The cultural sector in Oman has achieved significant growth in 2025. According to information published in the "Cultural Statistics Bulletin 2026 - Data from 2025" by the National Center for Statistics and Information of Oman, this report evaluates the key indicators of the cultural sector in the Sultanate of Oman and examines several cultural areas and activities.
Increase in the Number of Museums and Visitors
The number of museums in the Sultanate of Oman reached 34 in 2025, including 12 public museums and 22 private museums. In this year, the total number of visitors to these museums reached 538,729, showing a 28 percent decrease compared to the previous year. However, the average daily visitors were 1,476. The "Oman Through Time" museum accounted for 46 percent of the total visitors to public and private museums.
Growth in Historical and Artistic Fields
In the field of archaeological and historical sites, the total number of sites and historical buildings reached 33,775, and the number of restored sites increased to 441. Additionally, the number of tourist castles and forts reached 64, comprising 12 percent of the total castles and forts. These structures had 849,146 visitors in 2025, representing a 26 percent increase from the previous year, with an average daily visitor count of 2,326. The Nizwa Castle in Oman attracted the highest percentage of visitors in this sector.
Advancements in Performing and Cultural Arts
In the performing arts sector, the number of theaters reached 27, and the total number of theatrical performances in 2025 reached 160. The number of theater groups also increased to 82. In terms of festivals and exhibitions, the number of these events reached 358, showing a 0.2 percent decrease compared to the previous year. However, the total number of visitors to these events reached 8,313,000, indicating a 110 percent increase compared to 2024.
Development of the Book Industry and Mass Media
In the book and media sector, the number of published books in 2025 reached 1,718 titles, an increase from 1,327 titles the previous year. The number of newspapers and magazines also increased to 24 and 30, respectively. Additionally, the number of libraries reached 97, including 74 public libraries. In the area of document preservation and manuscripts, the number of restored documents and manuscripts increased to 49,558.
Growth in Tourism and Accommodation Services
In the tourism sector, the number of hotels and other accommodation facilities reached 1,475 units in 2025, showing a significant increase from 1,031 units the previous year. These facilities experienced a 1.2 percent increase in the number of guests. Additionally, the number of winter camps in Oman reached 602 camps.
This statistical bulletin provides a comprehensive picture of several cultural areas and related activities in the Sultanate of Oman and helps in a more detailed analysis of the trends and indicators in this sector.
