festival here. Tablet El-Sitt - music Saturday 26 July, 8pm River Hall, El-Sawy Culturewheel, 26th of July street, Zamalek, Cairo Founded by Soha Mohamed in 2019, the all-female group is reviving Egypt's rich musical heritage. Since its inception, the troupe has garnered widespread acclaim, performing at major venues across the country. Nancy Ajram - music Saturday 26 July Beach Resort, Marassi Nancy Nabil Ajram is a world-renowned Lebanese singer, television personality, and businesswoman, widely known as the Queen of Arab Pop. She began performing as a child, winning a gold medal at age 12 on the Lebanese talent show Noujoum Al-Moustakbal. She released her debut album, Mihtagalak, at the age of 15—launching her professional career early. Ajram's breakthrough came with the hit single Akhasmak Ah and the album Ya Salam (2003), followed by Ah W Noss (2004), which cemented her status as a regional pop icon with numerous chart-topping hits. She has since released twelve studio albums, including two for children, and sold over 30 million records worldwide—making her one of the best-selling Middle Eastern artists and the top-selling female singer of the 2000s. Ajram's upcoming concert is part of Layali Marassi, a summer concert series at Marassi's Beach Resort, with performances every Saturday through the end of August. Ehab Tawfik - music Sunday 27 July, 9pm Alexandria International Sports Stadium The 59-year-old singer is celebrated for his decades-long contributions to Egyptian pop and shaabi music. He began his career with the debut single Dany in 1989, followed by his first album Ekmeny in 1990. Tawfik's repertoire includes beloved hits such as Habibi, Sahrany, Tetraga Feya, Hobek Alemni, and the fan favourite Allah Aleik Ya Sidi—all of which gained widespread popularity across the Arabic-speaking world. His upcoming concert is part of the Summer Festival for Music and Singing, organized by the Cairo Opera House. Nesma Abdel-Aziz & Ahmed Gamal - music Monday 28 July, 9pm & 10pm Alexandria International Sports Stadium Nesma Abdel-Aziz launched her career in 2001, performing alongside renowned composer Omar Khairat before forming her own band to pursue personal projects. A graduate of the Cairo Conservatory of Music, she later continued her studies in the United States and has since performed at numerous international festivals, touring extensively across the Arab world. Ahmed Gamal rose to fame as the runner-up in the second season of Arab Idol in 2013. He is renowned for his powerful, emotive voice and his ability to blend traditional Arabic music with modern pop seamlessly. Both Abdel-Aziz and Gamal will perform as part of the Summer Festival for Music and Singing, organized by the Cairo Opera House. Moftah Shohra - theatre play Monday 28, Tuesday 29 July, 8pm Rawabet Art Space, 5 Hussein Basha Al Meamari, Downtown Cairo The play follows Moftah and Shohra, two film extras who find themselves locked in the costume and props room for 45 minutes after being thrown off set by the director. Shabab and Shabab & Reham Abdel-Hakim - music Tuesday 29 July, 9pm & 10pm Alexandria International Sports Stadium The evening will open with performances by a lineup of young singers—Mohamed Hassan, Farah El-Mougi, and Mohamed El-Khouly—accompanied by an orchestra under the baton of conductor Ahmed Amer. At 10pm, celebrated singer Reham Abdel-Hakim will take the stage. Abdel-Hakim rose to fame in 1999 when she portrayed a young Um Kalthoum in a television series named after the legendary singer. Since then, she has become known for her renditions of Um Kalthoum's repertoire, performing regularly on prestigious stages across Egypt and the Arab region. Her original songs Ahim Shawqan, Ya Habibi, and Amar Ya Eskendria remain audience favourites. Abdel-Hakim is a two-time recipient of the Golden Microphone Award from the Arab Broadcasting Union. The concert is part of the Cairo Opera House's Summer Festival for Music and Singing. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt releases trilingual children's book in solidarity with Gaza - Society
As part of its cultural and humanitarian mission, Egypt's Ministry of Culture has released a new children's book titled Heroes in the Water Line in Arabic, English, and French, as a gesture of solidarity with the children of Gaza. Published by the National Center for Translation under the ministry's Translation from Arabic initiative, the book is described as a message of love and resilience from Egypt's children to their peers in Palestine. Written by Amani Suleiman Dawoud and illustrated by Rana Hatamleh, the story follows three friends—Youssef, Mostafa, and Ibrahim—growing up under bombardment in Gaza. Despite the violence surrounding them, they navigate life with the weapon of resilience, holding fast to hope for a better future. The story was translated into English by Lamiaa Tawfik and into French by Bouchayer Allam. According to the ministry, the initiative seeks to amplify the voices of Gaza's children, promote cross-cultural empathy, and affirm the role of literature in fostering shared human values across linguistic and national borders. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Observer
10 hours ago
- Science
- Observer
Dialogue debates libraries' role in sustainable development
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth on Monday conducted a dialogue session titled 'Culture, Library Science, and Sustainable Development' as part of the Civilisational Horizons programme. The session debated the challenges facing libraries due to the digital revolution and the spread of the Internet, and how libraries have been able to adapt to these transformations and provide reliable information. It also highlighted the role libraries play in supporting education, scientific research and innovation. The session addressed the relationship between culture and Library and Information Science (LIS), and the role of libraries as cultural institutions that have contributed throughout the ages to enriching human culture and promoting the values of pluralism, tolerance and freedom of expression. The session highlighted the vital role libraries play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by organising knowledge and managing the vast intellectual output through smart systems that keep pace with technological developments. The session discussed the contributions of libraries to enhancing artificial intelligence, thanks to their vast databases, and their role in training users to use these technologies to produce reliable and knowledge-based texts. It also addressed the reality of LIS in the Sultanate of Oman, the information strategy and digital transformation within the Oman Vision 2040 as well as the most prominent challenges facing the library sector in the Sultanate of Oman. It also reviewed investment opportunities in cultural and creative industries and the role of libraries in this field. — ONA
