Muscat – Experts have urged young Omanis to embrace digital transformation while preserving their cultural identity, stressing the importance of critical thinking, protecting the Arabic language and presenting national heritage through modern digital platforms.

As social media accelerates the exchange of ideas, expressions and cultural trends, young people face the challenge of balancing openness to global influences with a commitment to their language, values and traditions.

Dr Zaher bin Badr Al Ghasani, an academic specialising in cultural interaction, said national identity was no longer expressed solely within society but also through digital content, online interactions and the image individuals presented of themselves and their country.

The main challenge, he said, was not the spread of new terminology but young people’s ability to assess the ideas they encounter online rather than adopting them simply because they are popular.

He pointed to trends that encourage people to seek fame or promote certain behaviours as expressions of personal freedom because they attract widespread attention. Young people, he said, should question whether such trends align with their values.

Al Ghasani also highlighted the positive role of digital platforms in showcasing Omani success stories, entrepreneurship, voluntary work and community initiatives through short videos, podcasts and interactive content. He called for youth ambassadors for digital awareness in educational and community institutions, alongside spaces where young people can discuss emerging trends without being subjected to predetermined judgements.

Ruqaia bint Saif Al Buraidi, assistant director of the Education, Youth and Culture Sector at the Shura Council, said the growing use of foreign expressions should not automatically be interpreted as a rejection of Arabic or national identity.

She described Arabic as a flexible language capable of adapting to intellectual, social and technological developments. However, she stressed the importance of choosing words according to context and using Arabic expressions where they better reinforce cultural identity and belonging.

Linguistic borrowing is a natural process, she said, but excessive reliance on foreign terminology could influence patterns of thought and widen the gap between everyday language and cultural identity. Strengthening Arabic in education, the media and social media is therefore a shared responsibility.

Mohammed bin Issa Al Azri, a visual effects designer, said digital platforms had evolved into spaces where young Omanis could promote their own culture rather than merely consume international content.

He stressed that preserving heritage did not mean presenting it in the same way as previous generations. Modern visual formats and digital tools could make Omani traditions more accessible and appealing to younger audiences while retaining their distinctive character.

Wathfa bint Masoud Al Farsi, a sociology researcher, said cultural exchange had shaped societies throughout history, influencing languages, architecture, music and food. Digital technology had accelerated this process, raising concerns about the erosion of cultural identity.

She advocated cultural flexibility — the ability to adapt to new influences without either rejecting them outright or accepting them uncritically.

Cultural diversity, she said, should not lead young people to overlook the value of their own heritage. Preserving Omani identity requires cultural awareness, openness to others and the confidence to engage with the wider world while remaining connected to national values and traditions.