Muscat: Oman has earned international acclaim at the London Design Biennale 2025, winning the Best Design Award for its captivating installation ‘Memory Network’, created by engineer and designer Haitham Al Busafi. The event runs until June 29 and features entries from countries around the world.
Oman’s participation is organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, as part of its broader efforts aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and the Cultural Strategy 2021–2040. The ministry aims to showcase the creativity of Omani talent while positioning the Sultanate as an active contributor to global cultural conversations.
Celebrating Omani Creativity and Youth Empowerment
Ibrahim bin Saif Bani Araba, Assistant Director General for Arts, emphasized that the ministry’s involvement reflects a strategic and future-oriented vision—one that supports youth empowerment and builds international recognition of Oman’s rich cultural identity.
As part of this vision:
- Haitham Al Busafi was selected to design the national installation.
- The youth-led Zawraq Group was entrusted with evaluating the Omani pavilion—underscoring the nation’s commitment to nurturing young cultural leaders.
Receiving the award, Al Busafi described it as a “historic moment for Oman”, expressing deep pride and gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country on a global stage.
‘Memory Network’: Tradition Reimagined Through Technology
The award-winning installation ‘Memory Network’ is a conceptual and immersive piece that reinterprets traditional Omani pottery using transparent, machine-made forms. It draws visual and symbolic parallels with digital data centers, exploring themes of memory, identity, and cultural preservation in the digital age.
“It is a living archive,” Al Busafi explained. “It invites visitors to contribute their own memories, becoming part of a collective narrative.”
The work creatively addresses the fragility of digital memory and the cost of maintaining cultural heritage amid technological transformation.
Youth at the Forefront of Cultural Innovation
Zaima Al-Adawiya, representing the Zawraq Group, highlighted the significance of giving young Omanis a platform at prestigious artistic events. She described their participation as both a symbolic milestone and a practical tool for youth empowerment in the cultural and creative sectors.
