The official national television broadcaster for the Sultanate of Oman hosted Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), for an interview addressing cultural and civilizational issues and highlighting the Organization’s key programs and initiatives to strengthen communication and rapprochement among the countries of the Islamic world.

During the live interview, broadcast on Thursday, 27 August 2026, as part of the program ” The People and the Autumn,” Dr. AlMalik presented ICESCO’s new “Bridges of Civilization” program, launched by the General Secretariat of National Commissions and Conferences. He explained that the program forms part of ICESCO’s efforts to advance civilizational diplomacy and expand opportunities for dialogue and exchange among Member States. He noted that it enables participants to gain first-hand insight into the distinctive national characteristics and cultural and civilizational assets of each Member State.

The Director-General also highlighted the rich heritage and cultural and tourism attractions of Dhofar Governorate, expressing his appreciation for its natural diversity and civilizational richness, where history, environment, and culture converge. He noted that several heritage sites in the governorate are included on ICESCO’s Heritage List in the Islamic World.

Dr. AlMalik stressed that heritage is not merely an extension of the past, but a living component of identity and a resource for shaping the future. He emphasized that safeguarding cultural heritage must go hand in hand with investment in knowledge and creativity and with empowering future generations.

Dr. AlMalik also recited a poem entitled “Salalah and the Beauty of Its Panorama,” celebrating Dhofar Governorate and evoking its landscapes, natural beauty, and deep historical and civilizational heritage.
The interview concluded with a message from the Director-General to the youth of the Islamic world, encouraging them to take pride in their heritage, recognize its value, contribute to its preservation, and volunteer to protect heritage sites and landmarks.

The interview took place on the sidelines of the visit of ICESCO delegation, headed by Dr. AlMalik, to Dhofar Governorate under the “Bridges of Civilization” program, currently hosted by the Sultanate of Oman.