Latest news with #SultanQaboosYouthComplexforCultureandEntertainment
Observer
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association hosts poetry evening
SALALAH: The Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association organised a poetry evening titled 'In Love with Oman and Bahrain' at the main hall of the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah. The event was held under the auspices of Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality. The evening featured prominent poets, including Omani poet Kamel al Bathari and Bahraini poet Abdullah al Marri. The event celebrated the strong bonds of brotherhood between the peoples of Oman and Bahrain and highlighted their shared cultural and literary heritage through poems reflecting themes of belonging, love and unity. Radina al Hajri, Chairwoman of the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association, said the evening is part of the association's ongoing efforts to promote cultural diplomacy, which serves as a vital bridge for deepening relations between the two nations. She noted that exchanging artistic and literary creativity strengthens fraternal ties and reflects the shared values between Oman and Bahrain. This poetry evening is one of a series of events held by the association this year to commemorate the longstanding relations between the two brotherly countries. - ONA
Observer
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Salalah celebrates winners of storytelling contest
SALALAH: The Narrative Committee of The Omani Society for Writers and Literati — Dhofar Branch celebrated the winners of the 'Speaking Storyteller' competition at the lecture hall of the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah. Nour bint Ghafram al Shahriyah, Head of the Narrative Committee, said the competition aims to discover and develop storytelling talents across age groups, revive national heritage and foster a deeper connection between generations and traditional tales. It also seeks to promote linguistic creativity, enhance expression in both classical Arabic and local dialects and build participants' confidence through live public performances. She noted that the event followed several competition stages, starting with visual submissions in early July, followed by a training workshop and in-person evaluations in early August. The ceremony featured a visual presentation tracing the competition's journey from its launch to the finals, alongside an exhibition by female artists from the Irtiqaa Artistic Team. Finalists captivated the audience with live story narrations, after which certificates and prizes were awarded to winners and recognition was given to contributors. — ONA
Observer
4 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
OSSA organises 4th School Beach Games tourney
SALALAH: The fourth edition of the School Beach Games Championship, organised by the Oman School Sports Association (OSSA) in cooperation with sports committees from the educational directorates will kick off on Sunday. The event will take place on the sand courts of the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate, from Sunday and will run until Thursday with the participation of 93 students representing various educational directorates. The championship will feature two competitions in the boys' category including: beach handball and beach volleyball events. In beach handball event, as many as eight teams have been drawn into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. In beach volleyball event, nine teams will compete in two groups, with the first group consisting of five teams and the second of four teams, also with the top two from each group qualifying for the semi-finals. Matches will be played in a single round robin format. The opening day will see 12 matches — six in beach handball and six in beach volleyball. Group stage matches will continue on Monday in both morning and evening sessions. The semifinal matches are scheduled for Wednesday, with the finals to be played on Thursday morning, marking the conclusion of the tournament. The championship is held under the strategic sponsorship of OQ Group The championship is held under the strategic sponsorship of OQ Group, with executive partnership from the General Directorate of Education in Dhofar Governorate and the General Directorate of Culture, Sports and Youth in Dhofar Governorate represented by the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment alongside the School Sports Committees in the educational directorates, the Oman Volleyball Association, and the Oman Handball Association (OHA). More than 50 supervisors and coaches are involved in organising the championship, in addition to members of the organizing, media, and technical committees, referees, and administrators. The organising committee has finalised its preparations for the event, forming the necessary technical, media, and logistical committees to ensure smooth operations. All participants will enjoy a rest day on Tuesday featuring a tourism and leisure program, including visits to Mughsail Beach, Ayn Jarziz, and Haffa Souq, with the final day offering an excursion to Atin Square and Ayn Razat. Muscat Educational Directorate is the defending champion in beach handball, while the Al Sharqiyah South Educational Directorate holds the title in beach volleyball from the previous edition.
Observer
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Salalah's Youth Complex reinvents as regional hub for events
SALALAH: The Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment continues to shape Salalah's identity as a major event and cultural destination, with record-breaking activity during the 2025 Khareef Dhofar Season. Evolving beyond its original mandate, the Complex now serves as a dynamic hub for creative expression, sports and youth engagement — attracting international attention. Once celebrated for its architectural charm and scale, the Complex has matured into a symbol of Salalah's inclusive and modern cultural landscape. Since its inauguration in November 2016, the Complex has hosted thousands of events and its popularity is now reaching new heights — particularly among regional event planners and international cultural delegates. 'Every year, we are witnessing increased interest from international organisations looking to host conferences, festivals and workshops here', said Saada bint Said Salim al Azriyah, Head of the Women's Activities Department at the General Directorate of Culture, Sports and Youth in the Dhofar Governorate. 'During Khareef Dhofar Season 2025, we were operating at near full capacity with bookings ranging from tech symposiums to heritage festivals. The global buzz around Salalah and our unique venue has definitely grown', she said. 'What sets us apart is our ability to adapt. Our design caters to everyone — from families and school groups to fitness enthusiasts and artists. the Complex is not just for the youth; it's a platform for multi-generational connection', she said while highlighting collaborations with different stakeholders. Covering a massive 237,000 square metres, the Complex is divided into two main zones — the Centre for Art and Culture and the Centre for Physical Activities and Entertainment. The former includes clubs dedicated to heritage, art and literature, offering facilities such as a multimedia library, art studios, photography labs and a 120-seat theatre auditorium. The latter houses sports complexes, fitness hubs and zones for people with disabilities, with gender-inclusive facilities. A standout is the all-season athletic indoor track — still one of the few of its kind in Oman. In 2025, a new wing for Digital Arts and Innovation is under development, aimed at encouraging Omani youth to explore careers in gaming, filmmaking and design. Plans are also underway for a Khareef Cultural Expo next year, expected to attract participation from across the GCC and South Asia. 'The Complex has grown with the aspirations of Oman's youth. We're not just responding to demand — we're actively shaping the future of culture and entertainment in the region', said Saada.
Observer
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Is the future of book reading at stake in the digital age?
The landscape of reading habits among students is undergoing a quiet transformation, and not necessarily for the better. With the availability of digital devices, traditional book reading is increasingly being sidelined — a shift that is deeply concerning for educators, book lovers and bookstore owners alike. One such voice of concern is a veteran bookshop owner in Salalah who runs three bookstores in the city. While once a thriving hub for curious minds, his stores now see more sales in toys, digital reading gadgets and educational kits than actual books. 'There is a slump in the book reading habit,' he said during a recent exhibition held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, aimed at reviving interest in books among students. 'But we should not surrender to the situation. We must continue to encourage young readers to take out time for real books.' Despite the general decline, he found solace in the efforts of some proactive parents who were seen guiding their children towards books, helping them choose titles that matched their interests. 'That kind of engagement gives us hope,' he added. Among the visitors was Aya al Naimi, an employee at a local company in Salalah. While admitting that her book purchases have significantly reduced, she fondly recalled her last buy — an Arabic title 'Alaqat Khatira' (Dangerous Relationships), which she bought two years ago. 'I still love reading, especially topics like mental health, stories and personality development,' she said. 'This exhibition has reignited my interest. I'm planning to return after Eid to pick up a few titles.' Aayush Mehul Khokhani, another visitor, echoed a similar sentiment but highlighted the practical constraints that prevent him from buying physical books. 'Life moves fast. Digital books are easier to carry during business trips and don't require space at home,' he explained. Vandana Jyotirmayee, an academic and passionate reader, takes immense pride in her personal collection of books. 'I read a lot. My books are my food for thought. They keep me rooted in culture, literature, poetry, music — everything that is soulful and creative,' she said. While the digital age has undeniably made information more accessible, it has also inadvertently distanced students from the tactile, immersive experience of reading physical books. The challenge, therefore, lies in striking a balance — blending the convenience of technology with the richness of traditional reading. Events like the exhibition in Salalah are a step in the right direction, offering a platform to reignite the joy of reading in young minds. As the bookshop owner rightly emphasised, the fight is not over — and neither is the story of books. Kaushalendra Singh @patkaushal The landscape of reading habits among students is undergoing a quiet transformation, and not necessarily for the better. With the availability of digital devices, traditional book reading is increasingly being sidelined — a shift that is deeply concerning for educators, book lovers and bookstore owners alike. One such voice of concern is a veteran bookshop owner in Salalah who runs three bookstores in the city. While once a thriving hub for curious minds, his stores now see more sales in toys, digital reading gadgets and educational kits than actual books. 'There is a slump in the book reading habit,' he said during a recent exhibition held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, aimed at reviving interest in books among students. 'But we should not surrender to the situation. We must continue to encourage young readers to take out time for real books.' Despite the general decline, he found solace in the efforts of some proactive parents who were seen guiding their children towards books, helping them choose titles that matched their interests. 'That kind of engagement gives us hope,' he added. Among the visitors was Aya al Naimi, an employee at a local company in Salalah. While admitting that her book purchases have significantly reduced, she fondly recalled her last buy — an Arabic title 'Alaqat Khatira' (Dangerous Relationships), which she bought two years ago. 'I still love reading, especially topics like mental health, stories and personality development,' she said. 'This exhibition has reignited my interest. I'm planning to return after Eid to pick up a few titles.' Aayush Mehul Khokhani, another visitor, echoed a similar sentiment but highlighted the practical constraints that prevent him from buying physical books. 'Life moves fast. Digital books are easier to carry during business trips and don't require space at home,' he explained. Vandana Jyotirmayee, an academic and passionate reader, takes immense pride in her personal collection of books. 'I read a lot. My books are my food for thought. They keep me rooted in culture, literature, poetry, music — everything that is soulful and creative,' she said. While the digital age has undeniably made information more accessible, it has also inadvertently distanced students from the tactile, immersive experience of reading physical books. The challenge, therefore, lies in striking a balance — blending the convenience of technology with the richness of traditional reading. Events like the exhibition in Salalah are a step in the right direction, offering a platform to reignite the joy of reading in young minds. As the bookshop owner rightly emphasised, the fight is not over — and neither is the story of books.
