SUHAR: Under the auspices of HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Sultanate of Oman celebrated Omani Youth Day on Sunday at Sohar Fort.
The annual celebration, observed every October 26, was attended by ministers, dignitaries and professionals from the youth sector, as well as national institutions supporting youth development.
This year’s celebration carried the theme 'Imtidad' (Extension), symbolising the connection between Oman’s rich history and the renewed spirit of its youth — a continuation of national initiatives that have empowered young people and highlighted their vital role in development.
The artistic production also called 'Imtidad' presented an innovative musical experience blending Omani musical identity with a modern creative touch that evoked the past while celebrating youth energy and creativity.
The musical piece, composed and directed by Omani artist Ameer Awadh and produced by the Oman Centre for Music, fused authenticity with innovation. It featured traditional Omani instruments such as the mizmar abu maqrun, barghoom, shabboura, hongu and yem, arranged in a modern orchestral form expressing the spirit of contemporary culture. The performance brought together a talented group of young and experienced Omani musicians who reflected, through their artistry, a living extension of the nation’s musical heritage.
Before the main ceremony, Sayyid Theyazin reviewed the Omani pavilion’s award winning design at the London Design Biennale 2025 'The Memory Network' by designer Haitham al Busafi, which earned the Best Artistic Design Award. The work explores social values and connections through a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional pottery, crafted with translucent materials reminiscent of digital data centres, symbolising the intersection between memory, heritage, and modernity. This international recognition reflects the Ministry’s strategic vision and continuous support for Omani creativity on the global stage.
The event also honoured 14 winners of the 2025 Youth Excellence Award, organised by the ministry’s Directorate-General of Youth. The award recognises outstanding youth contributions in community service and innovation across five fields: digital media, digital economy, environment, youth initiatives and entrepreneurship.
Hajar bint Jumaa al Amriyah was awarded 'Mindset Podcast' award, and Haitham bin Musbah al Maqbali was awarded 'Inspiring Paths / Nabd Sohar Media Team' award.
Maathir bint Khamis al Wahibiyah was awarded for the 'Omani Agricultural Drone Pilot Training Initiative' while Anwar bin Ahmed al Baimani awarded for 'Qishoor', Abdulaziz bin Abdullah al Raisi for 'Destination', and Rihab bint Abdullah al Maamariyah for 'The Blooming Garden'.
In the youth initiatives, Hilal bin Said al Dhahli was awarded for 'Hear Me', Shaimaa bint Hassan al Fazariyah for 'Still We Dream', Dr Sumaya bint Salem al Wahibiyah for 'Creative Mornings', Hafsa bint Ali al Habsiyah for 'Nutfat Al Khair', and Jihad bin Khalid al Farsi for 'Our Unique Print – Buthra Fund'.
In entrepreneurship, Fatma bint Jafar al Lawatiyah was awarded for 'Mangaka Bag', Anwar bin Salem al Majizi for 'Smart Developer', and Eng Yousuf bin Ahmed al Ibrahim for 'Dot Next Jadeer – Awj'.
During the celebration, seven partnership agreements were signed to expand youth centre branches across governorates, ensuring inclusive access for all youth groups. The agreements were signed with major national entities including Vale Oman, OMIFCO, Mohsin Haider Darwish Group, OQ Group, Sohar Aluminium, Sohar Port, and OQ Exploration & Production. In addition, several supporting organisations were honoured for their contributions to empowering Omani youth and promoting national initiatives.
The ceremony featured a visual presentation conveying the message of Omani youth — inspired by the nation’s proud history and heritage — as well as a multimedia show that revived scenes from Sohar Fort’s storied past, symbolising belonging, ambition, and achievement. The youth emphasised that their vision aligns with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s guidance to engage young people as genuine partners in nation building under Oman Vision 2040.
At the end of the event, HH Sayyid Theyazin toured the 'Projects Corridor' and 'Talents Space', where several innovative youth projects were showcased in sports, art and technology.
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