ISSA Oman \ A Sculpture Park in the Northeast Corner of Arabian Peninsula

The 3rd Musandam International Sculpture Symposium, and ISSA Oman 2025 was held in January in Musandam, 

an overseas territory of Oman, in the north-eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula.

The province of Musandam has adopted sculpture as a distinctive feature of the region, and through it, 

has documented the memories of this place, contributing to the enrichment of its cultural landscape and 

becoming one of the most important destinations for culture and art. Musandam, in collaboration with 

the Sohar Art team, with its vast experience in sculpture and building on local and international successes, 

oversaw the third Musandam International Sculpture Symposium, building on the ground-breaking experience 

that culminated in the successful organization of the first two editions in 2023 and 2024. Under the guidance 

of the Musandam Governor's Office, the camp was held at Wilayat, Madha, with the participation of four sculptors.

The Sohar Art team took a new approach this year by creating a huge mural in collaboration with Egyptian 

sculptor Dr. Saeed Badr, who focused on nature, heritage and the memory of the place while designing the piece. 

The artist utilizes the memory of this place, Madha Wilayat, to reveal beauty, information about time, ancient 

heritage and the natural environment. This method of sculpting these scenes is not limited to giving aesthetic value 

to the place; it also creates a new experience that prompts the viewer to reconsider the scene from multiple 

perspectives, making the artwork an integral part of its surroundings, merging with them in an interactive relationship

 that has evolved over time. Considering an approach that has never been demonstrated before in an integrated 

global event, Musandam Sculpture Camp is at the forefront of this field, making its mark in the art world and

 redrawing the landscape with art through the implementation of this massive mural work that welcomes visitors 

to the Wilayat at the entrance of the Wilayat at Madha. measuring 20 meters long, 6 meters wide, and 5 meters tall, 

it gives it a new dimension that combines creativity and sustainability, making Musandam a model for combining

art with the natural environment. Designed by Dr. Saeed Badr from the Arab Republic of Egypt, the sculpture was 

created by a group of young Omani sculptors at Sohar Art, using 150 tons of Omani marble, making it one of the 

largest marble sculptures in the region. 

Omani sculptor Ayman Al-Awfi also participated in the Forum, creating a multi-contextual sculpture measuring 280 x 50 x 60 centimeters. The concept relates to the cohesion of Omani society, nourished by age-old customs and traditions, through which, according to Al-Awfi, the maintenance of such interpersonal relationships is due to the Omani people's attachment to their agricultural environment, which sets the region apart. The idea for this piece originated from a large Rwala tree in Wilayat, Madha, which is a prime example of the connection with this place. This fascinating scene draws attention to its connection to the earth through its root system. This sculpture records this event and consists of two opposing vertical poles that are interconnected by roots and a solid base. Two other Italian artists have also completed works. 

Sculpture has always been the primary means by which mankind has preserved its history and expressed its ideas. Its function is not limited to aesthetic creation, but goes beyond being a witness to civilization and its way of life, a mirror that conveys the details of a bygone era. Through sculpture, man has been able to document its journey, bringing us testimonies of the past carved in stone, wood or metal. These artifacts tell the story of people and their way of life, preserving the history of a place, whether sculpted or carved, so it will remain immortal through the ages.

Materials Providers: ISSA Oman Member Ali ALJavri

Chief Editor: Liu Qin

English Version Editor: Sun Ya’nan

Legal Advisor: Tao Ranting