Latest news with #AynPlatform
Times of Oman
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
Ayn platform showcases media, public awareness services during Khareef Dhofar 2025
Salalah: Ayn platform, an active arm of the Ministry of Information, boasts strong presence at the 2025 Khareef Dhofar (monsoon) season's festival now underway in the Governorate of Dhofar. Ayn platform is introducing visitors to media services that shed light on Dhofar Governorate's tourism landmarks and cultural and humanitarian assets. Through its digital presence, Ayn platform is enhancing the community's interaction in different ways, including a 'Child Interface', an Interactive Digital Competition and on-the-spot radio and TV transmission. The Child Interface presents a visual programme featuring environmental adventures and field explorations in Dhofar Governorate. It develops learning skills, fosters cultural belonging and highlights entertainment content that responds to families' educational and innovative aspirations. The Child Interface also showcases electronic services that target children, including audiobooks and animated cartoons. It programmes, which run until 3 August, focus on entertainment and educational content that expands young people's awareness and intellectual potential. Ayn Platform's Interactive Digital Competition includes a set of cultural and tourism questions aimed at consolidating the Omani identity. It engages participants to local heritage in a simplified and attractive manner. The platform also offers online broadcasts of all radio and television programmes related to the Khareef season, with a dedicated category titled "Khareef Dhofar". This reflects the platform's vital role in highlighting the Sultanate of Oman's presence on the regional and global arenas. To support the season's digital coverage, short video segments were produced. They highlight the beauty of nature through aerial photography techniques (using drones). In this context, interviews are made with visitors from people from different nationalities, in different languages, thus ensuring access for local and international audiences. Ayn platform serves as one of the Ministry of Information's initiatives that embody Oman Vision 2040. It keeps pace with the Sultanate of Oman's digital transition. It dedicates digital space to Khareef Dhofar festival in eight languages, along with translated captions of images and articles highlighting the governorate's events and tourist attractions.
Muscat Daily
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Muscat book fair blends talent, tech and tradition
Muscat – The 29th Muscat International Book Fair is proving to be more than a celebration of books, drawing large crowds with a mix of literature, heritage and emerging technologies. Hosting over 600 exhibitors from across the world, the fair runs daily from 10am to 10pm until May 3, offering a broad selection of titles in multiple languages and genres. AI draws young visitors A key attraction this year is 'Fatima', an AI-powered assistant launched by Ministry of Education. One of six similar agents, Fatima is designed to assist visitors with information and directions. 'Fatima is fast, friendly and helpful. She's especially useful for students trying to locate specific genres or publications,' said a ministry official. 'We've seen young visitors approach Fatima with excitement – it's sparking curiosity about both books and technology.' Bahrain-based writer Idris Meris Collectors seek second-hand treasures The second-hand books section is attracting bibliophiles in search of rare editions on culture and history. Despite higher prices, many titles are selling out quickly. 'These books carry the soul of the past. Collectors know their worth, and for many, it's not about price – it's about preserving knowledge,' said veteran Bahrain-based writer and bookseller Idris Meris, 75. Children's content boosted by Ayn Platform The fair also saw the launch of a new children's channel by the popular Ayn Platform, offering more than 8,000 multimedia resources. The platform now has over 65,000 audio and video recordings, including archival content from the 1970s. 'This launch is a milestone,' said Ahlam al Balushi from the Ministry of Information. 'It promotes reading and learning in an engaging, multimedia format for our children.' New voices from the region Emerging writers are also in the spotlight. Pakistani sisters Zunaira and Aysal Waheed have both made a mark at the fair. Muscat-based Aysal, 15, is the author of eight books available on Amazon. Zunaira, a student at University of Nottingham, is an author and motivational speaker. Their featured titles include The Balhaerian Prince, Through the Portal, Alejandra Plays Soccer and Nobody Told You This Before , showcasing a range of genres from fantasy to inspirational writing. Aysal Waheed Cultural and economic impact Fuad al Bulushi, Director of Sales at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), which hosts the fair, said the event plays a vital role in promoting knowledge and culture. 'Hosting Muscat International Book Fair is a great honour for OCEC, as it underscores the centre's pivotal role in promoting knowledge exchange and cultural engagement,' he said. 'The 2024 edition contributed over RO1mn to the local economy. In 2025, with 674 publishers from 35 countries, similar benefits are anticipated.' He added that with integrated hotels, modern exhibition halls and a professional events team, OCEC can accommodate the fair's high footfall – over 400,000 visitors in ten days – while positioning Oman as a hub for cultural dialogue in the region.
