Oman

Bait Al Zubair Institute of Culture and Knowledge opens

 

Bait Al Zubair Institute of Culture and Knowledge (BAZIC), a new institute dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural exchange, recently opened its doors as part of the plans to create a vibrant community of artists and language enthusiasts.

Located in Bait Al Zubair, the Institute will offer a stimulating environment for individuals of all ages and skill levels to explore their artistic talents and develop a passion for languages and culture.

BAZICK will offer a diverse range of courses. Arabic language courses for non-native speakers will be offered, including a program tailored for international students, courses on Omani identity and Omani culture will also be introduced, in addition to programs in arts and music.



The course offerings will be announced on the Bait Al Zubair website soon.

Dr. Muna Hebras Alsulaimiyah, general manager of Bait al Zubair Foundation, said, 'The inauguration of the Bait Al Zubair Institute of Culture and Knowledge marks the launch of the fourth sector that the foundation will be nurturing, alongside heritage, culture, and arts, namely the education and training sector. Over the past years, the foundation has strived to realize this vision aimed at establishing a cultural entity dedicated to presenting Omani culture and heritage in all their richness and diversity to both citizens and residents alike through a series of solid and methodical programs. Additionally, it offers tourists a taste of Omani culture, heritage, and traditions, adding an extra dimension to their sightseeing tours in the beloved land of Oman. The institute will serve as a broad window for all these segments of society and all age groups, especially given the ongoing communication with similar cultural institutions regionally and globally to build partnerships and exchange expertise'.

On his side, Ferass bin Abdullah Al-Tubi, the institute's director, said: “The institute is an ambitious step towards what has become known as the creative industries, and the necessity of transforming culture into a tradable, teachable, and developable commodity. What we will do at Bait Al Zubair Institute of Culture and Knowledge is to transform ideas and perceptions into measurable programs and create an impact.”

Concerning the institute, Dr. Tharwat Morsi, said, “The Bait Al Zubair Institute of Culture and Knowledge is a cultural, educational, and training institution stemming from the Bait Al Zubair Foundation. It is a unique institution housed within a unique environment, providing an exceptional space for learning and education.

The Institute strives to disseminate the Arabic language and culture among non-native speakers both within and outside the Sultanate of Oman, as well as introduce foreign languages and cultures to the Omani community. The goal is to foster open-minded individuals who value their authenticity and identity while respecting others and their cultures, thereby contributing to the building of a harmonious world characterized by peace.

The Institute also aims to develop Omani competencies and provide training to ensure their personal well-being and self-reliance, as well as equip them to enter the job market and meet its challenges effectively, thus contributing to the development and balance of society.

Furthermore, the Institute offers various activities related to culture and arts for both adults and children to strengthen identity, enrich the soul, support talents, and introduce Omani culture to foreigners through a carefully planned and well-executed scientific pedagogical approach.

In all of this, the Institute is guided by the vision of Oman 2040, as its objectives, goals, and plans align with this vision, encouraging progress in line with its aspirations.”

A celebration of the Inaugural Partnership with Italy's Società Dante Alighieri

Moreover, in a unique collaboration, BAZICK has signed its first partnership agreement with the Italian Institute Società Dante Alighieri to provide comprehensive Italian language courses both in class and online. This collaboration is also highlighted through an Omani-Italian musical evening at Bait Al Zubair in cooperation with the Embassy of Italy of Oman, in the framework of the 24th edition of the Italian Language Week in the world.

Since 1898 Società Dante Alighieri has promoted the Italian language and culture abroad. Its network, consisting of schools, committees, examination centers, and libraries, extends across 80 countries with 476 centers. It pursues a project of projecting Italy abroad, which its President, Prof. Andrea Riccardi, has termed 'Italsimpatia', targeting all individuals attracted to Italian culture, language, cinema, design, or lifestyle. This partnership aims to bridge cultures and provide learners with a solid foundation in the Italian language and its rich heritage.

The Secretary General of Società Dante Alighieri Alessandro Masi, said, 'Today, the Italian language reaches Oman thanks to a high-profile agreement with a strategic partner. Società Dante Alighieri is working hard to promote the teaching of the Italian language to Arabic-speaking countries, and making Italian language education available in Muscat is one of the most significant achievements. In a global and multilingual world, our mission is to support dialogue between cultures with a view to mutual enrichment.'