MUSCAT — Art lovers are turning up in large numbers to view artists giving final touches to portraits of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos as the nationwide ‘Qaboos Oman’ painting competition draws to a close tomorrow (Tuesday, November 17).

Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Ma’amari, undersecretary at the Ministry of Social Development, yesterday led dignitaries visiting the competition at the Omani Society for Fine Arts to view the artists in action.

The competition hosted by BankMuscat in association with the Omani Society for Fine Arts is simultaneously under way with the participation of nearly 150 artists at three branches of the Omani Society for Fine Arts in Muscat, Salalah and Buraimi.

Commitment

BankMuscat’s participation in this initiative stems from its firm commitment which calls for involvement in national events and achievements realised during the last 39 glorious years of His Majesty the Sultan’s wise rule.

For nearly three decades, BankMuscat is in the forefront of establishments that have participated in a series of events and activities, notably the recent ‘Together for a Happier Eid’ campaign in collaboration with Omantel, conceived as the biggest private-public partnership in Oman.

BankMuscat is proud to associate with the Omani Society for Fine Arts in launching the ‘Qaboos Oman’ initiative, the first-of-its-kind
event to present the nation with a unique opportunity for creative engagement.

The contest sets in motion a unique celebration conceived by BankMuscat to mark the 39th National Day anniversary. BankMuscat feels a sense of deep pride in associating with artists to showcase their works as a genuine tribute to His Majesty the Sultan. Soman, art teacher from Indian School Sur, is among the top contenders in the competition.