The First Gulf Forum for the Blind

The Association organized the 1st Gulf Forum for the Blind from January 4 to 7, with the participation of over 120 blind individuals and their companions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sohar. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and in the presence of Her Excellency Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, His Excellency Mohammed bin Suleiman Al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah, along with a number of excellencies, officials, and representatives from government and private entities. The forum aimed to strengthen ties of cooperation and communication among the blind in GCC countries, exchange successful experiences and expertise, and highlight their capabilities and creativity across various fields, contributing to their enhanced integration and empowerment in society. The forum featured a diverse program that included field visits to historical, tourist, and economic landmarks in the North Al Batinah Governorate, specialized training workshops on investing in the Muscat Stock Exchange and Artificial Intelligence, alongside an intellectual media panel discussion and an artistic and cultural evening. The opening ceremony also featured the Gulf operetta "Marakab Al-Noor" (The Ship of Light), which embodied the history and civilization of the GCC countries and the spirit of brotherhood and cohesion among their peoples. The forum's activities concluded with an official ceremony under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development. During the ceremony, supporting and contributing entities that ensured the forum's success, as well as the participating delegations, were honored, and the key outcomes and recommendations of the event were reviewed. The 1st Gulf Forum for the Blind is considered one of the most prominent events carried out by the Association, as it contributed to enhancing the standing of the North Al Batinah Governorate as a destination for joint Gulf events, reflecting the pioneering role played by the Association in serving and empowering blind individuals and building partnerships with various government and private institutions at both the local and Gulf levels.