Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, is set to host the 15th edition of the Arab Theatre Festival from January 9 to 15, 2025. This event will be organized in collaboration with the Arab Theatre Institute and the Oman Theatre Society.
The festival will showcase 15 remarkable theatrical performances from both Omani and international artists.
Performances will take place across three venues: Al Bustan Palace, the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (Al Irfan), and the College of Banking Studies.
Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture and Chairman of the Main Committee for the 15th Arab Theatre Festival, stated, “This festival serves as a platform for a distinguished group of prominent Arab artists, theatre experts, writers, and directors to explore ways to enhance the role of theatre in promoting culture and innovation within the Arab region.”
During a press conference held at the Oman Society for Arts in Ghala on Sunday, Al Busaidi mentioned that over 500 Arab artists are expected to participate in the 15 theatrical performances and related activities.
He also highlighted that the upcoming festival will include an exhibition of Omani handicrafts, an art exhibition, 30 press conferences, and a scholarly workshop focusing on various aspects of theatre, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation.
The event will feature 33 book signing sessions focused on publications related to Omani, GCC, and Arab theatre arts. These sessions, hosted at the Arab Theatre Institution pavilion, will include the launch of nine new books dedicated to Omani theatre.
A significant highlight will be the message for Arab Theatre Day, delivered by Palestinian artist Fat’hi Abdul-Rahman on January 10.
Al Busaidi emphasized that the festival embodies shared Arab values, particularly the member states' commitment to fostering cultural communication, sharing experiences, forming partnerships, and strengthening integration with global institutions.
He noted that 15 major theatrical performances will be showcased from 13 Arab countries, with 11 of these competing for the “Award for the Best Arab Theatrical Performance,” a prize supported by Sheikh Dr. Sultan Mohammad Al Qasimi. Additionally, participants from other Arab nations will contribute to the festival.
The festival aims to promote Arab culture broadly, with a specific focus on Arab theatre. It seeks to fulfill the goals of the Arab Strategy for Theatre Development, while also encouraging innovation in Arab theatre, showcasing theatrical works, and enhancing research and literature that engage all segments of society.
