Dhofar International Theatre Festival

The second edition of the Dhofar International Theatre Festival takes place from September 14 to 22 in Salalah, Oman. Organized by the Dhofar Municipality, the event aims to enhance the region's cultural standing and foster artistic exchange by showcasing theatre talents from around the world.

The festival features three distinct competitive segments, each offering a US$50,000 grand prize, culminating in a total prize purse of US$150,000. The "Elite Shows" segment presents award-winning productions from major international festivals and notable performances from the previous year. The "Grand Shows" segment is open to theatre companies globally, with entries evaluated by a specialized jury and includes plays such as the Egyptian "Metwally and Shafika" and the Emirati "Ghayahib al-Ruh". The "Dhofar Theatre" segment is specifically for local Omani troupes, offering them a platform to develop their craft. Participants are expected from various Omani cities, GCC states like Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, as well as other international talents.

Performances are held across multiple venues in Salalah, including the Obar Theatre and the Sultan Qaboos Youth Cultural and Entertainment Complex Theatre. The festival is considered a strategic cultural initiative for Oman, utilizing the arts to connect diverse cultures. It is an integral component of the extensive Khareef Dhofar 2026 season, which encompasses over 100 cultural, artistic, and sports events throughout September.