Oman hosts global Scouts’ JOTA-JOTI event in Muscat

Gulf College is hosting the 2026 World Scout Jamboree on the Air and Internet (JOTA-JOTI) from October 16 to 18, bringing together Scouts, Guides and members of the Scouting and Guiding movement for an international event that combines education, technology and cultural exchange.
The programme provides young participants with opportunities to develop digital and media skills, strengthen teamwork and connect with peers worldwide through amateur radio communications and online platforms.
The Ministry of Education, represented by the Directorate-General of Scouts and Guides and Student Activities, is organising Oman's main JOTA-JOTI station in cooperation with Gulf College. The annual event is one of the world's largest virtual Scouting gatherings, attracting approximately 2.5 million participants globally.
This year's programme carries the theme 'A World of Peace and Inclusion', highlighting the role of Scouting in promoting global citizenship, friendship and mutual understanding across cultures. It also provides a platform for sharing experiences, discovering different traditions and showcasing Oman's cultural and tourism attractions to an international audience.
The programme features online seminars and workshops, talent shows, live video communications and virtual challenges. Participants can also explore an interactive three-dimensional campsite developed under the supervision of the global JOTA-JOTI team affiliated with the World Organization of the Scout Movement.
Alia bint Amer al Saadi, head of the Wireless Communications and Internet Team, said this year's event uses digital communication platforms and amateur radio to encourage intercultural dialogue, knowledge exchange and international friendships.
She noted that Gulf College's role as the main host station gives Omani Scouts and Guides opportunities to communicate directly with their counterparts around the world and participate in a wide range of activities and challenges.
Nasser bin Saif al Subhi, a member of the Wireless Communications and Internet Team, said JOTA-JOTI is a unique global Scouting event that transcends geographical boundaries and demonstrates how modern technology can be used to develop young people's capabilities.
He explained that the main station features several dedicated spaces, including an amateur radio room where participants can communicate with Scouts in other countries and learn about radio transmission techniques. A video communication room enables direct discussions and the exchange of experiences, while a digital communication and innovation room introduces modern technologies and encourages creative thinking.
The station also includes a Scout broadcasting room, where participants can prepare and present programmes, interviews and media coverage, helping them develop communication, presentation and confidence-building skills. Recreational activities and a photographic exhibition documenting the history and achievements of Oman's Scouting and Guiding movement complete the programme.
Organisers have placed particular emphasis on protecting children and young people from online risks. Written, audio and video communications are monitored by designated channel operators, supported by the directorate's safeguarding team.
Online learning programmes and awareness sessions also help participants understand responsible internet use and maintain a safe digital environment throughout the event.
The gathering also promotes Oman's heritage, traditions and tourism destinations, strengthening the country's visibility within the international Scouting community.
Al Subhi concluded that the event's true value lies not simply in the number of communications made or the distances covered by radio signals, but in the lasting impact on participants and the opportunities it creates for learning, friendship and mutual understanding. He emphasised that technology, when guided by Scouting values, can become a powerful bridge between cultures and help young people contribute to a more peaceful and inclusive world.