Oman Celebrates Omani Women’s Day with Cultural Focus

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The Sultanate of Oman, through the Ministry of Social Development, celebrated Omani Women’s Day on October 17, with this year’s festivities centered on the theme of culture, literature, and poetry. The event took place at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel, honoring the creative contributions of Omani women in poetry, theatre, novels, and national manuscripts.

His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar and patron of the occasion, emphasized the significance of Omani women, stating, “This day confirms the role of Omani women as a fundamental component of society wherever they are, helping to build this integrated fabric.” He highlighted the theme of this year’s celebration, noting that Omani women have significantly enriched the cultural and literary landscape of the nation.

The ceremony featured a visual presentation that showcased the contributions of Omani women to culture and literature. A notable highlight was the announcement of a special publication titled “Omani Women: A 100-Year Journey of Giving.” This publication aims to document the achievements of female talents contributing to the Omani renaissance and to explore the realities and distinctions of Omani women across various fields. It specifically targets accomplished Omani women aged 19 and above, including those who are influencers, achievers, and recipients of local, regional, and international accolades.

The publication is structured in two parts: the first covers the fifty years before the blessed Renaissance, while the second spans from the era of the blessed Renaissance led by Sultan Qaboos bin Said – may God bless his soul – to the renewed Renaissance under His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. This book will be updated with a new edition every two years.

The event also included the operetta “Eve of Oman,” which depicted the esteemed status of women and their societal roles throughout history through five panels. It celebrated the Omani woman as an honorable and inspiring figure for the future and expressed loyalty and gratitude, accompanied by the traditional art of Al-Azi.

In a moment of recognition, the patron of the ceremony honored pioneering Omani women in the fields of culture and literature. In poetry, the honorees included Badriya bint Mohammed Al Badriya, Rehab bint Harb Al Saadiya, Reem bint Redha Al Lawati, Dr. Saida bint Khater Al Farsi, Dr. Aisha bint Abdullah Al Fazari, Aisha bint Mohammed Al Saifiya, and Dr. Fatima bint Ali bin Mohammed Al Shidiya.

In the realm of novels, the honored writers were Amama bint Mustafa Al Lawati, Amal bint Amer Al Saadiya, Aya bint Salem Al Siyabi, Dr. Badriya bint Ibrahim Al Shehhi, Dr. Zuwaina bint Saeed Al Kalbani, Dr. Aziza bint Abdullah Al Tai’i, and Dr. Azza bint Hamoud Al Qasabi.

The field of theatre recognized Maryam bint Hamid Al Maamari, Fakhriya bint Khamis Al Ajmi, Samira bint Khalfan Al Wahaibi, Amina bint Khadarson, and Amal bint Abdullah Bait Nuwaira. In manuscripts, the honorees included Sheikha bint Nasser Al-Akhzami and Dr. Huda bint Abdulrahman Al-Zadjali.

The celebration of Omani Women’s Day not only honors the achievements of women in the country but also highlights their integral role in the cultural and social fabric of Oman.