HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat patronized the opening of the 5th edition of “Muscat Art 2026” exhibition, held at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC).
Held under the theme “Art Everywhere” from October 28 to 30, the event features more than 300 artists from the Sultanate of Oman and around the world, creating a vibrant artistic and cultural spectacle that celebrates creative diversity and reinforces Oman’s position as a cultural and artistic destination.
The opening ceremony was followed by a tour, during which HH Sayyid Bilarab explored the exhibition halls, viewing a diverse array of artworks and receiving a briefing on the works on display and the creative visions and experiences they express, reflecting the diversity of national and international participation.
“Muscat Art 2026” is presented by Bilarab bin Haitham Initiatives as the Lead Partner, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, a collaboration that reflects a shared commitment to supporting the artistic and cultural movement, empowering creative talent, and advancing the presence of the arts within the community.
Organized by Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event aims to enrich Oman’s creative landscape, provide platforms for local talent to showcase their work to an international audience, and highlight the contribution of the arts to cultural and tourism development. It also creates opportunities for artists to connect and exchange knowledge and experiences.
The exhibition further contributes to the growth of cultural tourism and business tourism by attracting artists and art enthusiasts from Oman and abroad, while creating opportunities for collaboration between creators and cultural institutions. This supports the growth of the creative economy and strengthens Oman’s cultural presence regionally and internationally.
Speaking on the occasion, Eng. Said Salim al Shanfari, CEO of OCEC, expressed his pride in HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said’s patronage and attendance at the opening, noting that His Highness’s patronage reflects his commitment to supporting creative talent and artistic experiences.
Al Shanfari emphasized OCEC’s commitment to supporting the arts as a driver of cultural and human development, highlighting “Muscat Art 2026” as a platform that empowers Omani artists, facilitates engagement with audiences, and showcases their artistic work.
He added that the exhibition represents a qualitative addition to OCEC’s calendar of events and supports its efforts to develop Oman’s MICE sector and diversify its event portfolio. He noted that the strong participation from local and international artists reflects the exhibition’s standing and its contribution to enriching the artistic and cultural landscape.
This year’s edition continues to consolidate its position as a platform that brings together artists, creatives, and art enthusiasts, creating broader opportunities for artistic and cultural exchange. It features diverse artworks reflecting different artistic schools and creative approaches, drawing inspiration from identity, heritage, and human memory through contemporary artistic perspectives.
“Muscat Art 2026” hosts a distinguished lineup of guest artists, led by prominent Omani artist Anwar Sonya, alongside international artists including Syrian artist Noor Bahjat, Emirati artist Fatma Lootah, Palestinian artist Lina Al Ayoubi, Filipino artist Laurel Castillo, known professionally as “Yelcast,” and Mostafa Sleem.
Together, these artists offer diverse artistic experiences that reflect their varied cultural backgrounds and creative approaches, providing audiences with an opportunity to explore multiple directions in contemporary art.
The three-day event features a comprehensive program of side activities, including art workshops, art talks, and panel discussions designed to enrich the visitor experience and foster direct interaction between artists and audiences. The program also explores topics related to the future of creative industries, the role of art in cultural development, and the relationship between creativity, identity, and entrepreneurship.
This year’s Art Talks are held under the theme “Reimagining Space: Artists Reshaping Spaces, Ideas, and Traditions,” highlighting the role of art in revitalizing spaces, reinterpreting cultural heritage through contemporary perspectives, and creating new spaces for dialogue and connection between cultures and communities.
Reflecting its overarching slogan “Art Everywhere,” the exhibition seeks to broaden the concept of the artistic experience, emphasizing that creativity is not confined to paintings and galleries, but extends into everyday life, architecture, heritage, memory, and the spaces that shape our relationship with place and community.
“Muscat Art 2026” welcomes visitors through 30 October, offering an immersive blend of exhibitions, interactive activities, and cultural dialogues that celebrate creativity and affirm art as a universal human language that transcends borders and cultures.
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