Muscat – Oman will take part in the 61st Venice Biennale 2026, one of the world’s most prominent contemporary art platforms, presenting a national pavilion that reflects the sultanate’s cultural vision and strengthens its presence on the global arts stage.

The prestigious event will run from May 9 to November 22, in Venice, Italy. Oman’s participation comes under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and will feature an art exhibition at the Arsenale, one of the Biennale’s main venues.

The Omani pavilion aims to highlight deep human expressions in contemporary artistic experiences, in line with the sultanate’s commitment to presenting cultural content that reflects the values of balance, harmony and care.

H E Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, said the participation reflects a firm national commitment to strengthening Oman’s cultural presence on international platforms and promoting cultural and intellectual exchange in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.

He noted that the initiative seeks to highlight culture as a bridge for civilisational dialogue and mutual understanding between peoples, presenting an artistic experience that embodies universal human values and the balance between humanity and its surrounding environment.

Haitham Al Busafi, artistic supervisor of the Omani pavilion, said the exhibition presents a creative vision rooted in renewed attention to the concepts of care and awareness, while encouraging a balanced relationship between people and their environment.

He added that the artistic experience opens spaces for contemplation and interaction through a visual narrative characterised by calmness and depth.

Oman’s participation is built on a framework of cultural values that emphasise respect for diversity and reinforce human connection, presenting these principles within a contemporary context that resonates with global transformations in the arts.

The Venice Biennale remains one of the most influential global forums for contemporary art, bringing together official national pavilions from around the world and offering an open platform for creative dialogue and the exchange of artistic ideas and experiences.