Ibra – The third edition of the Al Khadra International Sculpture Symposium concluded on January 8, 2025, in North Sharqiyah governorate, under the patronage of H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, and in the presence of Mahmoud bin Yahya al Dhahli, Governor of North Sharqiyah, along with several other dignitaries and officials. The event saw significant participation from residents, artists, and various stakeholders.
Held from December 26, 2024, to January 8, 2025, the symposium was organised by the Al Khadra Sports Team of Al Mudhaibi Club in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and under the supervision of the North Sharqiyah Governor’s Office. The event showcased a global artistic, cultural, and social platform, with participation from sculptors representing 13 countries, including Russia, Japan, Iraq, India, Argentina, Egypt, Spain, Iran, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Poland, and Macedonia, as well as from the Sultanate of Oman.
Mohammed bin Salem al Rashidi, head of the Al Khadra Sports Team, explained that this year’s edition featured new and distinctive artistic works, highlighting the cultural and artistic diversity of the participants. He also noted that the symposium plays an important role in enhancing Oman’s standing as a premier tourist, cultural, and artistic destination, as the international sculptors would carry their experiences and impressions of Oman back to their home countries, further promoting the Sultanate’s tourism and cultural image.
Al Rashidi further emphasised that the symposium, which has now entered its third edition, continues to build on the success of previous years. It has contributed significantly to raising Oman’s cultural and artistic profile and establishing the country as a centre for international arts, particularly through sculpture. The symposium has become a key event on Oman’s cultural calendar, fostering global cultural exchange and dialogue between artists.
Since its inception, the symposium has produced a remarkable artistic legacy, with 29 sculptures created in the first two editions. This year, 14 new sculptures were added to the collection, which are displayed in an open exhibition in the Wilayat of Mudhaibi. Visitors can now experience these international artworks up close and gain insight into the aesthetics of sculpture.
Looking ahead, Al Rashidi revealed plans for the establishment of a contemporary sculpture museum in coordination with relevant authorities. This museum will serve as a unique cultural, artistic, and tourist landmark in Oman, uniting diverse cultures under the banner of art and creativity.
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