Al Skaiti, Al Sobhi win Sultan Qaboos Awards
Hamad bin Abdullah al Skaiti and film-maker Eisa bin Salim al Sobhi have won Sultan Qaboos Awards for Culture, Arts and Literature 2018.
The names were announced by Habib bin Mohammed al Riyami, Secretary-general of Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science, at a press conference on Wednesday. Al Skaiti won the award for his study on heritage while short film Black Doesn’t Suit You fetched award for Al Sobhi. In traditional poetry, the award was withheld as none of the works passed muster.
Sultan Qaboos awards are presented alternatively to Arabs and Omanis every two years for their contribution to culture, art and literature.
The submission of works began on March 4 and ended on July 26.
Al Riyami said the screening committee shortlisted 22 works in non-tangible cultural heritage; 32 in short films and 20 in traditional poetry.
The jury included academics, writers, critics and artists. Final jury for studies on intangible cultural heritage included Sayyid Said al Busaidi, Director-general of Arts, Ministry of Heritage and Culture; Dr Hikmat al Nawaysa, Adviser to Minister of Culture for Heritage in Jordan; and Dr Tariq al Malki, lecturer at Hassan II University, Morocco. Jury for short films: Majdi Ali, a television and film director and president, Sharm el Sheikh Film Festival in Egypt; Mohammed al Kindi, Head of Omani Society for Cinema and Theatre; and Ali al Jamri, a director from Bahrain.
Jury for traditional poetry: Badr Borsili, a poet from Kuwait; and Dr Saif al Ramadhani and Humood al Aisari, both poets from Oman. MUSCAT: Lara al Yafei, first Omani female swimmer at an Olympic event, presented sports awards and urged children to exercise and adopt healthy eating habits at a ceremony in Sultan’s School on November 5. “This is my challenge to each one of you,” said Lara, “next time you go to a restaurant or a café, instead of ordering a fizzy drink, order a bottle of water, or instead of ordering French fries, order a salad”. Lara spoke about the benefits of doing a sport and how it builds self-confidence, makes one more disciplined, and helps to maintain a balanced lifestyle. “Even if you come last”, said Lara “you will still get all these benefits. I’ve come last many times but I’ve always focused on beating my own time and not other people’s time. MUSCAT: Indian School Al Ghubra celebrated Malayalam Day to commemorate the formation of the South Indian State of Kerala on November 1. The programme began with a traditional group song that highlighted the essence of Kerala — ‘God’s Own Country.’ The history, culture and tradition of the state were showcased through an array of traditional songs and dances like Mohiniyattam, Margamkali, Oppana, folk dances and folk songs. The group dance by the teachers was much appreciated by the audience. The Principal, Papri Ghosh and the Vice Principal, G Sreekumar wished the audience on this momentous occasion and appreciated the efforts of the students and the members of the Department of Malayalam for putting up a wonderful programme.