Opinion - Social media and myths about Omanis
Misconceptions are mistaken notions or attitudes brought about by ignorance and misunderstanding. In a globalised world, such misconceptions can be particularly dangerous, fostering stereotypes that affect intercultural interactions and business relationships. Through my ongoing research into the nature and identity of modern Oman, I have identified two key misconceptions about Omani people that social media has helped address.
Misconception 1: Omanis are naïve
The perception of Omanis as naïve dates back to early portrayals, such as those found in the proverbs collected by A S Jayakar, an Indian diplomat in the 20th century. These proverbs painted Omanis as practical and hard-working but also as somewhat simple-minded and gullible. Over time, this stereotype has persisted, particularly among neighbouring countries, where Omanis are sometimes viewed as easily fooled or unsuitable for leadership positions due to their 'naïveté.'
While Omanis may indeed be seen as naïve, this quality should be understood in a positive light. Omanis are not imprudent or gullible; rather, they are ingenuous and straightforward, leading lives guided by a deep sense of spirituality. This is best captured in the Omani mantra, 'All is well,' which reflects a philosophical approach to life. Omanis embrace this mindset daily, allowing them to remain composed and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Far from being simple-minded, Omanis' willingness to give others the benefit of the doubt stems from a profound spiritual grounding. They are deliberate and thoughtful individuals who act decisively when the moment calls for it. When Omanis speak or take action, they make an impact, demonstrating that their so-called 'naïveté' is, in fact, a form of wisdom.
Misconception 2: Omanis are passive
Another widespread misconception is that Omanis are passive, a belief rooted in their relatively low visibility on social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. This limited online presence has led to the erroneous conclusion that Omanis lack freedom of thought or initiative and that they are disengaged from national and global conversations.
In reality, Omanis' reserved approach to social media reflects cultural values rather than passivity. Omanis, in collaboration with their government, prioritise handling issues privately and respectfully. Platforms like WhatsApp are often preferred for internal communication, allowing Omanis to address matters quietly and effectively. This characteristic aligns with the broader Omani ethos of tolerance and peace, values that are also embodied in the nation's foreign policies.
Far from being passive or complacent, Omanis are intelligent and resourceful. Their quiet demeanour should not be mistaken for a lack of agency; rather, it is a deliberate choice to focus on what truly matters. Omanis are not easily influenced by trends or external pressures, embodying a calm strength that allows them to navigate challenges with dignity and resilience.
The mindset of Omani people
The defining trait of Omani people is their ability to maintain a balanced and grounded perspective on life. They value independence, simplicity, and finding joy in small things. Omanis do not dwell on minor inconveniences or take things personally; instead, they view life as an opportunity to grow and adapt. This mindset is reflected in their ability to 'make lemon juice out of lemons,' turning challenges into opportunities for growth. This is amply evident in their many actions on X and Instagram, where they come together to build community and foster positive change.
Collectively, Omanis represent a spiritual character that celebrates the beauty of life in its simplicity and soulfulness.
Social media has provided a platform for Omanis to share this unique perspective with the world, challenging misconceptions and showcasing their true nature.
By embracing their values and using digital tools to communicate their stories, Omanis are proving that they are far from naïve or passive. On the contrary, they are resilient, thoughtful, creative and deeply connected to their cultural and spiritual roots — qualities that make them stand out in an increasingly complex world.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
an hour ago
- Observer
Oman gains Ramsar accreditation for Al Wusta Wetlands Reserve
MUSCAT, JULY 27 In a new environmental achievement, the Sultanate of Oman has received official accreditation from the Ramsar Convention for the inclusion of the Wetland Reserve in Al Wusta Governorate on the list of Wetlands of International importance. This marks the third Omani site to be included in this prestigious list, following the Al Qurm Nature Reserve (2013) and Al Ansab Wetlands (2020). This achievement was announced on the sidelines of the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP15), held under the theme 'Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future' in Zimbabwe, which continues until July 31. This official international recognition represents a culmination of Oman's efforts in biodiversity conservation and its commitment to implementing international environmental standards for protecting fragile ecosystems. It also highlights the reserve's status as one of the most important ecological sites at both regional and global levels. Ramsar Sites and the List of Wetlands of International Importance come under the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, 1971), where each contracting party undertakes to designate at least one wetland site for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance. There are over 2,000 'Ramsar Sites' on the territories of over 160 Contracting Parties across the world. The Ramsar describes this environmentally significant place: 'The site lies within Al Wusta Wetlands Reserve and covers about 80 per cent of the reserve's area. It features coastal waters with rare marine vegetation, alkaline lakes and marshes, coral and bivalve reefs, mangroves, and 'sabkha', which are intertidal flats with mineral deposits formed by seawater evaporation.' Located in the Wilayat of Mahout, the wetlands were declared a reserve by a Royal Decree in 2014. According to the report, the Barr Al Hikman peninsula occupies the largest area of the site and has a coastline of about 160 km. It consists of coastal and inland plains of salt, mud flats, and some saltwater lakes of unique natural and geological importance overlooking the west coast of Masirah Island.
Observer
12 hours ago
- Observer
Guiding young minds from screens to real-world wonder
A recently conducted research revealed that the typical time a 10-year old child could focus on a task is 10 minutes. In a world of scrolling and endless digital content, this should be one of the most discussed issues today. According to 'The Standard', 'Social Media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are designed to make our brains adapt to only receiving small and short forms of media at once'. This accounts for the rise of reels and 'shorts', as they are now called. Such short forms, when viewed for a long time, result in a person being incapable of paying more than 10 minutes attention to any content, written, oral, or task-based. This is surely not productive for anyone, much less young learners who need to be trained to stay focused for a longer period of time. Being quickly distracted means that there has been no opportunity to think, apply, or learn from an idea. It is not only young people who suffer from attention deficit. Companies are now commonly complaining that they are not able to retain workers who are constantly looking for more stimulation and more variety. They are likely not going to stay in one job for long. It is not just nostalgia to ask for concentration and sustained attention. We may hark back to a time when we would savour a book over a weekend, reflect on it and discuss it with others before stacking it at the back of our minds. But innovations and creative ideas have come because of such sustained and focused work, not by pursuing momentarily fashionable ideas. It is almost too late to stop the relentless power of social media, but not completely. It is imperative that we recognise the enormity of this reality and come up with quick fixes. The responsibility for this falls on all of us – parents, teachers, guardians, mentors and employers. But most importantly, this needs to start at home. Parents need to be at the vanguard of ensuring that children spend productive time away from digital devices that over stimulate the brain and ensure passive consumption. This can easily be done by engaging kids with outdoor activities and indoor games. Creating small, enjoyable post-reading activities like drawing or writing about favourite characters also ensures that children spend more time away from simply watching to actually creating. A time-tested strategy is to simply identify one interest that a child may have – including crafts, music, cooking, or sports. Think of the number of ways this passion could be encouraged. This could include calling over friends to collaborate, creating small crafts to be exhibited in the family, or giving the child a simple dish to make. All of this will make a child concentrate on a real task and benefit from encouragement by family and friends. If there is one task this summer, it should be to take children away from digital devices and teach them the benefits of engaging with the real world in ways that are fun and productive.
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Omani navigator Ibn Majid's manuscript earns Unesco honour
Paris – Oman has received official recognition from Unesco for inscription of the manuscript Al Nuniyah al Kubra (The Great Nuniyah) by renowned Omani navigator Ahmad ibn Majid in the Memory of the World register. The certificate was handed over during a meeting in Paris on Tuesday between H E Amna bint Salem al Balushi, Oman's Permanent Representative to Unesco, and Dr Tawfiq al Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information at the organisation's headquarters. Inclusion of The Great Nuniyah is the result of joint efforts by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, in coordination with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and Oman's Permanent Delegation to Unesco. The manuscript is regarded as a landmark in the field of marine science and navigation. Inscribed in April 2025, The Great Nuniyah is the second Omani manuscript to be recognised under Unesco's Memory of the World programme. The first was The Mine of Secrets in Oceanography by navigator Nasser bin Ali al Khadouri, added in 2017. Ibn Majid's work documents maritime geography and ancient shipping routes in detail. It also records societies encountered during his voyages and provides insight into anchoring techniques and marine life. Significantly, while earlier scholars divided the Earth into seven northern regions, Ibn Majid extended the classification by introducing seven regions in the southern hemisphere. The Memory of the World programme was established by Unesco in 1992 to safeguard documentary heritage at risk of loss. Manuscripts are selected based on criteria such as historical importance, rarity, authenticity and cross-cultural impact.
