Rabat: The Sultan Qaboos Library at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) in Rabat, Morocco, stands as a new beacon of knowledge for cultural dialogue and open access to learning. The initiative reflects the Sultanate of Oman's growing cultural presence and affirms the country's role in supporting knowledge and fostering civilisational dialogue.
According to Oman News Agency, Dr. Mahmoud bin Abdullah Al Abri, Secretary of the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, stated that naming the library after Sultan Qaboos carries profound significance, embodying the intellectual and cultural stature of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said. It reflects his commitment to the dissemination of science and knowledge and honours his outstanding contributions to advancing science, culture, and civilisational dialogue among nations.
Dr. Al Abri explained that the library enhances Oman's standing in international organisations and affirms its role in supporting cultural dialogue and rapprochement among peoples. He described it as more than just a cultural project; it is a living embodiment of an Omani vision that considers knowledge the highest path to bringing peoples together and believes that culture can build sustainable bridges.
Dr. Al Abri highlighted the longstanding cooperation between Oman and ISESCO since the Sultanate of Oman's accession in 1982 across educational, scientific, and cultural fields. Oman seeks to establish the library as a sustainable cultural platform that reinforces the country's name in the cultural space of Islamic nations, enhances its soft power by showcasing contributions to culture and science, and expands cooperation with ISESCO member states.
He described the library as a strategic project with profound impact on civilisational dialogue and rapprochement among the peoples of Islamic nations through knowledge and scientific research. It provides open knowledge resources for researchers from ISESCO member states, facilitating the exchange of ideas and promoting mutual understanding grounded in scholarly inquiry by supporting scientific research as a shared language.
Dr. Al Abri mentioned that the library is a space for intellectual encounter and direct dialogue between Islamic peoples. It is associated with seminars and dialogues addressing contemporary issues. The design combines physical and digital spaces in an integrated system that keeps pace with transformations in the world of knowledge.
The library houses a diverse range of sources, including print and digital materials comprising more than 6,000 works on Omani and Islamic history, as well as references in education, science, and culture. More than 200,000 titles are available in the digital library, accessible remotely, forming a rich electronic repository of books, periodicals, and scientific documents that supports lifelong learning and academic research across disciplines. An advanced, multilingual search portal facilitates fast and accurate access to knowledge sources for researchers, students, and professionals worldwide.
Library staff provide support and guidance to visitors and beneficiaries. The library is equipped with comfortable reading spaces and organises training courses and specialised workshops on libraries, while participating in relevant exhibitions and cultural events. Dr. Al Abri added that the library provides an integrated knowledge environment supporting researchers and students with reliable scientific sources, assisting decision-makers by supplying accurate information to help develop educational and cultural policies.
He further noted that the library is designed as an inclusive space enabling access to science and culture for all. A dedicated corner for children and young adults aims to cultivate a love of reading. On a practical level, the library has been equipped as a contemporary space catering to the needs of diverse user groups, featuring comfortable reading halls, modern computers, areas designed for individual and group work, and screens displaying publications and knowledge updates. Printing, copying, and scanning services are offered to facilitate access to documentary resources, with special attention given to people with disabilities.
Dr. Al Abri affirmed that the Sultan Qaboos Library at ISESCO represents a step within a broader strategy to enhance Oman's soft power on the international stage. This initiative translates Oman's balanced foreign policy, based on dialogue and understanding, into influential cultural and knowledge tools.
Regarding the library's potential role in supporting digital transformation and open knowledge projects within ISESCO institutions and member states, Dr. Al Abri said the library could play a pivotal part by developing a shared digital infrastructure, promoting open access policies, and leading digitisation projects for heritage and scientific output. It also contributes to building digital capacities, exchanging expertise, employing artificial intelligence to improve access to knowledge, supporting research cooperation, and narrowing the digital divide.
Dr. Al Abri concluded by affirming the Commission's integrated strategic role in highlighting Omani cultural identity and enhancing its presence internationally, acting as an active link between Oman and regional and international organisations, foremost among them UNESCO, ISESCO, and ALECSO.