Arab Media Forum kicks-off in Salalah

Salalah: The Arab Media Forum was opened in Salalah on Monday under the patronage of Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Minister of State, Governor of Dhofar.
The opening of the three-day forum, which is being organised by the Omani Journalists Association (OJA), was attended by Sheikh Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Service and officials. The chief guest and the attendees toured the photos gallery themed “Omani Features” and documenting the tropical cyclone “Mekunu” that contains 100 photos taken by journalist photographers.
The chief guest praised in a statement the efforts of the OJA and the Omani media means for their credibility, professionalism, accuracy and objectivity in dealing with events and not to exaggerate what is published.
Ali bin Khalfan Al Jabri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information gave a speech during which he pointed out that the Arab forum came after extraordinary circumstances in the governorates of Dhofar and Al Wusta and its title is consistent with the conditions witnessed by the Sultanate through responsibility and professionalism in dealing with such crises and their management.
Salim bin Hamad Al Jahwari, OJA Deputy Chairman gave a speech saying that organising this forum aims to highlight the tourist aspect in the Governorate of Dhofar and support activities implemented by the Ministry of Tourism and Dhofar Municipality during Khareef “Monsoon season”. Dr. Abdulla bin Abdulrahman Al Jahlan, Secretary General of the Saudi Journalists Association (SJA), Vice President of the Union of Arab Journalists, delivered a speech during which he pointed out that the forum represents one of the right images of the joint Arab media work to serve the urgent needs in the Arab media arena.
The programme of the forum, which involves journalists from inside and outside Oman, includes visits and tours to the major tourist and archaeological landmarks in the Governorate of Dhofar, in addition to organising a training course tomorrow “Tuesday” under the title “Arab Media Between Responsibility and Professionalism in Dealing with Crises”.
The programme of the course includes a number of topics, such as discussing ethics of journalism, ways to confront rumors and fabricated news, besides discussing media responsibility in promoting civil peace and psychological safety of journalists during and after crises.
The forum aims at providing the opportunity for sharing experiences among participants and stressing the importance of developing skills and abilities of journalists and media professionals in the Arab world, as well as highlighting the tourist, economic and cultural monuments in the Sultanate.