Latest news with #ONA


Observer
a day ago
- Politics
- Observer
News agencies look at modern challenges
ST PETERSBURG: Oman News Agency (ONA) took part in the General Assembly meeting of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA), held on Thursday in St Petersburg, Russia, under the theme 'News Agencies and the Challenges of the Modern World." The event, attended by over 40 government and private news agencies, coincided with the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, a two-day event hosted under the auspices of President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation. In his opening address, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasised the critical role of news agencies in delivering credible journalism and countering misinformation, particularly amid today's rapidly evolving global developments. Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, highlighted the importance of protecting journalists in conflict zones, especially in armed conflicts, given their vital role in reporting facts and exposing the humanitarian suffering of war victims. The OANA General Assembly addressed key topics, including the risks of disinformation and its impact on news credibility — particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence technologies — as well as the experiences of international agencies transitioning from traditional broadcasting to digital platforms in an era of accelerating media innovation. The meeting also included votes on the Executive Council composition for 2025–2028, the formation of the Technical and Ethical Committee for the same term, and the OANA Presidential Board for 2028–2031. Additionally, the assembly announced election results for the new OANA President and Secretary-General, presented awards, and approved reports from the Executive and Technical Councils, along with the appointment of vice-presidents. - ONA


Observer
a day ago
- Health
- Observer
Oman, Belarus sign MoU in healthcare
MINSK: The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Belarus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of healthcare on Wednesday in the Belarusian capital, Minsk. The MoU was signed by Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, and Alexander Khodjaev, Minister of Health of the Republic of Belarus. The MoU includes cooperation in several medical fields, such as healthcare, education and staff training. It also involves holding joint events for professional development, exchanging views through consultation, preparing joint scientific research in the field of medicine, trading medicines, devices and equipment, exchanging training courses and hosting expert visits. - ONA


Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Campaign held in GCC to showcase Khareef season
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is pressing ahead with efforts to boost tourism in Dhofar Governorate, notably by implementing promotional activities in key shopping malls across GCC cities. The campaign takes the theme "Your Summer is Green". The campaign focuses on Khareef Dhofar Season, one of the most prominent tourism attraction periods in the Sultanate of Oman. During the monsoon, which begins on 21 June every year, Dhofar Governorate is endowed with moderate weather and adorned with picturesque vegetation. To make optimum use of the Khareef Dhofar Season, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism provides visitors with full information that enables them to engage in different tourism experiences and activities, including recreational events, nature exploration trips and visits to heritage and archaeological sites. The information also includes an account of direct flight options to Salalah. This facilitates access to hotspots in Dhofar Governorate and enhances its appeal as a preferred summer destination. Besides attracting visitors from GCC states, the information boosts Dhofar's presence on the regional tourism map. — ONA


Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman participates in Beijing book fair
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Ministry of Information, is participating in the Beijing International Book Fair 2025, which runs until 22 June in the Chinese capital, Beijing. Oman's participation aims to activate its pavilion as a literary and intellectual hub, offering visitors insights into the nation's past, present and future. The pavilion features a diverse and extensive collection of publications across literary, artistic, intellectual and scientific fields, with a particular focus on titles in English and Chinese. Additionally, visual presentations highlight Oman's cultural, historical and civilisational landmarks, alongside digital and visual publications through the "Ayn' platform. The participation also seeks to strengthen cultural and media cooperation between Oman and China, fostering intellectual and literary exchange. It aims to promote cultural collaboration in authorship, publishing and book production, while introducing Omani writers to audiences in Arab, Islamic and international markets. The pavilion also promotes Muscat International Book Fair and attracts new publishing houses to participate, reflecting Oman's commitment to active engagement and positive influence in the global cultural landscape. Oman's presence at the fair underscores the significance of cultural and intellectual exchange as a cornerstone of the country's cultural strategy and a key pillar of Oman Vision 2040. — ONA


Observer
4 days ago
- Observer
Shabab Oman II departs Barcelona for Lisbon
MADRID: The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) vessel 'Shabab Oman II' on Monday left the Port of Barcelona in the Kingdom of Spain, bound for the Port of Lisbon in the Portuguese Republic. The vessel is on its seventh international voyage, titled 'Glories of the Seas', to the European continent. During the voyage, 'Shabab Oman II' will call at several ports and stations. — ONA