Oman Wins Best Design Award at London Design Biennale 2025 with ‘Memory Grid’ Installation
London, The Gulf Observer: The Sultanate of Oman is proudly participating in the London Design Biennale 2025, an esteemed international platform for artistic and design innovation, held in the United Kingdom and running until 29 June. Representing Oman at this prestigious event is Memory Grid, an immersive installation created by engineer and designer Haitham Al Busafi, which has garnered the Best Design Award in recognition of its conceptual depth and artistic excellence.
Oman’s participation is part of the broader initiative led by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth to promote Omani cultural identity globally and transform the Sultanate into a vibrant centre of creativity and cultural diversity. These efforts align with the executive framework of the Cultural Strategy 2021–2040, rooted in the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040.
Speaking on the occasion, Ibrahim Saif Bani Oraba, Assistant Director-General of Arts, underscored the Ministry’s dedication to elevating Oman’s cultural presence on the world stage. “Through ambitious plans and strategic engagements, we aim to position Oman as a beacon of artistic and cultural leadership globally,” he noted.
The Ministry ensured a distinctive and inclusive presence at the Biennale by prioritizing youth engagement. Notably, Haitham Al Busafi was selected to design the featured installation, while Zawraq Group, a youth-led small and medium enterprise, was appointed as the official artistic evaluator of the Omani pavilion. This strategic involvement of young professionals demonstrates the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and investment in national talent.
Upon receiving the Best Design Award, Eng. Haitham Al Busafi expressed deep pride and gratitude, calling the recognition a “historic moment” for Oman. He described Memory Grid as an embodiment of the nation’s heritage and its forward-looking vision—a convergence of tradition and innovation.
He elaborated that the installation features translucent, machine-crafted replicas of traditional Omani pottery, arranged in a formation reminiscent of data centres. The transparency of the materials symbolizes the vulnerability of digital memory in today’s technological era—highlighting the tension between remembrance and privacy. The interactive installation invites visitors to input their own memories, making Memory Grid not only a display but a living, evolving archive.
Za’eema Al Adawi, speaking on behalf of Zawraq Group, emphasized the importance of the role entrusted to the youth. “Our selection as artistic evaluators represents a valuable opportunity and a mechanism for empowering young Omanis in the global cultural arena,” she stated.
Oman’s outstanding participation in the London Design Biennale 2025 is a testament to the country’s dynamic creative potential and its strategic vision for cultural diplomacy and innovation.
