Muscat: Media personality Ahmed bin Salem Al Kalbani’s podcast “Witness Beyond the Ordinary” took up the prize for radio programs in the “Arts” category.

Shamsa bint Abdullah Al-Naamani’s collection of poems “Maqamat Zulaykha” was awarded in the “Literature” section for classical Arabic poetry, however it was not given in the “Culture” part for studies in the Omani environment.

As per H.E. Habib bin Mohammed Al Riyami, Secretary-General of the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science, who spoke at the press conference to reveal the names of the award winners, 136 applicants met the nomination requirements for this session, including 18 in the field of Omani environmental studies, 49 in the field of radio programs, and 69 in the field of classical Arabic poetry.
He explained that the award – as scheduled – is held annually, and is awarded in rotation every two years, so that it is Arab in one year, with Omanis competing alongside their Arab brothers, and the next year exclusively for Omanis.

In addition to highlighting Omani contributions to human civilization through material, intellectual, and cognitive accomplishments, the award is given to writers, artists, and intellectuals for their civilizational contributions to reviving thought and uplifting the human conscience.

Since cultural awareness is the most crucial link in the ladder of human civilizational advancement, the Sultanate of Oman has historically played a significant role in consolidating it. The award was established by Royal Decree No. 18/2011, dated February 27, 2011, in support of intellectuals, artists, and writers in particular, as well as the fields of culture, arts, and literature in general, in order to further the advancement of human civilization.