SALALAH: Participants in the main dialogue session of the Energy and Minerals Media Forum 2026, organised by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals in Dhofar Governorate, emphasised the importance of partnership between sector institutions, media outlets, and the community. This partnership contributes to highlighting the economic, social, and environmental impact of the energy and minerals sectors, enhancing corporate communication, and connecting the sector's achievements and future transformations with community life and needs.
Titled "Energy and Community: Partnership and Impact," the session discussed the strategic framework for the energy and minerals sectors, the future of exploration and production, the balance between local and international investment, the transition towards renewable energy, the security of electricity and water supplies, and the role of minerals in economic diversification. In addition, it addressed the role of media and corporate communication in building trust and conveying sector information to the community accurately and responsibly.
Mohsin bin Hamad al Hadhrami, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, emphasised that communication with the community represents a fundamental pillar in policymaking and plan implementation. He noted that the Ministry continues to execute its targets aimed at maximising the added value of natural resources by expanding the offering of concession areas for the oil, gas, and minerals sectors, including offshore areas, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the Sultanate of Oman and attracting quality investments.
He also explained that building trust between the sector and the community is based on transparency, sustainable communication, and information availability, affirming that the media is a strategic partner in conveying the sector's messages and highlighting its achievements.
For his part, Dr Aflah bin Said al Hadhrami, Director-General of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), explained that the oil and gas sector possesses promising opportunities to continue exploration and production thanks to modern technologies. He affirmed that the company works towards achieving a balance between maintaining production rates and adhering to safety and environmental protection standards, alongside investing in technologies and developing national competencies, noting that corporate communication contributes to highlighting the sector's impact in supporting development and in-country value.
Ashraf bin Hamad al Maamari, Chief Executive Officer of OQ Group, pointed out that the Group's investments contribute to maximising the economic value of natural resources, emphasising that corporate communication and strategic marketing play an important role in highlighting the economic and social value of investments and enhancing the confidence of investors and partners.
Ahmed bin Amer al Mahrizi, Chief Executive Officer of Nama Holding Group, stated that the electricity sector is one of the essential enablers of economic and social development, emphasising that the transition towards renewable energy strengthens energy security and raises the efficiency of the electrical system, while the media represents a strategic partner in conveying sector transformation messages and promoting a culture of responsible electricity and water usage.
Eng Mattar bin Salim al Badi, Chief Executive Officer of Minerals Development Oman, affirmed that the minerals sector represents one of the promising streams for economic diversification, pointing to the importance of expanding exploration activities, linking mining with manufacturing industries, and enhancing media presence to introduce the investment opportunities provided by the sector and its economic and environmental impacts.
The forum included a number of specialised working papers addressing investment in the energy and minerals sectors, the impact of in-country value on the development of national enterprises, the role of corporate social responsibility in achieving sustainable development impact, in addition to the national plan for Net-Zero and the regulatory framework for carbon markets.
The forum comes as part of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals' efforts to enhance communication with the community and showcase the sector's achievements, coinciding with the holding of the Energy and Minerals Exhibition in the Ittin area in the Wilayat of Salalah, which will continue until August 6, with the participation of several entities and companies operating in the sector. - ONA
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