Muscat – Oman offers new cultural visas to position itself as a rising global hub for arts and to enhance its soft power. Shalini Varma, Indian, painter Cultural visas can support artistic expression by enabling collaboration, mobility and wider exposure. These allow artists to travel, perform, exhibit and learn from new environments. This kind of […]

Muscat – Oman offers new cultural visas to position itself as a rising global hub for arts and to enhance its soft power.

Shalini Varma, Indian, painter

Cultural visas can support artistic expression by enabling collaboration, mobility and wider exposure. These allow artists to travel, perform, exhibit and learn from new environments. This kind of exchange encourages creative development. Cultural visas also support participation in festivals, workshops and academic programmes. Not just travel documents, these are pathways for cultural diplomacy. Artists preserve heritage by reimagining visual traditions and help society reflect during difficult times.

Luca Moretti and Lucia Oliva, Italy, theatre artists

We welcome the decision to implement the cultural visa for intellectuals and artists. It will broaden Oman’s presence internationally and generate new interest in the country. As artists working on intercultural events, this aligns with the goals we have pursued for years. We love Italy and we love Oman, which we consider our second home. We appreciate every initiative that values artists from all nations. Years ago, we received the Golden Visa from Dubai’s cultural authority, and it is encouraging to see Oman opening this opportunity.

Maagie Jeans, British, dramatist

Introducing long-term cultural visas for suitable applicants is an important step. Soft diplomacy through the arts plays a major role today. Oman is already a cultural centre in the Middle East, and this scheme will attract more talent to the arts, heritage and creative sectors.

Julie Akinyi, Kenya, singer/DJ

Cultural visas offer an opportunity not only for individual artists but for the country. These allow creatives to share their work, learn from local culture and contribute to it. For Oman, this means more cultural exchange, more diversity in the arts and more people discovering its heritage. A strong artistic community supports tourism and cultural growth. Artists carry stories and traditions; we bring people together and remind society of its human side. In a fast-paced world, art gives people a moment to pause and connect.

Elizabeth Davis, India, painter

Our perspectives are enriched by exposure to different cultures. The cultural visa opens the country to new influences and strengthens its own cultural fabric. It also supports tourism. As an artist, I am pleased about the opportunities that can emerge. Oman already has a rich cultural heritage, and this initiative complements it.

Tim Mackintosh-Smith, British, author and Arabist

At a time when the world faces conflict and rapid change, humanity needs artists, writers and thinkers. They keep the human spirit alive. Funding often favours science and technology, but the arts remain central to who we are. For Oman, focusing on this visa is a positive step. The region has financial and industrial hubs; an arts hub would be welcome. Oman is already home to the Royal Opera House Muscat. I will apply for the cultural visa soon. I am resident in Oman and a visiting professor at New York University Abu Dhabi.

Dr Irfan Ashraf, Pakistan, filmmaker

Oman’s decision to open visas for artists is good news for filmmakers like me. I am planning to shoot a film in Oman to showcase its tourism and cultural potential. This visa will help us bring our crew and artists for documentaries and films. Opening the country to more artists also sends a message of peace and will have a positive impact on the economy.