Press forum highlights media’s development

SALALAH, SEPT 6
The fifth Press Forum opened in Dhofar Governorate on Sunday, bringing together more than 200 journalists and media professionals to discuss the media’s role in development, investment and tourism promotion, press freedoms and the future of journalism in the age of artificial intelligence.
Organised by the Oman Journalists Association (OJA), the forum provides a platform for media professionals from across the Sultanate of Oman to explore Dhofar’s economic, tourism and investment potential and highlight the governorate’s development opportunities in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Shaikh Salim bin Mustahail al Maashani, Adviser at the Diwan of Royal Court, and attended by Their Highnesses, ministers, members of the State Council and Majlis Ash’shura, shaikhs, dignitaries, media professionals and intellectuals.
The ceremony featured the opening of the 'Dhofar from the Sky' photography exhibition, a documentary showcasing OJA’s previous press forums in Dhofar, and a visual presentation by Dhofar Municipality highlighting major development achievements and upcoming projects in the governorate.
Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak al Araimi, Chairman of OJA, said holding the forum in Dhofar reflects the governorate’s historical significance, strategic location and growing role as an economic, tourism and investment hub.
He said the gathering supports Oman Vision 2040 by providing media professionals with an opportunity to explore and highlight development projects, tourism assets and promising investment opportunities in the governorate.
Al Araimi expressed appreciation to the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), the main sponsor of the forum, the Journalists Committee in Dhofar Governorate, and the public and private institutions that contributed to organising the event.
A key feature of the opening was the launch of the Press Freedoms in the Sultanate of Oman for 2025 report, prepared by OJA’s Press Freedoms Committee.
The report, covering the period from January 1 to December 31, 2025, reviews developments in Oman’s press environment, including media licensing, legislative and regulatory changes, training programmes and institutional developments.
Dr Khalid bin Rashid al Adawi, Chairman of the Press Freedoms Committee, said the report provides a professional reference based on field data, official information and systematic analysis.
According to the report, Oman moved up seven places in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, ranking 127th globally compared with 134th in 2024.
The report attributed the improvement to developments in the country’s legislative and media framework, particularly the Media Law issued under Royal Decree No. 58/2024 and its Executive Regulation issued under Ministerial Decision No. 165/2025. The framework includes provisions relating to freedom of expression and access to information, as well as a prohibition on prior censorship.
The report stated that 69 press and media licences were issued in 2025, while the number of online visual channels increased from 13 in 2024 to 19 in 2025. The number of print press institutions remained at six.
OJA also organised nine local and international training programmes during the year, benefiting 119 journalists and media professionals.
The first session focused on investment opportunities in Dhofar’s free and industrial zones. Participants included Salim bin Ali Zaabnout, Acting Director-General of Al Mazunah Free Zone; Hamed bin Ali Bait Saeed, Acting Director-General of Raysut Industrial City; and Hassan bin Marhoon al Marhoon, Director-General of Thamrait Industrial City. The session was moderated by Mahmoud bin Suhail Tabook, Head of the Journalists Committee in Dhofar.
The second session examined the role of media and artificial intelligence in advancing Oman Vision 2040. Speakers included Dr Amjed al Thuhli, CEO of FutureTech and Vice-Chairman of the Digital Economy and AI Committee at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dr Moza bint Abdullah al Rawahi, OJA board member; Mohammed bin Ahmed al Yafei, Director-General of Civil Aviation in Dhofar Governorate; and Salim bin Said al Abri, Studies and Research Specialist at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
The forum’s programme continues with field visits to development projects and key tourism and economic landmarks across Dhofar, providing participating journalists with first-hand exposure to the governorate’s development landscape and emerging opportunities.