Sunday 23 / February / 2025
Muscat: Oman’s oldest English newspaper Times of Oman recently marked its 50th anniversary, celebrating a half-century of journalistic excellence and its enduring connection with the community in Oman.
The colourful event, which honoured the unwavering loyalty of its long-time readers, featured exclusive gift vouchers from sponsors, including Woodlands, Intercontinental Hotel, Malabar Gold, Vox Cinema, Magic Planet, Snow Oman, Burjeel Hospital, FunZone, Sri Sri Ayurveda, 001 Pizza, and Art of Living.
These tokens of appreciation were a heartfelt thank you to the readers who have supported the newspaper throughout its journey.
A particularly delighted recipient, Aarush, a local teenager, shared his excitement upon receiving Snow Oman and Animal Planet vouchers.
Speaking on his upbringing in Oman, Aarush said, “Growing up with Times of Oman has been an incredible experience. The paper has always been a part of my life, and I’m thrilled to be part of this anniversary celebration - it’s truly special to see how much the paper has contributed to Oman.”
The 50-year journey of Times of Oman stands as a testament to its dedication, resilience, and journalistic excellence.
Since its inception on February 23, 1975, the newspaper has been a steadfast chronicler of Oman’s progress, offering a unique lens through which Oman’s story is told.
The publication has continuously redefined media standards, fostering awareness and promoting national identity while adapting to the changing media landscape.
Today, Times of Oman reaches over 65% of the country’s population through its 360° platforms, including its widely popular website, which garners over 30 million views each month, the dynamic Times TV channel, and TFM radio.
These diverse media outlets under the single umbrella of Muscat Media Group ensure that the newspaper remains at the forefront of providing news, entertainment, and information to Omani residents and beyond.
Reflecting on the occasion, Sandeep Arora, CEO of a diversified investment group and a long-time resident of Oman, shared his thoughts on the newspaper’s role in the country’s development.
“As a long-term resident, I’ve seen firsthand how Times of Oman has not only been an important news outlet but also a catalyst in Oman’s growth. The paper has consistently played a key role in informing the nation and shaping the country’s narrative both locally and internationally,” Arora said. His words highlighted the importance of the newspaper as a cornerstone of Oman’s media industry.
The history of Times of Oman traces back to an unexpected yet significant moment that would forever shape the country’s media landscape.
In 1974, a telex from a US-based company mistakenly addressed to “Muscat, Oman, Saudi Arabia” caught the attention of the Late Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali, who was then a director at the Foreign Ministry.
The error deeply resonated with him, inspiring him to establish an English-language newspaper that would showcase Oman on the global map.
From this defining moment, Times of Oman was born, driven by the vision of bridging Oman’s heritage with its ambitions for greater international visibility.
Throughout the past five decades, Times of Oman has weathered challenges, embraced technological advances, and upheld its core values of credibility, reliability, and journalistic integrity.
As the newspaper embarks on its next chapter, it does so with a renewed commitment to its mission: to inform, inspire, and engage readers, while continuing to serve as a trusted voice in Oman and beyond.
The anniversary not only marked a historic milestone but also serves as a reminder of the newspaper’s lasting impact on Omani society and its ongoing contributions to the nation’s progress.
Times of Oman remains steadfast in its goal of bridging the past with the future, shaping conversations, and inspiring generations to come.
