Muscat – Under patronage of H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, Oman Design Week officially kicked off on Tuesday evening at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) and will run until January 25.
Organised by Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group), in collaboration with Oman Design Association, the event aims to position the sultanate as a global hub for creativity and culture. It also seeks to highlight the transformative role of creativity and design in enriching the tourism experience and promoting environmental sustainability by integrating innovation into various aspects of life.
The opening ceremony was attended by H H Sayyida Mayan bint Shihab al Said, Chairperson of Oman Design Association, Dr Hashil bin Obaid al Mahrouqi, CEO of Omran Group, several senior officials, a distinguished group of professionals and enthusiasts from various fields of creativity and design.
Oman Design Week offers a platform to explore the intersection of contemporary design and Omani heritage, presenting a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. The event features the works of 40 artists and designers, showcasing ten major art installations that include large-scale sculptures, innovative designs and eco-conscious creations crafted from recycled material.
The event includes three workshops designed to empower Omani youth, inspiring the next generation to engage with the fields of design.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, H H Sayyida Meyyan said, “The inaugural edition of Oman Design Week features the participation of a distinguished group of designers and artists, supported by institutions and partners from both the public and private sectors, embodying the spirit of collaboration in fostering Oman’s creative ecosystem. This is vividly reflected in the deeply rooted Omani creative sensibilities evident in architectural designs and the harmony across various design and art disciplines in the sultanate.”
She added that the week is a pioneering step in empowering young talent, enhancing local content, and showcasing cultural and creative skills through the efforts of Oman Design Association and its partners. “It firmly positions the sultanate as a vibrant hub for arts and design, both regionally and globally. We aspire to see these efforts continue to grow, furthering our vision of strengthening the creative economy and opening new horizons for ambitious and innovative Omani youth.”
On the occasion, Mahrouqi commented, “We take great pride in supporting and hosting this initiative, which underscores the contributions of Omani design and arts to the tourism sector. This event marks an important step in realising Omran Group’s vision of enriching culture and creativity within Omani tourism. It aligns with our commitment to offering innovative tourism experiences.”
He added, “This event is a new beginning in activating the role of creativity, and we are proud to be part of this movement that reflects an ambitious national vision – one that unites arts, culture and sustainability.”
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