WASHINGTON: Reinforcing the enduring power of literature as a bridge between cultures, the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center hosted a virtual session of its ‘Poetry and Prose’ series under the theme ‘Intellectual and Cultural Horizons of Omani Civilization.’
The event brought together writers, intellectuals and audiences from Oman and the United States, highlighting literature’s vital role in preserving cultural identity while fostering dialogue across borders.
Moderated by Arwa Sawan, the session emphasised how literary expression continues to serve as a cornerstone of national identity and a dynamic platform for cultural exchange in an increasingly interconnected world.
The programme featured Lubna al Balushi, a multilingual poet recognised as the first Omani author to publish a poetry collection in German, alongside Abdulaziz al Jahdhami, an acclaimed writer and translator known for his contributions to bilingual literature.
Al Balushi’s works, including ‘The Beauty of the Heart’ and ‘Faces from the Land of Tolerance, Oman,’ reflect a nuanced engagement with themes of identity and belonging, while Al Jahdhami’s publications such as ‘Fuel of Life’ and ‘On the Stage of Life’ — along with his translations of ‘Al Azwa: Traditional Art in Fanja’ (2011) and ‘The Legend of the Omani Phoenix’ (2026) — underscore the importance of cross-cultural literary dialogue.
Through readings and reflective discussions, both writers showcased the depth and diversity of contemporary Omani creativity, shedding light on the emergence of a confident new literary voice that is rooted in heritage yet open to global influences.
The event reaffirmed the centre’s ongoing mission to promote Omani culture internationally, while strengthening intellectual and cultural ties between Oman and the United States through the universal language of literature. —ONA
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