Oman's Renewed Renaissance: A Nation Advancing with Humanity at its Core, Says Information Minister

Muscat: Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi, Minister of Information, has affirmed the profound commitment of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to prioritise all that serves the nation and its loyal citizens, underscoring His Majesty's dedicated and encompassing care for the citizens across every governorate of the Sultanate of Oman.

Speaking as a guest on Oman Radio's "Sabah Al Shabab" program, the Minister stated that the achievements and milestones realized in Oman over the past six years are a direct reflection of this Royal benevolence. These efforts, he noted, have materialized in tangible advancements across social, economic, and financial spheres, with international indices and global research centers acknowledging the significant progress made by the Sultanate of Oman during this period.

Al Harrasi emphasized that His Majesty the Sultan consistently highlights, in his royal addresses and meetings, the imperative to address detrimental social and cultural phenomena within the modern 'open space'. He elaborated that during a recent Council of Ministers meeting, His Majesty directed a comprehensive study and diagnosis of societal behavioural shifts to establish clear and governed policies and mechanisms. This directive, he explained, emanates from a civilized leadership vision deeply rooted in the welfare of the nation and its people.

Addressing modern communication tools, the Minister noted that while they have fundamentally transformed the world, this shift is not wholly negative. With proper utilization, these platforms can become powerful instruments for nurturing, communication, self-development, social cohesion, and enhancing institutional performance.

He pointed out, however, that negative ramifications have emerged within households and the broader society, contributing to a widening generational divide. He stressed that while older generations may lack technical prowess, their wealth of life experience constitutes an indispensable foundation, even in the context of utilizing advanced technologies and Artificial Intelligence.

He clarified that the recent statement from the Council of Ministers is fundamentally aimed at safeguarding youth from potential adverse influences that could impair their current competencies and future potential.

The Minister observed that numerous nations have initiated regulations governing social media usage for individuals below a certain age. He clarified this does not constitute a wholesale prohibition of the internet, but rather the sensible regulation of specifically harmful applications, while preserving access to educational and cultural resources.

On the subject of Artificial Intelligence, the Minister remarked that the era of Big Data and rapid processing presents immense opportunities alongside formidable challenges. He stated that His Majesty consistently identifies areas of risk while simultaneously illuminating the vast positive potential inherent in this field.

In a world characterized by relentless change, political volatility, and intellectual flux, the Minister affirmed that the Sultanate of Oman stands as a nation of stability, progressing with confidence, equilibrium, and an unwavering focus on human dignity at the core of its priorities. He emphasized that Oman has remained an oasis of stability amidst global turbulence, a testament to its wise leadership, rational policies, and steadfast refusal to be entangled in external conflicts or polarizations.

The Minister concluded by stating that this balanced, principled approach is the very foundation that built, protected, and has enabled Oman to navigate a turbulent world with steady resolve. He noted that the leadership's clear objective—to serve the nation and its citizens, protect humanity, and preserve stability—is manifest in tangible results on the ground.

He affirmed that as Oman enters the seventh year of its "Renewed Renaissance," it moves forward with a lucid vision that places the human being at the heart of all development, confronting challenges with awareness and facing the future with steadfast faith in the capabilities of the nation and its people.