Latest news with #OmanJournalistsAssociation
Observer
14 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
Strategic move to strengthen social stability
MUSCAT: As Oman continues to navigate social and economic changes, the newly introduced Marriage Support Fund stands out as a promising initiative aimed at empowering young citizens and fostering stable, sustainable family life. For many Omani youth, the prospect of marriage has been increasingly delayed due to financial strain and rising cultural expectations. 'I postponed my wedding for over two years because I simply couldn't afford it,' said Yousuf al Harthy, a private sector employee. 'When the fund was announced, it felt happy,' he added. Fatma al Balushi, a recent graduate and still hunting for the job, stated 'It's not just about money. Society needs to shift its view that weddings must be lavish. Modesty should be embraced.' Some suggested widening the fund's scope. 'Why not support widows or divorced individuals who wish to remarry — under clear criteria?' asked Said al Kalbani. Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak al Araimi, President of the Oman Journalists Association, sees the fund as not merely a financial solution but as a comprehensive national strategy with long-term impact across social, economic, cultural and legislative domains. Dr Al Araimi believes the fund addresses several key challenges that have emerged in recent years, including rising marriage costs, delayed marital age and evolving family structures. He noted that by offering direct financial support, the fund alleviates some of the economic pressures facing youth — especially those from low- and middle-income backgrounds — enabling them to move forward with marriage more confidently. He believes that the initiative can help shift public perception towards early marriage, provided it is coupled with adequate educational and counselling programmes. He emphasises that while financial incentives are important, proper mental and emotional preparedness is equally essential for marital success. He notes that the financial burden of marriage often creates significant stress and anxiety among young people. A fund like this not only eases that burden, but also sends a message of social support and community solidarity — boosting mental well-being and reinforcing a sense of inclusion. The Marriage Support Fund holds the potential to be a game-changing instrument in Oman's social development. Its future, however, hinges on transparent execution, sustained public awareness and alignment with Oman's deeper cultural values.
Observer
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Media's role in shaping national identity highlighted
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.
