Science festival reaffirms knowledge-based society

MUSCAT, NOV 11
The fifth edition of the Oman Science Festival concluded on Wednesday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, under the auspices of Halima bint Rashid al Zari, Chairperson of the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED), marking the culmination of a national event aimed at promoting scientific awareness, encouraging innovation and bringing science closer to the community.
Held under the theme ‘Our Compass is Science’, the festival brought together local and international institutions, educational organisations and various stakeholders to showcase scientific knowledge, technological developments and innovative ideas through interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities.
The closing ceremony celebrated the collective efforts of participating institutions, sponsors, organising committees and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event, highlighting the importance of partnerships in advancing scientific culture and inspiring future generations.
Dr Mai al Azri, Director-General of Scientific Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, said the festival represented an important national platform for celebrating knowledge, creativity and a passion for discovery. She noted that the theme, ‘Our Compass is Science’, reflected a shared commitment to making science an integral part of everyday life and encouraging children and young people to question, experiment and think critically.
The festival also demonstrated how scientific knowledge can be transformed into innovation and practical solutions that serve people and contribute to a better future, she added.
“The real value of the festival lies not only in the days during which it is held, but also in the lasting impact it leaves behind,” she noted, pointing to the importance of inspiring a child to pursue a question, encouraging a student to explore a scientific field and motivating young people to turn their ideas into innovative projects.
She expressed appreciation to the sponsors for their confidence in the festival’s objectives and their support in strengthening its outreach and impact.
The festival’s interactive environment attracted families, school students and children, offering visitors an opportunity to explore scientific concepts through practical demonstrations and engaging activities. The experience encouraged participants to move beyond simply observing scientific exhibits and become actively involved in learning and discovery.
Visitors expressed their appreciation for the festival’s contribution to children’s learning and its role in introducing scientific concepts in an engaging and accessible manner.
Asia bint Salim al Rawahi, a parent who visited the festival with her children, said the experience provided an excellent opportunity to introduce young learners to science beyond the classroom.
“I was keen to bring my children because I believe that developing an interest in science should begin at an early age. I was impressed by the variety of exhibits and interactive activities, which allowed children to explore and learn for themselves. Such events broaden children’s horizons and encourage curiosity and a love of knowledge,” she said.
Yousef bin Mohammed al Ansari, another parent visiting the festival, said the event offered a valuable educational experience for the entire family.
“What makes the Oman Science Festival special is that it goes beyond presenting information. Visitors are given opportunities to interact with experiments and see how scientific concepts are applied in real life. I noticed how interested my children were, particularly in asking questions and exploring different exhibits. This is exactly the kind of experience that helps develop creative and inquisitive minds,” he said.
For school students, the festival provided an opportunity to discover new interests, explore scientific ideas and gain a better understanding of how science influences everyday life.
Sara bint Juma al Shukaili, a Grade seven student at Al Amerat School, described her visit as an enjoyable and educational experience.
“My visit to the Oman Science Festival was very interesting. I discovered many innovations and scientific experiments and learned how science can be used in our daily lives. What I liked most was being able to learn through observation and practical activities rather than just reading about science in books. The experience has made me more interested in discovering new things and perhaps developing my own scientific project in the future,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sameera bint Mahmoud al Balushi, a Grade four student at Wadi Udai School, said she particularly enjoyed the interactive exhibits and scientific demonstrations.
“I really enjoyed visiting the festival. I liked seeing the experiments, scientific equipment, and new ideas. I learned many things I did not know before, and it was exciting because I could watch, learn, and ask questions. I hope there will be more exhibitions like this so I can discover more about science and inventions,” she said.
The conclusion of the fifth Oman Science Festival highlights the growing importance of initiatives that promote scientific literacy and encourage innovation across society.