College of Arts and Social Sciences Concludes Art Cultural Days with a Grand Final Evening:

The College of Arts and Social Sciences concluded the Art Cultural Days activities with a final evening that embraced a blend of cinematic, musical, and poetic creativity, under the patronage of Professor Mohammed bin Ali Al-Balushi, Chairman of the Cultural Club's Board of Directors, and in the presence of a group of intellectuals and academics.

This evening took place on Wednesday, concluding three days of rich cultural and intellectual activities.

The Art Cultural Days, held February 24, 25 and 26, 2025, witnessed a series of rich events, where thought and art came together in a cultural phenomenon that included exhibitions, lectures, dialogue sessions, workshops, and film screenings, providing participants with the opportunity to interact with contemporary intellectual and cultural issues. The closing evening, held in the Cultural Events Hall, witnessed special moments that expressed the spirit of cooperation and creativity that prevailed throughout the event.

A Cinematic Vision Reflecting Human Depth:

The evening began with a screening of the Omani film "Burning Souls," which presented a creative vision that transcends the traditional image to deeper philosophical and human dimensions. After the screening, the film's director, Yaqoub Al-Khanjari, spoke about the behind-the-scenes of the work, emphasizing that cinematic art is not just a visual luxury, but a window for contemplation and thought.

The screening was followed by a critical reading presented by Dr. Salem bin Hilal Al-Maamari, who reviewed the aesthetic and symbolic dimensions of the film, addressing the concept of childhood as a central element in the work, and comparing it to international films such as Tarkovsky's "Ivan's Childhood" and Abbas Kiarostami's "Where Is the Friend's Home?". He also pointed out the impact of the environment and place in shaping the visual structure of the film, explaining that "Burning Souls" reflects the depth of the relationship between man and nature in a coherent narrative style.

Dr. Salem Al-Maamari summarized the experience of director Yaqoub Al-Khanjari by saying:

"It can be said that the director and his artistic team did not just tell a story, but presented a bold attempt to deliver a visual poem, where his cinematic visions flow in frames characterized by their artistic and aesthetic depth, and their ability to raise questions within the film's theme, making 'Burning Souls' approach poetic cinema, where childhood is an integral part of its heritage and brilliance."

This critical session was moderated by Dr. Ali Al-Riyami, who led the dialogue in a distinctive style, allowing the audience to interact with the various critical visions presented about the film.

A Window to World Cinema:

As part of the celebration of world cinema, the evening witnessed a special screening of the Iranian film "One One Zero" by director Hamid Reza Hemmati, one of the prominent names in Iranian cinema and known for his deep contributions to the global cinematic scene. Yaqoub Al-Khanjari gave an overview of Hemmati's experience, referring to his prominent works such as "Siyah Baz," which was selected in many Iranian and international film festivals and won many awards, and the series "Rouz Khoon," which was shown on the main channel of Iranian television in 2024 and received wide acclaim from the Iranian public, and his participation in international films, including "Golden Cage" and "Lena." He also announced his new project "Nabhan," which will be a distinguished Omani cinematic production.

The Sweetness of Music and the Magic of Poetry:

After the visual creativity, the attendees moved to the world of music, where students from the Department of Music and Musical Sciences presented a musical piece that shone with its sweet melodies, completing the creative scene of the evening.

This was followed by a poetry segment recited by poet Zaher bin Ghosn Al-Sawafi, where his words resonated with a delicate feeling, giving the evening an authentic emotional character, combining artistic beauty and literary depth.

Honoring and Commending the Efforts Made:

At the end of the evening, the participants in the activities were honored, where certificates of thanks and appreciation were distributed to the organizers and creators who enriched these cultural days with their contributions and creations. A souvenir was also presented to the patron of the ceremony in appreciation of his support for cultural activities.

An Ending That Opens Horizons for the Future:

With this closing scene, the activities of the Cultural Literature Days for this year ended, after providing a space for thought and creativity, and a window for cultural renewal. As Yaqoub Al-Khanjari said during the evening:

"When we celebrate creators, we do not only celebrate their successes, but we also appreciate the effort and challenges they faced. Creativity is born only from the womb of suffering, and requires determination and perseverance to remain immortal through time, inspiring future generations." And with farewell, the passion continues for future seasons that carry more brilliance and excellence in the Omani cultural scene.

Within the framework of academic institutions' endeavor to enhance awareness and exchange ideas about current and future challenges, a distinguished dialogue session entitled "Sustainability in the Humanities: Reality and Aspiration" was held as part of the Cultural Literature Days activities. The session took place in the events hall at the College of Arts and Social Sciences, with the participation of a group of specialists, and moderated by Dr. Hafez bin Abdullah Al-Riyami.

The session was attended by Dr. Noura bint Khalifa Al-Nasseri, Dr. Ayat bint Nasser Al-Mutaaeni, Mr. Ishaq bin Yaqoub Al-Azri, and Ms. Marwa bint Suleiman Al-Nabhani, who discussed the reality of sustainability in the humanities and future aspirations to advance this field in light of increasing challenges.

Dr. Noura Al-Nasseri began her speech on the future of Omani cities, highlighting the radical transformations they are witnessing and their connection to Oman Vision 2040, particularly in the axes of economy, development, and sustainable environment. She emphasized that modern smart cities will be an essential part of the future of Oman, citing the Sultan Haitham City project as the largest smart city in Oman. She also touched on the concept of sustainable urban planning, noting the shift from distributing undeveloped lands to integrated service centers and residential plans, and stressed the need for integrated efforts to achieve urban sustainability that meets the needs of individuals and society.

Dr. Ayat Al-Mutaaeni discussed the role of Omani cultural heritage in achieving sustainability, emphasizing that heritage is not just a past to be preserved, but a source of creativity and sustainable economy. She reviewed the establishment of the Oman Center for Traditional Music and the importance of archiving cultural heritage, stressing that investing in heritage can turn it into a global model for sustainability. She also linked this to Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to preserve the Omani identity while achieving economic growth.

For his part, Ishaq Al-Azri addressed the most prominent elements of China's economic strength, noting that population, scientific research, education, and foreign investments are key pillars that have made the Chinese economy a strong model for sustainable growth. He explained that investment in scientific research is one of the most important drivers of economic development, which enhances innovation and industrial development.

Marwa Al-Nabhani reviewed the Millennium Development Goals and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the importance of focusing on education, environment, and social justice. She also stressed the role of libraries and academic institutions in providing data and information that support sustainable policies and enhance the implementation of development plans.

The session witnessed great interaction, with several questions raised, most notably:

• How can the private sector contribute to preserving heritage?
  • The importance of tax exemptions and encouraging the restoration of heritage landmarks to preserve cultural identity was emphasized.
• Is "downtown" part of Oman's future plans?
  • The speaker clarified that this concept is translated in Oman into "city centers," which are areas that combine commercial and cultural activity.
• What is the role of influencers in preserving Omani heritage?
  • The importance of social media in spreading awareness and enhancing Omani identity by promoting heritage sites and projects in a modern way was highlighted.

The session concluded by emphasizing the importance of integration between the public and private sectors, utilizing modern technology to achieve sustainability, while preserving the Omani identity as an essential part of future development.

The Arts Cultural Days kicked off on Monday under the patronage of Dr. Nabhan bin Harith Al-Harassi, Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences. The event is for three days, 24-26 of March.

This cultural initiative aims to reinforce the concept of sustainability through its accompanying activities. The program includes a panel discussion featuring distinguished faculty members on sustainability in the humanities, a workshop on sustainable footprints, an exhibition showcasing student groups from the college, and a closing artistic evening.

Alongside these activities, a book fair is being held throughout the event, featuring participation from several publishing houses and bookstores, as well as contributions from the Cultural Club and the Omani Writers and Authors Association. The fair provides an opportunity to explore the latest literary and scientific publications from Oman, the Arab world, and beyond.

Additionally, the "With My Hands, I Read" initiative is participating in the exhibition with an informational booth introducing its mission to facilitate access to knowledge for visually impaired students. The initiative converts printed materials into audio or digital formats. Through this booth, organizers seek to highlight the role of visually impaired students in the cultural landscape and attract volunteers to support the cause.

Dr. Nabhan Al-Harassi, Dean of the College, stated:
"The Cultural Literature Days at the College of Arts and Social Sciences extend the college’s distinguished cultural engagement. This event aligns with the college’s commitment to interacting with the community through exceptional academic and cultural activities. It also serves as a platform for inviting experts and specialists to present discussions and research papers on topics relevant to both scholars and institutions. The event features a variety of activities, including lectures, discussion panels, film screenings with critical analysis, and a three-day book fair showcasing the latest publications across different fields of knowledge."

Dr. Hilal Al-Rashidi, Chair of the Cultural and Media Committee, added:
"The College of Arts and Social Sciences organizes the ‘Cultural Literature Days’ to foster academic and cultural engagement and strengthen community connections. This year’s program focuses on sustainability, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. Activities include a book fair, a lecture on change management, a panel discussion on sustainability in the humanities, and a ‘Sustainable Footprint’ workshop. The event will conclude with a cultural evening featuring a screening of the Omani film Burning Souls, accompanied by a critical discussion, as well as musical and poetry performances. We invite everyone to participate in and benefit from this enriching cultural experience."

The opening day featured a lecture titled "Sustainability in Change Management", delivered by retired Colonel Abdulwahab bin Abdulkarim Al-Balushi, an expert in training and human resources. The lecture focused on three key areas: personal change management, institutional change management, and sustainable change.

At the outset, Al-Balushi defined change as a transition from one state to another, emphasizing that its primary goal is improvement and progress. He highlighted the importance of making change a continuous and well-planned process rather than a temporary reaction.

In discussing change within institutions, Al-Balushi explained that effective change management can enhance competitiveness, efficiency, and productivity.

The lecture concluded with an exploration of sustainability in change management, with Al-Balushi emphasizing that sustainability is the most critical aspect of the change process. The session ended with an interactive Q&A segment, where attendees engaged in discussions with the speaker.

Since its launch, the event has seen a strong turnout, reflecting the enthusiasm and engagement of the college community.

On the occasion of World's Philosophy Day, the College of Arts and Social Sciences organized a discussion panel titled "Ethics of Science in the Context of Sustainability: Challenges and Prospects in the Age of Innovation,". 
The session featured a distinguished group of researchers and experts. Dr. Sharif Al-Hashimi Toutao, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy, talked about "Why Ethical Science?". He discussed the necessity of reconnecting science with ethical values to address the environmental and social crises facing the world, emphasizing that the absence of values has led to these crises. He proposed a viewpoint advocating for the ethics of science as a tool for achieving sustainable development.
Dr. Nour El-Din Al-Shabi, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy, spoke about "The Ethical Challenges of Technological Innovation," using "Artificial Intelligence Ethics" as a model. He reviewed the ethical issues raised by the development of artificial intelligence, such as privacy, bias, and the impact of technology on social justice, calling for the development of a global ethical framework to ensure technology serves humanity.
Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Ajmi, an Omani writer and researcher in philosophy, addressed the concept of "Negative Growth" as an alternative to traditional capitalism, highlighting the importance of reducing production to achieve environmental and social justice. He has authored several books and articles with diverse intellectual contributions including critical philosophy and artificial intelligence. His novel "The Secret of the Morisco" was longlisted for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award in 2022.
Ali bin Suleiman Al-Rawahi, a researcher and translator in philosophy and social theory, discussed the interconnection between philosophy and contemporary social theories and their impact on promoting sustainability values. The session was moderated by Professor Alia bint Hilal Al-Saadiya, a research associate in the Department of Sociology and Social Work, who enriched the discussion by raising questions about the role of philosophy in innovation and sustainability.
The event was marked by significant interaction from attendees through discussions on several topics, notably how to achieve a balance between innovation and environmental preservation, leveraging studies on environmental, social, and economic sustainability, and emphasizing comprehensive human development.
It is noteworthy that this session is part of the college's commitment to enhancing philosophical dialogue on contemporary issues and reinforcing the importance of philosophy as a tool for critical thinking and solving global problems.

Sultan Qaboos University, represented by the Department of Arabic Language and Literature, celebrated the World's Arabic Language Day, which is on the eighteenth of December each year. This date coincides with the anniversary of the United Nations' adoption of Arabic as one of its official languages in 1972, and it was attended by a number of academics, students, and staff from within and outside the college.
In his speech on this occasion, Dr. Zaher bin Marhoon Al-Daudi, Head of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature at the College of Arts and Social Sciences, emphasized the importance of the Arabic language as a key element in the life of nations and societies. He stressed that the relationship between society and language is a complementary one, stating that "the Arabic language, with its various systems, can keep pace with scientific, economic, and social developments. It is a living language that has managed over centuries to fulfill its lofty civilizational role, and today it stands with merit as one of the languages of artificial intelligence."
Dr. Zaher pointed out that the celebration represents an opportunity to review shortcomings and work on bridging digital gaps to highlight the cultural and civilizational strength of the Arabic language and enhance cultural communication between peoples.
The ceremony included several activities, where Dr. Mahmoud bin Suleiman Al-Riyami delivered a lecture titled "Reflections on World Arabic Language Day," discussing the cultural and historical dimensions of celebrating the Arabic language and its pivotal role in building civilizations and connecting peoples.
Following that, student Haitham bin Khalid Al-Balushi recited a poem titled "The Tongue of Dhad," which impressed attendees with its beauty and eloquence, embodying love for the Arabic language and the depth of its meanings.
The event concluded with a special performance by student Mohammed bin Said Al-Yarubi, adding an artistic touch that harmonized with the spirit of celebrating the language of Dhad.

The 3rd International Scientific Conference of the Department of Sociology and Social Work:

The Department of Sociology and Social Work at the College of Arts and Social Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development, is organizing the 3rd International Scientific Conference titled: "Social Welfare Policies and Programs and their Role in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals".

The conference aims to:
Enhance cooperation between the executive and academic institutions concerned to exchange knowledge, experiences, and experiences in the field of social welfare, with the aim of improving, enhancing, and activating social welfare policies and programs.
Encourage research and academic efforts from different countries around the world to discuss the key issues related to social welfare policies and programs and their role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Enhance scientific and academic studies and research that specialize in developing social welfare policies and programs in the Sultanate of Oman in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Highlight the international, regional, and Arab experiences in the field of social welfare policies and programs and their role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Enhance research and academic interest in interdisciplinary studies related to the environment and achieving climate justice to ensure the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Instill a sense of responsibility and awareness of the importance and necessity of social work in achieving sustainable development.
Conference Themes:
Theme 1: Social Welfare Policies and Programs: Achieving Social Welfare Goals in Alignment with Oman Vision 2040:
This theme aims to shed light on the reality of social welfare policies and programs in the Sultanate of Oman, the most important challenges they face, as well as the most important proposals for their development, to ensure that they achieve the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Theme 2: Arab and International Experiences in the Social Welfare Policies and Programs: Achieving Sustainable Development Goals:
This theme focuses on studies and research related to the study and evaluation of real-life experiences of social welfare policies and programs at the regional and global levels and their role in all social, educational, and health sectors in addressing some social problems such as: the growing rates of poverty, providing an appropriate level of decent human life, comprehensiveness and fairness in distribution, and providing services to all members of society to ensure acceptable levels of quality of life, [and the extent of] their ability to produce and provide appropriate job opportunities, improve income levels, contribute to the development of demographic characteristics, and improve the efficiency of the beneficiaries of these programs (experiences - skills - training - education). This theme also includes studies related to the extent to which these policies and programs contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and identifying the factors that influence the success of those policies.
Theme 3: Studies on Social Justice and Achievement Sustainable Development Goals:
This theme includes studies and research related to the study of topics and issues related to social justice, and consequently, sustainable development, such as: addressing poverty and hunger, improving health and education levels, gender equality in a way that does not conflict with the religious beliefs of each society, reducing inequalities, and promoting social justice to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in various societies.
Theme 4: Environmental Studies and Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals:
This theme includes studies related to the social responsibility of individuals, institutions, and companies in protecting and preserving the environment, as well as studying the environmental impacts of human activities and identifying the means to achieve sustainable development. In addition to evaluating the environmental impacts of government policies and regulatory measures, assessing the impact of climate change on the environment and society, studies on the environmental impact of investment projects in old and new investment areas, studies on the analysis and evaluation of environmental policies, studies on improving the management of natural resources and reducing environmental pollution, as well as studies on natural environmental disasters and their social, psychological, and economic impacts on the population, and the role of social welfare programs and policies in dealing with them.
Theme 5: Envisioning the Future of Social Welfare Policies and Programs in Light of Current and Future Global Changes:
This theme focuses on studies related to the future ideas of international social work studies, and proposals for the development of social welfare policies and programs in line with current and future global changes, as well as the analysis and evaluation of current social policies, studies to identify best practices and successful experiences in the field of social welfare at all levels, studies to identify the needs of community groups and the groups most affected by contemporary global changes, and studies to foresee the future to include concern for all groups affected by natural disasters, epidemics, international conflicts and wars, such as: women, children, the elderly, refugees, displaced persons, the homeless, the hungry, and the sick, among others.
 

Conference Details:
https://www.squ.edu.om/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=zxMyURB_zIk%3d&portalid=12

The activities of the third cultural season of the College of Arts and Social Sciences began with the inauguration of the book fair in the open courtyard of the College. Five Omani libraries and publishing houses participated in the book fair, and the number of publications reached more than 400 Omani, Arab and foreign publications. Some libraries also offered discounts for students and academics with the aim of spreading culture and knowledge. Dr. Nabhan bin Harith al-Harassi, Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences, said: “Today we are launching the third consecutive cultural season after the success achieved in previous seasons. We will start our season with a book fair in which a number of Omani libraries are participating. This will be followed by a lecture on cybersecurity and legal legislation for an evening event.” He added, on the same level, that the activities are continuing during the current academic year and will be attended by intellectuals, academics and guests from outside the country. The season will also celebrate some international events such as the International Day of the Arabic Language, the International Day of Philosophy, and others.

The College of Arts and Social Sciences, in cooperation with the Cultural Club, organized a symposium (the historical presence of women in Oman) in conjunction with the Omani Women's Day, with the participation of a number of researchers and those interested in the women’s field in Oman. The Honorable Dr. Raya bint Salem Al-Mandari - Associate Professor at the College of Education and Member of the State Council - presented a working paper entitled “Omani Women in Education during the Era of the Blessed Renaissance.” Also, Dr. Badriya Al-Shuaiba presented historical examples of the leadership roles of Omani women. Furthermore, the researcher Abdul Rahman Al-Sulaimani talked about the economic life of Omani women. The seminar was concluded by researcher Khaled Al-Rahbi, who focused on the contribution of Omani women in the field of endowment.

The College of Art and Social Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Sincere Congratulation to

Dr. Nabhan Harith Al Harrsi, The Dean of College of Arts and Social Sciences, on the occasion of his election as president of the Arab federation for libraries and information.

With sincere best wishes for success

Signing of a Cooperation Agreement with dusitD2 Naseem Resort, Jabal Akhdar, Oman

Archaeological survey work in the region of Qurayyat discovered a large gathering of archaeological and historical settlements, some of which date back to more than 3000 years ago. Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hamid Hussein - Head of the Archeology Department at the College of Arts and Social Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University and head of the research team - stated that the work in its current phase focused on the village of Al Mazara in the region of Quriyat and its surroundings, and that the archaeological evidence discovered and recorded so far indicates that the civilization settlement in that area It has been continuous since the Iron Age - 3000 years from now. Dr. Mohammed also explained that the current survey work comes as part of a project that surveys the historical and archaeological monuments at risk in the Sultanate of Oman, funded by Sultan Qaboos University in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. The head of the Archeology Department stated that the aim of this project is to document archaeological sites in the Governorate of Muscat, and prepare a risk map for those sites, in addition to a proposed work on how to benefit from these historical and archaeological sites in sustainable development, in line with Oman’s 2040 vision.