HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Opens Muscat Art 2026 Featuring More Than 300 Artists
His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat, has inaugurated the fifth edition of Muscat Art 2026 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC).
Running from October 28 to 30 under the theme “Art Everywhere”, the exhibition features more than 300 artists from Oman and around the world. The event aims to celebrate artistic diversity, promote cultural exchange and strengthen Oman's position as a destination for arts and culture.
During his visit, His Highness toured the exhibition, viewed artworks and received briefings on the creative approaches behind contributions from local and international artists.
Muscat Art 2026 Brings Together Public and Private Sector Partners
Organised by OCEC, Muscat Art 2026 is presented by Bilarab bin Haitham Initiatives as Lead Partner, with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism serving as strategic partners.
Sadolin is the Paint Sponsor, while Omq Production is the Creative Partner.
The partnerships bring together public and private sector organisations to support artistic activity, encourage creative talent and expand the role of arts within the community.
Eng. Said bin Salim Al Shanfari, Chief Executive Officer of OCEC, expressed appreciation for His Highness's patronage, noting that the support reflects his commitment to nurturing creative talent and artistic expression.
He said the exhibition provides a platform for Omani artists to connect with audiences while strengthening the contribution of arts to cultural and human development. He also highlighted its role in diversifying OCEC's events calendar and supporting Oman's exhibitions and conferences sector.
Omani and International Artists Showcase Contemporary Works
The exhibition features works by prominent artists, including leading Omani artist Anwar Sonya, alongside Noor Bahjat, Fatma Lootah, Lina Al Ayoubi, Yelcast and Mostafa Sleem.
The displayed artworks explore themes such as identity, heritage and human memory through a range of contemporary artistic approaches.
By presenting local talent alongside international contributions, Muscat Art aims to create opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange between artists and cultural institutions.
The exhibition also seeks to support cultural and business tourism while contributing to the development of Oman's creative economy.
Art Talks and Workshops Explore the Future of Creative Industries
Alongside the exhibitions, the programme includes workshops, art talks and panel discussions covering the future of creative industries, cultural development, identity and entrepreneurship.
The activities are designed to encourage direct interaction between artists and visitors while creating opportunities to exchange ideas.
This year's Art Talks programme is titled “Reimagining Space: Artists Reshaping Spaces, Ideas, and Traditions”. The discussions examine how art can revitalise spaces, reinterpret heritage and encourage dialogue across cultures.
Muscat Art 2026 Continues Until October 30
Open to visitors until October 30, Muscat Art 2026 combines exhibitions, interactive activities and cultural discussions under its “Art Everywhere” vision.
The event highlights the role of creativity beyond traditional galleries, extending artistic expression into everyday life, architecture and shared public spaces.
Through its mix of local and international participation, the exhibition aims to strengthen cultural engagement and provide a platform for artistic exchange in Oman.
