

JEDDAH: The National Museum of Oman is proudly participating in the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale, titled ‘And What's Between,’ hosted at the Western Haj Terminal, King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, from January 25 to May 25. This prestigious event brings together over 20 artists and 30 institutions worldwide to celebrate Islamic art and culture.
The National Museum’s pavilion highlights Oman’s significant contributions to global maritime history, focusing on the pioneering role of Omani sailors such as Ahmed bin Majid al Saadi, famously known as the ‘Lion of the Seas.’ His legacy includes groundbreaking works on navigation and the development of the Kamal instrument, used to measure the height of stars for accurate navigation.
The pavilion also pays tribute to Omani scholars like Saeed bin Salem bin Saeed Al Jami’i, author of ‘Nabhat Al Ghafil fi Ma’rifat Hisbat Al Manazil,’ and Nasser bin Ali al Khadouri, author of ‘Ma’dan Al Asrar fi Ilm Al Bahr.’ These contributions underscore Oman’s enduring role in advancing navigational sciences.
Among the fascinating exhibits is the Sinaw Treasure, a collection of nearly a thousand silver coins from various historical periods, including Sassanian and Abbasid eras, illustrating the evolution of monetary systems across the Indian Ocean. Navigational tools, such as the Kamal, rare manuscripts like ‘The Metal of Secrets in the Science of Seas,’ and other artefacts, provide a comprehensive glimpse into Oman’s maritime legacy.
The Islamic Arts Biennale serves as an international platform to celebrate Islamic arts and foster cultural and intellectual dialogue. Hosted every two years at the iconic Western Haj Terminal, which has won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the venue symbolises centuries of global connections as a gathering point for pilgrims.
This is the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale and it explores how faith is experienced, expressed and celebrated through feeling, thinking and making. Major international institutions are taking part in the Biennale, from Denmark, Egypt, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kuwait, Mali, Oman, Palestine, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye, UK, US, Uzbekistan and Vatican City.
Over 30 artists from Saudi Arabia and around the world are participating, with 29 new commissions, some of which are in dialogue with the historical objects on view. — ONA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here