Blending heritage with innovation, Oman’s debut pavilion in Venice subtly reinforces the Sablah as a model for dialogue—at a time when open communication and shared spaces are urgently needed.
Oman’s debut at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia 2025 is more than a cultural milestone.
It is a calculated step in the Sultanate’s broader vision to strengthen its global presence through culture, creativity, and diplomacy.
Oman’s national pavilion at the Biennial is titled Traces, and will be on view from 10 May to 23 November 2025 at the Arsenale in Venice.
Curated by architect Majeda Alhinai and commissioned by Sayyid Saeed bin Sultan bin Yarub Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Culture at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Traces aligns with the Biennale’s central theme: “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.”
At the heart of Traces is the Sablah—a traditional gathering space, often shaded by a tree, where communities meet to share stories, celebrate, or resolve conflicts.
Inspired by the values of connection and shared memory, the Sablah offers a timely invitation for the world to reimagine how we gather and engage in public spaces.
While speaking to a global design and architecture news platform, Alhinai says, “Our intention was not simply to showcase heritage, but to explore how architecture can embody values of togetherness, adaptability, and memory.”
Traces is constructed with modular aluminium panels etched with traditional Omani motifs like the khanjar (dagger), falaj (irrigation channel), and palm weaving patterns.
It has no fixed entrance or assigned function—encouraging informal gatherings and spontaneous interactions, much like the original Sablah.
“It demonstrates how cultural memory and local intelligence can generate forms that are both rooted in place and relevant globally,” says Alhinai. “It’s architecture that speaks to responsibility, reuse, and identity.”
Visitors are invited to navigate the space on their own terms, creating personal and collective experiences.
Movable seating crafted from natural palm-woven materials adds to the sense of flexibility, supporting an inclusive environment where public talks and community gatherings will unfold throughout the Biennale.
Earthy tones, inspired by Omani sand and pottery, also ground the pavilion in the textures and hues of the nation’s material heritage.
Oman’s participation also supports the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil. Culture plays a key role in this transition, and international platforms like the Venice Biennale offer Oman an opportunity to present itself as a peaceful, forward-thinking, and culturally rich nation.
The pavilion marks an important step in bringing Omani architectural ideas to a global audience, reinforcing a long-term commitment to cultural exchange and creative innovation.
Supported by Oxy Oman, Traces exemplifies the growing role of public-private partnerships in cultural development. While Gulf neighbours like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have used cultural investments to assert soft power, Oman’s approach stands apart—favouring substance over spectacle and long-term dialogue over rapid institutional growth.
This initiative also marks another step in Oman’s growing presence in the global arts scene. Following its participation in the 2022 Venice Art Biennale and ongoing programs like the Omani Cultural Laboratories, Traces adds both visibility and credibility to its creative sector.
The pavilion is expected to be reassembled back home as a public or educational space—ensuring the conversation started in Venice continues on Omani soil.
As global cultural events like Expo 2025 in Osaka and the Sharjah Architecture Triennial shape the future of design and diplomacy, Oman’s thoughtful debut stands out.
Traces is a quiet yet powerful reminder of how architecture can reflect identity, foster dialogue, and bridge local heritage with global conversations.
Notes from the Editor: The Oman Pavilion will be open to the public from May 10 to November 23, 2025.
