Sultanate marks 14th Omani Craft Day
The Public Authority for Crafts Industry (PACI) observed the 14th Omani Craft Day, marked each year on March 3, following the issuance of the Royal Decree 24/2003 establishing the Public Authority for Craft Industries to promote the different types of craft industries in the Sultanate and maximise their contribution to national economy and sustainable development.
Dr Rawya bint Saud al Busaidiyah, Minister of Higher Education, patronised the event in the presence of Shaikha Aisha bint Khalfan al Siyabiyah, PACI Chairperson, along with other senior officials and craftsmen.
An exhibition for craft industries, including a wide range of crafts like furniture items, pieces of decorative accessories inspired from the local environment, was opened as part of the event at the Muscat Grand Mall. The exhibition included some rare pieces from the Omani industries such as swords, daggers, shields and other pieces that represent the history of Oman.
The Authority has also launched five marketing platforms for the Omani crafts at different sites in Muttrah until March 11.
Craft establishments operating in woodworks, fronds and textile are also taking part in the exhibition. Omani craftsmen who won at the World Craft Council (WCC) “Award of Excellence for Handicrafts” 2016 were honoured at the event.
Dr Rawya said, “March 3 has received a special attention from His Majesty when PACI was founded to promote craft industries in various fields in the Sultanate. The Omani environment is featured with the multiplicity in various fields and the craft industry is the legacy of civilised nations. Preserving this legacy contributes to the advancement of coming generations at economic, tourism and cultural levels.
The crafts’ richness gives successful opportunities to entrepreneurs. In this aspect, the Ministry of Higher Education introduced a course mainly focusing on entrepreneurship (creativity and innovation) studies at higher education institutions in the Sultanate in order to provide students with the necessary skills to take advantage of the opportunities available.
“The traditional industries have become economically effective in the national income. All that is required is adding some modern facilities to keep pace with the development taking place in the world and exporting the industrial products to other countries which contribute to reinforcing the Omani identity”.
On this occasion, Shaikha Aisha assured that PACI continues to achieve its sustainable and comprehensive objectives in various fields in accordance with a clear vision of the future. The Authority paves the way for all craftsmen and women to conserve all crafts industries and to contribute to the local income of the country.