Ministry of Information
Government ministry of Oman responsible for national media policy and legislation, overseeing the Oman News Agency, radio, television and media training.
Industry: Government administration (media) | Location: Oman | Founded: 1970
About Ministry of Information
The Ministry of Information is the Omani government ministry responsible for the Sultanate's media. Its media portal, omaninfo.om, publishes official ministry news. The ministry's own account of its mandate lists proposing general media policy for Council of Ministers approval, drafting and overseeing media legislation, informing citizens about domestic and foreign affairs, presenting Oman's positions abroad and supporting the national press.
The ministry traces its origin to December 1970, when the first ministry was created as the Ministry of Information, Social Affairs and Labour. The Ministry of Information and Tourism was established on 17 November 1973 and renamed the Ministry of Information and Culture on 8 December 1974. It was renamed again in 1979 and 1982, becoming the Ministry of Information. A royal decree dated June 2001 appointed Hamad bin Mohammed bin Mohsen Al-Rashdi as minister, and Dr Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi has held the post since 18 August 2020.
According to the ministry, its affiliated bodies are the Oman News Agency, the Oman Broadcasting Services radio, Oman Television, press, publishing and advertising, electronic media, the Media Training Centre and the media attaché offices. It also oversees the Ayn electronic platform and the Ayn Short Film Festival. Its stated vision is competitive performance for Omani media and smart media services.
Al Harrasi holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Sultan Qaboos University and a doctorate in translation studies from Aston University. From 2011 to 2020 he chaired the Public Authority for Radio and Television.
In April 2024 the Oman Observer reported that the minister told the Majlis Ash'shura the ministry had more than 120 correspondents and journalists supplying content from all governorates, regional media offices in Dhofar and Al Wusta, and social media accounts with over 6 million followers at the end of 2023. The same report said the Majlis had approved a draft media law that would merge three existing laws.
In October 2026 the portal's headlines covered the 2026 media excellence awards, preparations for the 30th Muscat International Book Fair and a new radio transmitter station in Mugsheen, Dhofar.