Muscat Daily
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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Plans underway for Oman’s first car factory in Salalah
A cooperation agreement was signed on Monday in Salalah Free Zone for a technical and economic feasibility study for establishment of Oman’s first car manufacturing plant in Dhofar. Signed between Salalah Global City Company, which operates in the...
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Oman introduces long-term cultural visas for foreigners
Royal Oman Police (ROP) has introduced new long-term ‘Cultural Visas’ and ‘Cultural Residence Permits’ for foreigners as part of amendments to the Executive Regulation of the Law of Residence of Foreigners. The move aims to facilitate cultural exchange...
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Oman emerges as digital growth model in global DEN 2025 index
Oman has been recognised for strong advances in digital governance, skills and social inclusion in the Digital Economy Navigator 2025 (DEN 2025), unveiled by Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) at the Second World Summit for Social Development in...
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Pledge to expand economic, political ties
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and King Felipe VI of Spain have agreed to boost economic partnerships, innovation and political cooperation during the former’s state visit to Spain from November 3 to 5. In a joint communiqué, both leaders...
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HM ACCORDED GRAND WELCOME, ADDRESSES SPANISH PARLIAMENT
An official reception ceremony was held at the Royal Palace in Madrid on Tuesday for His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on the occasion of his state visit to the Kingdom of Spain. Upon arrival of His Majesty the Sultan's motorcade at the precincts...
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HM THE SULTAN ARRIVES IN MADRID
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik arrived in Madrid on Monday evening for a three-day state visit to the Kingdom of Spain. When the Royal Airplane entered the Spanish airspace, it was escorted by military jets of the Spanish Air Force in a warm...
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WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Forty top-performing C-suite executives were honoured at the second edition of the BT CXO Awards 2025, held on Sunday at a gala ceremony at JW Marriott Muscat. The awards, a premier annual corporate recognition event, celebrate outstanding executives...
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‘Stability needs cooperation, not exclusion’
H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, has called for regional security based on dialogue and cooperation rather than isolation or exclusion. Speaking at the Manama Dialogue 2025 in Bahrain on Saturday, he said past experiences show...
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OIA initiatives boost MSX cap by 51% since 2020
Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) has recorded its strongest performance in nearly a decade, crossing the 5,000-point mark for the first time in eight years as reforms led by Oman Investment Authority (OIA) continue to boost liquidity, listings and investor...
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36 projects, Ro100mn investment for tourism
Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has signed 36 usufruct contracts with investors to develop tourism projects valued at Ro100mn across several governorates. The agreements were concluded between January and September 2025. The ministry stated...
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Investments in Duqm up 5.3% to over Ro6.3bn
Investments in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) touched Ro6.3bn (Us$16.4bn) in mid-2024, marking a 5.3% increase over the same period the previous year and a 71.8% growth from Ro3.68bn at the end of 2022, according to Ahmed bin Ali Akaak, CEO...
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‘Youth central to progress’
H H Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, affirmed that Omani Youth Day, celebrated annually on October 26, represents a renewed confidence in the country’s younger generation and its role in national...
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Oman, Türkiye establish joint council to deepen cooperation
Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye agreed to establish the OmaniTurkish Coordinating Council to strengthen bilateral cooperation and ensure follow-up on agreements and memoranda of understanding...
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Service excellence triumphs
The Sultanate of Oman and its cultural heritage of warm hospitality was once again the cynosure, as young professionals in Hospitality converged at the Jabrin Ballroom of Hotel Intercontinental Muscat to take a humble bow in acknowledgement of their...
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Campaign promotes flexible work policies for women
The General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) has launched a nationwide media campaign titled ‘A Friendly Environment for Women Working in the Private Sector’ to promote flexible work policies and safeguards that help women balance their professional...
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Oman-türkiye relations set for boost
Muscat – President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Türkiye will arrive in Oman on Wednesday for a two-day state visit aimed at further strengthening the growing partnership between the two countries. Royal Court Affairs announced that the...
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SAI flags 25 cases of public funds misuse
State Audit Institution (SAI) has reported the recovery of Ro58mn for the State Treasury through its financial oversight and follow-up activities in 2023 and 2024. The figure includes Ro25mn recovered in 2024 and Ro33mn in 2023, as detailed in its 2024...
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‘Omani women a wellspring of wisdom and source of giving’
Muscat - Honourable Lady Sayyida Ahad Abdullah Hamed al Busaidi, Spouse of the Sultan of Oman, greeted Omani women and female residents in the sultanate on the occasion of Omani Women’s Day. “Throughout history, Omani women have proven to be a...
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Schools told to enforce stricter safety on buses
Ministry of Education (MOE) has issued an urgent directive requiring all public and private schools to implement enhanced safety and security measures on school buses. Released on October 13, the circular follows the School Education Law to ensure...
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H M SULTAN HAITHAM AND EMIR OF KUWAIT EXPLORE ENHANCING BILATERAL TIES
Muscat - Sheikh Meshal al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait, paid a visit to the Sultanate of Oman for a day on Tuesday. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik led the welcoming party for the Emir of Kuwait upon his arrival at the...
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‘Dawn of a new Middle East’
US President Donald Trump hailed the “dawn of a new Middle East” in remarks before the Israeli parliament on Monday after Hamas freed all living hostages and Israel released Palestinian detainees under the Us-brokered ceasefire deal. Trump later...
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New MOL regulations introduced to safeguard domestic workers’ rights
Ministry of Labour (MOL) has issued Ministerial Decision No 475/ 2025 introducing new regulations to govern the employment of domestic workers and related professions in a move aimed at improving labour standards and safeguarding workers’ rights. The...
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Unified building code by 2030
A unified national building code is being prepared for implementation in Oman with full enforcement expected by 2030, according to Hafsa al Balushi from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP). Developed as part of the sultanate’s efforts to...
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Ro77mn investment fund set up with Azerbaijan
Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Azerbaijan Investment Holding (AIH) to establish a joint investment fund worth Ro77mn, aimed at promoting investments in key sectors and strengthening economic...
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Oman, Belarus set to expand trade and cultural exchange
Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, focusing on economic cooperation, cultural exchange and people-to-people engagement. In...
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Oman, Belarus cement cooperation
Minsk, Belarus - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik arrived in Minsk on a two-day state visit to the Republic of Belarus on Monday evening. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko led the welcoming party for His Majesty the Sultan upon his arrival...
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Unified GCC tourist visa launch this year
The long-awaited unified GCC tourist visa is moving closer to reality, with a pilot phase set to be launched by the fourth quarter of 2025, according to Abdulla bin Touq al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of Emirates Tourism...
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Oman urges protection of its citizens aboard Gaza flotilla
Arab countries and rights groups said on Friday that they were closely monitoring the situation of their citizens aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which attempted to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, and expressed concern for their safety before...
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Hafeet Rail, Asyad Logistics ink pact for freight services
Hafeet Rail has signed an agreement with Asyad Logistics Services, a subsidiary of Asyad Group, to provide freight transportation across the railway network linking Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The agreement, signed in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday,...
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