Muscat – Oman is hosting one of the biggest gatherings of journalists in the world from Tuesday, May 31, to June 3, Friday. Over 350 journalists and media personnel from 120 countries will attend the International Federation of Journalists Congress in Muscat.

The triennial congress being held in cooperation with Oman Journalists’ Association (OJA) will help Oman register its presence in the global media map and open new avenues in diverse fields, according to the sultanate’s media professionals.

The congress will be presided over by Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan.

In an interview to the radio programme Sabah al Shabab, Dr Abdullah bin Nasser al Harassi, Minister of Information, said the congress will provide an opportunity to introduce the sultanate and its economic, natural, historical and cultural elements to the world.

“The world will get a closer look at Omani society, where there is peace and stimulation for intellectual pursuits, besides development in all aspects of life,” the minister said.

He added that the presence of journalists from across the world reflects appreciation of Omani media internationally. “The local media is known for representing rationality, balance and prioritising the interests of the nation, society, and the people.”

The congress is also a tribute to the history of Oman’s media of the last 50 years, during which it played an essential role in raising national awareness and guiding society, Harassi said.

“The freedom of expression is guaranteed, and there are no restrictions on any journalist or any citizen who wishes to express his opinion with evidence and understanding in any field. This should be done within the framework of the law that regulates media practices, in a manner that enhances the process of development and progress.”

He noted that the public in the sultanate express opinions on social media. “This is appreciated as long as it is within the limits of the law and it does not infringe on anyone’s right. Whoever expresses his opinion within these limits is welcome.”

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Fayza al Kalbani, a Muscat-based journalist, said that the congress is a reflection of the world’s confidence in the media institutions of the sultanate and recognition of Oman’s capabilities in organising such international conferences.

She praised the efforts made by OJA to host the congress, requiring coordination between associations and unions from across the world.

“This event is an opportunity to market and promote Oman in the international media, about its tourism, culture and economic potential. The concerned institutions should organise field visits to tourist and historical sites for the participants, which will give them an opportunity to write for their media about the sultanate.”

Zainab Khamis al Zadjali, another journalist, said that hosting the congress is in line with the current developments in the field of journalism and media in the country. “The conference is an opportunity to get acquainted with some of the brightest journalists and international media experts, to discuss opportunities to preserve and protect the rights of journalists, and to raise awareness on quality in journalistic and media work,” Zainab said.