Introduction

In an endeavor to fulfil the royal directives aiming at achieving digital transformation, and to build bridges of effective communication between the Ministry of Information and the public, the Ministry of Information has activated a number of digital communication channels. It aims to give opportunities for the public to share their views and suggestions that would help to develop and improve media services, in line with the aspirations of the public, and meet their requirements. The Ministry is keen to diversify the forms of electronic participation to enable various segments of the public to communicate their opinions and suggestions, which enhances decision-making mechanisms.

  Objectives of the E-participation Policy

  • Enhancing the concept of interaction and participation between the Ministry of Information and the public in decision-making.
  • Explaining the tools and methods used within e-participation processes.
  • Determining controls and standards for different methods of e-participation of the Ministry of Information
  • Keeping the public aware of the steps and procedures followed in participation process, and the benefits gained.

Features of e-participation of the Ministry of Information  

  • Credibility and transparency: As credibility is one of the authentic aspects of the Omani media, the Ministry relies on the principle of credibility and transparency in providing information and data to the public.
  • Participation as an inherent right of the public: The Ministry of Information provides electronic participation to the public, as one of the essential rights to enhance participation in decision-making based on integration of visions.
  • Diversity digital templates and forms: The Ministry is keen to provide different templates to activate e-participation, in order to ensure the achievement of e-participation on one hand, and to provide the opportunity for various segments of community to engage in e-participation on the other hand

Tools and methods for achieving e-participation for the Ministry of Information

  • Electronic accounts through various social media sites: The Ministry of Information has a large number of followers within the Ministry’s electronic accounts. According to the 2024 statistics, the number of the followers reaches more than 6 million. The Ministry owns many accounts on various social media sites such as (X/ Instagram/Facebook/Threads/TikTok).
  • Websites affiliated to the Ministry of Information: There are a number of websites that are affiliated to the Ministry and provide various media services including (Info Portal, Ayn Platform, Omani News Agency, Oman Newspaper, and Observer Newspaper). Each website provides different services to meet the public’s requirements.
  • E-mail accounts for a number of media services: The Ministry of Information has a number of e-mail accounts for various services, including an e-mail for Oman News Agency, Info portal, Oman Newspaper, Ayn Platform, and General Directorate of Television
  • Phone contact and chat sites (WhatsApp): One of the forms of electronic participation is offering opportunities for the public to communicate with the Ministry at any time, and anywhere, via the WhatsApp chat app accounts, as a large

The competent authority concerned with e-participation policy

The General Directorate of Electronic Media at the Ministry of Information is the entity responsible for managing electronic participation tools, including the Ministry’s electronic accounts on social media sites and e-mails. It carries out a number of activities to achieve interaction within e-participation, which are as follows:

  • Preparing media plans to activate communication with the public through developing and improving electronic services provided to the public.
  • Supervising and managing the accounts and websites of the Ministry of Information.
  • Disseminating news and information about the Ministry of Information and its achievements.
  • Providing an electronic copy of files of interest to the public through the Ministry of Information website (Info portal).
  • Disseminating media messages to raise awareness of specific topics
  • Monitoring and following up on the public’s opinions on topics related to the Ministry of Information or various media channels.
  • Educating the public about the roles and achievements of the Ministry of Information
  • Offering competitions and, media cultural activities to achieve positive interaction between the Ministry and the public.

Websites of the Ministry:

The Ministry of Information owns many accounts on social media sites, including Oman News agency, the government communication center, and radio and television channels.

WhatsApp numbers: 91143224 / 71155502