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Observer
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Oman participates in 19 Venice Biennale of Architecture 2025
Venice: The Sultanate of Oman's pavilion at the 19th Venice Biennale of Architecture 2025 was opened on Thursday. The Omani pavilion is titled 'Athar' and themed "Integrating Human and Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Architecture". The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Nizar Al Julanda al Said, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Italian Republic. Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture (Commissioner General of the Sultanate of Oman pavilion at the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2025), said in a speech at the opening ceremony that the Sultanate of Oman's participation in the event provides an opportunity to showcase the features of the Omani architectural identity, rooted in authenticity and open to the concepts of modernisation, sustainability and innovation. 'It is not just a design participation, but rather an integrated experience that portrays the life of the Omani society, through narrative and visual concepts blended with architectural creativity,' Sayyyid Said explained. He pointed out that this will be Oman's first participation in the architectural extravaganza and, accordingly, it constitutes a milestone in our cultural and architectural presence in the international arena. 'We have sought to make our presence a true expression of the spirit of the Omani land, incarnating the country's deep connection to nature, its adherence to authentic values and its aspirations for a future based on respect and renewed vision,' Sayyid Said added. 'The overall vision of our participation in the event is based on the 'Omani sabla', a typical manifestation of space for communication, decision-making, and dialogue,' Sayyid Said explained. (Sabla is a traditional social gathering place for Omani citizens during social occasions) The Omani sabla, he added, constitutes a fundamental pillar of social life and an inspiring model for present and future architecture. The Omani pavilion was curated by architect Majida Al Hanai, who crafted a design experience that blends Omani craftsmanship, spatial narrative and material innovation, much in line with the Biennale's theme of "Integrating Human and Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Architecture." By reimagining the sabla within a contemporary architectural vision, the pavilion highlights the role of the sabla as an adaptable model that connects past and present, reflecting authentic Omani values of hospitality, dialogue, and community spirit. Oman's pavilion at Venice Architecture Biennale will be open throughout of the Biennale's period from May 10 to November 23, 2025.
Observer
12-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman at official launching ceremony of Expo 2025 Osaka
OSAKA: The Sultanate of Oman on Saturday participated in the official launching ceremony of Expo 2025 hosted in the Japanese city of Osaka from April 13 to October 13, 2025, under the theme 'Designing the Future Society for Our Lives'. The launching ceremony was held under the auspices of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan in Osaka, Japan. The Sultanate of Oman was represented by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Vice-Chairman of the Main Committee for the Sultanate of Oman's Participation in Expo 2025 Osaka; Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidy, Under-secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture and Commissioner-General of the Sultanate of Oman's Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and Dr Mohammed bin Said al Busaidy, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Japan. Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Vice-Chairman of the Main Supervisory Committee of the Sultanate of Oman's Participation in Expo 2025, stated that Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, is a leading global platform organised since 1851 with the aim of promoting international understanding and enhancing cultural exchange by displaying countries' experiences and achievements in various sectors. The minister stated that the importance of this event lies in bringing together countries from around the world under one roof to showcase solutions and aspirations for a more sustainable and integrated future. He added that, based on the Sultanate of Oman's keenness to participate in international forums and enhance its cultural and economic communication with the world, its participation in this global event is another commitment to the principle of international cooperation and also showcases the Sultanate of Oman's unique capabilities in various fields. The minister noted that a main committee has been formed to oversee the Sultanate of Oman's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, under the chairmanship of HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth. A technical committee has also been formed from representatives of various stakeholders, along with private sector partners, to ensure a distinguished and effective participation. He said that the Sultanate of Oman's pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, is held under the theme 'Extended Connections. The theme highlights three components of people, land and water. It embodies the Sultanate of Oman's vision for cultural communication and showcases its contributions to innovation and sustainability. The pavilion was designed with Omani innovative designers, under the supervision of the Belarab Bin Haitham Award for Architectural Designs, to reflect the national identity in a modern style that meets the requirements of the event. The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Vice-Chairman of the Main Committee for the Sultanate of Oman's Participation at Expo 2025, stated that the pavilion has several sections, highlighting the Sultanate of Oman's heritage, economic opportunities and development. The minister explained that participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, is not limited to the pavilion alone, but also includes a wide range of accompanying events through which the Sultanate of Oman will showcase its economic, commercial, investment, tourism, and cultural development and potentials. Next month, the Sultanate of Oman will organise the most important investment event within the framework of the expo to showcase the promising opportunities it offers across various sectors. The Sultanate of Oman Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, will start receiving visitors tomorrow (Sunday), under the slogan 'Sultanate of Oman - Extended Links' which is in line with the general messages presented by Expo 2025 Osaka, the minister said. — ONA Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef
Observer
25-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman debuts at London Design Biennale
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is set to make its first-ever appearance at the prestigious London Design Biennale 2025, a global platform celebrating creativity and innovation in design. Representing Oman at this renowned event is 'Memory Network', an artwork by Omani architect and designer Haitham al Busafi, which will be showcased on June 5. This participation is a significant step in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth's broader efforts to highlight Oman's cultural heritage and artistic contributions on the international stage. It aligns with the Sultanate of Oman's Cultural Strategy 2021-2040, aimed at transforming Oman's cultural landscape into a hub of creativity and innovation. Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture, emphasised the importance of Oman's participation, stating that it provides a valuable opportunity to present the nation's rich cultural identity through contemporary design. He noted that the London Design Biennale serves as a platform for cultural dialogue, fostering collaborations between Omani and international designers while allowing Oman to engage with a global audience. To ensure a compelling and well-curated presence at the event, the Ministry has commissioned the Zawraq Collective to oversee Oman's pavilion. The collective selected Haitham al Busafi as the lead designer, entrusting him with the creative direction of the pavilion. At the heart of Oman's showcase is 'Memory Network', a piece inspired by the country's deep-rooted pottery heritage. The artwork explores the intellectual transition from tangible heritage to digital preservation, raising thought-provoking questions about the evolving notions of value and the legacy we leave behind for future generations. By incorporating traditional influences into a contemporary design narrative, 'Memory Network' captures the essence of Oman's past while reflecting on its future. Founded in 2016 by Sir John Sorrell and Ben Evans, the London Design Biennale is a globally recognised platform that brings together designers, cultural institutions and creative thinkers from around the world. The event fosters cross-cultural collaborations and highlights the role of design in shaping a sustainable and interconnected world. Since its inception, the Biennale has attracted top-tier international talent, with countries and institutions presenting groundbreaking design concepts that spark meaningful conversations about innovation and progress. Oman's participation in this event reaffirms its growing influence in the arts and design sector, demonstrating its commitment to using culture as a tool for international engagement and sustainable development. By joining the global dialogue on design, Oman continues to position itself as a key player in cultural diplomacy and artistic expression. - ONA
