Engaging in community dialogue...

Engaging in community dialogue and bridging the divide between the state agencies and society are still essential in finding common ground for modernisation and growth we envision for our country. These approaches are based on wide national perspectives that include all societal groups and taken into consideration all real national voices to build the homeland by contributing opinions, ideas, proposals and kind words.

As an embodiment of the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Muscat Governorate is translating this into reality through conversations with various social groups and by paying attention to the hopes and dreams of the younger generation for a better future.

As part of strategy to elevate the Omani capital, which is the centre of attention, there is a sincere effort to establish a foundation for community dialogue that seeks to reach a path for developing the governorate and adding a human sense to the cities. Such endeavours are being pursued on the basis of realistic foundations built on various standards to construct a thriving Muscat that will be as majestic and high as its mountains.

The capital boosts unique natural features that Allah has bestowed upon it, and which are scarcely found in many capitals around the world. Dialogue for Muscat is not like all other conversations, and adding aesthetics to the city’s glamour makes it even harder to successfully fulfill this mission.

Opting for what fits well with the Muscat’s glory and history requires deeper thoughts than merely manifesting those traits. Therefore, the dialogue launched by the Minister of State and Governor of Muscat as a public survey on what should be added to Muscat. This requires the participants and community groups in Muscat to support this approach and dialogue on what the capital needs.

There is no doubt that the community dialogue pursued by the state authorities to reach common visions for building Oman extends to the methodologies of participation in decision-making in the country and is an extension of the democratic experiences in running the country’s affairs. It is not unusual that dialogues with the community groups in Muscat are part of this approach and these directives that are fully translated into reality for the advancement of this country on the basis of public participation, leading to solutions which satisfy all groups, and taking all opinions into account and building on the steps agreed by everybody. We are glad to see this embodies a major societal experience and to see it gaining such momentum and attention across the board.

Maybe the talks held by the Muscat Governorate on humanisation of cities, the entertainment sector, and innovation opportunities convey the governorate's goals and future aspirations to keep developing new entertainment areas, developing different locations, and utilising the topography or geography of the area to add beauty to any modernisation project that makes Muscat an ideal place.

The talks could also be an opportunity for putting forward the future development plans aiming for converting the capital into a smart and environmentally-friendly city adopting latest technology in buildings, construction and urbanisation standards worldwide in order to achieve the desired goals to make Muscat the world’s premier capital that beholds everything and pleases the soul and eye.

Such plans would also envisage making use of the environmental aspects and harnessing them to serve the country’s tourist objectives, which adds another aesthetic dimension to the beauty of Muscat. When all of this is accomplished with the help of all societal segments and through such dialogue, it is only natural for these endeavours to bear fruits and be financially feasible when business owners are presented with projects, initiatives, and ideas to develop the geographical, natural, and environmental capabilities and harness them in a way that is congruent with societal aspirations without undermining their divine nature or violating its features as an environment that requires much balance in order for development to be sustainable as we all desire.

The dialogue will definitely continue to revolve around the efforts to achieve good for this country and its people. Community empowerment is increasing thanks to the Royal directives, and the authorities are exerting all their efforts to listen to the voice of society that aims for reform and building. However, we must keep in mind that implementation takes time, so we shouldn't rush things.

We hope that the efforts of Muscat Governorate will be crowned with success, and that efforts will continue to further enhance its esteemed position and distinguished reputation among the capitals of the world. The governorate’s rich history, its geographical and natural features, and the values and ideals of its people - who are tolerant towards all nationals, races and species from the time of creation, and their legacy and long-standing customs - will forever remain the single real beauty that adds to its development a splendid glamour where cities combine authenticity and modernity without being flashy or ostentatious drawing attention to its magnificent essence.