HM presides over ceremony to lay foundation stone for Oman Cultural Complex

Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Sunday presided over a ceremony to lay the foundation stone of Oman Cultural Complex project and the building of the National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) at the Airport Heights in Muscat Governorate.

When His Majesty the Sultan arrived at the project’s site, he was received by HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Chairman of the Founding Committee of Oman Cultural Complex Project, and Dr Hamad bin Mohammed al Dhoyani, NRAA Chairman.

His Majesty the Sultan was briefed via a visual presentation about the project and listened to a comprehensive explanation of the building.

Then, His Majesty the Sultan viewed Oman Cultural Complex building’s designs, presented in showcases that highlighted the components of the project.

The project is considered an embodiment of the Royal vision of His Majesty to establish a state-of-the-art cultural designation, a civilizational accomplishment and a scholarly and institutional edifice of Oman’s blessed renaissance.

Then, His Majesty the Sultan watched a visual presentation about the project and listened to a briefing about the building’s innovative model. The project houses many institutions and facilities, including the National Library, the National Theatre, Children’s Public Library, the House of Arts, the House of Cinema, the Literary Forum and the National Records and Archives Authority. It also comprises restaurants, cafeterias and a public park.

His Majesty the Sultan then laid the cornerstone marking the start of construction of Oman Cultural Complex—a building of about 80,200 square metres (sqm) that will be constructed on land plot of 400,000 sqm, to the tune of RO 147.8 million.

Oman Cultural Complex seeks to promote cultural, literary, theatrical and research activities through the enhancement of relevant programmes aimed to expand the scope of engagement in highlighting Oman’s cultural heritage and exploring the country’s accomplishments.

The complex will provide services to scholars and researchers. It will help organize cultural events and programmes to develop vistas of cultural action that will focus on Oman’s history and cultural identity. The ceremony was attended by some Royal Family members, ministers and senior officials.