MUSCAT: The National Risk Register unveiled its community version during a ceremony at the Royal Academy of Management (RAM) on Monday under the auspices of Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health.
The new version identifies potential risks across natural disasters, service disruptions, health emergencies and major accidents while clarifying governmental roles and public awareness responsibilities.
In his address, Mohammed bin Said al Balushi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Head of the Register's Media Sector, emphasised that comprehensive risk management has become fundamental to sustainable development and protecting national achievements. "Global experience demonstrates that integrated risk management systems enhance institutional efficiency, mitigate crisis impacts, and strengthen national resilience," Al Balushi stated. "This represents not merely a supplementary measure but a strategic imperative for modern governance."
The community version launch coincides with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed annually on October 13. "Oman seeks not only institutional preparedness but an informed, engaged citizenry understanding their vital role in national security," Al Balushi emphasised, describing the initiative as combining strategic vision with practical planning to empower residents with essential risk knowledge and foster collaborative prevention efforts.
Jalila al Akhzami, Director of the Ministry of Information's Research and Studies Center and Assistant Media Coordinator for the Register, detailed the version's structure encompassing 13 principal risks categorised across four domains: natural hazards, service disruptions, health emergencies and major accidents.
The Register's methodology prioritises prevention, with studies indicating that each dollar invested in risk reduction saves fifteen dollars in post-disaster recovery costs while preserving irreplaceable human lives. Strategically, the platform supports Oman Vision 2040 implementation by providing predictive analytics and risk intelligence for emerging challenges over the coming two decades.
The community version of Oman's National Risk Register represents a vital component in mitigating potential threats to public safety and national infrastructure, according to Major Mukhtar bin Juma al Alawi, Assistant Head of the National Center for Emergency Management. He emphasised that the register provides citizens with essential emergency protocols and response procedures, significantly strengthening national risk reduction capabilities.
Saif bin Ali al Yarubi, Managing Editor of Oman News Agency and Media Coordinator for the National Risk Register, noted the version's launch coincides with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction observed annually on 13 October. "Oman's comprehensive risk management framework has established clear foresight capabilities and enhanced coordination between government institutions and relevant sectors," Al Yarubi stated.
The community initiative extends this strategic approach by cultivating risk management awareness throughout society while strengthening national resilience through implementation of optimal precautionary measures. Designed with accessibility in mind, the version employs simplified presentation formats to engage all demographic segments through multiple channels including the Ministry of Information's media portal, Government Communication Center accounts and the social media platforms of the National Committee for Emergency Management. — ONA
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