MANAMA: Oman’s Art Ambassadors team made a strong cultural statement as guest of honour at the ‘Colours of the East International Art Exhibition’ 2026, which opened in Manama in celebration of Bahraini Diplomatic Day under the auspices of Sayyid Faisal bin Harib al Busaidy, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The exhibition, one of the region’s most prominent international art events, brought together artists from more than 30 countries, showcasing a rich diversity of styles and schools that reflect the breadth of global artistic expression.
The Omani Art Ambassadors’ participation highlighted Oman’s growing cultural presence on the international stage. Nineteen Omani artists presented contemporary works inspired by Omani heritage, identity and modern creative vision, enriching the exhibition’s visual landscape and strengthening artistic dialogue between cultures.
A key highlight was the launch of the team’s international travelling exhibition ‘Marafea’, whose name draws inspiration from ports as meeting points that connect peoples and cultures. The project aims to carry Omani art to multiple cultural destinations inside and outside the Sultanate of Oman, positioning art as a bridge for dialogue and human connection.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the team, visual artist Samia bint Salem al Gharibiyah said that 'Marafea' reflects the team’s vision of presenting Omani art as a cultural bridge between nations, and that choosing Bahrain as the first stop carries deep historical and cultural significance.
Dr Saud bin Nasser al Hunaini, head of the Omani Art Ambassadors team, said the guest-of-honour participation represents an important milestone, reflecting international confidence in the artistic calibre of Omani creators. He noted that the travelling exhibition is part of a strategic vision to strengthen Oman’s artistic presence globally and enhance the role of art as soft power for cultural dialogue.
Eng Mahdi al Jalawi, organiser of the Colours of the East exhibition, praised the Omani team’s contribution, saying their works expressed an authentic cultural identity with a contemporary vision, adding a qualitative dimension to the exhibition’s message of cultural exchange. — ONA
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