Bait al Zubair marks 28th anniversary

Marking 28 years of sustained cultural contribution, Bait al Zubair commemorated its anniversary through a series of events that reflected its long-standing role in preserving Omani heritage while engaging with contemporary artistic expression.
Established in 1998 as a family-led initiative, Bait Al Zubair has evolved into one of the region’s most respected private cultural institutions, playing an active role in shaping cultural dialogue both locally and internationally.

The anniversary program was designed as a three-night celebration, bringing together music, photography, and public engagement.
The opening evening featured a classical concert of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A Major, performed by young Omani clarinetist Ali Juma Al Shaibi, accompanied by Azerbaijani pianist Vusala Yusif, followed by the inauguration of the third edition of the Moments exhibition by Mohammed bin Al Zubair. The exhibition, which traces visual narratives from journeys across the world, builds on previous editions held in 2008 and 2015.

On the second night, Bait Al Zubair launched the Bait Al Zubair Cultural Award in a new format that brings together its various previous awards and initiatives under a single framework. The award is presented annually to one main sector, with its fields rotating every three cycles among culture, arts, and heritage, reflecting their integrated role in shaping the human meaning of place. The education sector will continue independently through its established award for school reading initiatives, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, awarded biannually.

The first edition of the award in 2026 celebrates Al-Aqur Village in Nizwa as a model of early Omani urbanism and a living space rooted in values of neighborhood and shared life. This recognition honors Omani efforts to revive the place and transform everyday details into a vibrant cultural experience that bridges the past and the present.

 The third evening featured the premiere screening of A Tale from the Sky, a film that traces the journey of Sheikh Ahmed bin Suwaidan as a photographer. Written and directed by Suwaidan himself, the film focuses on his passion for photography, from traditional cameras to drones, and his travels across Oman to capture its landscapes through a devoted lens. The film highlights his determination to reveal the country’s beauty in ways never seen before, overcoming challenges and obstacles along the way.