Muscat Daily
87% of National E-commerce Plan complete
Nearly 87% of Oman’s National E-commerce Plan 2022–2027 is complete, with 26 of 30 initiatives now implemented as the sultanate steps up efforts to expand its digital economy. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) said...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Iran says Oman deal will not immediately reopen Hormuz
Tehran, Iran - Iran and Oman have come to an agreement on the “geographic characteristics” of a shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has stated, and that the two neighbours are in the final stage of...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
UN, WHO raise alarm over Gaza deaths
Gaza, Palestine - The United Nations and World Health Organization have condemned attacks on civilians and healthcare facilities in Gaza after an Israeli strike destroyed a medical warehouse near Al Aqsa Hospital. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Oman targets 33% emissions cut by 2035 under NDC 3.0
Oman has committed to potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2035, under a new climate plan submitted to the United Nations that also outlines measures to protect the country from heat, water scarcity, cyclones and rising sea...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ROP AMENDS CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Royal Oman Police (ROP) has introduced amendments to the executive regulations of the GCC Unified Customs Law, expanding electronic clearance procedures, revising personal exemptions and setting updated rules for temporary imports, re-exports and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Hamas ties disarmament to Israeli pullout
Gaza, Palestine - A senior Hamas official has said that the Palestinian group will not take any steps towards disarmament before Israeli forces withdraw from the Gaza Strip. Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas’ negotiating delegation, said the issue of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘Fake job offers driving new wave of trafficking’
The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT) has warned of the growing use of fake overseas job offers to lure victims into human trafficking and cybercrime, as the sultanate marks the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
Hormuz closure could spark global marine invasion, scientists warn
The prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global marine biosecurity crisis, with thousands of stranded ships potentially spreading invasive species to ports across the world when normal shipping resumes, according to an...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Israeli military campaign disrupts life in West Bank
Ramallah, West Bank - Israeli military operations intensified across the occupied West Bank on Monday, with raids, arrests and home demolitions reported in several cities and towns, further restricting movement and disrupting daily life, according to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Regional conflicts weigh on Oman’s GPI ranking
Oman dropped 18 places to 60th in the 2026 Global Peace Index (GPI), with rising regional tensions and conflicts contributing to the sultanate's lower ranking despite remaining among the three most peaceful countries in the Middle East and North Africa...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
RED SEA CONFLICT DEEPENS
The Houthis in Yemen claimed a missile attack on Saudi Arabia after Riyadh launched strikes on targets linked to the group on Friday night, marking a further escalation in regional tensions. Early on Saturday, the Houthis' Ansarullah media said on...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Iran’s Hormuz demands set a dangerous precedent: Rubio
Manila, Philippines - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Asian leaders on Wednesday that Iran’s demand to control and collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz would threaten the world’s economy and set a precedent that could be repeated elsewhere in...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
‘The word ceasefire has lost all meaning’
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic despite a ceasefire that came into effect in October 2025, accusing Israel of continuing military operations...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Khareef journeys turn tragic; authorities warn motorists
Every year, the arrival of khareef transforms Dhofar into Oman's most popular tourist destination, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to its cool weather, mist-covered mountains and lush landscapes. But for many families, the journey has become...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
New partnership gives startups access to global expertise
An Omani innovation hub backed by Oman Investment Authority's Future Fund Oman is set to give local startups direct access to one of the world's leading innovation networks in a move aimed at helping entrepreneurs learn from international peers,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Ro20mn eco-tourism projects at OBG
Invest Oman has unveiled three tourism projects within Oman Botanic Garden (OBG) as investment opportunities, targeting eco-tourism, adventure travel and wildlife conservation. The proposed developments – a wellness retreat, a geo-adventure park and a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Experts in Oman hail new era of cyber resilience
The third edition of the Cybersecurity & Cloud Conference - themed Data Protection, Privacy & Digital Resilience - brought together government representatives, technology leaders, cybersecurity professionals and industry experts in Oman at the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
End 'containment' policy, establish new Gulf security architecture: Sayyid Badr
Oman has called for a fundamental rethink of the Gulf's security architecture, urging a move away from decades of policies based on ‘containment’ towards a more inclusive regional framework that brings together all Gulf states. In an opinion article...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Fans, food and FIFA World Cup boost local economy
As the FIFA World Cup reaches its decisive stage, football is once again proving that it is far more than just a sporting spectacle. The tournament has evolved into a global industry that stimulates economic activity across a wide range of sectors,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Oman condemns drone attacks
Iran attacked Gulf states on Sunday and declared the Strait of Hormuz closed after the United States conducted its third round of strikes in a week, in a serious escalation as the ongoing conflict spirals. Tehran on Sunday claimed attacks on Bahrain,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Oman climbs 6 places to rank 49th in environmental index
Oman has climbed six places to rank 49th globally among 177 countries in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), reinforcing its progress in environmental sustainability and climate action. The latest ranking follows a sharp improvement in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Iran conflict weighs on Gulf cities in global liveability rankings
Muscat has fallen 14 places to 123rd in the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2026, making it the world's biggest downward mover as the Iran war weighed on stability across the Gulf and wider Middle East. The report ranks...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
Oman ranks 10th globally in Muslim travel index
Oman has retained its position among the world's top ten Muslim-friendly travel destinations, ranking tenth globally and third for accessibility, as international Muslim travel is forecast to reach 262mn arrivals by 2030, according to the latest Global...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Oman braces for 3 months of extreme heat, low rains
Oman is expected to experience hotter-than-normal temperatures and below-average rainfall over the next three months, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has forecast, as much of the sultanate continues to endure intense summer heat with temperatures...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MTCIT plans gaming, e-sports hub
In a move aimed at positioning Oman as a regional destination for digital entertainment and emerging technologies, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has invited local companies and investors to submit...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CAA to deploy next-gen radar for airspace safety
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has awarded a contract to global technology firm Thales and Omani company Ankaa Space and Technologies to deploy nextgeneration radar systems aimed at upgrading the sultanate’s air traffic surveillance...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
OCCI plans emergency fund for factories
The Industry Committee of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) has proposed setting up an emergency fund to support factories and industrial companies, as part of efforts to bolster the sector’s resilience and ensure business continuity during...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ROP foils 409 smuggling bids in F1 2026
Royal Oman Police (ROP) thwarted 409 smuggling attempts in the first half of 2026, underscoring its sustained efforts to strengthen customs controls and safeguard society and the national economy from the adverse impacts of illicit trade. According to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Oman, France pledge closer strategic ties
Paris, France – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to deepen cooperation across investment, trade, defence and regional security during talks at Élysée Palace on Monday, as the two countries reaffirmed...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
H M ARRIVES IN FRANCE
Paris, France - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik arrived in the French Republic on Sunday evening on a two-day official visit aimed at further strengthening the longstanding relations and strategic partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
H M Sultan Haitham to visit France today
Muscat - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik will embark on an official visit to the French Republic on Sunday. In a statement, the Diwan of the Royal Court, said: ‘Building upon the bonds of friendship between the Sultanate of Oman and the French...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
OMAN ACTS TO SAFEGUARD HORMUZ
Muscat - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik met Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, at Al Barakah Palace on Wednesday. The prime minister conveyed the greetings...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
OMAN COMMITS TO SAFE PASSAGE THROUGH STRAIT OF HORMUZ
The Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran have issued a joint statement following the visit of Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, and Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday. Oman affirmed...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CAA issues new entry requirements amid Ebola outbreak concerns
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced precautionary health measures for passengers arriving in Oman from countries affected by the ongoing Ebola outbreak, requiring travellers to complete an electronic health declaration form before...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Omani brands expand overseas with 62 franchise agreements
Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) signed 62 franchise agreements on Sunday facilitating Omani brands to expand across six countries marking a major step in the sultanate's efforts to expand the international presence of home-grown...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Green mobility drive fast tracks Oman to net zero
Oman’s transition to cleaner transport is gaining momentum with the number of registered electric vehicles (EVS) surpassing 5,900 in the first half of 2026 as the sultanate rolls out a series of projects to cut emissions and advance its net-zero...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Debate opens on social media restrictions
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has opened a public consultation on regulating children's use of social media platforms, signalling a move towards stronger safeguards for minors in the digital environment amid a growing global debate...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
H M orders new economic council and additional seats for women in shura
Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers at Al Barakah Palace on Monday and issued a series of directives focused on economic development, governance, employment, cybersecurity and public...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Cybersecurity investment targeted with 6 projects
Cybersecurity is being positioned as a key engine of economic diversification with a new government report identifying six high-potential investment opportunities and outlining an ambitious roadmap to establish the sultanate as a regional hub for...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
UN launches Muscat Plan to counter hate speech and prevent conflict
The United Nations launched the Muscat Plan of Action, a new international framework aimed at countering hate speech, preventing violence and strengthening social cohesion through greater involvement of traditional and indigenous leaders in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Oman to launch Muscat Plan for peace, social cohesion at UN
Oman will officially launch the ‘Muscat Plan for Social Cohesion, Peace and Human Dignity’ at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Thursday, introducing an international initiative aimed at preventing conflict, countering hate speech and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Cybercrime law boosts child protection, targets AI misuse
The new Law on Combating Cybercrime, promulgated under Royal Decree No 61/2026, provides enhanced protection for children, introduces provisions to address the misuse of artificial intelligence and imposes fines of up to RO500,000 for serious offences,...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
100 DAYS ON
Muscat - A conflict that US President Donald Trump predicted would end “very fast” reached its 100th day on Sunday, with fighting continuing across multiple fronts despite ceasefire agreements and repeated diplomatic efforts. What began as a...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
Life expectancy in Oman hits record 78.6 years in 2025
Life expectancy at birth in Oman rose to a record 78.6 years in 2025, according to the latest population statistics, reflecting the sultanate’s continued progress in healthcare, disease prevention and quality of life. The figure marks a 0.38% increase...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Asyad enters Central Asia with Uzbek acquisitions
Asyad Group, Oman's integrated logistics provider, has acquired a controlling stake in two key logistics platforms in Uzbekistan, marking its direct entry into Central Asia and establishing a freight corridor linking Oman's ports to one of the region's...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Oman ranks first in export supply chain initiation
Oman has secured top global ranking in key World Bank logistics indicator, underscoring the efficiency of its ports and trade procedures as the sultanate seeks to strengthen its position as an international logistics hub. According to the World Bank’s...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Oman-india CEPA opens new chapter in economic relations
The OmanIndia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) entered into force on Monday, marking a major milestone in bilateral economic relations and paving the way for deeper trade, investment and strategic cooperation between the two...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Humanitarian crisis in Lebanon worsening: United Nations
Beirut, Lebanon - The United Nations has warned of severe humanitarian consequences arising from the ongoing military escalation by Israel in Lebanon, saying civilians are facing growing violence, displacement and loss of life. In a statement, Imran...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
2025 recorded as Oman’s hottest in 5 years
Oman experienced its hottest recorded maximum average temperature in last five years in 2025, according to new climate data published by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The mean maximum temperature across the sultanate...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
National programme to groom sporting talent
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MCSY) has unveiled a national programme to identify and develop young athletes as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen the country’s sports sector and improve its competitiveness at international...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
OIA records strong gains from stake sale in US firm
Oman Investment Authority (OIA) said it has secured strong returns from a partial exit of its investment in Us-based Crusoe, an artificial intelligence infrastructure company, amid rising global demand for data centres and cloud computing. The...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
Oman breaks into global top 10 for customs efficiency
Oman has achieved a major milestone in global trade and logistics competitiveness after climbing to ninth place globally in the World Bank’s indicator for efficiency of customs clearance process under the Logistics Performance Index 2025, marking an...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Council of Ministers and shura meet to align national goals
Muscat - The Council of Ministers convened a joint meeting on Tuesday with members of Majlis A’shura held under the chairmanship of H H Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs. The meeting sought to improve ongoing...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
OIA POSTS RECORD RO2.9BN PROFIT
Oman Investment Authority has delivered its strongest financial performance since its establishment, recording historic profits of nearly Ro2.9bn in 2025 and securing a place among the world’s best-performing sovereign wealth funds (SWF). It announced...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
EA targets 100mn trees by 2050
Oman has launched a longterm plan to plant 100mn trees by 2050 as part of efforts to enhance climate resilience, expand green cover and support food security. Unveiled by the Environment Authority (EA), the Plant Oman 2050 initiative builds on...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
GOLD RUSH POWERS OMAN AT GCC GAMES
Oman raised its medal tally to 22 at the fourth GCC Games in Doha, securing seven gold, four silver and 11 bronze medals with events continuing till May 22. Athletics accounted for eight medals, including four gold, two silver and two bronze. Mazoon...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MEM updates Net Zero Strategy and carbon market framework
Muscat – The Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) unveiled Oman’s updated Net Zero Strategy and a regulatory framework for carbon markets on Wednesday, reinforcing the sultanate’s target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The announcement was...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
H M OPENS PDO OPERATIONS CENTRE BAIT AL HAITHAM
Muscat - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik visited Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) in Mina Al Fahal on Tuesday morning to review the key developments within the energy sector and inaugurate an integrated operations centre named Bait Al...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Shura calls for urgent reforms in agri, fisheries
Majlis A’shura has urged wideranging reforms, tighter oversight and stronger support for producers in the agriculture, fisheries and water resources sectors. In a session held on Monday in the presence of H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MHUP UNVEILS RO496MN PROJECTS
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) unveiled housing and infrastructure projects worth Ro496mn on Sunday at the opening of Oman Real Estate, Design and Construction Exhibition and Conference 2026. Held in partnership with the Ministry of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Greater Muscat plan to reshape urban growth
H H Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat, presided over the unveiling of the Greater Muscat Structural Plan under the slogan ‘Greater Muscat… Timeless Spirit, Boundless Vision’ on Thursday, marking a major step...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MARKAZ AL BAHJA WWW.IDDESIGNOMAN.COM
Omani writer earns spotlight at Sharjah literature forum
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Al Khuwair Downtown joins global business districts network
Al Khuwair Downtown, a major urban regeneration project led by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, has become the first project in the Middle East to join the Global Business Districts (GBD) Innovation...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Integrated semiconductor ecosystem on the anvil
Oman is stepping up efforts to build an integrated semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, aiming to establish a foothold in the global digital economy despite the high costs and technical barriers associated with the industry. Speaking to Muscat...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Chinese firm to build car assembly hub in Khazaen
Khazaen Economic City has signed a Ro5mn agreement with China’s Spruce Group to establish a car assembly and production centre, marking a step forward in Oman’s plans to expand its industrial base and attract foreign investment. The signing on Sunday...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Logistics sector contributes Ro2.35bn to GDP amid 46% investment surge
The transport and storage sector is maintaining strong growth momentum with its contribution to GDP rising from Ro2.23bn in 2024 to Ro2.35bn in 2025, reflecting a growth of 5.4%. Investments in the sector surged to Ro3.4bn in 2025, up from Ro2.32bn a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
H M CONNECTS WITH CITIZENS
Muscat - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik toured a number of wilayats in the governorates of North Sharqiyah and South Sharqiyah on Wednesday. The Royal motorcade departed from Al Barakah Palace, passing through the wilayats of Ibra, Al Qabil...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
Oman calls for ME region free of nuclear weapons at UN meet
Oman called for the establishment of a nuclearweapon-free zone in the Middle East at the 11th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which is being held at the United Nations in New York and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MHT issues revised regulations of Tourism Law
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has issued executive regulations for the Tourism Law, setting out a revised framework to regulate activities, strengthen oversight and raise service standards across the sector. The regulations, aligned with...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
H M, Iranian FM discuss evolving situation in region
Muscat - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik met Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, at Al Barakah Palace on Sunday. At the outset, Araghchi conveyed the greetings of President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran to His...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Oman, Kazakhstan to set up joint fund
Astana, Kazakhstan – Oman and Kazakhstan have signed a preliminary agreement to establish a strategic partnership and create a joint investment fund, marking a step forward in bilateral economic cooperation. The agreement was signed last week at the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ITU urges Oman to modernise telecom law, digital regulations
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has called on Oman to overhaul its twodecade-old telecommunications law and strengthen collaboration between regulators, ministries and private-sector stakeholders, stressing that outdated legal...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Burhan thanks Oman’s peace efforts in Sudan
Muscat - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik received Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council in the Republic of Sudan, at Al Barakah Palace during the latter’s private visit to the Sultanate of Oman on...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
African Bank of Oman launched in Angola
Muscat – The African Bank of Oman (ABO) has been officially launched in Luanda, Angola positioning it as a financial platform to support trade and investment flows between Africa and the Middle East, as well as to strengthen the sultanate’s...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Ro400mn farm investment in H1 to boost food security
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) plans to offer 400 agricultural investment opportunities worth Ro400mn by the end of the first half of 2026, as part of efforts to boost food selfsufficiency and expand private sector...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Economy set for fastest growth in GCC
Oman is projected to be the fastestgrowing economy in the GCC in 2026, supported by limited exposure to regional disruptions and gains from higher oil prices, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In its 2026 Regional Economic Outlook...
Read Full Story (Page 1)