Public Majlisis in Muscat … Venues for Community Communication and Cohesion
07/05/2026
Public majlisis, or “Sablas,” in Muscat Governorate continue to maintain their presence as a prominent feature of social life in Oman. They have served as a common gathering place for the people of villages in the wilayats, where they discuss affairs and raise issues. Despite changes in lifestyles and the decline in the pace of daily meetings, these majlisis still play an important role in preserving values and traditions and in strengthening social cohesion, especially during social and religious occasions.
Dr. Saeed bin Hamad Al-Hassani, who is Retired Brigadier General, is a representative of the public majlis in Boashar, explained that the number of active majlisis in the wilayat is approximately nine, with notable attendance from both elderly people and the youth. Discussions in these majlisis revolve around social and religious aspects, in addition to addressing local community issues and searching for solutions to them. These gatherings also contribute to strengthening family and social ties, especially in smaller majlisis where family-related matters are sometimes discussed directly. He pointed out that the majlisis are characterized by a strong sense of unity in their mission to serve the public good and enhance social cohesion among community members, with continuous coordination among their representatives in cooperation with sheikhs and rasheeds.
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Initiatives That Strengthen Social Solidarity
Al-Hassani added that several initiatives started in some majlisis and were later adopted by others, highlighting their role in serving the community and promoting social solidarity, and contributing to things like group marriage initiatives, and organizing village clean-up campaigns after climatic disturbances. He also continued to say that the majlis also contribute to strengthening social cohesion and cooperation through meetings and activities that bring community members together, which positively reflects on the unity and stability of society. He noted that this role also includes supporting families in need by providing assistance and making the majlis available for occasions such as weddings and condolence gatherings, within a framework of solidarity among community members.
- The Youth and Digital Challenges
Regarding youth participation, Al-Hassani explained that there is a noticeable reluctance among some young people to attend, attributed to modern-day distractions and a lack of initiative to participate. At the same time, he emphasized that the role of the family in raising awareness, along with community efforts, remains a crucial factor in strengthening their connection to the majlis. However, this challenge can be overcome by introducing topics that interest young people and organizing activities, competitions, and volunteer work that attract youth participation. Social media has also changed the nature of interaction within the majlis, but at the same time, it has become a supportive tool for coordination, discussing topics, and promoting majlis activities through electronic accounts on social networking platforms.
- A Community Perspective from As`Seeb
Saud Al-Nahdi, who is a citizen from As`Seeb, confirmed that public majlis represent a strong extension of Omani heritage and a renewed image of the “Sabla,” which has embraced community life throughout its different stages. He pointed out that society remains attached to it as an essential part of its social heritage. He called for supporting the establishment of majlisis within residential neighborhoods, allowing residents to practice their customs and traditions, while emphasizing the importance of regularly attending them as spaces for communication and strengthening bonds among community members. He also added that majlisis continue to be well attended during social and religious occasions, where being present is considered an essential part of practices that strengthen connections among relatives and acquaintances.
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The Majlis in Mutrah … A Central Role in Serving the Community
In Mutrah, Ibrahim Al-Balushi, representative of the public majlis of Mutrah, said that public majlis represent a social forum where daily community matters are discussed, and their topics are closely connected to residents. These include organizing weddings, condolence gatherings, and events, supporting families in need, encouraging youth initiatives, hosting cultural and sports activities, participating in community initiatives, and discussing development projects in the area. He added that these majlis contribute to strengthening social cohesion and reinforcing the spirit of cooperation by bringing together different groups of society in one place, which enhances communication and a sense of belonging. They also play a role in reconciliation among people and in resolving conflicts in a friendly spirit, helping to preserve relationships and prevent social fragmentation.
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Integration of Roles with Wali Offices
The offices of the Walis in Muscat Governorate complement the roles of public majlisis in the wilyah, serving as a link between the community and official authorities. They contribute to organizing the work of the majlis and activating their initiatives in ways that serve the public interest, in accordance with the royal decree No. (36/2022), which outlines Wali responsibilities such as maintaining public order, following up on tribal affairs, and communicating with sheikhs and rasheeds, and citizens to understand their needs.