Oman Prioritizes Good Citizenship, National Identity, and Progress at “Together We Progress” Forum

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to good citizenship, customs, history, culture, and heritage during the second edition of the “Together We Progress” forum organized by the Secretariat General of the Council of Ministers.

In the panel discussion titled “Culture, Sports, Youth, Media and National Identity,” HH Sayyid Theyazin highlighted Oman’s openness to the world, extending a helping hand for friendship and peace, emphasizing actions that serve the Sultanate’s interests.

The Minister discussed the Ministry’s efforts to consolidate Omani identity through traditions and ancient history, announcing the launch of an Omani encyclopedia to enlighten emerging generations, particularly focusing on youth.

Addressing the sports sector, HH Sayyid Theyazin stressed increased attention to the aspirations of young people. The Ministry is in the process of evaluating the sports sector, seeking assistance from a specialized firm to upgrade the performance of sports federations and clubs in alignment with public aspirations.

HH Sayyid Theyazin unveiled plans for a sports city project in Al Musanaa, South Al Batinah Governorate, and hinted at the possibility of privatizing clubs, starting with four clubs affiliated with major companies.

During the third dialogue session on “Media and the National Identity,” Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al Harrasi, Minister of Information, announced two strategic projects on “soft power” informed by culture, sports, media, and the identity of Oman. The projects aim to elevate the country’s status, highlight its history, and transfer it to future generations. The Ministry will launch three documentary films and a documentary book about the Sultanate of Oman.

Dr. Harrasi emphasized that identity and culture are crucial determinants in Oman, constituting a major pillar in the nation’s statehood and nation-building.

In the first discussion panel on “Labour, Employment, Economy, and Investment,” Dr. Mahad Said Ba’owain, Minister of Labour, discussed the government’s efforts to delegate the responsibility of employment to specialized authorities, aligning with market needs. Special committees will supervise governance in various sectors, streamlining the overall employment process.

Dr. Said Mohammed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy, highlighted the importance of reforming the labour market, automation in the construction sector, and the need to align education and training outcomes with market requirements.

The “Together We Progress” forum concluded with the announcement of winners of various initiatives and projects aligning with the forum’s themes.