IIUM Hosts First Al-Multaqa Al-Omani, Ninth Omani Conference, and GARIIF 2025 to Celebrate Muslim Civilizational Excellence

By, Wan Nur Aleeya

GOMBAK, 14 October 2025 –The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) willhost three landmark events from 3 to 7 November 2025 at the IIUM Cultural Centre (ICC): The First Al-Multaqa Al-Omani in Malaysia, The Ninth Omani Conference, and the Global Arabic Islamic Intellectual Festival 2025 (GARIIF2025). Together, these events will bring together academics, cultural enthusiasts, students, and the public in a five-day celebration of the heritage, scholarship, and intellectual achievements of Muslim civilizations.

Anchored by the First Al-Multaqa Al-Omani in Malaysia and organised by the Omani Research and Studies Centre in collaboration with the AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (KIRKHS), this historic gathering will highlight Oman’s rich cultural and intellectual contributions while fostering greater Malaysia–Oman collaboration.

Running alongside is The Ninth Omani Conference, a premier academic platform featuring keynote lectures, scholarly papers, and research discussions from experts around the globe. Complementing these is GARIIF2025, themed “Ummatic Excellence: Embracing Diversity, Knowledge, and Legacy” , which will showcase the unity, diversity, and enduring influence of the Muslim Ummah through exhibitions, performances, and intercultural exchanges.

“The First Al-Multaqa Al-Omani in Malaysia serves as a bridge for dialogue, learning, and cultural appreciation, especially among the younger generation,” said Professor Dr. Rahmah Ahmad H. Osman, Director of the Omani Research and Studies Centre. “We aim to serve as a platform that introduces Malaysians to the rich heritage and living traditions of Muslim countries such as Yemen and Oman, broadening perspectives and inspiring meaningful connections.”

The event will present a rich line-up of engaging programmes, including the Ummatic Excellence Cultural Exhibition showcasing Islamic arts, calligraphy, and heritage; Qur’anHour & Tadabbur , a spiritual session fostering reflection and connection; the Ummatic Excellence Interschool Festival featuring competitions and performances; Laylah Thaqafiyyah: The Vibrant Colours of the Ummah , a vibrant night of cultural performances; and Ruhani Resonance 3.0 , with esteemed speakers such as Habib Ali Zainal Abidin, Habib Abdullah al-Habshi, Habib Nael Tahir, and Dato’ Dr. Ayman al-Akiti, along with qasidah groups, which the event will take place at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Mosque, IIUM.

These events are expected to strengthen cultural ties between Malaysia and the Sultanate of Oman, promote comparative research in Arabic and Islamic studies, and reinforce IIUM’s role as a global hub for Islamic knowledge and intercultural dialogue. In line with IIUM’s vision of Ummatic Excellence , the programmes celebrate Muslim heritage, nurture globally minded leaders grounded in Islamic values, and build bridges of understanding and cooperation among nations.

Members of the public, students, and the international community are invited to attend and participate in this celebration of Islamic legacy, diversity, and excellence.

For more information and updates, follow @officialgariif on social media.

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About Omani Research and Studies Centre – Malaysia

Established in 2024 under AHAS KIRKHS at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), the Omani Research and Studies Centre–Malaysia (ORSC), led by Professor Dr. Rahmah Ahmad H. Osman, promotes Omani studies, introduces Oman’s rich civilization to Malaysia, and strengthens cultural, academic, and research ties between Oman, Malaysia, and Southeast Asia. ORSC organises academic and cultural programmes, publishes and translates works on Oman, awards research excellence, and provides grants and scholarships to support Oman-related studies. Committed to academic excellence and heritage preservation, the Centre fosters scholarly exchange and deeper appreciation of Oman within the region and beyond.***