Haitham Al Busafi to Represent Oman at Venice Biennale 2026
Installation 'ZĪNAH' explores the ethical bond between rider and horse through traditional silver adornments and desert sands
- Publish date: Tuesday، 21 April 2026 Reading time: two min read Last update: Friday، 01 May 2026
The Sultanate of Oman has unveiled its official contribution to the 61st Venice Biennale, featuring a new installation titled ZĪNAH (Adornment) by curator and artist Haitham Al Busafi.
Commissioned under the patronage of His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Omani pavilion is situated in the historic Arsenale. The presentation aligns with the curatorial vision of the late Koyo Kouoh, the artistic director of the Biennale, who called for art forms that are quieter and more introspective.
ZĪNAH draws inspiration from the Omani tradition of Al-zaanah, intricate silver ornaments historically crafted for horses. Beyond their decorative function, these pieces serve as a medium of communication between rider and mount, utilizing weight and movement to foster a relationship based on mutual dignity and care. Al Busafi interprets this tradition as an ethical gesture, reframing the horse not merely as a tool but as a companion deserving of beauty.
The installation transforms this cultural heritage into a spatial experience. The artwork incorporates sand sourced directly from Oman's deserts, grounding the piece in its geographic origins. Suspended above this terrain is a structured overhead field composed of silver forms, creating a dialogue between the earth and the ornamental metalwork.
His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi emphasized that Oman's participation reflects a national commitment to strengthening its cultural footprint globally. He noted that the event supports the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which identifies the cultural and creative sectors as essential drivers of sustainable development.
The exhibition aims to express national identity through contemporary perspectives while promoting values of moderation, balance, and openness to foster international dialogue.
Haitham Al Busafi, the artist behind the project, operates at the intersection of architecture, exhibition design, and immersive spatial practices. His approach is informed by academic training in Vienna and engagement with renowned architects such as Zaha Hadid, Kazuyo Sejima, and Hani Rashid. Al Busafi is also the founder of Beyond.xyz, a virtual production studio in Saudi Arabia dedicated to bridging physical and virtual environments through real-time technologies.