Specialists and observers have noted that Omani society is demonstrating growing media awareness by increasingly verifying information and relying on credible official sources amid rapidly evolving regional developments. They said this awareness stems from a long-standing societal culture rooted in prudence, responsibility and trust in national institutions, encouraging citizens to exercise caution and discernment when sharing or discussing news.
Dr Sabra bint Saif al Harrasi, an academic and educational researcher, said societal interactions in Oman reveal a balanced approach to dealing with news and rumours compared to some other environments. She explained that this pattern cannot be attributed to a single factor but reflects the broader social and political structure shaped by the Omani experience.
According to her, the relationship between society and the state, combined with cultural values that encourage careful judgement and moderation, has contributed to building a level of social resilience against sensationalism and unreliable information. She noted that Oman’s balanced and moderate political approach has strengthened public confidence in state institutions and fostered a sense of shared responsibility among citizens to safeguard the country’s reputation. As a result, many Omanis engage in public discussions — including on digital platforms — with a sense of responsibility, ensuring that opinions are expressed without undermining social stability.
Media figure Abdullah bin Nasser al Saidi said Omani society has historically been characterised by cohesion, peaceful coexistence and balanced openness, while maintaining its national identity and unity. He added that the Omani character tends to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and polarisation, instead approaching events with reason and moderation.
He explained that the region’s current tensions are being met by Omani society with this same awareness and balanced perspective, as citizens seek reliable information and remain mindful of the risks posed by divisive narratives and misinformation.
Al Saidi also praised the role of national media institutions in providing responsible coverage of developments, highlighting the efforts of the Ministry of Information through Oman TV, the Oman News Agency and official digital platforms in delivering accurate and balanced information to the public.
Nasser bin Mohammed al Shihri, an educational superviser at the Ministry of Education, emphasised that individuals should rely on multiple credible sources when following global developments, noting that misinformation can sometimes appear even in widely trusted publications.
He stressed that in times of crisis, information itself can become a powerful tool, making it essential for individuals to verify news and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could create unnecessary anxiety or harm national stability. — ONA
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