News

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 ...

Activities of Al Wusta Summer Fete 2024 to Begin Next Week Haima, 9 Jul (ONA) --- Al Wusta Governorate today announced that activities of “Al Wusta Summer Fete 2024” will last from 17 July to 5 August. Sheikh Ahmed Musallam Jidad Al Kathiri, Governor of Al Wusta, said in a press conference that the festival seeks to highlight the Governorate of Al Wusta’s tourism attractions. He pointed out that the programme keeps pace with the influx of visitors and tourist en route to Dhofar Khareef (monsoon) destinations. The programme includes upgrading the services of Haima ...

Al Wusta Governorate Braces for “Khareef Dhofar 2024” Season Haima, 30 Jun (ONA) --- The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, represented by the Roads Department in Al Wusta Governorate, is taking measures to upgrade its readiness to optimize benefits from Khareef Dhofar 2024 season. Bakhit Salim Al Awa’id, Director of the Roads Department in Al Wusta Governorate, said that his department engaged in removing sand layers from the roads leading to the Dhofar Governorate like Adam-Thumrait road, Sinaw-Duqm-Hasik road, Al Ashkharah-Mahout road and ...

Protection Dams, Government Jetty Opened at Port of Duqm Duqm, 20 Feb (ONA) --- The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) today celebrated the opening of projects namely protection dams for Wadi Jarf and Wadi Sai, surface water drainage channels, and infrastructure works for the government jetty at Duqm Port in Al Wusta Governorate. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ). The height of Wadi Jarf Dam is 19.4 meters, its length is 1,600 ...

Wilayat of Duqm Gets Major Uplift in Services, Infrastructure Duqm, 6 Feb (ONA) --- The Wilayat of Duqm is undergoing comprehensive improvement in the areas of public services, infrastructure, entertainment and marketing. The rapid growth in those areas is inspired by ongoing economic and tourism projects, as well as projects that will be implemented in the near future at the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). Like other fast-growing economic hotspots, the Wilayat of Duqm boasts a full set of government institutions and commercial establishments, said Adil Amer Al Yaf’ee, ...

SEZAD Completes More Than 27pc of Road Dualization Between Duqm Airport, Ras MarkazDuqm, 5 Feb (ONA) --- The dualization of the main road from Duqm Airport roundabout to Ras Markaz (54 km long) constitutes a step forward in the establishment of a strategic road network within the masterplan of the Special Economic Zone in Duqm (SEZAD).Eng. Abdullah Salim Al Hakmani, Manager of Technical Affairs at SEZAD, said that the project cost stands at RO 57 million.He affirmed the completion of more than 27 percent of the 54-km road from Duqm Airport roundabout to Ras Markaz, noting that the ...

Environment Authority Succeeds in Installing Tracking Chip on Back of Arabian Sea Humpback Whale in Duqm Duqm, 5 Feb (ONA) --- The Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) has listed the Arabian Sea humpback whale among the most five groups at risk of extinction. This means that “saving a single whale has a significant impact on the genetic diversity and population recovery of this species.” In January 2021, the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Environment Authority and the Port of Duqm, succeeded in liberating and saving the humpback whale, ...

Duqm Rock Garden.. A Tourist and Geological LandmarkDuqm, 2 Feb (ONA) —- The Rock Garden located in the center of the Wilayat of Duqm, the Special Economic Zone in Duqm (SEZAD), constitutes one of the tourist attractions that attract tourists and visitors to learn about the hidden components of this garden.The garden is one of the most important geological sites in the Sultanate of Oman, and one of the most prominent natural treasures of Duqm. The garden, which has an area of about 6 square kilometers, includes unique rock formations lined up in the form of sandstone and limestone statues, ...

Wilayat of Al Jazir Boasts Breath-taking Coastal EnvironmentAl Jazir, 1 Feb (ONA) --- The Wilayat of Al Jazir in Al Wusta Governorate stands apart for its picturesque nature that combines coastal lands, craggy hills and desert landscape.A number of creeks penetrate the coastal slopes from Al Kohl area in the north to Ras Soqra in the south, passing through the areas of Khor Ghawi, Al Khadra, Qaysad, Mader, Al Fadi, and Al Lakbi.The Wilayat of Al Jazir also boasts many other tourist destinations like pink lakes, with their marvelous blend of salt water assuming pink colour due to ...

Asyad Dry Dock Asserts Regional Leadership, Claims Global ThrustDuqm, 1 Feb (ONA) --- Asyad Dry Dock complex, at the Special Economic Zone in Duqm (SEZAD), emerges as one of the largest ship repair hubs in the Middle East and North Africa region.To expand the portfolio of its commercial services and meet the needs of regional and international clients, ASYAD last year introduced ship manufacturing services to spur the growth of the logistics and shipbuilding industry. The hub provides cargo loading, unloading and transportation services, as well as full support for modern fishing ...

Al Wusta Governorate to Garner Projects Worth More Than RO 6 Million in 2024Haima, 31 Jan (ONA) --- Due to its distinguished geographical location, Al Wusta Governorate is set to witness major economic growth. The governorate already features major projects within the purviews of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), which places the governorate on the map of global investment destinations.Sheikh Ahmed Musallam Al Kathiri, Governor of Al Wusta, has said that development projects carried out in the governorate help enhance service, entertainment and tourism aspects.Al Kathiri ...

Multipurpose Fishing Port to Be Opened in Duqm in February 2024Duqm, 31 Jan (ONA) --- The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) announced that a comprehensive multi-purpose fishing port will be opened in Duqm in February 2024. The port is envisaged to meet the growing demand for fisheries-related services, house many fishery industries and attract related investments, taking advantage of the broad range of high-quality fisheries resources in the area.To be set up in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries at a cost of RO 63 million, the port will constitute one of ...

The Arabian Oryx Reserve in Haima Supports Ecotourism Haima, 31 Jan (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman has taken steps to preserve environmental diversity, represented by several projects, including the Arabian Oryx reintroduction project in the Governorate of Al Wusta, which is a living symbol of its unique natural history. These steps began in the seventies and included multiple stages of reproduction and health care until the Arabian Oryx was re-released into its wild environment. Sultan Mohammed Al Balushi, Director of the Arabian Oryx Department, said: “The Arabian ...

Duqm Special Economic Zone Continues Attracting New Tourism Facilities Duqm, 10 Jan (ONA) --- The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) continues attracting tourism-related economic development projects. Accordingly, today saw the opening of the three-star Royal Plaza Hotel. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Sheikh Ahmed Musallam Al Kathiri, Governor of Al Wusta. Royal Plaza Hotel includes 68 rooms, divided into 26 standard rooms and various service facilities. Younis Khamis Al Barashdi, Chairman of the hotel’s Board, said "Situated in ...

Construction Works in Saay Commercial District in Duqm Reach 33 Percent Duqm, 8 Oct (ONA) ---- Numerous projects and service facilities are being carried out by the Special Economic Zone Administration in Duqm (SEZAD) in Saay, the new commercial District, as the construction works in the district reached 33%. In addition to establishing a number of other service and investment projects, work is currently underway to build a network of internal roadways in the neighborhood (Saay District in the center of Duqm). This work will also include building a sewage network and canals ...

Workshop on National Youth Strategy Held in Al Wusta GovernorateDuqm, 5 Sep (ONA) --- The Department of Culture, Sports and Youth in Al Wusta Governorate today organized a specialized workshop on the National Youth Strategy.The workshop, which was attended by 50 young people, kept pace with the approach of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth to respond to the aspirations of specialized Omani youth interested in the fields of education, future skills, community engagement, economic empowerment, health, physical activity and environment.The workshop saw the participation of ...

Marafiq Implements New Water Network Expansion in SEZAD Duqm 29 Aug (ONA) ---- The Centralized Utilities Company (Marafiq), a joint venture owned by OQ; a subsidiary of Oman Investment Authority (OIA), implemented a water network expansion project in parts of Sayy neighborhood at the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). This move stems from Marafiq’s plan to connect different investment projects as well as residential and commercial properties with its water network. Commenting on the project, Eng. Said Ali Al Sarhani, Acting Chief Operations Officer at Marafiq said ...

First Duqm Economic Forum to Explore Investment Opportunities in Al Wusta Governorate Duqm, 31 Jul (ONA) --- The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) will organize the first Duqm Economic Forum on 16 October 2023 with the prime aim of highlighting major investment opportunities available in Al Wusta Governorate, which is undergoing rapid economic and urban growth. The event will be organised by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) and other government departments to attract more investments to the SEZAD. The forum will discuss many issues related ...

Foundation Stone Laid for New Mahout Hospital Mahout, 5 Jun (ONA) ---- The Minister of Health Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti unveiled today the foundation stone for Mahout Hospital project in Al Wusta Governorate. Sheikh Me'athad Mohammed Al Yaaqoubi, Governor of Al Wusta, Dr. Fatima Mohammed Al Ajmi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Administrative, Financial, and Planning Affairs, Wali of Mahout and number of Shura Council members at the Governorate featured at the groundbreaking ceremony. The ceremony included a presentation of the project’s components and ...

Al Wusta Municipal Council Reviews Service, Economic TopicsHaima, 30 May (ONA) --- The Municipal Council of Al Wusta Governorate today held a meeting under the chairmanship of Sheikh Mo'thid Mohammed Al Yaqoubi, Governor of Al Wusta, Chairman of the council.The meeting discussed several service and economic topics of relevance to the governorate. It also submitted recommendations regarding a number of topics. --- Ends/Thuraiya/AG ...

Demand for Electricity Services Up By 27pc in Duqm Duqm, 30 May (ONA)---The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZD) posted a 27% rise in the volume of demand for electricity services in 2022. By then, the number of subscribers stood at 6,953. Between 2020 and 2022 electricity service connections registered a growth of nearly 100 percent. This development reflects the steady growth and the rapid pace of investment at the SEZD, as well as the tremendous efforts made by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones and the companies operating in the sector. ...

Al Wusta Municipal Council Reviews Development, Service Topics Haima, 30 Apr (ONA) --- The Municipal Council of Al Wusta Governorate today held a meeting under the chairmanship of Salim Abdullah Al Hakamani, Deputy Chairman of the Council. The meeting discussed several development and service topics related to the governorate, such as matters concerning internal roads, waste management and water drainage, among others. --- Ends/AG ...

Al Wusta Municipal Council Holds MeetingHaima, 31 Jan (ONA) --- The Municipal Council of Al Wusta Governorate today held a meeting under the chairmanship of Sheikh Mo’thid Mohammed Al Yaqoubi, Governor of Al Wusta, Chairman of the council. The meeting touched on a range of topics, namely the progress made in several developmental projects in the governorate, boosting the capacity of Duqm Hospital, reducing ticket prices for flights on SalamAir to and from Duqm, as well as opening direct flights to and from Duqm through Salalah and Sohar airports, among other ...

Al Wusta Municipal Council Discusses Visions of Housing, Labour MinistriesHaima, 29 Nov (ONA) —— The Municipal Council of Al Wusta Governorate today discussed visions of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning on allocating landfill sites, as well as insights of the Ministry of Labour on regulations of the housing for expatriate workforce in the governorate.The council also reviewed replies it received and took appropriate decisions on their regard.The meeting was held under the chair of Sheikh Me'athad Mohammed Al Yaaqoubi, Governor of Al Wusta, chairman of the Municipal Council of ...

Municipal Council of Al Wusta Governorate Holds Meeting Haima, 29 Nov (ONA) --- The Municipal Council of Al Wusta Governorate today held its 8th meeting for 2022 under the chairmanship of Sheikh Mo’thid Mohammed Al Yaqoubi, Governor of Al Wusta, Chairman of the council. The meeting discussed a spectrum of topics, including the matter of specifying landfill sites in the governorate, among other topics. --- Ends/AG ...