Sunday 23 / February / 2025
Muscat: What Times of Oman has achieved in the last 50 years of its publication, is unparalleled in modern history.
Under the banner of Muscat Media Group, Times of Oman has transformed from a weekly newspaper in 1975 into a global powerhouse of news, features and sports.
No other media house in Oman or in the GCC has achieved such a milestone in a short span of time.
Considered as one of the pioneers of journalism in Oman since the dawn of the blessed Renaissance, Late Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali launched Times of Oman in the Sultanate of Oman in 1975 and followed it with the start of an Arabic newspaper, Al Shabiba.
Late Essa’s contribution to Oman journalism is unmatched and his firm belief in upholding truth has left a strong legacy with the institution, Muscat Media Group, which has expanded its operations from print journalism to becoming market leaders in digital and electronic journalism.
As we celebrate 50 years of its publication, we remain dedicated to advancing Oman’s economic progress and social development. Our live platforms are designed to unite key stakeholders, fostering knowledge sharing, idea exchange and collaboration to collectively work toward the nation’s strategic goals, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
About 12 years ago, we ventured into social media platforms, and today, we are the leading media group in Oman, operating with a ‘360-degree media’ approach. This means we are the only group that covers all forms of media, including visual, audio, print, and social. The group reaches about 3.7 million followers daily. This progress has given us the responsibility to contribute to society through various community initiatives.
Recently, we organised the highly successful Gulf Business Summit ‘Building Bridges’ aimed at promoting cross border economic cooperation. We followed with a Business Leadership Summit & Awards focusing on key topics, including navigating economic uncertainty, embracing digital transformation, fostering innovation and creativity, building sustainable business models, enhancing organisational agility, cultivating talent and leadership development, integrating ESG principles for long-term success and expanding global market footprint.
Muscat Media Group has also consistently played a vital and effective role in supporting numerous national initiatives. We have launched many pioneering and creative projects that support the nation and Omani society.
We have been supporting the community through unique initiatives. These include advertising and promotion support for institutions and companies, and fostering investment opportunities in Oman through economic forums.
Examples include the ‘Building Bridges,’ during which several partnerships and agreements were signed between Oman and Saudi companies. Another initiative is the ‘TOMI Awards,’ which celebrates the most creative advertising campaigns in Oman. We launched it recently at the Crowne Plaza Hotel to support advertising excellence and highlight outstanding and bold campaigns.
We also began a new and unique initiative: The ‘Your Club is Calling You’ campaign. This national campaign supports two crucial sectors: industry and football. In the commercial sector, it promotes Omani products, while in the football sector, it supports Omani clubs.
To an extent, the vision remains the same as my father envisaged five decades ago: to reach as many people as possible with a unique message.
How that message is delivered – that’s a strategy that constantly changes. As the market adapts to the changing landscape, so are we with new innovations and cutting-edge technologies.
Only those who embrace technological advancement like we, are going to flourish.
