SALALAH: The ‘Voice of the Season 2025’ competition commenced at Al Murooj Theatre in Salalah, as part of the Serbian Cultural Season Festival. The event is organised by the Dhofar Centre for Culture, Heritage and Creativity, in cooperation with the General-Directorate of Culture, Sports and Youth in Dhofar Governorate, along with several governmental and private partners. The competition will run until November 27.
In his opening remarks, Kamil bin Hamed al Kathiri, Director of the Dhofar Centre for Culture, Heritage and Creativity, emphasised that the festival embodies the authentic spirit of Dhofar and reflects the richness of Omani cultural heritage. He noted that the centre's vision is to make culture a bridge between generations and a space for creativity and innovation.
Al Kathiri explained that the launch of ‘Voice of the Season 2025’ represents an artistic and cultural initiative that unites Gulf talents in a vocal competition showcasing musical expression without instrumental accompaniment — preserving authenticity while remaining attuned to contemporary trends. He further underscored the centre's belief in a unified Gulf culture that transcends borders and strengthens bonds of love, tradition and shared identity.
The opening ceremony featured a poetry recital and a musical operetta, followed by the announcement of the winners of the first and second places in the initial round, which included eight contestants.
A total of 32 participants from Oman and other GCC countries are competing in the event, presenting various forms of traditional and popular vocal performances before a panel of judges specialising in chanting and vocal arts.
Contestants are evaluated based on strict artistic criteria focused solely on the use of the human voice, without musical instruments.
The competition offers valuable prizes to the winners, along with raffles and audience giveaways, all within an artistic atmosphere that celebrates authenticity and creativity while highlighting Dhofar’s cultural stature within the Gulf region.
The event forms part of the Dhofar Centre’s efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage and promote the presence of popular vocal arts as an essential element of the Gulf’s shared artistic identity. It also serves as a platform showcasing the diversity of Gulf creativity and celebrating vocal performances that embody the depth of Arab cultural expression.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Salim bin Musallam Qatan, Vice-President of the State Council, and attended by a number of their excellencies, officials, intellectuals and artists.
— ONA
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