Sharjah24: The Secretary-General of the Arab Theatre Institute , Ismail Abdullah, accompanied by the Director of the General Administration, Nasser Al Ali, and the Director of Training, Development, and School Theatre, Ghannam Ghannam, conducted a visit to Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, as part of the preparations for organising the 15th edition of the Arab Theatre Festival. This festival will be organised by the Arab Theatre Institute in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth in Oman, and the Omani Theatre Association.

During this working visit, the Secretary-General of the Arab Theatre Institute and the accompanying delegation met with the Undersecretary of Culture at the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, Mr. Saeed bin Sultan Al Busaidi. Also present at the meeting were the Assistant Director-General of Arts at the Ministry, Mr. Ibrahim Bani Arabah, the President of the Omani Theatre Association, Imad Al Shanfari, and several relevant stakeholders from both sides.

Mr. Saeed expressed his appreciation for the Authority's organisation of its significant festival in the Sultanate of Oman, eagerly anticipating this cultural event. He praised the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the Arab Theatre Authority, in serving culture in general and theatre in particular.

The Secretary-General of the Arab Theatre Institute conveyed greetings from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to the Omani theatre community, along with his blessings for the successful organisation of the 15th edition of the festival in Muscat. He emphasised the collective endeavour to achieve a distinguished edition worthy of the efforts and aspirations of Omani theatre practitioners, as well as advancing Arab theatre, a cause the Institute is dedicated to.

Mr. Saeed affirmed the Ministry's and Oman's officials' readiness to provide all necessary support for the success of the festival, aiming for it to be a gem in its series of editions.

The Secretary-General of the Arab Theatre Institute and the accompanying delegation met with Mr. Ibrahim Bani Arabah, the Assistant Director-General of Arts, and a group of assistants in the presence of the President of the Omani Theatre Association. They discussed the fundamental outlines that would ensure the distinctive character of this edition, showcasing the unity of efforts among Omani officials, theatre practitioners, and all cultural spectrums toward this goal.

Furthermore, the Arab Theatre Institute delegation, along with a working group from the Omani Theatre Association, inspected the theatrical and hotel facilities and outlined the basic features of the programmes and work mechanisms to ensure the successful organisation of this edition. Continuous meetings and in-depth consultations were held in this regard.

At the conclusion of this visit, Secretary-General Ismail Abdullah stated: "We have witnessed a high spirit, positivity, and great readiness from Mr. Saeed, the Undersecretary of Culture, the Assistant Director-General of Arts, and the Board of Directors of the Omani Theatre Association, indicating that the 15th edition in the Sultanate of Oman will be distinguished by cultural and creative presence in Oman to take its deserved place in the Arab theatrical scene. Omanis are ready to present the finest image of Oman. The Institute will work on updating and developing the festival's mechanisms, and all details will be announced shortly. I am confident that Arab theatre practitioners will present their creative jewels in an Arab country rich in arts, culture, and beauty."