Dhofar International Sculpture Festival

Name: Dhofar International Sculpture Festival
Start: 2026-08-15
End: 2026-09-03
Location: Salalah

The inaugural Dhofar International Sculpture Festival takes place in Salalah, Oman, from August 15 to September 3, 2026. This visual arts event, organized by Dhofar Municipality as part of the Khareef season, brings together Omani and international sculptors to create large-scale marble artworks inspired by Oman's natural environment and Dhofar's rich cultural identity.

Date: Aug 15 - Sep 3, 2026
Location: Salalah

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Event summary

Highlights

Inaugural edition of the festival
Features 15 sculptors from 11 countries
Artists create large-scale marble sculptures in public
Works inspired by Omani environment and Dhofar's cultural identity

The inaugural Dhofar International Sculpture Festival is held in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate, Oman, from August 15 to September 3, 2026. Launched by the Dhofar Municipality, the festival is a significant new cultural initiative within the annual 2026 Khareef season, aiming to add a fresh cultural dimension and enrich the region's visual arts landscape.

The festival gathers Omani artists alongside 15 international sculptors from 11 countries, including Sudan, Germany, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Morocco, and Ecuador. Participants create original large-scale marble sculptures in an open public setting, specifically in front of the Municipal Recreation Centre in Atin, allowing visitors to observe the artistic process. The artworks are inspired by Oman’s natural environment, Dhofar’s distinct cultural identity, heritage, values, landscape, and local symbols such as the frankincense tree.

Upon completion, the newly created sculptures will be installed at various prominent locations across the Dhofar Governorate. The event serves as a platform for contemporary interpretations of Omani heritage and is part of a broader Khareef season program that includes approximately 125 cultural, artistic, sporting, and entertainment activities.

Practical details

Location described by the source: Municipal Recreation Centre; www.omanobserver.om
Area for browsing nearby events: Salalah

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.