Oman Science festival 2026
The Omani Association for Intellectual Property(OIPA) made a notable appearance at the fifth edition of the Oman Science Festival. Its exhibition booth attracted a large number of visitors and school students, who learned about the Association’s role, objectives, and ongoing efforts to raise awareness of intellectual property rights and foster a culture of creativity and innovation.
Representatives at the booth provided visitors with accessible explanations of intellectual property concepts and the importance of protecting the products of human intellect and creativity. The information was tailored to suit various age groups, with a particular focus on helping school students understand the value of their own ideas and scientific projects, as well as the importance of respecting the rights and creative work of others.
Educational brochures and materials were distributed to visitors, including the magazine “Malik wa Malika” (Malik and Malika)—produced by “Murshid” magazine in collaboration with the Omani Intellectual Property Association. This initiative is part of a joint effort to provide young people with engaging, informative content that simplifies intellectual property concepts and cultivates an appreciation for innovation and the protection of creative output.
Dr. Ali bin Khamis Al-Alawi, founder and Chairman of the Omani Intellectual Property Association, stated: “Our participation in the Oman Science Festival reflects the Association’s commitment to being present at scientific and knowledge-based forums. It allows us to engage directly with various segments of society—especially school students—to instill an understanding of the importance of intellectual property, its role in safeguarding the rights of creators, and its contribution to encouraging innovation.” He added: “The high level of interest shown at the Association’s booth reflects the importance of leveraging such events to present knowledge in a simple, accessible way. It provides students with an opportunity to learn about their intellectual property rights from a young age—fostering confidence in their own ideas, encouraging them to develop those ideas further, and instilling respect for the efforts and creative output of others.”
Al-Alawi explained that the Association aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting intellectual property, supporting the respect and enforcement of these rights, and encouraging talented individuals and those engaged in scientific research within this field. Furthermore, the Association seeks to build a network of national scientific experts, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience, and strengthen ties with educational institutions and other relevant entities.
He noted that awareness-raising materials designed for children serve as a vital tool for conveying these concepts to the younger generation. “We make a conscious effort to use storytelling and visual content to deliver educational messages that children can easily understand and engage with,” he said. “Our collaboration with *Murshid* magazine to produce *Malik wa Malika* (Malik and Malika) is part of this approach—aiming to combine learning with enjoyment, while encouraging children to think creatively.”
He emphasized that fostering a societal culture that respects intellectual property requires a collaborative effort between families, schools, and relevant institutions. He pointed out that scientific exhibitions offer an ideal opportunity to strengthen this synergy, transforming students’ interest in science into a driving force for research, experimentation, and innovation. This participation comes as part of the association’s commitment to expanding its presence within the community, conveying its message to diverse groups, and contributing to the creation of a knowledge-based environment that values creativity and supports talented and innovative individuals.
