7th International Photography Forum kicks off in Oman

Muscat: The 7th International Forum for Photography, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, began today at Sultan Qaboos University under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Futaisi, Chancellor of the University, and activates 5 art exhibitions with the participation of 180 international photographers.

The ceremony included the opening of the Youth Photography Exhibition, where the photography group at Sultan Qaboos University reviewed Members’ works, with the participation of 43 photographs by 26 photographers, and the exhibition presented two artistic projects: the first project for forgetting children in vehicles by the photographer Al-Khattab Al-Sulaimani, and the other project for a symphony by the photographer Fatima Al-Naabi, in addition to the exhibition of the winning photos of the 40th International Youth Biennale of Photography, which showcased 40 photos Photographs by 26 Omani photographers, during which the Sultanate of Oman won the competition cup for the fifth time in a row.

The forum activities will continue in the coming days, where the Quriyat Photography Award exhibition will be held at Wadi Dayqa Dam, and a photo exhibition from Oman at Bahla Castle, in addition to a ceremony honoring the award-winning countries.

The Forum and the 35th Black and White Photography Biennial Exhibition, and the photographers will conduct practical tours of a number of cultural tourist sites, including the Sultan Qaboos MosqueThe largest, Nizwa Castle, Bahla Castle, Royal Opera House, Al Alam Palace, National Museum, Muttrah Souq, Bidiyah and Wadi Dayqa Dam in the Wilayat of Quriyat.

The selection of the Sultanate of Oman to host this forum is based on the votes of the members of the International Federation of Photographic Art and the contrast of the locations of photography in them, and their historical and tourism importance.

Ahmed bin Salem Al Busaidi, Director General of Arts at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said: We in the ministry have endeavored with every effort to encourage Omani creators to participate in these international forums and to spread the Omani image in every forum, especially in competitions organized by the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP). And because young people are the future, the International Federation of Photographic Art was keen to take care of them, develop their skills, and carry out many activities and competitions for them to empower them and highlight their talents.

Meanwhile, Ricardo Bossi, President of the International Federation of Photographic Art, said: The Sultanate of Oman is a country with distinct capabilities that qualify it to host such forums, and it also has a strong relationship with FIAP that extends for years.

The official in the Sultanate for the efforts made in organizing this event, which attracts 180 photographers from different countries of the world. Dr. Nayfeh bint Eid Bait bin Sulayem, Dean of Student Affairs at Sultan Qaboos University , said:The Sultanate of Oman’s hosting of the Seventh International Forum for Photography – as the first country in the Middle East – represents an extension of the Sultanate’s efforts in cultural communication, openness of knowledge with the world, and the pioneering role in the interest in the art of photography, and the interest that Sultan Qaboos University gave to the art of photography by publicizing it as a group.

Photography under the umbrella of the Deanship of Student Affairs, which seeks to spread the culture of photography among university students with the aim of establishing a conscious base in the art of photography.

Cultural communication and its objectives of investing cultural diversity as a means of introducing and promoting the Sultanate, enhancing its role as a leading global cultural destination, and achieving partnership and cultural integration with local and international institutions..