Muscat – What do you think of the recent Royal Decree to establish the National Library of Oman and its role in promoting reading culture? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said – 

Muna Basheer Al Zadjali, Private sector employee

I believe this is a very important and positive step towards strengthening the country’s cultural and intellectual foundation. This initiative will not only preserve Oman’s rich heritage and historical records but also create a dynamic space for learning and research. Most importantly, it has the potential to promote a strong reading culture among all age groups by providing easy access to knowledge and encouraging curiosity. Such efforts are essential for building an informed and educated society, and I believe this project will have a lasting positive impact on future generations.

Khalid Al Harthy, Businessman

The Royal Decree to establish the National Library of Oman is a visionary step towards preserving our heritage and encouraging intellectual growth. A central library can inspire young people to read more, access diverse knowledge and connect with Omani history. It will also create a cultural hub where ideas are exchanged, strengthening the nation’s educational and cultural future.

Saleem Al Balushi, Private sector employee

I believe this initiative reflects Oman’s commitment to knowledge and progress. A national library is not just about books; it is about building curiosity and lifelong learning habits. By offering modern resources and digital access, it can attract youth who are otherwise distracted by screens, turning reading into an engaging and meaningful daily practice for society.

Salma Al Balushi, Homemaker

This is indeed a proud moment for Oman. A national library will safeguard rare manuscripts and promote our identity while opening doors to global literature. It can host workshops, discussions and events that make reading social and enjoyable. Such efforts will gradually build a stronger reading culture among families, especially encouraging children to explore books.

Rahul Sharma, Shop owner

As an Indian living in Oman, I see this as a remarkable cultural investment. Libraries shape thinking societies and a national library can become a knowledge landmark. It will benefit students, researchers and professionals alike. By promoting reading habits and easy access to information, it will support both personal growth and the broader intellectual development of the country.

Aruna Nair, Homemaker

This is a progressive move that highlights Oman’s focus on education and culture. A well-developed national library can inspire communities to value reading again in a digital age. With inclusive programmes and multilingual resources, it can bring together people from different backgrounds, making reading a shared experience and strengthening cultural understanding across communities in Oman.

Sudeshna Majumder, Teacher

I feel the decree is structurally strong, culturally aligned and potentially transformative. If the National Library activates communities, starts with children, leverages digital access and promotes Omani stories, then it can genuinely shift reading culture within a decade.

M Yousuf Aziz, Private sector employee

It is good to know that a Royal Decree had been issued to establish the National library of Oman. Libraries are reservoirs of national memory and basic source of knowledge on any discipline.  News and information are preserved and serialised in such institutions. A scribe is in Muscat for the last few months running from pillar to post to find such an institution to get authentic information for introductory writing about Oman. He has written seven articles on the quality of life in Oman and its historical and religious heritage, which were published in various Urdu newspapers of Pakistan. Had there been a national library, it would have been easy to find authentic information on these aspects. I appreciate the establishment of the national library. It would certainly benefit and enrich citizens and residents.