Panel discussion explores role of folk culture in sustainable development

Muscat: The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, represented by the Literary Forum, held a panel discussion on Monday titled, "The Role of Folk Culture in Providing Means for Sustainable Development: Omani Culture as a Model."

The session featured a research paper presented by Dr. Hajer Abdulrahman Harrathi, an associate professor of ancient Arabic literature at Sohar University and a researcher specialising in folk culture, interdisciplinary studies, and cultural economics.

The paper highlighted the importance of Omani folk culture as a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development by connecting it to the economy, society, and environment.

It focused on exploring the functional value of intangible cultural heritage and how to leverage it as a developmental resource to support local communities, enhance economic innovation, and contribute to building a cohesive national identity.