Art Fair reasserts its position as leading platforms for visual arts

MUSCAT, NOV 6

The Muscat Art Fair 2025 opened on Wednesday, under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The three-day fair, which runs until November 7, welcomes visitors daily from 2.00 pm to 9.00 pm.

Now in its fourth edition, the Muscat Art Fair reasserts its position as one of Oman’s leading platforms for visual arts. Held under the theme 'Elements That Build the Story', the event brings together prominent local and international artists, galleries, and art specialists to celebrate creativity, foster cultural dialogue, and strengthen Oman’s presence on the regional and global art landscape.

This year’s edition features a diverse programme of workshops, panel discussions, interactive installations and tributes to distinguished Omani artists. Among them is artist Salem al Salami, a prominent figure in the national art scene, who contributed an exclusive artwork that will appear on the fair’s eco-friendly merchandise.

More than 200 artists from over 15 countries are participating, offering live demonstrations, hands-on activities and showcases that bridge traditional artistic practices with contemporary expression. One of the notable highlights is Abdulmalik al Maskari’s live painting on the racing car of Omani driver Ali al Balushi.

The fair is organised by the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Ras al Khaimah Art, the Oman Tourism Development Company Omran, Omantel, Omq and Sadolin.

With a focus on uplifting Omani talent and supporting cultural and creative industries in alignment with Oman Vision 2040, the fair aims to strengthen Muscat’s position as a regional centre for contemporary art. Organisers expect around 10,000 visitors over the course of the event. The final day will coincide with a concert by artist Majid al Muhandis at the Madinat al Irfan Theatre, hosted by the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The fair also features significant participation from Ras al Khaimah Art, which is presenting works by Emirati artists Suad al Zaabi and Mohammed al Suwaidi. They join established Omani visual artists, including Fahad al Maamari, Abdulmajeed Karouh, Khalil al Salmi and Ahd al Harthy, in offering a comprehensive artistic experience that blends local and regional perspectives.

Socrat Bashar, Director of the Ras al Khaimah Festival, described the organisation’s debut at the Muscat Art Fair as an important milestone, represented through artists Suad al Zaabi and Mohammed al Suwaidi.

Al Zaabi noted that she is showcasing two works. The first, depicting Bahla Fort, incorporates colours inspired by an image of Her Highness The Honourable Lady Assayida Ahd Abdullah Hamed al Busaidi, Spouse of the Sultan of Oman, wearing the traditional Dhofari dress with Bahla Fort in the background. She added shades of green symbolising Dhofar’s monsoon season, as well as tones of frankincense trees and local roses. Her second painting portrays Muttrah Fort.

Sultan al Maskari, representing artist Yahya al Maskari who incorporates sand in his art, known for his distinctive wooden frames accented with golden copper nails, remarked that the 2025 edition stands out for the increased number of participating artists and countries.

Yemeni artist Ahmed, participating for the second consecutive year, described the Muscat Art Fair as one of the most dynamic events in terms of visitor engagement. He is exhibiting several works, including a painting of the Arabian leopard, symbolising Yemeni artistic identity and another featuring a hummingbird.