Oman advances 7 positions in World Press Freedom Index

PARIS: The Sultanate of Oman advanced seven positions globally in the World Press Freedom Index issued on Thursday by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), ranking 127th globally in 2026 compared to 134th in 2025.
The Basic Statute of the State enshrines freedom of opinion and expression as a fundamental right enjoyed by citizens, within a framework of adherence to the law, respect for public order and societal values. This constitutes an important pillar for fostering a balanced media environment that allows for the exchange of opinions and ideas and supports the role of the press in fulfilling its professional mission responsibly, thereby contributing to the consolidation of the principles of transparency and community participation.
The Sultanate of Oman has witnessed tangible efforts to enhance the media environment and regulate journalistic work, most notably the issuance of the Media Law and its subsequent executive regulations. These aim to update the legislative framework in line with rapid developments in the media sector, support freedom of opinion and expression within a responsible framework, regulate professional practice, enhance transparency, and provide a clearer legal environment for media institutions and journalists.
The Press Freedom Index is one of the foremost international indicators measuring the level of media freedom in countries around the world, based on a set of criteria including media pluralism, independence, the legal framework, and the safety of journalists.
The index evaluates the conditions of 180 countries and territories based on criteria that include safety, the political context, and the legal framework, in addition to economic and social conditions affecting media freedom. - ONA