Under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, Oman Design Week (ODW) officially began at the Al Irfan Boulevard Garden in the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) on Tuesday.
The opening ceremony was attended by Her Highness Sayyidah Meyyan bint Shihab al Said, Chairperson of the Oman Design Association, Dr Hashil bin Obaid al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, along with several highnesses, excellencies, and a distinguished group of professionals and enthusiasts from various fields of creativity and design. The event will run until January 25.
Organised by Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) in collaboration with the Oman Design Association, the event aims to position the Sultanate of Oman as a global hub for creativity and culture.
Oman Design Week, which follows the recent launch of the national visual identity, also aims to showcase the transformative role of creativity and design in enriching the tourism experience and promoting environmental sustainability through innovation.
Open to the public from 4 pm to 10 pm on weekdays and from 4 pm to 12 midnight at the weekends, Oman Design Week offers a dynamic platform to explore the intersection of contemporary design and Omani heritage, presenting a seamless blend of tradition and modernity.
The event features the works of 40 artists and designers, showcasing 10 major art installations including large-scale sculptures, innovative designs, and eco-conscious creations made from recycled materials. Additionally, there are three interactive workshops designed to empower Omani youth and inspire the next generation to engage with the fields of design.
Her Highness Sayyidah Meyyan bint Shihab al Said stated, “The inaugural edition of Oman Design Week features the participation of a distinguished group of designers and artists, supported by institutions and partners from both the public and private sectors, embodying the spirit of collaboration in fostering Oman’s creative ecosystem. This is vividly reflected in the deeply rooted Omani creative sensibilities evident in architectural designs and the harmony across various design and art disciplines in the Sultanate of Oman.”
Dr Hashil bin Obaid al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, commented, “At OMRAN Group, we take great pride in supporting and hosting this initiative, which underscores the contributions of Omani design and arts to the tourism sector. This event marks an important step in realising OMRAN Group’s vision of enriching culture and creativity within Omani tourism. It aligns with our commitment to offering innovative tourism experiences.”
Oman Design Week promises a rich schedule of exhibitions, workshops, and interactive experiences that delve into the heart of Omani culture while embracing contemporary design trends. By connecting tradition with innovation, the event is set to leave a lasting impression on visitors and participants, elevating Oman’s reputation as a hub for creativity and sustainable tourism.
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