ARABIAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK
The Sultanate of Oman is participating in London Design Biennale 2025, which runs until 29 June. Oman’s contribution is represented by the creative artwork Memory Grid by engineer and designer Haitham Al Busafi, which won the award for best design at this global exhibition. The participation aligns with the efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth to showcase Omani culture globally and transform Oman’s cultural landscape into a hub of creativity and cultural diversity, in line with the executive plan of the Cultural Strategy 2021–2040.
Ibrahim Saif Bani Oraba, Assistant Director-General of Arts, emphasized that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth has developed its vision through ambitious plans to position Oman as a leader in various cultural fields internationally. This stems from the foundations of Oman Vision 2040 and the Cultural Strategy, which serves as a strategic framework for the nation’s cultural endeavors. Through its participation in the London Design Biennale 2025, the Ministry ensured a distinctive presence in every detail, including a pivotal role for Omani youth in this global platform.
Engineer and designer Haitham Al Busafi was selected to create the artwork, while Zawraq Group a youth-led small and medium enterprise was appointed as the pavilion’s evaluator. This reflects the Ministry’s commitment to empowering Omani youth and demonstrates a steadfast confidence in their contributions to cultural work. Eng. Haitham Al Busafi expressed profound pride and gratitude upon receiving the Best Design Award for Memory Grid as Oman’s representative at the London Design Biennale 2025. He described the moment as a historic achievement for Oman, embodying the nation’s heritage and contemporary vision where tradition meets innovation.
He explained that Memory Network is an immersive installation featuring transparent, machine-crafted replicas of traditional Omani pottery arranged in a pattern reminiscent of data centers. This transparency serves as a deliberate metaphor for the fragility and exposure of the digital age, where preserving memories often comes at the cost of privacy. He noted that the work is not merely a static display but a living archive, inviting visitors to contribute their own data and memories to build a shared legacy. Meanwhile, Za’eema Al Adawi stated that selecting Zawraq Group as the artistic evaluator was both an opportunity and a tool for youth empowerment, enabling their representation at this major artistic forum.
