Oman’s cultural edifice rising
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik lays foundation stone of Oman Cultural Complex
Muscat - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik presided over a ceremony to lay the foundation stone of the Oman Cultural Complex project and building of the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) at Airport Heights in Muscat on Sunday.
When His Majesty the Sultan arrived at the project site, he was received by Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth and Chairman of Founding Committee of Oman Cultural Complex, and Dr Hamad bin Mohammed al Dhoyani, Chairman of NRAA.
Then, His Majesty the Sultan viewed the design and components of the complex project.
Oman Cultural Complex is considered an embodiment of the Royal vision of His Majesty the Sultan to establish a state-ofthe-art cultural landmark, a civilisational accomplishment and a scholarly and institutional edifice of Oman’s blessed renaissance.
Then, His Majesty watched a visual presentation on the project and listened to a briefing about the building’s innovative model.
The project will house several institutions and facilities, including the National Library, the National Theatre, Children’s Public Library, the House of Arts, the House of Cinema, and the Literary Forum, besides NRAA. It will also have restaurants, cafeterias and a public park.
His Majesty then laid the cornerstone marking the start of construction of the complex - a building spread over 80,200sqm that will be constructed on a 400,000sqm plot of land, costing around Ro147.8mn.
Oman Cultural Complex will promote cultural, literary, theatrical and research activities through the enhancement of relevant programmes aimed to expand the scope of engagement in highlighting Oman’s cultural heritage and exploring the country’s accomplishments.
The complex will provide services to scholars and researchers, and help organise cultural events and programmes to develop vistas of cultural action that will focus on Oman’s history and cultural identity.
The ceremony was attended by Royal family members, ministers and senior officials.
Muscat - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the Oman Cultural Complex (OCC) at the Airport Heights in Muscat, marking a significant step in the sultanate’s cultural advancement.
The complex, to be developed at an estimated cost of Ro147.8mn, will come up on 400,000sqm of land with a built-up area of 80,200sqm. It will be the address of three major national institutions - the National Theatre, the National Library, and the National Records and Archives Authority.
With eight additional buildings for various facilities, the complex will be the central hub for preserving, showcasing, and celebrating Oman’s history, and contemporary arts and culture.
The project is set to boost the cultural, literary, and theatrical activities in Oman, alongside research works in various fields. It will also contribute to the preservation of Oman’s national heritage and achievements.
The complex will have diverse components such as the Children’s Library, the House of Arts, the House of Cinema, and the Literary Forum, complemented by halls dedicated to fine arts, restaurants, cafés, and public gardens.
One of the complex’s core objectives is to advance cultural and literary work, supporting the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth’s plans and the implementation of the cultural strategy for community service. It will oversee and aid in the development of both governmental and private cultural centres and institutions across Oman.
The National Library - 23,500sqm in area - will focus on acquiring literary and intellectual productions with a higher benchmark, besides creating a system of collecting and housing millions of data and documents for superior research work. It will also enhance the efficiency of private libraries through technical expertise and information exchange.
The National Theatre, over an area of 16,500sqm, will have a 1,000-seat capacity auditorium, which is expected to inspire theatrical activities in Oman. It will be the venue for various training programmes to integrate theatre into student activities and school curricula. The centre will oversee and coordinate theatrical programmes and activities, and host local and international theatre festivals, officials said.
The Arts House, on 3,500sqm of land, will nurture young talents in drawing, fine arts and music. It will offer training programmes, laboratories, and tools to assist artistes, organise art exhibitions, and support young musicians.
Lastly, the National Records and Archives Authority, on an area of 22,500sqm, will utilise documents to highlight Oman’s cultural and historical aspects through ages.
This comprehensive cultural complex is a landmark move in Oman's dedication to preserving and promoting its rich heritage and artistic legacy.