News & Event

The Ministry of Education celebrated the conclusion of the “Friends of the Road” road safety program for the academic year 2025/2026, which the Ministry is implementing in (70) government schools, and (5) private and international schools, in all educational directorates of the governorates in the Sultanate of Oman, in partnership with the Royal Oman Police and with the support of Oman Shell Company.

The closing ceremony was patronized by Major General Hamed bin Ahmed bin Said Sakroun, Chairman of the Academy of Strategic and Defence Studies, in the presence of Their Excellencies, Ali Al Janabi, Chairman of Oman Shell Companies, representatives of military and security units, directors-general, and the educational community, at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat Al Mouj.

The ceremony began with a rendition of the Royal Anthem, followed by a welcoming segment titled "Friends of the Road," presented by students from Rawad Al-Ula Basic Education School (Grades 1-4) in Muscat Governorate. Khaled Al-Bassami, Head of the Central Team for the Friends of the Road Program at the Ministry, then delivered a speech in which he stated: "The number of participating students reached approximately 3,225, which reinforces the program's impact and underscores its role in building a more aware and responsible generation. What distinguishes Friends of the Road is that it is not limited to theoretical awareness but extends to building conscious behavior both inside and outside the school, reaching the family and the community. It makes the student an ambassador for safety, and the school a launching point towards a more aware and committed society. It is a fitting coincidence that this closing ceremony coincides with the Gulf Traffic Week in Muscat, where our schools from various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman are present, not only as participants, but as agents of change, through the high-quality outputs they present that reflect student awareness and embody the fruits of this program in their real practices and behaviors."

This was followed by a visual presentation titled "The Harvest," which included an overview of the program and its achievements in schools. Afterwards, Al-Ahnaf Al-Zubaidi, Director of Social Investment and Community Relations at Oman Shell, delivered the company's speech, stating: "This year, the 'Friends of the Road' program has witnessed a rich new journey touching students' awareness and contributing to the development of teachers who have earned the title of 'Ambassadors of Safety' in the community. This effort has translated into tangible improvements in knowledge and skills. What makes us even prouder is the mature awareness, progressive thinking, and innovative spirit demonstrated by our participating students. They not only understood traffic safety but also redefined it in the language of the future."

Following this, a presentation on "Al-Midan" and "Al-Azi" was given, containing advice and guidance for drivers and pedestrians. This presentation was delivered by students from Al-Mubarrad Boys' School (grades 5-9) in North Al Batinah Governorate. Afterwards, Major Issa Al-Nabhani, Assistant Director of the Traffic Safety Institute at the Royal Oman Police, delivered the police speech, stating: "The 'Friends of the Road' program is one of the awareness programs that reflects our commitment to promoting a culture of traffic safety, spreading awareness, and building a more responsible and conscious society regarding road rules and ethics among school students in all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman since its inception. This is evident from the visits we made to some schools, where the program had a positive impact. The remarkable interaction and commitment shown by all teachers and participating students testifies to the success of this program and the achievement of its objectives. As we conclude this phase, we emphasize that what has been achieved is only the beginning of a continuous journey of giving, through which we aspire to be a model to be emulated in awareness, discipline, and commitment to promoting traffic culture. We also affirm that the Directorate-General of Traffic, represented by the Traffic Safety Institutes in all governorates, is fully prepared to provide support, awareness lectures and training programs in cooperation with the Directorates-General of Education."

The program aims to raise the level of traffic culture among students to reduce traffic accidents, minimize the risks resulting from them, and develop positive and correct traffic behaviors among students that help build a traffic-conscious society through the participatory role between the school and the community.