The fifth edition of the “Muscat Art 2026” exhibition opened on October 28 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in Muscat under the patronage of HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat. The event, held through October 30, showcases the work of more than 300 artists from Oman and abroad, spotlighting a broad spectrum of creative expressions under the theme “Art Everywhere.”
The opening ceremony included a tour with HH Sayyid Bilarab, during which he viewed a range of artworks and received briefings on the inspirations and concepts behind them. The exhibition highlights national and international participation, reflecting diverse artistic perspectives.
Organised by Bilarab bin Haitham Initiatives in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the event aims to strengthen Oman’s position as a hub for cultural and artistic engagement. It provides a platform for local artists to present their work to a global audience while fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange among creators.
Officials have noted the exhibition’s role in bolstering Oman’s creative economy and cultural tourism, drawing participants and visitors from inside and outside the country. The event promotes collaborations between artists and cultural institutions, contributing to the development of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector and diversification of Oman’s event offerings.
Eng Said bin Salim al Shanfari, CEO of OCEC, emphasised the centre’s commitment to supporting the arts as a catalyst for cultural growth and human development. He described “Muscat Art 2026” as a key event that empowers Omani talent and broadens public engagement with the arts.
This year’s edition features a distinguished roster of guest artists, including Omani painter Anwar Sonya, Syrian artist Noor Bahjat, Emirati artist Fatma Lootah, Palestinian artist Lina al Ayoubi, Filipino artist Laurel Castillo (known as Yelcast), and Mostafa Sleem. Their works represent varied cultural backgrounds and artistic approaches, contributing to a rich dialogue within contemporary art.
The three-day event includes a series of workshops, panel discussions, and art talks designed to deepen visitor interaction with artists and explore the intersections of creativity, culture, identity, and entrepreneurship. The Art Talks programme, themed “Reimagining Space: Artists Reshaping Spaces, Ideas, and Traditions,” focuses on how art revitalises environments, reinterprets heritage, and fosters cultural connections.
Echoing the exhibition’s motto, “Art Everywhere,” the organisers aim to broaden perceptions of art beyond traditional galleries, underlining its presence in daily life, architecture, collective memory, and community spaces. The event remains open to the public until October 30, offering an immersive cultural experience that celebrates creativity as a universal language bridging diverse societies.