Muscat Daily
H M stresses on fiscal resilience, non-oil trade
Salalah - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik presided over a Council of Ministers meeting on Tuesday at Al Hosn Palace in Salalah, reviewing economic, health, investment and tourism priorities and directing a series of measures to strengthen Oman’s...
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Oman-sharjah corridor trade hits Ro178mn
A new logistics corridor linking Oman and Sharjah has handled more than Ro178mn worth of goods in its first three months, as businesses increasingly use the land-sea route amid disruptions and uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz. The corridor,...
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GDP growth accelerates to 5.1% in Q2
Oman’s economy expanded 5.1% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, accelerating sharply from the first quarter as a strong increase in oil and gas activity drove overall growth despite subdued expansion in non-oil sectors. Gross domestic product...
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Oman, Angola open new chapter
Oman and Angola have moved to broaden their economic and investment partnership, with a two-day state visit by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik resulting in new cooperation across energy, mining, logistics, agriculture, fisheries and...
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H M accorded official welcome in Botswana
- His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik arrived in the Republic of Botswana on Wednesday afternoon on a two-day state visit. Upon His Majesty's arrival at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in the capital Gaborone, President Duma Gideon Boko of...
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Ro20mn allocated to sharpen job skills at vocational colleges
About Ro20mn has been allocated to develop vocational colleges between 2026 and 2030 as Oman seeks to strengthen training infrastructure and equip nationals with skills needed by a changing labour market. The investment is part of a wider Ministry of...
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Oman calls for alternative LNG routes to bypass Hormuz
Oman has called for the development of alternative export routes for liquefied natural gas (LNG) to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, as continuing regional tensions disrupt energy shipments through the strategic waterway. Energy security,...
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Number of Omani doctors increases 12% to 4,300
Oman’s healthcare sector recorded continued growth in 2025, with the number of Omani doctors increasing 12% to 4,300 from 3,800 in 2024, according to National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) data. The increase came alongside expansion in...
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OIA boosts Oman’s tech investments
Muscat - Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has further advanced the ‘Omani Angle’ of its international investments by signing an investment agreement in partnership with Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Commission and China-based Templewater. Under...
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H M opens new HQ of Internal Security Service in Dhofar
Salalah - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, graced the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Internal Security Service in Dhofar on Wednesday. Upon the arrival of His Majesty the Sultan’s motorcade, he was received by...
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H M Sultan Haitham, Kagame discuss stronger partnership
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik held a meeting with President Paul Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda at Al Maamourah Palace on Tuesday morning. During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed the growing ties between their countries and their...
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H M, Kagame talks focus on cooperation
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and President Paul Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda held an official session of talks at Al Hosn Palace in Salalah on Monday evening. Discussions focused on cooperation and investment in mining, renewable energy,...
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OMANI AIRPORTS WIN NINE GLOBAL AWARDS
Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport have received nine global awards as part of the Airport Service Quality programme’s Customer Experience Awards, presented by Airports Council International during the council's 2026 summit held in...
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4th heart transplant marks new milestone for organ donation
Oman has successfully carried out its fourth heart transplant, while organs from a single braindead donor were transplanted into four patients, marking another milestone for the country’s expanding organ donation programme. The Oman Centre for Organ...
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IRAN HITS US-LINKED SITES ACROSS GULF
Iran launched one of its broadest waves of retaliation in weeks against Us-linked military sites across the Gulf and neighbouring states, as Tehran accused Washington of killing civilians in a new round of strikes inside Iran. Iranian attacks were...
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H M and MBS discuss regional developments, de-escalation
- His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik paid a private fraternal visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. During the visit, His Majesty held a meeting with Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MBS), Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the kingdom, at the...
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Domestic tourism surges 16.2%
Domestic tourism in Oman recorded strong growth in 2025, attracting 15.8mn, up 16.2% from 13.6mn in 2024 and 12.9mn in 2023, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Domestic tourists recorded 4.7mn nights across the...
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Road accidents fall 17%, 595 fatalities recorded
Road accidents in Oman fell 17% in 2025 despite continued rise in the number of vehicles on the country's roads, while speed remained the leading cause of crashes, according to National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) data. A total of...
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Ro1.95bn investment opportunities in Dhofar
Five investment opportunities worth around Ro1.95bn have been announced in Dhofar, spanning urban development, real estate, ecotourism and marine tourism, as the government seeks to attract local and international capital into projects that build on...
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Oman, Iran agree on temporary corridor
Muscat – Oman and Iran have proposed establishing a temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and launching a joint project to clear mines from the strategic waterway, marking the clearest move yet towards restoring safe shipping...
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AI to tackle diabetes-related blindness
An artificial intelligence-powered screening programme in Oman has cut waiting lists at specialist eye clinics by 87% and identified more than 12,000 diabetic patients requiring further examination, as the sultanate expands the use of technology to...
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Development spending rises 16% to Ro798mn in H1
Oman’s development expenditure rose 16% to Ro798mn in the first half of 2026, as the government accelerated spending on projects and economic transformation initiatives while directing Ro2.706bn towards social sectors and basic services. Development...
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Oman, Japan seek de-escalation
Muscat – Oman and Japan have called for intensified international efforts to ensure free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that lasting maritime security depends on diplomacy and a political solution to regional tensions. The...
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UAE imposes trade embargo on Iran
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The UAE has announced it is imposing an indefinite trade embargo on Iran, with the Foreign Ministry saying Tehran is ‘undermining regional and international peace and security’. The announcement follows an earlier statement by the...
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West Bank under siege as world watches
West Bank, Palestine - For more than ten days, three Palestinian families in Qusra, south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, have remained besieged in their homes as Israeli settlers, under the protection of Israeli forces, block access to basic...
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H M meets Sheikh Mohammed in Abu Dhabi
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik paid a private visit to the United Arab Emirates on Monday during which he held a meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi. At the meeting, the two...
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Inflation rises to 3.2% in July as food prices surge
Oman’s annual inflation rate increased to 3.2% in July 2026, up from 2.8% in June, as a sharp increase in food prices and higher transport costs pushed consumer prices higher, according to the latest data released by the National Centre for Statistics...
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EMERGENCY TEAMS BATTLE OIL SPILL
Oman intensified cleanup and monitoring operations after oil from a grounded tanker off the Al Hallaniyat Islands reached Duqm’s Ras Madrakah coast, where a stretch of 12km has been affected. Authorities stated that no pollution had so far been...
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Property valuation mechanism goes digital
An artificial intelligence-backed property valuation mechanism that uses actual transaction data and human oversight to determine fair property values is being introduced as authorities step up efforts to improve transparency and curb manipulation in...
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Dhofar unveils Ro903.19mn Al Najd agri city masterplan
A comprehensive plan for the Ro903.19mn Al Najd Agricultural City in Thumrait, a largescale food security project expected to produce about 105,000 tonnes of agricultural output annually and create 6,500 jobs, was unveiled at the Food Security Forum...
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Tourism economy to reach Ro4.6bn by 2036: WTTC
Oman’s travel and tourism sector is projected to grow more than twice as fast as the overall economy in the next decade, with its contribution to the sultanate’s economy forecast to rise from Ro3bn in 2025 to Ro4.6bn by 2036, according to the World...
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H M visits Qatar to meet Sheikh Tamim
Doha, Qatar - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik paid a private visit to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, on Sunday. During the visit, a cordial meeting was held by the two leaders at the Amiri Diwan in Doha. Their...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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‘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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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‘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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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