Bidiya in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate hosted the 17th Poetry and Folk Heritage Forum, bringing together poets, researchers and enthusiasts of traditional Omani arts to celebrate the Sultanate’s cultural heritage and support its preservation for future generations.
The two-day event featured poetry evenings, exchanges of verses and impromptu poetic duels, alongside performances of traditional arts, including Razha, Al Azi and Al Zafin. The programme highlighted the richness and diversity of Oman’s intangible cultural heritage.
Rabee bin Mallah bin al Marhabi, Deputy Chairman of the Literary Council for Poetry and Folk Heritage, emphasised the forum’s role in strengthening national identity and maintaining connections with poetry and traditional arts as integral parts of Oman’s cultural memory.
Discussion sessions explored Bidiya’s history, agriculture and trade, as well as the role of camel caravans in transporting goods and connecting communities. A session led by Hamad bin Hamdan al Hajri highlighted the heritage of Arabian horses, including their breeding and training, and the traditions associated with horsemanship and horse racing.
Researcher Said bin Amer al Hajri discussed camel breeding and caravan routes, focusing on the social and economic significance of camels and the traditions associated with them. Mohammed bin Amer al Hajri shared recollections of traditional caravans and their role in transporting food supplies and facilitating trade between inland and coastal areas.
The forum also featured traditional folk arts competitions for young people and adults, encouraging the transmission of these practices to younger generations.
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