Oman Shines at London Design Biennale 2025 with Award-Winning Installation “Memory Network”
The Sultanate of Oman is making a remarkable impression at the London Design Biennale 2025, with its participation led by a powerful artistic installation titled “Memory Network” by Omani engineer and designer Haitham Al Busaifi. The installation was honored with the prestigious Best Design Award, positioning Oman prominently on the global design stage.
Running until June 29, the London Design Biennale is a world-class event that celebrates innovation, creativity, and cultural exchange through design. Oman’s participation, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, reflects the nation’s commitment to promoting its cultural identity and empowering its creative talents in alignment with the goals of Oman Vision 2040 and the National Cultural Strategy 2021–2040.
Empowering Omani Creativity on the World Stage
In a statement, Ibrahim bin Saif Bani Araba, Assistant Director General for Arts at the Ministry, emphasized that this international engagement is part of a strategic plan to showcase Omani excellence across cultural sectors. The ministry’s approach included selecting a young Omani designer, Haitham Al Busaifi, to lead the creative direction and partnering with Zawraq Group, a small and medium-sized youth enterprise, to curate the national pavilion—further reinforcing the Ministry’s vision of youth empowerment.
“Memory Network”: A Blend of Heritage and Digital Reflection
Al Busaifi’s award-winning work, Memory Network, is an immersive installation that combines elements of Oman’s rich cultural heritage with modern digital symbolism. It features transparent, machine-crafted replicas of traditional Omani pottery arranged in a structure reminiscent of data centers. This visual metaphor highlights the fragility of digital memory and the complexities of privacy in the modern age.
“This moment is a historic achievement for Oman,” said Haitham Al Busaifi upon receiving the Best Design Award. “The work reflects our cultural legacy and a contemporary vision that merges tradition with innovation. It is not just an installation—it is a living archive, inviting visitors to contribute their own memories and data to build a collective digital heritage.”
Youth-Led Curation and Cultural Representation
Zaima Al Adawiya, a representative from Zawraq Group, expressed pride in being selected as the artistic evaluator for the pavilion. She emphasized that this opportunity reflects Oman’s dedication to nurturing young talent and giving them a voice in international cultural forums.
Oman’s Global Cultural Vision
Oman’s participation at the 2025 London Design Biennale represents more than just a creative contribution—it is a strategic effort to position the Sultanate as a global cultural influencer. Through initiatives like this, Oman continues to strengthen its international cultural presence while fostering innovation and creative leadership among its youth.
