The fifth edition of the Oman Science Festival is set to begin on November 2, running for 10 days in Muscat under the theme “Science is Our Compass.” Organised by the Ministry of Education, the event aims to enhance scientific literacy, promote innovation, and engage a broad spectrum of the public in interactive learning experiences related to science and technology.
Officials expect the festival to attract more than 350,000 visitors, continuing a growing trend since its inception in 2017. The previous edition in 2024 drew over 300,000 attendees and involved participation from approximately 140 institutions and organisations. Since then, the event’s duration has increased from eight to ten days to allow for greater participation and exploration of exhibits.
At a press conference, Dr. Intisar bint Abdullah Ambusaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Education for Educational Support Programmes, described the festival as a reflection of Oman’s commitment to investing in human capital and preparing future generations with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet forthcoming challenges. She emphasized that the event provides opportunities for students to engage directly with scientific inquiry, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Dr. Ambusaidi noted that the festival’s success should be measured not only by attendance numbers but also by its educational impact and its ability to inspire students to explore science more deeply.
Dr. Mai al Azri, Director-General of Scientific Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, highlighted the importance of the festival in advancing Oman Vision 2040, particularly its focus on developing a knowledge-based economy and strengthening national capabilities. She stressed that improving scientific culture and innovation skills across society is essential to achieving these objectives. The festival targets not only students but all community segments, aiming to increase awareness of scientific disciplines and their role in supporting economic development and innovation.
The 2026 festival features eight themed zones, reflecting global scientific trends and national development priorities. These areas include Future Technologies; Peaceful Nuclear Science and Technology; Wings to Space; Climate Change; Sustainability and Urban Planning; Natural Resources and Wealth; Food and Agricultural Technologies; and Environment and Biodiversity. Visitors will have access to interactive exhibits and practical experiments designed to demonstrate how science and innovation can address contemporary challenges.
Additionally, the festival introduces attendees to educational programmes offered by universities and highlights potential career paths in science and technology fields. This connection between school and higher education, combined with insights into the labor market, is intended to help students make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.
The event is supported through partnerships involving government entities, private sector organisations, academic and research institutions, military bodies, and international scientific organisations. These collaborations aim to enrich the festival’s content and promote the exchange of expertise, further contributing to Oman’s educational and developmental goals.