News

Al Wusta Educational Directorate Celebrates HM The Sultan’s Accession Day Haima, 11 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Directorate General of Education in Al Wusta Governorate today organized a student operetta in celebration of the anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s Accession Day. The operetta, titled “Ishraqat Noor”, included three tableaus. The first expressed the joy of the nation through folklore performances that portrayed a vivid embodiment of Omani heritage. The second tableau symbolized the march of development and achievements made during Oman’s ...

Two Major Road Projects Inaugurated in Duqm Duqm, 24 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) celebrated today the opening of two significant additions to the road network in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). The projects include the dualization of Sultan Said bin Taimur Road (Southern National Road No. 32) and the dualization of the Ras Markaz Road. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Said Mohammed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy, who emphasized that the establishment of new transport projects aligns with ...

Two New Road Projects to be Opened at Special Economic Zone in Duqm on 24 December 2025. Duqm, 22 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Special Economic Zone at Duqm, Governorate of Al Wusta, will see the opening of two new projects on Wednesday 24 December 2025: one is the dualization of the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road and the other is dualization of the Ras Markaz Road. The ceremony will be held under the auspices of Dr. Said Mohammed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy. The two projects reflect the keenness of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) to ...

Al Wusta Winter 2026 Events Announced Haima, 22 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- Al Wusta Governorate today announced the events for "Al Wusta Winter 2026," scheduled to take place from January to March 2026. The initiative aims to highlight the governorate's rich tourism, cultural, and heritage potential. Sheikh Ahmed Muslim Al Kathiri, Governor of Al Wusta, emphasized in a speech that the Al Wusta Winter events are part of ongoing efforts to stimulate tourism and economic activity within the governorate and to strengthen its presence as a promising tourist destination. He further noted the ...

Regular Shipping Services Launched to Asyad Container Terminal in Duqm Duqm, 21 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- Asyad Ports and Freezones, a member of the Asyad Group, has officially announced the launch of regular shipping services by the French global shipping giant CMA CGM to the Asyad Container Terminal in Duqm. The service has formally commenced with the arrival of the first vessel under this new line at the Port of Duqm. This direct maritime connection strengthens Duqm’s position as a strategic logistics gateway on Oman’s coast overlooking the Indian Ocean. It represents ...

Agreements Signed to Enhance Road, Infrastructure Projects in Al Wusta Governorate Hima, 14 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- A number of agreements were signed today in Al Wusta Governorate related to the initiative to enhance road and infrastructure projects across the governorate's wilayats with the private sector. The agreements are valued at RO 1.8 million. The total length of the roads to be implemented reached 26 kilometers. The agreements were signed on behalf of the Governorate by Sheikh Ahmed bin Musallam Al KAtheri, Governor of Al Wusta, and on behalf of the private sector ...

RO 700,000 Allocated for Al Wusta Governorate’s Road Network Restoration Haima, 12 Nov (ONA) --- Al Wusta Governorate this year carried out a 10-month road network restoration programme between January and October 2025. The restoration, which covered an area of 1,228.5 kilometres, cost more than RO 700,000. The programme was part of the strategic plan of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology to upgrade road infrastructure so that it could meet global traffic safety standards. --- Ends/Bishara ...

Fourth Energy and Minerals Forum Begins Duqm, 9 Nov (ONA) --- The Fourth Energy and Minerals Forum, organized by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, was inaugurated today in the Wilayat of Duqm, Al Wusta Governorate. The event was held under the auspices of Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, and in the presence of Sheikh Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Muslim Al Kathiri, Governor of Al Wusta. The forum aims to review developmental projects and ...

Al Wusta Governorate: Accelerated Development & Economic Momentum Boosts Sustainable GrowthHaima, 4 Nov (ONA) — Al Wusta Governorate is witnessing extensive developmental and economic activity through the implementation of a package of projects across its four wilayats. These projects focus on enhancing the quality of life, developing infrastructure, and strengthening economic and tourism components, contributing to community development and elevating service standards.Sheikh Ahmed Musallam Al Kithiri, Governor of Al Wusta, stated to Oman News Agency (ONA) that over 22 developmental and ...

Tender Awarded for Integrated Economic Cluster for Cold Chain Development in Duqm Duqm, 12 Oct (ONA) --- The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones has awarded the consultancy services tender for the Integrated Economic Cluster for Cold Chain Development in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. This project is one of the outcomes of the National Program for Economic Diversification, “Tanwea,” supervised by the Ministry of Economy. The Cold Chain Economic Cluster Project aims to develop and improve the integrated logistics system for cold chain operations ...

Tourism Hackathon 2025 to be Launched 27 August in Duqm Duqm, 20 Aug (ONA) --- A youth ideas competition titled "Tourism Hackathon 2025" will kick off in Duqm, Governorate of Al Wusta, from 27 to 31 August 2025. Organized by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in cooperation with the private sector, the competition seeks to develop the sectors of tourism and hospitality in the Sultanate of Oman. The hackathon aims to provide a platform for youth, entrepreneurs and innovators and develop smart solutions that keep pace with the evolving reality of the tourism ...

Duqm Coastal Road Project Assigned Duqm, 20 Aug (ONA) --- The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) has assigned the project for the construction of a dual coastal road in the tourist area of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). The road, which is 14 kilometers long, will connect the tourist area to the fishing port and the fisheries and food industries complex. The project consists of two lanes in each direction and includes four main roundabouts, a modern surface water drainage system, guidance signs, concrete and steel barriers, and ...

Duqm Airport-Ras Markaz Dual Carriageway Opens Duqm, 18 Aug (ONA) — The Special Economic Zone at Duqm witnessed the opening of traffic on the Duqm Airport-Ras Markaz dual carriageway. The road connects Duqm Airport roundabout to the crude oil storage tanks operated by Oman Tankage Company at Ras Markaz.Spanning a total length of over 51 kilometers, the new road serves as a vital artery reinforcing Duqm’s position as a global hub for investment and logistics. The dual carriageway extends over 42.9 kilometers, featuring two lanes in each direction, supported by a 11.5-kilometer network of ...

Duqm Expands Green Spaces with Integrated Afforestation Plans Duqm, 12 Aug (ONA) --- The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) implemented integrated afforestation plans to increase its green spaces during the period from 2015 to mid-2025. During the preparatory phase (2015–2021), 3,414 trees and 24,760 square meters of green areas were planted, and modern irrigation systems were installed at several sites. Additionally, projects were carried out to connect these sites to treated wastewater networks, which contributed to reusing treated water, reducing fresh water consumption, ...

Duqm Summer Series Sessions LaunchedDuqm, 6 Aug (ONA) — The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) management launched the sessions of the "Duqm Summer" series, which highlights artificial intelligence (AI) and automation as key drivers of innovation in the local business sector. The series includes several sessions on the effectiveness of integrating AI into operational processes, workforce development from an institutional perspective, global trade and supply chains, as well as workplace culture and mental health. — Ends/AH ...

Environment Authority Conducts Field Surveys of Coastal Areas in Al Jazir Al Jazir, 27 Jul (ONA) --- As part of its efforts to enhance the protection of ecosystems and monitor biodiversity in the Sultanate of Oman, the Environment Authority this year conducted comprehensive field surveys of birds in the coastal area of Al Wusta Governorate’s Wilayat Al Jazir, with emphasis on the three creeks of Khor Ghawi, Khor Qaised and Khor Ghadisir. Abdullah Salim Al Wardi, Head of the Department of Environment Conservation in Al Wusta Governorate, said that the surveys were aimed to ...

Al Wusta Governorate Signs 15 Development Project Agreements Valued at RO 4.3 Million Haima, 23 Jul (ONA) --- The Al Wusta Governorate has signed 15 agreements for development projects across the governorate's wilayats, with a total cost exceeding RO 4.3 million. The agreements were signed on behalf of the governorate by Sheikh Ahmed bin Musallam Jaddad Al Kathiri, Governor of Al Wusta, and by representatives of the companies that were awarded the projects. The tenders included a number of priority projects in the wilayats of the governorate, such as the organization and ...

Workshop Held on Implementing Urban Strategy in Al Wusta Governorate Haima, 21 Jul (ONA) --- A workshop focusing on the follow-up and implementation of the urban strategy in Al Wusta Governorate was held today in the Wilayat of Haima. The workshop was a collaborative effort between the Al Wusta Governor’s Office and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. The primary objective of the workshop was to assess the progress of the urban strategy's implementation within the governorate. It also aimed to clarify tasks to enhance the achievement of strategic goals and directly ...

Transport Ministry Enhances Road Network Readiness Linking Al Wusta, Dhofar GovernoratesHaima, 13 Jul (ONA) — The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, represented by the Roads Department in Al Wusta Governorate, has intensified efforts to enhance the readiness of the road network connecting the governorate with Dhofar. This initiative aims to ensure smooth traffic flow and road user safety during the Khareef Dhofar (monsoon season).Eng. Bakheet Salim Al Awaid, Director of the Roads Department in Al Wusta Governorate, stated that since early June, the department ...

Wildlife Surveys in Mahout Document Diverse Range of Species Mahout, 4 Jun (ONA) --- Field surveys of animal and plant wildlife in the Wetland Reserve of Mahout, conducted by the Environment Authority in Al Wusta Governorate, have documented a wide variety of wild species. The surveys revealed the presence of numerous water and migratory birds, including storks, ducks, and herons, as well as rare species such as the white stork and endangered birds like the black-headed gull. Several wild animals were also observed, including desert foxes, wild rabbits, ...

Over 70% Completion Achieved in Dual-carriageway from Duqm Airport Roundabout to Ras Markaz Duqm, 25 May (ONA) --- The Duqm Airport Roundabout to Ras Markaz dual-carriageway project has surpassed 70% completion, with several vital works finalized, positioning the project to soon facilitate effective traffic flow. The project features a dual-carriageway comprising two lanes in each direction over a 42.9-kilometer stretch, along with 11.5 kilometers of subsidiary roads, including access routes to roundabouts and connections to the airport area. The road will link storage ...

Construction Accelerates at New Mahout Hospital with 90% Completion Rate Mahout, 14 May (ONA)—— Construction work at the new Mahout Hospital in Al Wusta Governorate is progressing rapidly, aiming for completion by the end of this year. The facility will provide primary and secondary healthcare services to residents of Mahout and neighboring wilayats, with construction already 90% complete. Eng. Yousuf Yaqoub Amboali, Director General of Projects and Engineering Services at the Ministry of Health, stated that work on the new Mahout Hospital is advancing smoothly. ...

Water Network Project Linking Duqm and Haima Inaugurated Duqm, 7 May (ONA) —— Several water projects were inaugurated today in Al Wusta Governorate, most notably the strategic Duqm-Haima Water Supply System, spanning 211 kilometers at a cost exceeding RO 24 million. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed Musallam Al Kathiri, Governor of Al Wusta. Implemented by Nama Water Services, the project aims to enhance water security and sustainability in the governorate amid population growth. The project includes four key stations: 1. Duqm Station: A ...

Duqm’s Saay Commercial District Roads Almost Completed Duqm, 23 Apr (ONA) —— The completion rate of the internal roads project in the new Saay Commercial District within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) rose to 93 percent in April. All core works have been completed, making the area ready for traffic flow. The new Saay Commercial District is a modern investment and tourism destination within SEZAD. Two years ago, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) launched a development plan for the district, which includes several model ...

SEZAD Introduces Duqm Now Forum Duqm, 19 Jan (ONA) --- The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) introduces Duqm Now – a quarterly forum that brings together the nation's visionaries, doers and decision-makers. This unique platform, sponsored by Duqm Quarries and the Development Bank goes beyond traditional networking to deliver actionable insights and forge the connections that turn ambitious plans into business reality. The first session will be on 29 January 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Duqm. With Oman targeting 30% of its electricity from renewable ...

Al Wusta Governorate Launches National Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases Mahut, 14 Jan (ONA) --- The Directorate General of Health Services in Al Wusta Governorate today launched the National Survey Campaign for Non-Communicable Diseases in the Wilayat of Mahout. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Sheikh Humaid Dhaher Al Bat'hari, Wali of Mahout. The survey reflects the Ministry of Health's keenness to diminish the spread of non-communicable diseases and address their associated risk factors. --- Ends/Bishara/AH ...

Partial Opening of Sultan Said bin Taimur Road in Duqm Duqm, 27 Nov (ONA) --- The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) announced today the opening of traffic on parts of Sultan Said bin Taimur Road in Duqm. This project serves as a main road in the Wilayat of Duqm, connecting SEZAD to Muscat Governorate in the north via the Duqm–Mahout–Sinaw road, and linking the area in the south to Dhofar Governorate and the Wilayats of Haima and Al Jazer. Eng. Ahmed Ali Akaak, CEO of SEZAD, stated that Sultan Said bin Taimur Road is a vital route within SEZAD. It reflects the Zone's ...

Al Wusta Municipal Council Reviews Economic Movement in the Governorate Haima, 26 Nov (ONA) --- The Municipal Council of the Governorate of Al Wusta today held a meeting under the chairmanship of Sheikh Ahmed Musallam Jadad, Governor of Al Wusta, Chairman of the Council. The council reviewed a spectrum of topics, such as the economic activities during the first half of 2024 in the governorate through a presentation given by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment ...

First Batch of School Buses Launched at Karwa Factory in Duqm Duqm, 23 Sep (ONA) --- The Ministry of Education today launched the first batch of new school buses at the Karwa Motors factory in Duqm. The agreement, which seeks to replace old vehicles, stems from the ministry’s efforts to modernize the school bus fleet. The first batch includes manufacturing 5 buses and handing them over to current bus owners during October 2024. In the meantime, Karwa Motors Company announced the launch of after-sales services in all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman through Opal ...

Duqm Witnesses Increase in Student Enrollment as Investment Interest Rises Duqm, 26 Aug (ONA) ---- The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) has recorded growth in the number of students enrolled in general and basic education, coinciding with an increase in investments in the area. This growth is also due to many Omani and foreign families relocating to Duqm, encouraged by the availability of various services and facilities that promote a stable living environment. Over the past five years, the SEZAD has seen an increase in the number of students attending both public ...