MUSCAT : At a media meeting held today, the ministry outlined its key achievements for 2025 and future strategic directions, highlighting expanded cultural, sports, and youth programmes aimed at developing talent and strengthening national capacity across the Sultanate of Oman.

Speaking at the briefing, Minister His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi said the ministry implemented 687 activities and events in the past year, benefiting 105,376 individuals across various governorates, reflecting the broad reach of its cultural and youth initiatives.

He said the ministry’s upcoming phase will focus on launching qualitative programmes and events designed to discover and develop youth talents, refine skills, and create an enabling environment for their growth.

On the cultural front, the ministry reported that activities under the Tenth Five-Year Plan reached 900 events, benefiting 85,733 participants. This included support for 451 artistic groups, implementation of 46 cultural initiatives, and completion of 23 research studies.

Oman also served as guest of honour at five international book fairs, while 18 elements of intangible cultural heritage were inscribed on UNESCO lists, including five national and 13 joint registrations.

The ministry also reported progress on major infrastructure projects under the Sayyid Tarik bin Taimur Cultural Complex, with completion rates of 49 percent for the Literary Forum, 46 percent for the House of Arts, 41 percent for the Cultural Cinema, 38 percent for the National Library of Oman, and 32 percent for the National Theatre.

In the sports and youth sector, the ministry said the National Programme for Discovering and Building the Capacities of Talented Athletes aims to identify and develop sporting talent, strengthen coordination between education and sports sectors, and prepare athletes to compete at regional and international levels.

Officials also said the National Youth Strategy is being developed through a participatory field-based approach involving more than 1,000 young men and women, using scientific methodologies and global best practices to assess youth needs and realities.

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