Media's role in shaping national identity highlighted

Observer

28-04-2025

MUSCAT: The Oman Journalists Association (OJA) organised a symposium on media and national identity under the auspices of Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed al Saeedi, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, bringing together a distinguished group of academics, researchers and specialists. The event aimed to develop recommendations for consolidating national identity and promoting values in the context of contemporary challenges.
Discussions at the symposium focused on the role of media in reinforcing Omani national identity and explored ways to leverage media platforms to document and safeguard the authentic values that form the foundation of Omani society. Participants emphasised that media remains one of the most vital tools for promoting traditional values, strengthening ties between generations, and balancing the preservation of heritage with engagement in modern advancements.
Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak al Araimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OJA, underlined the need to preserve national identity as a shared consciousness. He warned of increasing external influences seeking to reshape cultural beliefs and called for the strengthening of national belonging among future generations.
Dr Al Araimi stressed the importance of building a resilient national media capable of facing challenges, offering meaningful content and reinforcing societal values to make future generations more aware of the risks of cultural alienation. He further noted that globalisation, despite its advantages in communication and openness, poses serious challenges to national identity, especially through Western media and digital platforms that promote lifestyles and concepts inconsistent with Omani heritage and values.
Throughout the sessions, participants presented working papers, sharing insights and experiences on preserving national identity amid global changes. The symposium concluded with comprehensive recommendations emphasising the need to fortify national media, nurture Omani family values, integrate identity-based elements into education, promote Omani identity both locally and internationally, enhance cognitive awareness among citizens, advance the local content industry, enact balanced legislation between conservatism and openness, teach Omani identity through creative digital means, and involve youth in achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Dr Khalid al Adawi, Head of the symposium's technical and scientific team, emphasised that the recommendations form a roadmap for continued collaboration and joint action to protect and promote national identity. He noted that the media's role in this regard is critical and must be strengthened across all channels.
Salem bin Hamad al Jahwari, Vice-President of the OJA, expressed hope that the symposium's recommendations would be effectively implemented, describing them as an important strategic framework for fostering a strong sense of identity and cultural pride among Omanis.
Dr Zakaria al Mahrami, a physician at Sultan Qaboos University and writer, highlighted that the fragmentation of national identities worldwide due to globalisation necessitates initiatives like this symposium. He emphasised the urgent need for Oman to define and develop a clear national strategy that preserves its authentic identity while remaining open to global engagement.
The symposium was accompanied by a photo exhibition showcasing Omani national identity. The exhibition featured a rich collection of photographs that captured significant milestones in Oman's history, from the Islamic era to modern times, underscoring the depth and continuity of the nation's cultural heritage.