Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman hosted the Oasis of Dialogue Forum, centred around the theme "Identity and Tourism in the GCC," marking a significant milestone in regional collaboration.
Under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, the Governor of Dhofar, the forum brought together 100 participants from GCC. The Qatar Debate Center, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, and the Oman Debate Centre, organised the events.
The forum's sessions encompassed workshops and dialogues on specialised topics in tourism, entertainment, sports and culture. The first day featured discussions on national identity and institutional discourse analysis. The the second day of the forum, there was a collective session on research methodologies in the humanities presented by Dr Ahmed Ibrahim Abushouk, a professor of modern and contemporary history at Qatar University.
Additionally, a key session involving decision-makers addressed 'Identity and Tourism in the GCC', featuring insights from Sayyid Marwan al Said, Hassan al Zuwaidi, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Projects and Heritage in Qatar and Saad Al Rameehi, Chairman of the Board of the Qatar Press Center. The session was moderated by Dr Ali bin Yusuf Al Sand, an academic and Kuwaiti media personality.
His Highness Sayyid Firas bin Fatik al Said, Chairman of the Board of Oman Debates Centre, affirmed that the forum represents a significant step towards enhancing the role of debates in the Sultanate of Oman. It provides a platform for youth to express their ideas on important issues related to current transformations in the Gulf region. He emphasised the forum's importance in promoting mutual understanding and strengthening ties among the region's youth. He explained that the choice of the theme 'Identity and Tourism in the GCC' reflects significant changes in the tourism sector and cultural identity in Gulf countries. He confirmed that dialogue on these issues contributes to a better understanding of cultural and economic transformations, aiming to shape a common understanding and guide youth thinking towards creative solutions that enhance communication and collaboration in the region.
Dr Haya Maaref, the Executive Director of the Qatar Debates Center, stated that the first edition of the Oasis of Dialogue Forum for the year 2024 in Muscat comes within the framework of a strategic partnership between the Qatar Debates Center, the Oman Debates Centre, and the Omani Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth. She emphasised the importance of engaging with the "Identity and Tourism" theme amid rapid changes in the tourism sector in the region.
Hilal bin Saif al Siyabi, Director General of the General Directorate for Youth at the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, affirmed that the forum serves as a model for regional cooperation and vital interaction among various entities. He expressed their aspirations to enhance dialogue and the Omani youth's engagement with their counterparts in the Arab Gulf countries.
He underscored the importance of the 'Identity and Tourism in the GCC' theme as an issue worthy of thought and discussion.
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