If you visit the Royal Opera House Muscat’s House of Musical Arts these days, you will be met with a striking display of wall-sized paintings dedicated to Her Highness the Honourable Lady Assayida Ahd Abdullah Hamed Al Busaidi.
The dominant works—imposing in size—span a variety of artistic styles, from hyper-realistic portrayals capturing her regal bearing to modernist interpretations that evoke her dynamic presence.
Some canvases employ delicate brushwork reminiscent of classical portraiture, while others opt for bold colours and abstract forms that celebrate her vitality. Together, they create an immersive visual environment where each image reflects a different facet of her character — a portrait gallery that bridges tradition and contemporary artistry.
The portraits serve as more than representations of her image; they are symbols of devotion, admiration, and a shared sense of purpose within Oman’s society. Her Highness is depicted not solely as a figure of authority but as an emblem of stability and compassion, qualities revered across the sultanate. Her presence on the walls evokes a collective reverence that unites her with her people—an icon whose influence extends into the realm of cultural expression.
This initiative is part of the Ishraqet Ahd Forum—a project that stands as a testament to Oman’s commitment to fostering artistic excellence and reinforcing the values of loyalty and belonging.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, in collaboration with the Omani Women’s Associations from various governorates, the forum seeks to elevate national identity through visual arts. It aims to provide a platform where artists interpret their sense of patriotism through diverse artistic lenses, thereby strengthening communal bonds.
Featuring 113 artworks, the exhibition offers a wide array of styles and techniques, reflecting the spectrum of Omani artistic expression.
The collection reveals how national pride can be expressed through varied artistic vocabularies—whether through traditional realism or experimental abstraction—all unified by the central motif: the portrait of the First Lady. This unifying theme underscores her significance in Oman’s contemporary cultural landscape as an embodiment of leadership and nurturing influence.
Open to the public until 20 September 2025, the exhibition invites visitors to engage with these works over ten days, providing a rare opportunity to see Oman’s visual talent in a single collection.
The opening event, attended by Her Excellency Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, marked the announcement of the competition winners, part of the broader effort to uncover and encourage indigenous talent.
With participation from approximately 200 artists across the Sultanate, the contest spotlighted multiple interpretations of loyalty and respect manifested through portraiture.
The first prize was awarded to Nada bint Abdullah Al Rushdiya, whose portrait exudes elegance and restraint. “The process was challenging but purposeful,” she said. Her painting aims to combine artistic finesse with a truthful depiction of her subject’s dignity—a visual nod to her admiration for Her Highness and her role within the nation. “I wanted to reflect the grace and strength that she embodies,” she added.
Similarly, Fahd bin Abdullah Al Zadjali placed second with a work that marries formality and emotional depth. “This competition was significant for my growth as an artist,” he explained.
“It was an opportunity to express feelings of gratitude and loyalty through my art, inspired by Her Highness’s influence.”
Fahd’s piece seeks to evoke dignity and grandeur, aiming to resonate with viewers’ emotional connection to Oman’s leadership. He emphasised that the subject holds a special place within the collective consciousness of the nation—a symbol of unity and inspiration.
Juma bin Salem Al Balushi’s third-place portrayal depicts her in traditional attire, using vibrant colours to highlight cultural pride.
His approach was rooted in realism, emphasizing authenticity and personal loyalty. “My goal was to create a sincere representation of her that captures her connection to Oman’s heritage,” he said, underlining the importance of tradition in his work.
The competition was designed not merely as a contest but as an exploration of portraiture’s potential to depict national values.
Dr. Fakhriya Al Yahyai, a member of the supervisory committee and a practicing artist, explained that the initiative aimed to discover emerging talents and encourage innovative approaches.
“Artists explored themes like personality, attire, and symbolism. The diversity in styles demonstrates the vibrancy of Oman’s art community,” she said.
For the winning artists, participation was a deeply personal experience. Nada Al Rushdi reflected on her discovery of new skills and insights through the project, noting her honour in capturing a figure so central to Oman’s identity. Fahd Al Zadjali saw it as a milestone—an affirmation that art can serve as a form of loyalty and national pride.
As the exhibition continues at the House of Musical Arts, it promises to remain an essential reminder of the power of art to embody and reflect the values that shape Oman’s society.
It is a showcase of creativity that both honours the legacy of the nation’s leadership and inspires future generations. Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the profound connection between visual art and national service, recognising that these portraits are more than mere images—they are embodiments of collective aspiration and respect.
The event also underscores the importance Oman places on nurturing its artistic community, encouraging both established and emerging artists to explore themes that resonate with their cultural identity.
As the artworks from this forum are displayed side by side, they form a dialogue amongst styles, perspectives, and histories, weaving a narrative that is uniquely Omani. This collective effort to celebrate the First Lady’s influence through portraiture reflects a broader societal respect for women’s roles within the fabric of national progress—an admiration rooted not only in her public duty but also in her embodiment of compassion and leadership.
As the exhibition continues until late September, its organisers hope it will foster further dialogue and interest among artists and viewers alike. Future editions may explore different themes—such as the nation’s history, natural beauty, or social progress—each with the potential to deepen the cultural identity of Oman through the universal language of art.
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