Mirsah

We’re the wind, the sea & the ships

Held in Old Muscat in January 2024, Mirsah was a collaborative event by Zawraq Collective and Fisheries Development Oman to celebrate Oman’s fishing traditions. Studio Sein created Mirsah’s visual identity, incorporating handwritten-inspired typography, local motifs taken from Muttrah’s fish market, fishing spots, and illustrations of fishermen and their tools. Bright colors and stencil effects captured a nostalgic yet modern tone, applied across zines, banners, custom fabrics, and digital media. This vibrant design celebrated the fishermen as the “anchors” of Omani society, honoring their legacy while connecting it to a younger, modern audience.

In January 2024, the vibrant streets of Old Muscat came alive with Mirsah, a collaborative event by Zawraq Collective and Fisheries Development Oman. This event celebrated Oman’s rich fishing heritage, spotlighting the fishing communities, their practices, and the significance of fish produce in Omani culture. Spanning across the Muttrah area, the event brought together diverse programs: a pop photography and theatrical experience in Kalbuh Park, children’s art workshops, boat rides, and a culinary experience, all tailored to engage different age groups and demographics.

The Arabic word ‘Mirsah’ means “anchor,” reflecting the event’s essence. Fishermen have long been considered the anchors of Omani society, with their practices contributing to Oman’s economy and culture for centuries. This powerful symbolism became the cornerstone of the event’s visual identity.

Studio Sein was entrusted with creating Mirsah’s visual identity, encompassing everything from naming and strategy to marketing, content creation, and spatial design, in collaboration with Studio Nas. Our goal was to reflect the authenticity and spirit of Omani fishing traditions while infusing a modern, celebratory touch that resonates with audiences of all ages and cultures.

Scope of Work

Visual Identity
Creative Direction
Content Creation
Spatial Design
Concept Development
Marketing & Strategy
Social Media Management
Collaterals

Field

Events
Culture

Project Year

2024

The logotype design took inspiration from the handwritten names often painted on fishing boats, a nod to the art and individuality of the fishermen. Using manual lettering methods, we developed a typeface that maintained this handcrafted quality while being modernized for versatile application. The typography is designed to stretch and condense, allowing flexibility across various marketing materials.

To root the visual identity in local culture, we incorporated motifs inspired by architectural elements of the Muttrah area, specifically the Muttrah fish market, a hub of daily activity.

Illustrations featuring fishermen, Omani fish, fishing tools, wheelbarrows, and ropes were carefully crafted, some as vibrant full-color illustrations, others as minimalist icons. These graphic elements bridged tradition with modern design while telling the rich story of Omani fishing culture.

The color palette was intentionally bright and celebratory, contrasting with Muttrah’s earthy tones and the rugged, sun-beaten nature of fishing boats and landscapes. This youthful vibrancy injected the event with energy while maintaining a respectful connection to its heritage. Posterized and stencil effects were applied to the illustrations, creating a nostalgic, historic, yet distinctly modern Omani visual language. 

The identity extended seamlessly across digital and physical mediums. Motion graphics brought the branding to life, highlighting the excitement and culture of the event. Graphic elements were layered onto photos and videos captured by Abdullah Al Saifi, who documented the fishermen’s day from sunrise to sunset.

Physical branding was equally immersive, appearing on zines, workshop stationery, chef uniforms, table settings, and banners. Custom fabrics, ice cream carts for the park, and other decorative elements further unified the experience. These thoughtful details enhanced the storytelling and created a cohesive visual narrative.

Mirsah successfully celebrated Oman’s fishing traditions, connecting audiences to a significant aspect of the nation’s cultural heritage. At Studio Sein, we are proud to have designed a visual identity that honors the authenticity and craftsmanship of the fishing community while making it engaging for a modern audience. Through vibrant visuals, traditional motifs, and creative storytelling, Mirsah became an event that bridged the past with the present in a truly memorable way.

Graphic Design

Photography & Videography

Spatial Design
Event Curator

Samah Al Ansari
Thuraya Al Zubair
Abdullah Al Saifi
Zamakan Media
Studio Nas
Zawraq Collective