Libraries invited to compete for RO6,000 digital innovation prize

2026-03-10 - 18:08

Muscat – The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MCSY) launched the Digital Innovation Award for Public Libraries and Cultural Centres offering prize money of RO6,000 on Tuesday, marking the Arab Day of Libraries observed on March 10 annually. The competition invites public libraries and cultural centres to submit proposals for digital initiatives aimed at improving services and enhancing user experience through modern technology. Participants are required to present well-documented concepts outlining objective and expected impact on library services and cultural engagement. According to the ministry, the competition is focused on forward-looking digital ideas that have not yet been implemented. Entries may include concepts to simplify services for users, introduce digital solutions suitable for libraries and cultural centres, or improve communication with communities. Participants need only submit a clear and documented concept, not implement the idea. The competition seeks to encourage libraries and cultural centres to contribute innovative ideas supporting digital transformation in the cultural sector while promoting new approaches to developing cultural programmes and services through technology. Participation is open to public libraries and civil cultural centres registered with MCSY. Entries will be assessed based on clarity, relevance and expected cultural and social impact, regardless of the size or resources of the institution. MCSY said intellectual property rights for submitted ideas will belong to the ministry and may be used in related projects and programmes. The registration form is available on the ministry’s website till March 20. The deadline for submitting entries is August 1. The top entry will be offered a cash prize of RO3,000, RO2,000 for second and RO1,000 for the third.