MUSCAT: The State Council reinforced its approach to media openness and direct engagement with press and media institutions through a media forum held under the theme 'Vision, Communication, Acknowledgement', attended by chairpersons of the permanent committees, the Secretary-General, and a gathering of journalists and media professionals from various government and private media institutions.
Khalid al Saadi, Secretary-General of the State Council, said the initiative reflects the Council’s commitment to effective communication and providing the media with access to information that reflects its performance in line with the mandates set out in the Oman Council Law. He stressed the importance of creating space for constructive dialogue that enhances public awareness of the Council’s legislative role and national studies, particularly at a time when information spreads rapidly and facts are often mixed with rumours.
During his presentation on the Council’s achievements in the first half of its eighth term, Al Saadi reviewed progress across its legislative and institutional work, noting that the Council studied 29 draft laws spanning economic, social, legal, technology and innovation sectors. He added that the Council also submitted three proposals related to the State General Budget, referred four studies to the government on economic diversification, education, civil society institutions and data governance, and is currently working on 12 additional studies, including nine studies within the permanent committees and three special committee studies covering population structure and its impact on economic development, plant derivatives, and analysis of Oman’s business environment.
Dr Abdullah al Kindi, Member of the State Council, also delivered a presentation titled 'Parliamentary Media: Mutual Interests Between Two Institutions', in which he discussed the concept of parliamentary media, ongoing digital communication shifts, and the role of both traditional and digital platforms in enhancing transparency and facilitating access to information. He also highlighted the importance of developing parliamentary media coverage, simplifying the legislative dimensions of laws, and encouraging wider public engagement with parliamentary affairs.
Speaking to Observer, Dr Dhafar al Shanfari, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Committee at the State Council, emphasised the importance of direct interaction between parliamentary institutions and the media, noting that access to information from its original source has become essential amid today’s heavy flow of information. He expressed hope that the forum would become an annual event, offering broader opportunities to showcase the Council’s work and strengthen direct engagement with the press.
The forum concluded with an open discussion between Council members and media representatives, during which a number of issues were raised, including educational matters, digital transformation, and cybersecurity, reflecting the broad range of issues the Council continues to address within its legislative and advisory roles.
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