Oman’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape is once again demonstrated through the upcoming Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts, and Literature ceremony. Under the royal directive of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the 12th edition of this prestigious award will be presented on December 17, 2025, recognizing exceptional contributions across the Arab world. This year’s event highlights the enduring legacy of cultural appreciation established by the late Sultan Qaboos and continues under the current reign.
Recognizing Excellence: The 12th Sultan Qaboos Award
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Said Al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, will preside over the award ceremony, a significant event in the Omani cultural calendar. The Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts, and Literature is renowned for its rigorous selection process and the high caliber of its recipients. This year, three individuals and an institution have been selected for their outstanding achievements, representing diverse fields within the broader cultural sphere.
The 2025 Laureates
The distinguished recipients of the 12th edition represent a broad spectrum of creative and intellectual pursuits. The Asilah Forum Foundation has been honored in the category of Private Cultural Institutions (Culture branch) for its dedication to promoting artistic exchange and cultural understanding. Essam Mohamed Sayed Darwish will receive recognition in the field of sculpture (Arts branch), showcasing his innovative and impactful artistic vision. Finally, Hikmat Al Sabbagh, writing under the pen name Yumna Al Eid, will be awarded in the category of Autobiography (Literature branch), celebrating her compelling and insightful literary work.
Each laureate will be presented with the esteemed Sultan Qaboos Order of Culture, Science, Arts, and Literature, a national honor signifying the importance of their contributions. Alongside this prestigious recognition, each will also receive a monetary prize of OMR100,000, providing further support for their continued work and future endeavors. This financial backing underscores Oman’s practical commitment to nurturing talent and fostering creativity.
A Pan-Arab Celebration of Artistic Achievement
The Sultan Qaboos Award isn’t just a national event; it’s a platform for celebrating artistic and literary excellence throughout the Arab world. The award’s pan-Arab scope encourages cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration, strengthening the bonds between nations through shared appreciation of the arts. This year’s selection process involved evaluating candidates from across the region, highlighting the award’s reach and influence.
The competition for the 12th cycle was particularly fierce, with a total of 466 candidates vying for recognition. The breakdown of nominations reveals the areas of greatest interest and activity: 88 nominees were considered in the Private Cultural Institutions category (Culture), 97 in Sculpture (Arts), and a substantial 281 in Autobiography (Literature). This high number of submissions demonstrates the enduring appeal and importance of the award within the Arab cultural community.
Looking Ahead: The 13th Edition and Future Focus
During the award ceremony, His Excellency Dr. Al Maamari will also unveil the categories for the 13th edition of the Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts, and Literature. A significant shift will occur, as this edition will be exclusively dedicated to Omani nationals. This focus on homegrown talent reflects a strategic effort to further cultivate and celebrate the rich cultural heritage within Oman itself.
The award operates on a biennial cycle, alternating between a national edition open only to Omanis and a pan-Arab edition welcoming submissions from across the Arab world. This structure ensures both regional collaboration and dedicated support for Omani artists, writers, and cultural institutions. The alternating format allows for a broader impact while maintaining a strong commitment to national development.
Oman’s Cultural Vision and the Award’s Significance
The Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts, and Literature is more than just a prize; it’s a symbol of Oman’s deep-rooted commitment to cultural preservation and innovation. The award embodies the vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the legacy of Sultan Qaboos, recognizing the vital role that culture plays in national identity and progress. It serves as an inspiration for future generations of artists and writers, encouraging them to pursue their passions and contribute to the flourishing of Omani and Arab culture.
Furthermore, the award contributes to Oman’s growing reputation as a hub for cultural tourism and exchange. By showcasing exceptional talent, it attracts international attention and fosters a deeper understanding of the region’s artistic and literary traditions. This increased visibility benefits not only the laureates but also the broader Omani cultural sector. The continued success of the Sultan Qaboos Award is a testament to the power of culture to unite, inspire, and transform.
We encourage readers to learn more about the award and its past recipients on the official website of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs. Stay tuned for further announcements regarding the 13th edition and the exciting opportunities it will present for Omani creatives. The Sultan Qaboos Award remains a beacon of cultural excellence in the region, and its future promises even greater achievements.
