Muscat – Strengthening knowledge partnerships and enhancing the role of private libraries and cultural centres in Oman’s cultural and knowledge landscape will be the focus of the 2026 Forum for Private Libraries and Cultural Centres, to be held from October 5 to 8.

Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, represented by the Department of Private Libraries and Cultural Centres, the forum will be held under the theme ‘Partners in Knowledge Empowerment and Building Community Identity’.

The forum brings together those managing private libraries and cultural centres, along with specialists and supervisors from the directorates of culture, sports and youth in the governorates.

The event seeks to strengthen integration and partnership between the ministry and these institutions, while providing a platform for dialogue, exchange of experiences and expertise, and discussion of ways to develop services and programmes in line with developments in the cultural and knowledge sectors and the needs of beneficiaries.

The programme covers several areas, including institutional development, skills building and opportunities for future development. These sessions are designed to support those working in and supervising private libraries and cultural centres in responding to emerging changes, developing initiatives and improving the efficiency of services.

A series of specialised workshops will also be held. These include ‘Building Knowledge Partnerships and Developing Initiatives and Proposals’, which focuses on developing skills in building partnerships, preparing initiatives and translating ideas into practical programmes that contribute to cultural and knowledge development.

Another workshop, ‘Integrity and its Role in Efficient Resource Management’, will be organised in coordination with the Office of Follow-up and Implementation of Oman Vision 2040 and the State Audit Institution.

The forum will conclude with the announcement of the winners of the fifth edition of the 2026 Excellence Competition for Private Libraries and Cultural Centres.

This year’s competition is titled ‘Digital Innovation Award for Private Libraries and Cultural Centres’ and aims to encourage institutions to employ digital technologies to develop their services and activities, introduce new approaches to engaging with beneficiaries and enhance their experience.