Muscat Daily
93 SHELTERED AS RAINS CONTINUE
Heavy rainfall over the past few days has prompted authorities to activate shelter centres in several parts of the sultanate, while some public transport services have been suspended as a precaution amid a weather system linked to the Al Misarrat low...
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‘Crossing wadis remains top cause of emergencies’
The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) has confirmed that attempts to cross flowing wadis remain the leading cause of emergency incidents during the current weather conditions in Oman, despite repeated warnings. Heavy rains over the past few...
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Plans for short haul domestic routes to expand air connectivity
Oman is set to launch a new domestic air service before the end of this year, aimed at strengthening connectivity between governorates and remote areas, improving access to economic and tourism hubs, and supporting transport for the oil and gas...
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Oman climbs 19 places in economic freedom index
Oman has climbed 19 places in the 2026 Index of Economic Freedom, issued by the USbased Heritage Foundation, ranking 39th globally, compared with 58th in 2025. The index evaluates 176 economies worldwide to measure the level of economic freedom, based...
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Ro762mn boost for urban development
Oman signed 17 investment and development agreements worth more than Ro762mn during its participation in MIPIM 2026 in Cannes, France, which concluded on Friday, highlighting growing international interest in the sultanate’s urban development...
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Charter aviation brings Ro30mn tourism revenue
The charter aviation sector generated more than Ro30mn in economic returns for Oman in 2025, according to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT). The figure includes revenues from accommodation, transportation and tourist trips, excluding...
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Mandatory savings scheme for expats among new social protection reforms
The Social Protection Fund (SPF) is preparing to introduce several new insurance programmes between 2026 and 2028 as part of efforts to expand social protection coverage and enhance job and financial security in the labour market. The initiatives were...
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MTCIT to expand digital economy
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has unveiled a new set of initiatives to expand Oman’s digital economy over the next five years, including plans to establish digital transformation centres across all...
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Oman Air boosts capacity with 80 extra flights
Oman Air has reaffirmed its commitment to international travellers after transporting more than 97,000 passengers over the past week, while adding nearly 80 extra flights to accommodate a sharp rise in travel demand. While ongoing regional challenges...
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Oman calls for joint Arab action
Oman on Sunday called for urgent diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict involving Iran, warning that continued hostilities could threaten regional stability and global economic interests. The appeal came during an extraordinary ministerial meeting...
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OMAN’S TRADE SURPLUS DOWN 27% TO RO6BN
Oman recorded a trade surplus of Ro6.097bn for the full year 2025, down 26.9% from Ro8.341bn in 2024, mainly due to a sharp decline in value of oil exports. Preliminary statistics from the National Centre for Statistics and Information showed that the...
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Ro186mn to expand Muscat Expressway, Ibra carriageway
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, in coordination with the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, has awarded contracts worth Ro186.3mn for two major road projects aimed at easing congestion and improving...
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Drones target ports in Duqm, Salalah; air traffic disrupted
Oman came under drone attacks on Tuesday, with vital installations targeted in the ports of Duqm and Salalah. A security source confirmed that two drones were intercepted over the skies of Dhofar, while a third fell near the Port of Salalah, with no...
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Drone attack on tanker off Muscat kills crew member
An oil tanker flying the flag of the Marshall Islands was struck by a drone boat on Monday in waters off Muscat, triggering a fire and leaving one crew member dead. The vessel, identified as MKD VYOM, was sailing approximately 52 nautical miles off...
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Drones strike Duqm port, oil tanker near Khasab
Oman has strongly condemned two separate drone attacks targeting Port of Duqm and an oil tanker off the coast of Khasab, describing the incidents as acts of aggression amid heightened regional tensions. According to a security source, two unmanned...
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REGION ON THE BRINK
The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on Saturday, triggering Iranian retaliation and raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Large explosions were reported in Tehran and several other cities, with smoke seen rising...
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FDI UP 16% TO RO30.9BN
Foreign direct investment into Oman increased 16.2% year-on-year by the end of the third quarter of 2025, with total FDI stocks reaching Ro30.948bn, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). FDI inflows...
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Major traffic accidents up 13%
Unaudited official figures released by the Financial Services Authority show that insurance companies registered approximately 75,300 traffic accidents in 2025, compared to 75,200 in 2024 - a marginal increase of 0.1%. Compensation for traffic...
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18 pharma factories planned; health budget nears Ro1bn
Oman is expanding its pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity with 18 new production facilities under construction, in addition to 20 facilities currently operating across the sultanate, the Ministry of Health (MOH) stated on Sunday. The announcement...
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MTCIT plans direct Muscat–tashkent flights
Oman is stepping up efforts to strengthen transport and logistics ties with Uzbekistan, as part of a broader strategy to enhance connectivity with Central Asia and reinforce its position as a regional transit hub. The Ministry of Transport,...
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Oman’s investment outlook rated ‘favourable’ in global resilience index
Oman is ranked 55th in the inaugural Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index released by Henley & Partners in partnership with Alphageo. The sultanate recorded a total score of 63.80 out of 100, placing it in the ‘Favourable Outlook’ category. The...
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His Majesty exchanges Ramadan greetings
Muscat - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik exchanged greetings on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan with leaders of Arab and friendly Islamic countries on Wednesday. His Majesty the Sultan expressed his best wishes to the leaders, praying...
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Telecom revenues grow 25%; IOT subscriptions jump 358%
Fifty government schools have been connected to the Starlink satellite Internet service and the telecom sector’s 2025 revenue rose 25% to Ro961mn, officials said on Tuesday. At a media briefing, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)...
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SEZS, industrial cities attract Ro1.4bn in new investments
New investments in special economic zones (SEZ), free zones and industrial cities exceeded Ro1.4bn in 2025, pushing total committed investments in facilities overseen by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) to Ro22.4bn...
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SURVEY SHOWS RISING NCD RISK IN OMAN
Non-communicable diseases (NCDS) continue to pose a major public health burden in Oman, with one in three adults living with hypertension and more than 60% classified as overweight or obese, according to the 2025 National Survey of Non-communicable...
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SHOP IN-STORE & ONLINE
Suwaiq farmer’s sesame harvest sparks interest in high-value crop
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Brazilian firm invests $150mn in meat JV
JBS, a leading Brazilian global food company, has announced an investment of Us$150mn in Oman to create a new joint venture (JV) multiprotein production platform covering the production and export of beef, poultry and lamb. JBS has acquired an 80%...
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Ro100mn in labour fines waived as reform drive gathers pace
Labour fines worth Ro100mn were waived off in 2025 as part of a broader reform programme to regulate the labour market and support economic growth, the Ministry of Labour stated on Monday. The figure was announced at the second session of the Together...
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700,000 jobs projected in 11th Five-year Plan
Oman’s improving economic performance and declining public debt are reinforcing the economy’s ability to generate jobs, with around 700,000 jobs projected under the 11th Five-year Plan, including 300,000 for Omanis. According to H E Dr Said bin...
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Iran, US agree to continue nuclear talks following Muscat meeting
Muscat - Iran and the United States have agreed to continue nuclear negotiations following talks held in Oman, with both sides describing the discussions as constructive and setting the stage for a new round early this week. US President Donald Trump...
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EA to build 3D-printed underwater museum in Daymaniyat Islands
The Environment Authority (EA) plans to establish a 3Dprinted underwater museum in the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve, using artificial reef structures to protect marine biodiversity and promote sustainable ecotourism, an official stated. The...
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Ro935mn OIA investments to boost industry, job creation
Oman Investment Authority (OIA) launched four major industrial projects in the first month of the sultanate’s 11th Five-year Plan, translating national priorities into tangible investments that advance economic diversification, strengthen local content...
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Prosecution cases jump 19% to 55,164
The Public Prosecution received 55,164 cases in 2025, a 19% increase on the previous year, with higher filings in both misdemeanours and felonies, officials said at the authority’s annual conference on Sunday. Misdemeanours accounted for 52,553 cases...
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Strict rules introduced to protect reserves
In a move to safeguard Oman’s fragile ecosystems while positioning its reserves as sustainable tourism assets, the Environment Authority (EA) has rolled out strict regulations and fines governing activities in two of the sultanate’s most prized...
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OIA outlines structured divestment to boost FDI and private sector
Oman plans to divest stakes in around 30 companies under a structured programme aimed at strengthening investment, empowering the private sector and attracting foreign capital, according to Abdulsalam al Murshidi, President of Oman Investment Authority...
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Oman Air passengers surge 8% to record 5.8mn in 2025
Muscat - Oman Air has recorded strong commercial performance in 2025, marking an important milestone in the airline’s ongoing transformation programme and underscoring the impact of initiatives introduced to drive efficiency, sustainable growth and an...
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National programme to build satellite capabilities launched
Represented by Oman Lens company, the sultanate launched a national programme on Tuesday to develop and assemble a CubeSat satellite, marking a step towards building domestic capabilities in satellite manufacturing and space technologies. The...
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Oman aviation sector eyes Ro1bn investment by 2040
The aviation sector is projected to handle more than 40mn passengers and attract cumulative private sector investments exceeding Ro1bn by 2040, raising its contribution to the gross domestic product to over 3.5%, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)...
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SMUGGLING CASES RISE 10%
Oman recorded more than 1,000 cross-border smuggling cases in 2025, a 10% increase from the previous year, as authorities intensified measures to combat illicit trade and strengthen border security, a senior customs official said. Brig Gen Said bin...
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Ro1bn deals for power generation
Nama Power and Water Procurement (PWP) signed agreements on Thursday worth Ro1bn with two international consortia to develop new power generation projects in Misfah and Duqm, improving the sultanate’s electricity supply and supporting long-term energy...
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Oman up 5 places to rank 18th in Speedtest Global Index 2025
Oman has made significant gains in mobile and broadband performance, climbing five places to 18th in the Speedtest Global Index in 2025, according to Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence data. The country’s all-technology median download speed more than...
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Motor insurance cover expanded
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has approved new regulatory amendments to the Unified Motor Insurance Policy programme, expanding coverage for policyholders and introducing measures to improve service standards across the sector. Under Decision...
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Meloni visit signals new phase in Oman–italy economic ties
Oman and Italy are seeking to deepen economic cooperation as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrives in the sultanate on Wednesday, marking a step towards expanding bilateral ties beyond trade into long-term investment and sector-based...
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Royal directives extend social welfare to 1.6mn beneficiaries
On the occasion of the sixth Accession Day, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik issued Royal directives aimed at enhancing key social and economic sectors and supporting citizens’ living requirements. The directives reflect His Majesty’s continued...
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H M THE SULTAN VISITS MUSANNAH AIR BASE
Musannah - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Supreme Commander, paid a visit on Wednesday to the Musannah Air Base of Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO). Upon arrival of the Royal motorcade, His Majesty was received by Air Vice-marshal Khamis bin...
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Month-long nationwide campaign to celebrate 6th Accession Day
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) has announced a nationwide promotional campaign to mark the sixth anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s accession to the throne, reinforcing efforts to stimulate...
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400 Oman, GCC bikers to mark H M’s accession anniversary in Nizwa
In a display of unity and pride, around 400 motorcyclists from various governorates of Oman and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries will participate in the Renewed Oman Renaissance Ride in Nizwa, Dakhliyah on Saturday, January 10 to mark the...
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Ro11.9bn budget unveiled for 2026
The Ministry of Finance on Thursday announced the State’s General Budget for the fiscal year 2026, placing strong emphasis on social sectors, development projects and economic transformation, while maintaining fiscal discipline and continuing efforts...
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22 fisheries, agri investment projects to boost food security
A new cluster of fisheries and agricultural investments opportunities is set to transform Duqm into a hub for modern seafood industries while unlocking largescale farming potential in Dhofar, reinforcing Oman’s drive to strengthen food security, create...
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Cabinet approves advance annual announcement of public holidays
The Council of Ministers has approved a policy to announce the dates of national and religious public holidays in advance at the beginning of each Gregorian calendar year, in a move aimed at enhancing institutional efficiency and improving...
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‘Citizens must remain at heart of policymaking’
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik met the Chairman of the Majlis A’shura and members of the Majlis A’shura Office at Al Barakah Palace on Thursday. At the outset of the meeting, His Majesty praised Allah the Almighty for the blessings and abundance...
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Yemen prisoner exchange deal hailed
The Sultanate of Oman has won wide Arab praise for its role in hosting and facilitating negotiations that led to a landmark prisoners and detainees exchange agreement in Yemen, reinforcing its position as a trusted mediator in regional affairs. Arab...
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H M gives audience to Saudi Foreign Minister
Muscat - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik gave an audience to Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at Al Barakah Palace on Tuesday. Prince Faisal conveyed greetings of the Custodian of the...
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EA tightens rules for wildlife trade
The Environment Authority (EA) has issued executive regulations for the Law Regulating Trade in Wildlife, introducing stricter controls on the possession, import and export of wildlife and endangered species. The regulations were issued under Decision...
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H M, Modi chart expansion of ties
Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on Thursday, describing it as a milestone that will expand trade, investment and...
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PM Modi accorded official reception
Muscat - Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, arrived in Muscat on Wednesday for a two-day official visit to the Sultanate of Oman. H H Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, led the welcome...
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Oman delivers aid to Gaza under Royal directives
In implementation of Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman Charitable Organization (OCO) has sent thousands of tents to the Gaza Strip as part of the sultanate’s ongoing humanitarian assistance to families affected by the...
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Rules issued for electronic trial of rental disputes
The Ministry of Interior has issued a ministerial decision introducing regulations for the electronic adjudication of rental disputes, marking a new step towards streamlining dispute resolution and expanding digital government services. Ministerial...
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H M HOSTS DINNER ON SAF DAY
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, hosted a dinner at Al Alam Palace on Thursday on the occasion of Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) Day. The ceremony was attended by Royal family members, ministers, commanders of SAF, senior...
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Oman, Lebanon agree to deepen ties
Muscat - Oman and Lebanon have agreed to accelerate preparations for the first session of the Oman–lebanon Joint Committee and move forward with new agreements aimed at expanding cooperation across several sectors, according to a joint communique...
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H M welcomes Lebanese President
Muscat - President Gen Joseph Aoun of the Lebanese Republic arrived in Muscat on Tuesday on a two-day official visit to the Sultanate of Oman. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik led the welcoming party for the Lebanese President. His Majesty the...
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Fitch elevates Oman to investment grade
Fitch Ratings has upgraded Oman’s long-term foreign currency issuer default rating from BB+ to BBB- with a stable outlook, elevating the sultanate into investment-grade territory. The agency said the decision reflects the sustained improvement in...
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Muscat set for expanded 2026 festival across eight venues
Muscat Municipality will conduct an expanded edition of Muscat Nights 2026 from January 1 to 31, offering its broadest programme ever of cultural and recreational activities across the governorate. The festival will take place at eight locations:...
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Golden Residency draws investor interest
Three months after its launch, Oman’s ten-year Golden Residency programme is drawing growing interest from global investors, as the sultanate positions itself as a stable and well-regulated base for long-term economic activity, officials...
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GCC vows stronger unity, joint action
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Tuesday took part in the 46th Summit of the GCC Supreme Council at Sakhir Palace in Manama, Bahrain. He was received on arrival by King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa of Bahrain. Opening the session, King Hamad said...
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Ministers, State Council talks focus on joint policy alignment
Muscat – H H Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, along with the members of the Council of Ministers, received at the Council's building in Muscat on Tuesday Sheikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Chairman of...
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H M to attend GCC Summit in Bahrain
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik will travel to Bahrain on Wednesday to participate in the 46th Session of the GCC Supreme Council. The Diwan of Royal Court said His Majesty the Sultan will attend the summit in Manama on December 3, following an...
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Sayyid Badr warns world risks return to 'violent territorial conquest' norms
Muscat – Foreign Minister H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi has warned that foreign intervention is becoming increasingly normalised, weakening the international legal framework designed to protect states and prevent armed conflict. Speaking at the...
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Building more roads won’t fix Muscat’s traffic, says Humaidi
Expanding the road network alone will not resolve traffic congestion in Muscat governorate, Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, has said, highlighting that travel behaviour, rather than infrastructure capacity, is the...
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Nama Water delivers Ro408mn projects to meet rising demand
Under the patronage of H H Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said, Nama Water Services marked the completion of strategic water projects worth more than Ro408mn on Monday, coinciding with National Day celebrations. The projects form a major phase in...
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Major leap in space technology
Oman has signed an agreement with France’s Airbus Defence and Space to design, manufacture and launch the country’s first communications satellite - Omansat-1. The project marks a major step in strengthening the sultanate’s communications...
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HM receives credentials of 4 envoys
Muscat - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik received the credentials of four ambassadors appointed to the Sultanate of Oman at Al Barakah Palace on Wednesday. His Majesty the Sultan received the credentials of the following: Hrachya Poladian,...
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TWO WORLD CUPS FOR OMAN AT FIAP YOUTH BIENNIAL
Oman has claimed a double victory at the 42nd FIAP Youth Biennial, winning World Cup titles in both the Under-16 and Under-25 categories of digital photography. The sultanate secured 402 points in the Under-16 category and 348 points in the Under-25...
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