Private Libraries and Cultural Centres Forum Focuses on Knowledge Empowerment

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 6, 2026

The 2026 Private Libraries and Cultural Centres Forum launched in Al Seeb, Oman, bringing together over 50 participants to focus on empowerment, partnership, and innovation among private cultural institutions. Through workshops on resource management and partnership building, the forum aims to enhance these institutions' contributions to community identity and Oman’s cultural development aligned with Vision 2040.

The 2026 Private Libraries and Cultural Centres Forum commenced on Monday at Maani Muscat Hotel & Suites in Al Seeb, Oman. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the event gathered more than 50 participants representing private libraries, cultural centres, and various directorates within the ministry. This year’s forum is centered on the theme “Partners in Knowledge Empowerment and Building Community Identity.”

Muna al Siyabi, Director of the Department of Private Libraries and Cultural Centres, emphasized a strategic shift in the forum’s focus. Moving beyond traditional meetings and experience sharing, she highlighted an increased emphasis on empowerment, partnership, and innovation. Al Siyabi noted that the ministry views these private institutions not just as service providers but as active collaborators in cultural and knowledge development.

“A private library or cultural centre is not merely a provider of a cultural service, but a partner in creating knowledge and serving society,” she said, underscoring the evolving role of these entities in supporting community identity and knowledge dissemination.

The forum’s agenda includes two key workshops designed to enhance participants’ capabilities in resource management and partnership development. The first workshop, titled “Integrity and Its Role in Efficient Resource Management,” is conducted in coordination with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit and the State Financial and Administrative Audit Authority. It aims to promote principles of transparency and accountability within the institutions.

The second workshop focuses on “Building Knowledge Partnerships and Preparing Initiatives and Proposals.” Led by Abdullah al Barashdi, Business Development Manager at the Omani Academy for SMEs, the session is intended to equip attendees with tools to establish effective knowledge collaborations. Al Barashdi explained that the workshop guides participants in transforming challenges and opportunities into actionable projects, culminating in well-developed proposals that can be presented and advocated before decision-makers.

By fostering these skills and encouraging cooperative engagement, the forum seeks to strengthen the role of private libraries and cultural centres as vital contributors to Oman’s broader cultural and knowledge infrastructure.

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