Muscat – University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Muscat will host a photography exhibition on Sunday, May 5, to highlight Omani talent and promote tourism.

The two-week exhibition, titled ‘Hess’ – or ‘Feeling’ – will be held at Bait al Zubair Museum, showcasing 70 images by 21 photographers. The event aims to capture the beauty of Oman, boost tourism and celebrate local artistic talent.

Photographer Mohammed Sulaiman Nasser al Shaaili, who is overseeing the exhibition, said, “Photography serves as a medium for conveying emotions and artistic sentiments in society.”

He stressed the need to support Omani photographers by creating environments conducive to artistic expression and offering platforms to showcase their work. He also highlighted the sultanate’s achievements in photography, noting that many Omani photographers have earned prestigious accolades.

“The exhibition seeks to not only celebrate Omani talent in photography but also to underscore its role in promoting cultural exchange and tourism, both domestically and internationally.”

Creative Industries Forum

In addition to the exhibition, an event called Creative Industries Forum will be held on May 5 to 6 at Bait al Zubair Museum. The forum aims to highlight the significance of creative industries in fostering sustainable economic development and cultural innovation. It will also spotlight UTAS’s programmes in photography, design, journalism, digital media and advertising.

The forum’s primary goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the global knowledge economy, which increasingly relies on creativity. It will include dialogue sessions with industry professionals, focusing on the role of creative industries in economic development and the impact of educational programmes on the creative economy and sustainable development.

Additionally, the forum will feature a workshop showcasing success stories of university graduates and entrepreneurs in the creative industries, aiming to inspire students towards continuous learning and self-development.