4 days ago
Salalah's Youth Complex reinvents as regional hub for events
SALALAH: The Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment continues to shape Salalah's identity as a major event and cultural destination, with record-breaking activity during the 2025 Khareef Dhofar Season. Evolving beyond its original mandate, the Complex now serves as a dynamic hub for creative expression, sports and youth engagement — attracting international attention.
Once celebrated for its architectural charm and scale, the Complex has matured into a symbol of Salalah's inclusive and modern cultural landscape. Since its inauguration in November 2016, the Complex has hosted thousands of events and its popularity is now reaching new heights — particularly among regional event planners and international cultural delegates.
'Every year, we are witnessing increased interest from international organisations looking to host conferences, festivals and workshops here', said Saada bint Said Salim al Azriyah, Head of the Women's Activities Department at the General Directorate of Culture, Sports and Youth in the Dhofar Governorate.
'During Khareef Dhofar Season 2025, we were operating at near full capacity with bookings ranging from tech symposiums to heritage festivals. The global buzz around Salalah and our unique venue has definitely grown', she said.
'What sets us apart is our ability to adapt. Our design caters to everyone — from families and school groups to fitness enthusiasts and artists. the Complex is not just for the youth; it's a platform for multi-generational connection', she said while highlighting collaborations with different stakeholders.
Covering a massive 237,000 square metres, the Complex is divided into two main zones — the Centre for Art and Culture and the Centre for Physical Activities and Entertainment. The former includes clubs dedicated to heritage, art and literature, offering facilities such as a multimedia library, art studios, photography labs and a 120-seat theatre auditorium.
The latter houses sports complexes, fitness hubs and zones for people with disabilities, with gender-inclusive facilities. A standout is the all-season athletic indoor track — still one of the few of its kind in Oman.
In 2025, a new wing for Digital Arts and Innovation is under development, aimed at encouraging Omani youth to explore careers in gaming, filmmaking and design. Plans are also underway for a Khareef Cultural Expo next year, expected to attract participation from across the GCC and South Asia.
'The Complex has grown with the aspirations of Oman's youth. We're not just responding to demand — we're actively shaping the future of culture and entertainment in the region', said Saada.
