Latest news with #OmanDesignWeek
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
'Ayadi' volunteer platform to promote culture of giving
Muscat, June 18 In a significant move to institutionalise volunteer work in the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), in partnership with Al Hosni International Group, officially launched the 'Ayadi' digital platform for volunteerism on Wednesday. The event was held under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat and attended by ministers, dignitaries and representatives from government entities, private sector organisations and civil society. 'Ayadi' is the first official digital platform in Oman dedicated to organising and enhancing volunteer efforts across the country. The initiative reflects the goals of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in the area of social welfare and protection, by creating a supportive environment for social responsibility and volunteer contributions. Hamood al Shibibi, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Social Development, stated: 'The Ministry is proud to launch 'Ayadi', Oman's first official digital platform for volunteerism. It aims to unify and streamline voluntary efforts and initiatives across the Sultanate of Oman. The platform will attract volunteers from government, private and non-profit sectors, as well as individuals, making it easier to register and match skilled participants with relevant opportunities.' He added: 'Each volunteer will have a personalised profile, a volunteering certificate and a digital record, which can be utilised as a formal reference for future opportunities across various sectors.' The platform is designed to elevate the culture of volunteerism in Oman, ensuring professional management of volunteering activities through a centralised, data-driven approach. It enables the creation of a unified database and provides detailed statistics about volunteers and their contributions, helping shape future national initiatives. Three key volunteer initiatives were announced during the launch: 'Baharna Mas'ooliyatna' (Our Sea, Our Responsibility), 'Oman Design Week' and 'Sawaa'id Al Khair' (Hands of Goodness). 'Ayadi' integrates volunteer teams, NGOs, public and private entities; and individual volunteers under a single digital umbrella. It provides access to opportunities across fields such as healthcare, education, environment, emergency relief and other developmental sectors. Built with community input gathered through online consultations, the platform was shaped according to the aspirations of the Omani people for a modern, accessible and efficient volunteer ecosystem. The mobile app is now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, offering users an easy and flexible experience. Volunteers can register, choose initiatives that align with their interests and expertise, receive training and gain formal recognition for their contributions. Institutions, in turn, can launch initiatives, manage volunteer relationships, track progress and generate customised reports — ensuring transparency, accountability and maximum impact.
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- General
- Muscat Daily
Oman's first volunteering platform to strengthen social responsibility
Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), in partnership with Al Hosni Group International, has launched Oman's first national volunteering platform 'Ayadi' to bring together volunteer teams, associations, institutions, and individuals under one system. The platform has been created to make it easier to access opportunities in fields such as health, education, environment, relief and development. It aims to unify efforts and build an accurate record of volunteer contributions, fostering a culture of giving and teamwork, officials said. The launch event took place on Wednesday under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, and was attended by ministers, dignitaries and representatives from government, private institutions and civil society organisations. Ayadi is intended to promote and organise volunteer work in line with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises social welfare and the creation of an environment that encourages community participation and social responsibility. The platform aims to strengthen the culture of volunteerism and manage it efficiently through a supportive digital system. It will provide a unified database of volunteers and volunteering activities across the sultanate, and help generate diverse opportunities for community engagement and social cohesion. During the launch, three initiatives were introduced on Ayadi – one of which is 'Our Sea, Our Responsibility' announced by Sohar Port and Freezone. This programme aims to increase environmental awareness and protect coastal areas through beach clean-ups in Majis and Suhar, involving around 200 volunteers. The Omani Society for Design presented its national initiative 'Oman Design Week', to engage youth in organising an annual event for the promotion of design and reinforcement of cultural identity through ten participating volunteers. Salalah Volunteer Team introduced Sawaed al Khair (Hands of Goodness), targeting remote mountain areas in Dhofar to open trails and clean water streams and springs, with around 30 volunteers involved. Ayadi was developed with input from the community through an online engagement phase to ensure it meets public expectations for a technology-based volunteering environment. The platform's mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, allows volunteers to register, create profiles, join opportunities, access training programmes and receive certificates. Organisations can propose initiatives, manage volunteers, track hours, and generate reports on their projects. Officials hope Ayadi will encourage greater participation in volunteer work and strengthen community responsibility across Oman.
Observer
28-01-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman Design Week ends on a high note
The five-day Oman Design Week ended at the Al Irfan Boulevard Garden in the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) on a high note on Tuesday. Organised by OMRAN in collaboration with the Oman Design Association, it was attended by a distinguished group of professionals and enthusiasts from various fields of creativity and design and was aimed at positioning the Sultanate of Oman as a global hub for creativity and culture. The Oman Design Week showcased the work of more than 40 local and international artists and designers besides featuring a diverse array of exhibitions, from large-scale sculptures and sustainable design projects to immersive, interactive experiences. Attendees also engaged in workshops and explored the designer market, which provided a platform for Omani talent to connect directly with the public and industry stakeholders. Artist Mahra al Raisi said, 'Taking part in Oman Design Week has been an incredible journey. It allowed me to present my artistic vision to a diverse and engaged audience. The conversations I had with visitors were especially enriching, offering new perspectives that deepened my connection to the artwork and its audience.' Ahmed al Maqbali, who led a workshop on urban design for Madinat Al Irfan, reflected on the importance of sustainable approaches in modern urban planning. 'My workshop focused on embedding sustainability as a key pillar of future city development,' he explained. 'We explored how Oman's cultural identity can harmoniously integrate with contemporary urban needs to create designs that are both functional and beautiful. The enthusiasm of the young participants was inspiring, and it's clear they're ready to apply these values in real-world projects.' Visitors also expressed their enthusiasm for the event's impact. Joao Pereira remarked: 'Oman Design Week changed the way I view design. I learned how it transcends aesthetics to become a tool for problem-solving and enhancing everyday life. It's about finding the balance between creativity and functionality, and this event made me realize how design can truly transform how we live and interact with the world around us.' 'Our participation in the inaugural edition of Oman Design Week has been a great source of optimism for the years ahead, reflecting the growing support for creative industries in Oman,' said Safa al Buraiki, representing Tur Jewellery, a local small business that participated in the designer market.
Muscat Daily
28-01-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Design Week highlights role of creativity in supporting growth
Muscat – The inaugural edition of Oman Design Week celebrating creativity and innovation concluded on Saturday. Organised by Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group) in partnership with Oman Design Association, the event highlighted the vital role of design in shaping culture and supporting the growth of Oman's tourism sector. Showcasing the work of more than 40 local and international artists and designers, the event featured a diverse array of exhibitions, from large-scale sculptures and sustainable design projects to immersive, interactive experiences. Attendees also engaged in hands-on workshops and explored the design market, which provided a platform for Omani talent to connect directly with the public and industry stakeholders. Speaking about her participation, artist Mahra al Raisi said, 'Taking part in Oman Design Week has been an incredible journey. It allowed me to present my artistic vision to a diverse and engaged audience. The conversations I had with visitors were especially enriching. This experience reinforced the power of design as a medium for storytelling and cultural expression.' Ahmed al Maqbali, who led a workshop on urban design for Madinat al Irfan, reflected on the importance of sustainable approaches in modern urban planning. 'My workshop focused on embedding sustainability as a key pillar of future city development,' he explained. 'We explored how Oman's cultural identity can harmoniously integrate with contemporary urban needs to create designs that are both functional and beautiful. The enthusiasm of the young participants was inspiring, and it's clear they're ready to apply these values in real-world projects.' Visitors expressed enthusiasm for the event's impact. Joao Pereira remarked, 'Oman Design Week changed the way I view design. I learnt how it transcends aesthetics to become a tool for problem-solving and enhancing everyday life. It's about finding the balance between creativity and functionality, and this event made me realise how design can truly transform how we live and interact with the world around us.' Safa al Buraiki, who represented Tur Jewellery, a local small business that participated in the event, described the experience as a turning point. 'Our participation in the inaugural edition of Oman Design Week has been a great source of optimism for the years ahead, reflecting the growing support for creative industries in Oman. The presence of these industries in an environment that nurtures and inspires creativity, alongside the involvement of prominent creative talents from across the sultanate, fuels our ambition to continue delivering exceptional innovations that reflect our identity and culture.'
