Oman announces plans for a multi-million dollar ‘Film City’

In a significant boost to Oman’s cultural and creative sectors, the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Youth unveiled plans to establish a state-of-the-art ‘Film City’ with a projected investment of OMR12m($31.2m).

The initiative stems from the outcomes of the Creative and Cultural Workshops held in March, which focused on enhancing the sultanate’s cultural and innovative industries, reported local daily Oman Observer.

Oman’s Film City

The ‘Film City’ project, located in Khazaen, Barka, is envisioned to become a leading regional centre for film production.

It aims to generate substantial employment opportunities, with plans to create over 100 jobs for Omanis in its first year. The facility will offer comprehensive services for film production, from pre-production to post-production, positioning Oman as a key player in the regional entertainment industry.

Nader al Rawahi, representing the Ministry in the Oman Vision 2040 Follow-up Unit, highlighted the project’s potential impact, stating, “The Film City will not only enhance the local film industry but also attract international productions, fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem in Oman.”

Broader cultural investments

The announcement of the ‘Film City’ is part of a broader strategy to invest in and empower Oman’s cultural sector, reported the state news agency, ONA. The Creative and Cultural Workshops, held earlier this year, catalysed the launch of multiple initiatives, including:

• Ebdaa Park: A creative park in Muscat, designed to celebrate and showcase Omani talent across various art forms. This project will see an investment of OMR2.2m($5.7m).
• Yaj Project: In collaboration with an Italian company, this OMR1.1m($2.9m) initiative will focus on attracting international conferences and exhibitions to Oman, boosting the country’s profile as a global cultural destination.

The workshops also identified three major projects valued at OMR15.4m($40.1m) and outlined eight investment opportunities worth OMR19m ($49.4m), alongside 20 empowerment initiatives aimed at fostering growth and sustainability in the sector, reported the Muscat Daily.

Decentralising cultural growth

Aisha bint Mohammed al Saifiyah, vice-president of the National Investment and Export Development Programme (Nazdaher), had previously emphasised the ministry’s vision to decentralise cultural development, moving beyond the capital to enrich the interior regions of Oman. “Our goal is to attract creative talents and investors to various parts of the sultanate,” she said.

To this end, the ministry has proposed several initiatives, including:

• Jewellery Design Centre in Nizwa: To nurture local artisans and designers.
• Cultural Experience Centres: Planned for Suhar, Bahla, and Nizwa to promote cultural heritage and tourism.
• Virtual Reality Centre in Madinat al Irfan: Focusing on cutting-edge digital and immersive experiences.

These projects reflect Oman’s commitment to fostering a diversified and resilient economy through the arts and culture, aligning with the broader objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

The strategic investment in creative and cultural infrastructure is expected to not only enhance the nation’s cultural footprint but also stimulate economic growth and job creation.

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