Muscat Art 2026 has opened at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), bringing together more than 300 artists from Oman and abroad for a three-day celebration of contemporary creativity.
The fifth edition was inaugurated on Wednesday, 28 October, under the patronage of HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat, and runs until 30 October.
Centred on the theme ‘Art Everywhere’, the exhibition explores the relationship between art, identity and the spaces people inhabit, extending the artistic experience beyond traditional galleries into architecture, heritage and everyday life. It also aims to strengthen Oman’s standing as a regional cultural destination while creating opportunities for artistic exchange and collaboration.
This year’s programme features Omani artist Anwar Sonya, alongside Syrian artist Noor Bahjat, Emirati artist Fatma Lootah, Palestinian artist Lina Al Ayoubi, Filipino artist Laurel Castillo, known as Yelcast, and Mostafa Sleem. Their work draws on varied cultural backgrounds and artistic practices, examining themes including collective memory and heritage through contemporary perspectives.
Alongside the exhibition, visitors can attend workshops, panel discussions and Art Talks addressing the evolving creative industries and the role of art in cultural development. The talks follow the theme ‘Reimagining Space: Artists Reshaping Spaces, Ideas, and Traditions’, exploring how artistic practice can transform environments, reinterpret cultural traditions and encourage dialogue between communities.
Muscat Art 2026 is presented by Bilarab bin Haitham Initiatives as lead partner, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. Organised by OCEC, the event also seeks to expand opportunities for Omani artists to reach international audiences and strengthen links between artists and cultural institutions.
Eng. Said Salim Al Shanfari, chief executive officer of OCEC, highlighted the exhibition’s contribution to Oman’s cultural development and the growing visibility of its creative talent. He also described the event as an addition to the centre’s programme, supporting the development of the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector and the diversification of its events calendar.
By attracting artists, collectors and enthusiasts from Oman and overseas, the exhibition aims to support cultural and business tourism while contributing to the country’s wider creative economy.
Open to visitors until the 30th of October, Muscat Art 2026 combines exhibitions and public programming to celebrate art as a means of connecting cultures, perspectives and communities.
