As part of the increasing efforts to build cultural relations, Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Culture brought to Australia for the first time a unique cultural exhibition. From Monday 26th September through until Thursday 29th of September 2011 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour the public freely viewed the authentic traditions, arts and heritage of Oman.

On the 27th July 2011 the New South Wales Minister for Citizenship and Communities and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Hon. Victor Dominello MP, started the Oman Cultural Days promotion by launching the website for the Oman Cultural Days www.omanculturaldays.com.au This highlighted the start of a campaign designed to not only promote the large-scale event but to start the conversation about the captivating culture and heritage of Oman.

Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVO the Governor of New South Wales officially opened the exhibition on the morning of Monday the 26th of September alongside the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, His Excellency SayyidBadrHamad Al Busaidi, and Mr Dennis Richardson, Secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Over the four day exhibition thousands of Australians arrived at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and were swept away into an Omani market place, known as a souq! Where they walked through the frankincense filled alleyways discovering authenticate paintings and photos of Oman, viewed ancient scripts and artefacts. Witnessed Omanis make dhows, textiles, script writing, jewellery and henna, whilst tasting Omani sweets and coffee. The sounds of a traditional Omani folklore band and the sights of traditional Omani dress also greeted them along the way!

One of the highlights of the Oman Cultural Days was the forum at the University of Sydney, on 27 September 2011. The speakers at the forum included H.E. SayyidBadr bin Hamad Al Busiadi, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman and Major General Michael Jeffery AC, the Chairman and Founder of Future Directions International and former Governor-General of Australia. This forum focused on the Indian Ocean Rim and particularly the role that Oman and Australia are playing in the region and the future issues that may shape the region.

Pictures Coming Soon……