Salalah – Dhofar has added a new cultural dimension to its 2026 khareef season with the launch of the inaugural Dhofar International Sculpture Festival, bringing together Omani artists and 15 international sculptors.

The festival, which opened on August 15 and runs till September 3, will see participating artists create original works inspired by Oman’s natural environment and Dhofar’s cultural identity, heritage and values.

Announcing the khareef programme in June, Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, identified the sculpture festival as one of the season’s major new cultural and artistic initiatives.

“The season will witness significant cultural and artistic activity through the organisation of the second edition of the Dhofar International Theatre Festival from September 14 to 22, with participation of creative talents from various countries around the world, alongside the first edition of the Dhofar International Sculpture Festival,” he said.

Al Ghassani said the sculpture event is aimed at bringing together selected artists to produce works reflecting the Omani environment and Dhofar’s cultural identity.

The khareef season, which runs from June 21 to September 21, is featuring around 125 cultural, artistic, sporting and entertainment events across Salalah and other wilayats of the governorate this year.

The addition of sculpture alongside theatre broadens Dhofar’s cultural programme beyond performance arts, while providing a platform for contemporary interpretations of Omani heritage.

Organisers hope the festival will enrich the governorate’s visual arts scene and strengthen Dhofar’s presence on the international cultural map.