SQCC hosts Harvard Club
2022-10-27
On 27 October, SQCC welcomed 50 members and friends of the Harvard Club-DC Chapter. H.E Moosa Hamdan Al Tai, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the United States welcomed the guests and delivered a speech, highlighting SQCC’s programs and mission in the U.S.
The Ambassador’s talk also focused on the strength and importance of US-Omani relations and the economic development of the Sultanate of Oman. The guests also watched a video on Oman titled Oman from the Sky.
After a lively question and answer session, the evening concluded with a reception.

Poetry and Prose: Verbal Battles: The Naqāʾiḍ of Jarīr and al-Farazdaq
2022-11-03 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center, 1100 16th St. NW., Washington, DC, 20036
RSVP HERE: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=jjfaurzab&oeidk=a07ejg67qb8a5cc2cd0
This presentation will focus on Cory Jorgensen’s forthcoming monograph, Throwing Down the Verbal Gauntlet: The Arabic Invective of Jarīr and al-Farazdaq. The book studies the flytings poetry (naqā’iḍ) of Umayyad-era poets Jarīr and al-Farazdaq. These poets catered their performances to an audience in verbal battles that are among the first instances of this genre of poetry being employed as performance for performance’s sake, rather than to settle a tribal dispute, which had been its historical role.
The book argues that these poets performed in order to elevate their prestige. This argument unfolds through close readings of the poetry itself, contemporaneous and subsequent secondary sources that mention aspects of these performances, and analogous modern genres. The result is a new interpretation of naqā’iḍ poetry that changes the way we see the intertwining roles of poet, opponent, and audience, and that informs the way we understand this performance art.
About Cory Jorgensen:
Cory Jorgensen is an Assistant Professor of Arabic in the Department of Classical & Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at The George Washington University. He received the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, and that of Bachelor of Music from Utah State University.
Professor Jorgensen specializes in classical Arabic literature and Arabic pedagogy, and has published and presented papers on these topics. His current book, Throwing Down the Verbal Gauntlet: The Arabic Invective of Jarīr and al-Farazdaq, examines a pair of eighth-century Arab invective poets who catered their performances to their audience in order to elevate their own prestige, just as rappers do today. Professor Jorgensen has taught Latin, Greek and Arabic language courses, as well as Arabic literature courses. He has been teaching at The George Washington University since 2012.

Arabic Debate Competition for Non-Native Speakers
2022-11-05 13:30 - 15:30 | Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center, 1100 16th St. NW., Washington, DC, 20036
RSVP here: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=jjfaurzab&oeidk=a07ejg8ckd2a857a9f1
Join us on Saturday, 5 November at 1:30 pm for our Second Arabic Debate Competition for Non-Native speakers. Reception to follow.

A Photographic Journey of Oman's People, Culture, Nature and Wildlife
2022-11-07 18:00 - 19:00
RSVP HERE: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=jjfaurzab&oeidk=a07ejgacd3e3f1ddb9b
Join us as Dr. Adel Korkor shares his photographs and experiences journeying through the Sultanate of Oman.

Adel B Korkor MD is a physician, philanthropist and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of the AB Korkor Foundation for Mental Health. A foundation focusing on emphasizing the role of physical activities in mental health.
Travel photography is his passion. He has traveled to over eighty countries around the globe documenting wonderful pictures of people, landscape, nature and wildlife.

SQCC Participated at the 102nd Annual National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) 2022
2022-12-01
On 1-4 December, SQCC participated in the 102nd annual National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. SQCC’s staff promoted the Indian Ocean in World History (IOWH) website, an educational resource that explores 94,000 years of human history through seven interactive maps. The website is an excellent resource for history and geography teachers interested in exploring world history from a non-western perspective. The website’s interactive maps highlight primary resource entries in categories of documents, travelers, routes, goods, technologies, objects, places, and geography. The website is a free classroom resource that is comprised of signature maps, lesson plans, quizzes, trivia and additional educational resources.
In addition to learning about IOWH, guests also learned about the entire SQCC’s programs and scholarships as well as Oman’s culture, history, geography and tradition.
Visitors to SQCC’s booth received promotional materials such as SQCC programs flyers and pamphlets, bags of frankincense, majmar key chains, SQCC’s clicky pens as well as tourism brochures and booklets.

SQCC Launches 2022-2023 Embassy Adoption Program (EAP) with Bancroft Elementary School
2022-12-14
The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center hosted 43 fifth grade students from Bancroft Elementary School as part of the Embassy Adoption Program (EAP) on 14 December. EAP is a special collaboration between Washington Performing Arts and D.C. Public Schools. Students toured SQCC’s permanent exhibition space and were introduced to traditional Omani dresses, handicrafts such as pottery, basketry, silver artwork and woodworking, and the aflaj irrigation system.
Students also attended a PowerPoint presentation, introducing Oman, its culture, geography, climate, traditional dress, and customs. Students were excited to engage with staff, asked many questions, and were interested to learn about the people of Oman. The presentation addressed Oman’s history, geography, culture, and environment. A lively discussion followed the presentation.
Students also received name tags with their names and their school’s name in Arabic, and learned how to write their names in Arabic. For all the students, it was the first time they experienced writing in Arabic, from right to left.

World Arabic Language Day (WALD) 2022
2022-12-15
The United Nations Economic, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated 18 December as World Arabic Language Day. The day commemorates the recognition of Arabic as an official and working language of the UN.
SQCC celebrated WALD on 15 December under the theme, The Intersection between Language, Culture, and Identity. The event began with a panel discussion featuring Dr. Abdelaadim Bidaoui, Associate Professor of Arabic and French in the Department of Modern Languages and Classics at Ball State University who addressed “The Status of Arabic and Identity Projection in the Arab World”; Dr. Abbas Benmamoun, Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement and Professor of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and Linguistics (Duke University) on “Arabic as a Global Language: Arabic outside the Arab World”; and Dr. Francesco L. Sinatora, Associate Professor of Arabic, George Washington University, spoke about “Language, Culture, and Identity in the Digital Arabic-Speaking World.” The event was moderated by Dr. Fida Adely, Associate Professor and the Clovis and Hala Salaam Maksoud Chair in Arab Studies at the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, served as moderator.
The evening concluded with a reception and musical performance.

World Arabic Language Day: The Intersection between Language, Culture, and Identity CAPACITY REACHED
2022-12-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center, 1100 16th St. NW., Washington, DC, 20036
Join SQCC in celebrating World Arabic Language Day. This year will focus on in the Intersection between Language, Culture, and Identity. Reception to follow.
RSVP HERE: Capacity Reached

Embassy Adoption Program with Bancroft Elementary School Second Visit
2023-01-05
The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center visited a fifth-grade class from Bancroft Elementary School as part of the Embassy Adoption Program (EAP) on 5 January. EAP is a special collaboration between Washington Performing Arts, D.C. Public Schools, and embassies to promote cross-cultural learning.
SQCC staff began the visit with a “Map of Oman” activity. On a blank map of Oman, SQCC staff labeled the 11 Omani provinces in English and in Arabic so that the students could identify where each province is located and learn how to write the name of the provinces in Arabic. SQCC staff taught the students how to form letters in Arabic in a creative way so that students felt encouraged to try. Students then filled a blank map of Oman with the names of the provinces written in Arabic, and some were very proud of their creation.
Students also were happy to receive the Omani National Museum’s interactive kits from SQCC. Each kit included an Omani-themed coloring booklet (it included Omani pottery, doors in Oman, silver neckless, a mosque, a ship, and a palace), coloring pencils, an Omani ship puzzle, decorations for a camel and a horse as stickers, and a connect the dots activity of an Omani fort. The kit was designed by the Learning Center of the Oman National Museum and the British Petroleum BP.

SQCC visited Sleepy Hollow Elementary School in Falls Church, Virginia
2023-01-09
The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center visited fifth and fourth graders from Sleepy Hollow Elementary School in Fairfax, VA on 9 January and spent a half day with them.
SQCC staff began the visit with a quick PowerPoint presentation on Oman’s culture, people, and history. Students also watched two short videos on Oman entitled Oman in two Minutes and Country Full of History, Wildlife, and Tradition. Students then had an opportunity to create an imaginary travel itinerary to Oman. They started as their airplane landed at Muscat Airport and created a list of the top places they wanted to visit in Oman. Many of them mentioned that they would visit a wild animal sanctuary like the sea turtle resort; others wanted to go hiking in the desert or swim on Oman’s coasts.
The visit also included an Arabic writing activity. SQCC taught and challenged students to write the word “Thank You/ شكرا” in Arabic on arabesque-style frames prepared by SQCC. The 160 students were so happy to learn about Oman. They even hope to visit SQCC and hope even more that they can visit Oman in the future.

SQCC Hosts a group from Frederick (MD) Community College
2023-01-10
On 10 January SQCC hosted a group from Frederick (MD) Community College for a pre-departure briefing to Oman led by Linda Pappas Funsch, Professor of Middle East & Islamic Studies/ILR. The group is set to visit Oman at the end of this month. The group is comprised of thirteen senior citizens from the Frederick County, Maryland area. They are retired/ semi-retired professionals (engineers, teachers, lawyers, physicians, scientists, healthcare professionals, etc.).
The visit began with a tour of SQCC’s permanent exhibition, where the group were introduced to Oman, its traditions, culture, and history including: traditional Omani attire and handicrafts, pottery, basketry, and silver artwork. Visitors also learned about the historical importance of the aflaj irrigation system, forts, and maritime trade.
After the tour, Mr. Salim Al Wardi, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, gave a presentation on Oman’s Foreign Policy, its multilateral relations with other countries, Oman-U.S. relations, religious freedom in Oman, and tourism in the country.
Later on, Ms. Khadija Al Hinai, Commercial Attaché of the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, gave a presentation entitled Invest in Oman and Oman 2040. Her presentation focused on the attractive investment opportunities in Oman, business frameworks, and how Oman is equipped for the challenges of the digital economy.
Ms. Linda Funsch then gave a presentation entitled Omani Women in the Public Sphere. Her presentation focused on highlighting the history and heritage of Oman as well as the remarkable achievements of the modern state including trade and commerce. Her presentation went on to talk about Omani women in history, Omani women in national development, women empowerment, women’s role in Oman’s maritime, women as custodians of social order, Omani Empire at its zenith, women’s rights, the reign of Qaboos bin Said, a new dawn over Oman, education, healthcare, and life expectancy in Oman today.
Lastly, the group watched a video on Oman Growth and Prosperity.

SQCC Hosts Students from Georgetown University
2023-01-18
On January 18, SQCC hosted Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and MENA Forum, a graduate organization for students interested in the region academically, culturally, and professionally.
Students visited SQCC’s library and learned more about Oman through a wide range of publications about cultural heritage, both English and Arabic. Students were intrigued and asked many questions about the services offered by SQCC’s library.
Students also toured SQCC’s permanent exhibition, where they were introduced to Oman, its traditions, culture, and history including: traditional Omani attire and handicrafts, pottery, basketry, and silver artwork. Visitors also learned about the historical importance of the aflaj irrigation system, forts, and maritime trade.
After the tour, Mr. Salim Al Wardi, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, gave a presentation on Oman’s Foreign Policy, its multilateral relations with other countries, Oman-U.S. relations, religious freedom in Oman, and tourism in the country.
The visit concluded with students mingling with the Embassy diplomats and SQCC’s staff as they enjoyed Omani coffee and dates.

2023-01-31
On 31 January, SQCC visited Bancroft Elementary School in Washington, DC as part of the Embassy Adoption Program (EAP). EAP is a special collaboration between Washington Performing Arts and D.C. Public Schools. Students recalled what they learned about Oman in the previous two sessions. After a short PowerPoint presentation entitled Omani Frankincense Burner: A Brief History, students watched a brief video prepared by SQCC on how to paint the majmar (frankincense burner). Over forty-four 5th graders learned about frankincense and its role in Omani history and culture. Students then enjoyed painting replicas of majmars.
At the end of the session, students took their painted majmars home as souvenirs from Oman.

Represent Oman
2023-04-06 | Bangladesh
SQQC is looking for short films to enter into the EUROASIA Film Festival 2023 in Washington DC.
Criteria and How to Enter

The film shorts should be between 5 to 30 minutes
The film should be created by an Omani director OR filmed in the Sultanate
Amateur or professional submissions are accepted
Email info@sqcc.org with your contact information, a summary of your film, and a MP4 version of your film
All submissions due by 6 April 2023

Arabic Evening Classes Application NOW OPEN!
2025-07-16 00:00 - 2025-08-25 00:00
www.sqcc.org/classes

Oman – The Jewel of Arabia: Thirty Days on Foot and by Camel to Arabia Felix
2025-10-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center, 1100 16th St. NW., Washington, DC, 20036
|REGISTRATION CLOSED |
| Dress Code: Business Attire |
Come join us for an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Oman. Experience the beauty and culture of this ancient land as we travel by foot and camel to Arabia Felix.
You will hear from Mark Evans about his projects and capturing stories along the coastline of Oman.
This in-person event will take place at Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Register: https://t.co/RRzce7tau9

Omani Women’s Day 2025: Diplomacy, Leadership, and Education
2025-10-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center, 1100 16th St. NW., Washington, DC, 20036
|REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN |
| Dress Code: Business Attire |
| Contact info@sqcc.org for more information|
Celebrate Omani Women’s Day with us at the SQCC! Join us for a day filled with insightful discussions on diplomacy, leadership, and education. Let’s honor the achievements of Omani women and empower each other to reach new heights. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and connect with like-minded individuals. See you there!
a tradition established in 2009 by the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
This annual occasion honors the pivotal role of women in Omani society and highlights their growing presence and impact across fields of diplomacy, leadership, and education.
Dress code: Business Casual

Discover Oman: Spring Days at SQCC (April 15–17) 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
2026-04-15 12:00 - 2026-04-17 18:00 | Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center, 1100 16th St. NW., Washington, DC, 20036
The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (SQCC) invites you to discover the beauty of spring at a three-day Open House from April 15–17.
Dedicated to fostering cultural understanding between the United States and the Sultanate of Oman, SQCC offers a welcoming space to explore Omani heritage through education, art, and cultural exchange. This special open house brings that mission to life through an interactive and immersive experience for all ages.
Guests are invited to drop in and explore at their own pace while enjoying authentic Omani coffee, dates, tea, and traditional Omani cuisine. Throughout the Center, visitors can discover art and cultural displays, traditional clothing, and short films highlighting Oman’s landscapes and traditions. Guests can also connect through an outreach table and engage in conversations with SQCC staff to learn more about Oman and the Center’s programs, along with fun quiz activities for a chance to win prizes—all in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Free and open to the public.
Join us for this unique cultural experience and discover the warmth and hospitality of Oman this spring.

SQCC Open House Featuring Arabic Calligraphy by Mariam Lodin
2026-04-22 12:00 - 16:00 | Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center, 1100 16th St. NW., Washington, DC, 20036
The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (SQCC) invites you to mark National Arab American Heritage Month with an exploration of one of the Arab world’s most revered artistic traditions: Arabic calligraphy.

Join us for a special showcase with calligrapher Mariam Lodin, who will guide attendees through the evolution, methodology, and enduring beauty of this centuries-old art form. The session offers a technical look at the scripts that have shaped Arabic heritage, from their historical roots to the disciplined craft behind every stroke.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Experience Oman on Passport DC Day Around the World Embassy Tour
2026-05-02 09:30 - 17:00 | Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center, 1100 16th St. NW., Washington, DC, 20036
SQCC is opening its doors for Passport DC, a day of Omani cuisine, music, traditional attire, and cultural discovery. This year’s Passport DC honors 250 years of American independence.’

Join us at 1100 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

We look forward to your visit.

EuroAsia Shorts 2026 : Closing Night at the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center
2026-06-12 19:15 - 22:00 | Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center, 1100 16th St. NW., Washington, DC, 20036
Celebrate 20 years of EuroAsia Shorts with extra-short films from all 10 partner countries, a moderated panel, and an international reception.

Description
Join us for the grand finale of EuroAsia Shorts (EAS) 2026 as the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center hosts the festival’s traditional Closing Night — a celebration of 20 years of international cinematic dialogue in the nation’s capital, presented in harmony with the United States’ 250th anniversary.
After five evenings of country-pairing programs across Washington’s embassies and cultural centers, Closing Night brings together extra-short films from all ten partner countries for one unforgettable program. Spanning animation, drama, documentary, and experimental work, these films explore this year’s theme — Past / Present / Future — reflecting on generational change, cultural heritage, modernization, technology, and life’s fleeting, precious moments.
The screening will be followed by a moderated panel discussion with representatives from all EAS partner organizations, who will take audience questions and share insights on their films and cultures.

Closing Night Film Lineup

Challenges of a Solitary Mind — Austria (2025, 3 min)
Playing God — Italy (2024, 9 min)
Kaset Pita (Cassette Tape) — Indonesia (2024, 4 min)
Origami — Japan (2024, 3 min) — Student Academy Award winner; Oscar® shortlisted
Dialogue with the Past — Oman (2026)
Je suis célib — France (2015, 3 min)
I Wish… — Spain (2018, 5 min)
Brand — Germany (2019, 5 min)
Knitted Beliefs — Pakistan (2018, 15 min)
A Lonely Season — Korea (2006, 4 min)

All films are presented with original audio and English subtitles as needed. Some films may be intended for mature audiences. The lineup is subject to change.

Admission is free. Registration is required and seating is limited :
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/euroasia-shorts-2026-closing-night-at-the-sultan-qaboos-cultural-center-tickets-1990882076885

Dress code : Business Casual

For the full festival schedule and updates, visit www.EuroAsiaShortsDC.com.

SABLA - Summer Arabic Language - Application NOW OPEN!
2026-06-15 10:00 - 2026-07-16 14:00
Join the Sabla Program at the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center this summer for an immersive Arabic language and cultural experience in Washington, D.C. From Modern Standard Arabic instruction to weekly cultural activities and interactive classes, Sabla brings language learning to life in a dynamic community setting. Tuition is free for classes only.
Apply here: https://ow.ly/ioP450YRbSC
