Oman Science Festival targets over 350,000

MUSCAT, OCT 27
The fifth edition of the Oman Science Festival 2026 is expected to attract more than 350,000 visitors, as the 10-day event seeks to strengthen scientific literacy, promote innovation and encourage greater public engagement with science and technology. Held under the theme 'Our Compass is Science', the festival serves as a national platform for interactive learning and scientific discovery, bringing together students, educators, institutions and members of the public to explore scientific concepts and their practical applications.
Speaking at the festival's press conference, Dr Intisar bint Abdullah Ambusaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Education for Educational Support Programmes, said the festival reflects Oman's commitment to investing in human capital and equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the challenges of tomorrow. She said the event provides students with opportunities to engage directly with science, develop a spirit of inquiry and experimentation, and strengthen their creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. 'True learning goes beyond acquiring knowledge; it extends to applying that knowledge to understand phenomena, solve problems and develop innovative solutions,' she said. The festival's impact, she added, should be measured not only by visitor numbers, but also by its educational value and its ability to inspire students to explore their scientific interests and broaden their horizons.
Since its launch in 2017, the festival has expanded in scope, participation and institutional partnerships, establishing itself as a prominent national science event. Previous editions have attracted about 840,000 visitors in total, while the fourth edition in 2024 drew more than 300,000 visitors, with around 140 institutions and organisations taking part. The duration has also increased from eight days in 2024 to 10 days in the current edition, giving visitors more time to take part in activities and explore the exhibits.
Dr Mai al Azri, Director-General of Scientific Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, said organisers expect attendance to exceed 350,000 this year after the previous edition drew visitors from different age groups. She highlighted the importance of scientific literacy in achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in developing a knowledge-based economy, investing in human capital and strengthening national capabilities, and said building a knowledge-based economy requires a stronger scientific culture and the development of scientific and innovative skills across society. The festival, she added, is not limited to school students but aims to reach all segments of the community, encouraging greater awareness of scientific disciplines and their role in supporting innovation and economic development.
Eight zones showcase science and technology
The 2026 festival features eight themed zones covering key scientific and technological fields aligned with global developments and Oman's development priorities. These include Future Technologies; Peaceful Nuclear Science and Technology; Wings to Space; Climate Change; Sustainability and Urban Planning; Natural Resources and Wealth; Food and Agricultural Technologies; and Environment and Biodiversity. Through interactive exhibits and practical experiments, visitors can explore emerging technologies and learn how scientific research and innovation can help address contemporary challenges.
The festival also introduces students to science and technology programmes offered by higher education institutions, as well as career pathways and employment opportunities linked to these fields. Ambusaidi said this connection between school education, higher education and the labour market helps students identify their interests and abilities and make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.
Supporting Oman Vision 2040
The festival supports the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly those related to education, learning, scientific research and national capabilities, Ambusaidi said. It also aligns with the Ministry of Education's efforts to improve learning outcomes, strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and promote inquiry-based and practical learning. She emphasised the importance of partnerships between government entities, private sector organisations, academic and research institutions, military institutions and international scientific organisations in enriching the festival's content and facilitating the exchange of expertise. Such partnerships also give students and teachers opportunities to engage with scientists, researchers and specialists, while helping strengthen links between education and the needs of the economy.
The ministry hopes the latest edition will encourage positive attitudes towards science, identify promising scientific talent, stimulate innovation and raise awareness of future educational and career opportunities. Beyond the festival itself, the initiative is also expected to support schools by exposing teachers to interactive scientific practices that can be incorporated into classroom learning.
The Oman Science Festival 2026 underscores the role of science, knowledge and innovation in developing national capabilities and supporting sustainable development, while encouraging a broader culture of scientific curiosity across Omani society.