Muscat – Cultural and sports clubs in Oman are playing an important role in attracting young talents and developing their intellectual and physical abilities, reflecting their growing contribution to building human capital and encouraging active participation in cultural, sports and social activities.

These clubs extend far beyond their traditional role as venues for sports or cultural events, evolving into vibrant spaces that enable young people to interact with different intellectual, social and knowledge-based spheres within their communities while strengthening the values of citizenship and social participation.

Saud bin Badr Ambusaidi, Assistant Director General of the Directorate General of Sports Activities at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said that sports clubs in Oman play a pivotal role in supporting youth and community development. He noted that these clubs serve as key platforms for discovering talents, developing capabilities and refining the skills of young people.

Ambusaidi explained that clubs contribute not only to sporting development but also to promoting positive values and strengthening the sense of belonging and citizenship among youth. By providing organised sports, cultural and social activities, clubs help channel the energies of young people into constructive pursuits, positively influencing their behaviour and lifestyle while protecting them from negative practices. They also help instil values such as teamwork, discipline and responsibility.

He added that clubs also play an important community role through their participation in volunteer initiatives, awareness programmes and social activities, which strengthen partnerships with various institutions and contribute to national and development priorities. “These efforts align with national policies aimed at enhancing youth participation in development and activating the role of sports and social institutions as pillars in building a cohesive society with aware and responsible youth.”

Alongside sports clubs, the Cultural Club stands out as one of the key intellectual platforms contributing to knowledge production and cultural awareness. Through its events and initiatives, it provides spaces for dialogue where young people can present their literary experiences and engage in cultural discussions that refine their intellectual skills and strengthen their presence in Oman’s cultural scene.

Dr Mohammed bin Ali al Balushi, Chairman of the Cultural Club, said the club’s vision is based on the firm belief that culture is not merely a complementary activity to development but a fundamental condition for it. He added that young people are not only the future of culture but also its vibrant present.

He explained that the club’s mission aligns with the pillars of Oman Vision 2040, which places people – particularly youth – at the centre of the country’s development journey as the main drivers of knowledge, awareness and values.

Among the notable initiatives organised by the club is the Masirah Club National Poetry Competition, which is held annually to mark the anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik assuming leadership of the country. The competition, open to poets from across Oman, offers cash prizes and is considered among the most prominent poetry contests at the national level.

Since its launch five years ago, the competition has sought to strengthen the role of patriotic poetry in expressing loyalty and pride in the nation’s achievements and the ongoing renaissance. It highlights themes related to Oman’s renewed development journey and national accomplishments, while providing a platform for poets specialising in Nabati poetry to showcase their creativity.