Exporting the best of Oman to the world, Sohar International presented a landmark Omani Art Exhibition at Rockefeller Center in New York, creating an international platform to showcase the Sultanate’s rich cultural identity and contemporary creative expression. Held on 18 and 21 September 2026, the exhibition featured the works of three Omani artists — Amjad Al Siyabi, Waleed Al Yaqoobi and Fahad Al Maamari — bringing their distinctive interpretations of Oman’s heritage, identity and evolving creative landscape to audiences in one of the world’s most influential cultural and commercial destinations.
The exhibition was inaugurated under the patronage of H.E. Ambassador Omar Said Al Kathiri, Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations, in the presence of Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International. This was followed by a special showcase on the second day under the patronage of H.E. Ambassador, Talal bin Sulaiman bin Habib Al Rahbi, Oman’s Ambassador to the United States of America, further underscoring the significance of the initiative in strengthening Oman’s cultural presence and engagement with international audiences.
Commenting on the initiative, Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, said: “As Sohar International strengthens its connections with the world, we want that presence to create greater opportunities for Oman and its people. Bringing Omani artists to New York is an expression of that ambition — providing national talent with an international platform while sharing a contemporary story of Oman with global audiences. Our artists carry with them our heritage, identity and creativity, and we are proud to support their journey beyond our borders. This reflects our wider commitment to connecting Omani ambition with global opportunity and contributing to the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040.”
The exhibition brought together three distinctive perspectives on contemporary Omani art. Amjad Al Siyabi’s works explore identity and nature, while Fahad Al Maamari draws on traditional narratives through modern artistic techniques. Waleed Al Yaqoobi’s work bridges local symbolism with contemporary global expression. Together, their curated works presented New York audiences with a multifaceted perspective on Oman’s cultural heritage and contemporary creativity. These themes build on the artistic profiles and positioning established in the original release.
More broadly, the initiative reflects Sohar International’s approach to ensuring that its growing international connectivity creates opportunities not only for business and investment, but also for Oman and Omani talent. By bringing Omani creativity to New York, the Bank is leveraging its international reach to create platforms through which the Sultanate’s people, culture and stories can connect with the world.Beyond showcasing the artworks, the exhibition created opportunities for cultural exchange through artist interactions and engagement sessions, enabling visitors to explore the inspirations, techniques and stories behind the works and gain a deeper appreciation of Oman’s contemporary artistic landscape.
Through initiatives of this nature, Sohar International continues to extend the impact of its international presence beyond banking — building bridges between Oman and the world, championing national talent and creating opportunities for Omani ambition and creativity to gain international recognition.
