The Omani Cultural Club: A Hub for Knowledge and Creativity

The Omani Cultural Club is a distinguished cultural institution with legal status, playing a key role in enriching the cultural landscape of Oman. It actively contributes to the cultural development of the country through its diverse programs and activities. The club works in collaboration with various public and private institutions committed to knowledge and cultural development in Oman. It stands as the first comprehensive cultural platform, bringing together intellectuals, artists, and creatives from various sectors to foster cultural and professional bonds.

A Journey of Cultural Enrichment

Since its inception, the Omani Cultural Club has worked diligently to expand its offerings and enrich Oman’s cultural life. Through organizing lectures, seminars, and discussion panels on a wide range of topics—literature, science, arts, religion, and politics—the club has become a focal point for intellectual and cultural exchange. Scholars, writers, and thinkers from Oman and abroad have contributed to its dynamic discussions, helping shape the contemporary cultural discourse in the country.

Foundation and Evolution

The club was established in 1983 under the name “University Club,” based on Royal Decree No. 31/83. Initially, its goals were centered on fostering cultural and social bonds among Omani university graduates and promoting continuous learning, even for those without formal university degrees. The club provided its members with access to a rich array of scientific references and literature, encouraging them to continue their educational journeys.

In 1986, the club’s name was changed to “The Omani Cultural Club” following Royal Decree No. 42/86, reflecting its broader cultural mission. In 2008, a significant transformation occurred with Royal Decree No. 15/2008, which restructured the club and placed it under the supervision of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture. This decree expanded the club’s objectives to include fostering cultural and social ties between artists and intellectuals, promoting cultural awareness through lectures, workshops, and exhibitions, and collaborating with local and international cultural bodies.

Club Facilities and Programs

Library

One of the cornerstones of the Omani Cultural Club is its library, which houses an extensive collection of books, encyclopedias, and periodicals. Continuously updated, this library serves as a vital resource for researchers, writers, and intellectuals. As one of the first public libraries in Muscat, it continues to attract scholars and cultural enthusiasts from various fields.

National Book Support Program

The National Book Support Program aims to overcome challenges faced by Omani writers and promote Omani literature across various disciplines. It emerged from discussions on the difficulties faced by authors and publishers in Oman, with the program supporting the publication of critical and underrepresented works in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Culture.

Tuesday Salon

Since 2009, the club has hosted the bi-monthly Tuesday Salon, a literary gathering that has become an important tradition. The Salon welcomes prominent intellectuals from Oman, the Arab world, and beyond for open discussions on national and global cultural issues.

Creative Friends Club

Aimed at children and young people, the Creative Friends Club fosters a love for reading and culture, encouraging budding literary talents to flourish. Managed by renowned writer Azhar Al-Harthi, it features reading programs, creative workshops, and artistic activities throughout the year, nurturing the next generation of Omani writers and thinkers.

Membership and Community Engagement

The Omani Cultural Club offers membership to individuals aged 18 and above, with privileges that include access to all club events, use of the club’s facilities, and the ability to propose ideas for future activities. Membership is valid for one year and can be renewed.

The club also hosts specialized groups, or “families,” representing different cultural interests such as poetry, storytelling, science, translation, and women writers. These groups create an inclusive environment where intellectuals can discuss their fields of expertise, share their work, and contribute to Oman’s evolving cultural scene.