Oman Mourns the Loss of Abdulaziz Al-Rawas, a Pillar of Media and Culture

On Sunday evening, Oman mourned the passing of Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Rawas, a retired advisor whose significant contributions shaped the country’s media and cultural landscape. His career, which spanned over fifty years, stands as a testament to his dedication and unwavering commitment to serving his nation.

Born in Salalah, Al-Rawas began his educational journey at Al-Saidiya School before moving to Kuwait, where he embarked on a career in the diplomatic corps. Following the ascension of Sultan Qaboos bin Said – may his soul rest in peace – to the throne, Al-Rawas returned to Oman and commenced a distinguished career in the media and cultural sectors.

Al-Rawas earned an honorary doctorate from the Arab Historians Union in recognition of his extensive contributions to media and communication, supported by rigorous training in these fields. He began his career as the Director of Media in Dhofar and later moved to Muscat, where he was appointed General Director of Public Relations and External Communications at the Ministry of Information. On January 1, 1976, he was promoted to Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information for media affairs, a role he held until his appointment as Minister of Information and Youth on May 22, 1979.

During his tenure as Minister, Al-Rawas was instrumental in advancing the country’s media infrastructure and modernizing the legislative framework governing media operations.

In 2001, he took on the role of Cultural Advisor to Sultan Qaboos, overseeing numerous major cultural projects. As Chairman of the National Committee for the Preservation of Antiquities in Dhofar, he spearheaded efforts to protect Omani heritage, successfully securing the inclusion of several heritage sites on the World Heritage List. His initiatives also included significant development projects at historical and heritage sites across the country.

Al-Rawas continued to contribute to Omani media and culture until his retirement on April 1, 2020. His illustrious career, marked by a profound impact on his nation, leaves behind a lasting legacy in both fields.

Key Achievements in the Ministry of Information

During his tenure, the late Abdulaziz Al-Rawas significantly impacted Oman’s media landscape with several key milestones:

• Dar Al-Jarida Oman (1980): Established a press house to enhance media infrastructure.
• Media Sector Streamlining (1983): Implemented a system to organize and regulate media operations.
• Oman Television Production Authority (1983-1997): Played a crucial role in establishing this body to foster visual arts.
• High Committee for Media Planning (1984): Founded to develop and oversee media strategies.
• Press and Publications Law (1984): Facilitated the law regulating publications and the press.
• Oman News Agency (1986): Established as the official news source.
• Oman Press, News, Publishing, and Advertising Foundation (1997): Oversaw journalism and publishing activities.
• Artistic Works Censorship Law (1997): Enacted a law regulating artistic censorship.
• Press Club Foundation: Supported journalists and advanced journalism in Oman.

These achievements highlight his pivotal role in shaping Oman’s media framework.