In 1996, Alwatan switched to the Broadsheet format and set its slogan. On July 18, 1997, Alwatan launched its Internet website and service, providing readers access to its articles.[1][2][4] In 1999, Alwatan changed to glossy paper, and became the first newspaper to use this type of paper in Oman. In 2001, Alwatan increased the number of the newspaper's pages and added new sections to celebrate the newspaper's 30th anniversary.[1][2]