Venice: The Sultanate of Oman’s pavilion at the 19th Venice Biennale of Architecture 2025 was opened today.
According to Oman News Agency, the Omani pavilion, titled ‘Athar,’ is themed “Integrating Human and Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Architecture.” The opening ceremony was presided over by HH Sayyid Nizar Al Julanda Al Said, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Italian Republic.
Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture, and Commissioner General of the Sultanate of Oman pavilion at the event, emphasized that Oman’s participation provides a platform to showcase the country’s architectural identity, which is deeply rooted in authenticity while embracing modernisation, sustainability, and innovation. He highlighted that this participation is not merely about design but an experience that reflects Omani society through narrative and visual concepts intertwined with architectural creativity.
Sayyid Said noted that this marks Oman’s first participation in the Venice Biennale of Architecture, representing a significant milestone in the nation’s cultural and architectural presence on the global stage. He expressed that the pavilion aims to embody the spirit of Oman, reflecting its connection to nature, commitment to authentic values, and vision for a respectful future.
The pavilion’s vision is inspired by the ‘Omani sabla,’ a traditional space for communication and dialogue, which forms a core part of Omani social life and serves as a model for present and future architectural endeavors. Curator Majida Al Hanai crafted the pavilion’s design, blending Omani craftsmanship with contemporary architectural concepts, aligning with the Biennale’s theme.
By reimagining the sabla within a modern architectural framework, the pavilion underscores the sabla’s role as a model that bridges past and present, highlighting Omani values of hospitality, dialogue, and community spirit. The pavilion will be open to visitors throughout the Biennale from 10 May to 23 November 2025.