News

North Al Batinah Hosts Forum on Enhancing Professional Performance Sohar, 23 Sep (ONA) --- The Ministry of Labour organized today a forum in the Wilayat of Sohar, North Al Batinah Governorate, titled "The Importance of the National Strategy for Professional Standards in Enhancing Work Performance." The event was held under the auspices of Mohammed Suleiman Al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah. Zaher bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, Director General of the Professional Standards Directorate and Project Manager for the Strategy at the Ministry of Labour, emphasized that the forum is ...

North Al Batinah Governorate Food Security Forum Focuses on Investment Al Suwaiq, 15 Sep (ONA) --- North Al Batinah branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) today organized a forum on investment in the field of food security. Titled "Secure Investment for Sustainable Food", the forum was aimed to promote investment in food security in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. The forum discussed means of supporting economic diversification by localizing quality projects based on modern technologies, in a manner that enhances in-country value. An ...

Entrepreneurship Centre Opens in North Al Batinah Sohar, 4 Sep (ONA) --- An entrepreneurship centre affiliated to the SMEs Development Authority (Riyada) was opened in the Wilayat of Sohar, North Al Batinah Governorate, today. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Mohammed Sulaiman Al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah, and attended by Halima Rashid Al Zar'ee, Chairperson of Riyada, in addition to heads of government departments and private sector establishments in the governorate. The centre constitutes a step forward in supporting entrepreneurs ...

Tender Floated for Sohar Link to Al Batinah ExpresswayMuscat, 20 Aug (ONA) — The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has announced the tender for the design and implementation of dual carriageway road project of Sohar link in the North Al Batinah Governorate.The project will stretch from the Al Wahat Mall roundabout to the bridge connecting to the Al Batinah Expressway, with a length of approximately 9 kilometers and an implementation period of up to 18 months.The project includes the construction of a number of roundabouts and box culverts to ensure smooth ...

Water Distribution Network Rehabilitation, Maintenance Implemented in North Al Batinah Sohar, 20 Aug (ONA) --- Nama Water Services is implementing a vital project for the rehabilitation and maintenance of water distribution networks in North Al Batinah Governorate. The project, costing over RO 2 million, is part of the company's strategic plans to enhance infrastructure efficiency and ensure sustainable supply. This work is aimed at keeping pace with urban expansion and future development plans across the six wilayats of the governorate. The project seeks to improve the ...

A’Suwaiq Stars Art Studio Initiative: A Platform Supporting Creativity, Community Work A’Suwaiq, 20 Aug (ONA) — A’Suwaiq Stars Art Studio Initiative offers creative and community activities aimed at developing the talents of young male and female job-seeker artists, in addition to supporting cancer patients from needy families through creative artistic events. One of the initiatives involves providing multi-disciplinary art workshops that enable young artists to develop their skills and continue their contributions, thereby enriching the cultural and artistic ...

Construction Work Continues on Al-Zahimi Dam in North Al BatinahLiwa, 6 Aug (ONA) — The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources continues construction work on the Al-Zahimi flood protection dam project in the Wilayat of Liwa, North Al Batinah Governorate.The project, which began on 24 April 2025, is expected to be completed by 24 February 2027, with a construction cost exceeding RO 9 million. As of the end of July, the project's completion rate has reached 19%.Eng. Nasser Mohammed Al Battashi, Director General of Water Resources Assessment at the Ministry of Agriculture, ...

A’Suwaiq Port Handles Over 399 Million Tons of Cargo in First Half of 2025A’Suwaiq, 5 Aug (ONA) — A’Suwaiq Port in North Al Batinah Governorate handled 399,615,000 tons of cargo during the first half of 2025, compared to 374,168,000 tons during the same period in 2024. The port received 429 vessels, up from 408 ships in the first half of last year. Statistics revealed that dry bulk cargo handling reached 243,359 tons in the first half of 2025, compared to 286,278 tons in the corresponding period of 2024. Meanwhile, food commodities, vegetables, fruits, and other goods totaled 54,401 ...

Digital Platform Facilitates Access to Home Healthcare ServicesShinas, 3 Aug (ONA) — A student team from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Shinas has developed an innovative digital health platform named “Meaad", aimed at simplifying access to home healthcare services across North Al Batinah Governorate. The platform allows patients and visitors to easily book medical appointments while providing comprehensive information about doctors and clinics. Featuring a flexible and user-friendly interface suitable for both elderly users and tech-savvy youth, Meaad also ensures ...

Phase One of Al Yasmeen Park Project in A’Suwaiq Completed A’Suwaiq, 30 Jul (ONA) — The Municipality of North Al Batinah has completed the first phase of Al Yasmeen Park project in Al Bidiyah area, the Wilayat of A’Suwaiq, at a cost of RO 212,460. Spanning a total area of 19,000 square meters, the project was executed over 347 days. The first phase included the implementation of irrigation systems, construction of a 30,000-liter underground water tank, and installation of a comprehensive electrical network supported by modern lighting poles. Additionally, ...

Participation Opens for 3rd Al Batinah International Film Festival Muscat, 29 Jul (ONA) — Oman Film Society, in cooperation with the North Al Batinah Governor’s Office, has announced the opening of participation for the official competition of the 3rd Al Batinah International Film Festival, scheduled to take place during 27-30 October 2025. Participation will be accepted until 20 September through the festival’s official online forms. Held biennially, the Al Batinah International Film Festival serves as a cultural and artistic platform aimed at promoting ...

“Future Pioneers" Camp Kicks Off in North Al Batinah Sohar, 27 Jul (ONA) — The activities of the third edition of the "Future Pioneers" camp commenced today at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Sohar, targeting 50 students from the Directorate General of Education in North Al Batinah Governorate. The five-day camp is part of national efforts to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation among students, equipping them with early exposure to technical projects and startups. This initiative aims to build a generation capable of meeting the ...

Workshop Held to Highlight Incentive Program, Promising Startups Index in Sohar Sohar, 14 Jul (ONA) --- The North Al Batinah branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry today organized an introductory workshop on the promotional campaign for the Incentive Program and Promising Startups Index, launched by Muscat Stock Exchange in cooperation with the National Programfor FiscalSustainabilityandFinancial Sector Development"Estidama”. The workshop reviewed the objectives of the Incentive Program and the Promising Startups Index, along with the incentives offered to closed and ...

Shinas Port Handles Over 360K Tons of Exports, Imports in First Half of 2025 Shinas, 6 Jul (ONA) — Statistical data released by Shinas Port in North Al Batinah Governorate indicated a rise in the growth of exports and imports during the first half of this year, reflecting the port’s expanding role in supporting the national economy and enhancing regional and international trade. Khatir Ali Al-Ma’amari, Executive Director of Shinas Port, stated that the total volume of goods handled reached 360,556 tons, including 353,735 tons of imports and 6,821 tons of exports. ...

Student Team Converts Coffee into Clean Biofuel Sohar, 2 Jul (ONA) —— The student company "Java Fuel" at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Sohar, North Al Batinah Governorate, has successfully developed an innovative project in sustainable energy by converting coffee waste into clean biodiesel using advanced artificial intelligence technologies. Tarteel Khaled Al Na’abi explained that the project offers an eco-friendly product that serves industrial sectors and government institutions concerned with environmental fields, presenting both an economic and ...

Saham Fruit Festival Features Diverse Activities Saham, 1 Jul (ONA) —- Saham Fruit Festival kicked off in the Wilayat of Saham, North Al Batinah Governorate today. The event is organized by the Office of the Wali of Saham in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources in the wilaya. The festival aims to support local producers by providing a direct marketing platform to sell their agricultural products, promote sustainable farming practices, and raise community awareness about their economic and environmental importance. It ...

Summer Program Launched for North Al Batinah School Students Sohar, 30 Jun (ONA) – The activities of the 2025 summer program for school students in North Al Batinah Governorate commenced today across the governorate's wilayats. Organized by the Ministry of Education under the slogan “My Summer: Connection and Growth," the program involves 600 male and female students from various wilayats, distributed across six summer centers. Issa Saif Al Shamsi, head of the local committee for the summer program in North Al Batinah, stated that this year's program includes ...

Summer Quran Memorization Program Kicks Off in ShinasShinas, 24 Jun (ONA) —— The annual summer Quran memorization program has commenced in the Wilayat of Shinas, organized by the Qurraa School for Quran Memorization at Al-Ghawabi Al-Shamali Mosque in cooperation with the Department of Endowments and Religious Affairs in North Al Batinah Governorate. As many as 209 students from various age groups are participating in the program, ranging from preparatory and kindergarten levels up to the 12th grade. —— Ends/AH ...

Sohar Aluminium, Athar Foundation Sign MoU to Support Healthcare Projects in OmanSohar, 22 Jun (ONA) — Sohar Aluminium today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Athar Healthcare Endowment Foundation to enhance cooperation in supporting priority health initiatives and projects in the Sultanate of Oman. This partnership aligns with joint efforts to promote the sustainability of healthcare services and contribute to the development of the health sector.The agreement was signed by Ahmed Mohammed Al Kharousi, Director General of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Sohar ...

Seminar Discusses Challenges, Innovative Solutions for Local Products in North Al BatinahSohar, 17 Jun (ONA) —— A seminar titled “The Local Product as an Added Value: Challenges and Innovative Solutions"* was held today in Sohar.It was organized by the Omani Consumer Protection Association in cooperation with the Directorate General of Consumer Protection in North Al Batinah Governorate. The event saw participation from several government and private sector institutions in the governorate. The seminar comes within the framework of cooperation and coordination between the Consumer ...

Al-Atta Neighborhood Project Launched in Al-Khabourah, North Al Batinah Governorate Al Khabourah, 11 Jun (ONA) --- A ceremony was held today in the Wilayat of Al Khabourah, North Al Batinah Governorate, to mark the inauguration of the first phase of Al-Atta Neighborhood (Hai Al-Atta) project. The first phase of the project cost RO 1.6 million. It includes 35 standards housing units, each covering an area of ​​272 square metres. The project, aimed to provide housing for families whose residences were affected by past climatic conditions, boasts a range of modern ...

Completion Rate in A’Suwaiq Street Vendors Project Reaches 80pc A’Suwaiq, 11 Jun (ONA) —— The development project for street vendors in Al Khadra area in the Wilayat of A’Suwaiq has reached 80% completion, according to the North Al Batinah Governorate Municipality. Eng. Mohsin Mohammed Al Ajmi from the municipality's Projects Department stated that the project aims to create a safe, hygienic environment while regulating commercial activities. The development includes multiple facilities, namely shaded structures covering 460 square meters for 20 fruit ...

CSR Delegation Visits SoharSohar, 3 Jun (ONA) — Mohammed Sulaiman Al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah, affirmed that Sohar's selection to be Guest of Honour for 2025 Arab Socially Responsible City Award results from concerted efforts by government and private entities, along with civil society organizations, to institutionalize social responsibility as a pillar of sustainable development.This statement came during an official visit by the Regional Network for Social Responsibility to Sohar, coinciding with the city's designation as Guest of Honor for the 2025 Arab Socially Responsible ...

Economic Legislation Discussed at North Al Batinah Trade and Law ForumSohar, 22 May (ONA) — Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) branch in North Al Batinah Governorate today hosted the Trade and Law Forum, titled “Be a Merchant Within the Law," which examined the role of legislation in regulating economic activity and fostering a fair and transparent business environment.Dr. Ali Salim Al Badi, Head of the Legislation and Laws Study Committee, highlighted the efforts of OCCI’s North Al Batinah branch in emphasizing the importance of legislation as a catalyst for economic growth. ...

North Al Batinah Municipal Council Holds Meeting Sohar, 20 May (ONA) --- The Municipal Council of North Al Batinah Governorate held its regular meeting today under the chairmanship of Mohammed Sulaiman Al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah and Chairman of the Council. The meeting reviewed several developmental and service-related topics and initiatives across the governorate. The Council discussed the outcomes of the Child Protection Committee meeting, which included the participation of specialists from the General Directorate of Social Development in the ...

Cooperation Agreement Signed to Equip Liwa Science and Innovation Center with Robotics Sohar, 4 May (ONA) --- The Directorate General of Education in North Al Batinah Governorate today signed a cooperation agreement with Ooredoo to supply Liwa Science and Innovation Center with a set of robotics, supporting educational objectives and their application in teaching and training. The agreement was signed by Dr. Walid Talib Al Hashmi, Director General of the Directorate General of Education in North Al Batinah, and Aisha Salem Al Shuaili, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at ...

Engineering Forum Held to Develop National Workforce in North Al BatinahSohar, 30 Apr (ONA) —— The North Al Batinah Municipality organized the first edition of its Engineering Forum to develop national talent and foster innovation.The event brought together engineers from the public and private sectors, engineering students and graduates from Omani universities and colleges, and government entities involved in infrastructure and sustainable development. The forum featured five key presentations by engineers from government institutions, covering the historical context of environmental ...

Forum Focuses on Occupational Safety and Health in North Al Batinah Sohar, 30 Apr (ONA) —— The Social Protection Fund, in cooperation with Sohar University, today organized the Occupational Safety and Health Forum under the title “Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization: Our Path to a Safer Work Environment." Ahmed Khalfan Al Zaabi, Director of the Social Protection Fund in North Al Batinah Governorate, stated that the forum aims to raise awareness about the importance of occupational safety and health, promote a safety culture in the workplace, and explore ...

Employment Challenges, Attracting National Talent Discussed in North Al Batinah Sohar, 28 Apr (ONA) —— Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), the North Al Batinah branch, held a meeting to address challenges related to recruiting and employing national talent, in the presence of Khalid Salim Al Ghamari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour for Labour Affairs. The meeting, held today with several representatives and owners of factories and companies in the governorate, reviewed the private sector's perspectives on Omanization and replacement policies, along ...

National Program for Identifying Gifted Students Begins in North Al Batinah Sohar, 27 Apr (ONA) --- The first phase of the fourth edition of the National Program for Identifying Gifted Students, "Tharwa 4," has commenced today in North Al Batinah Governorate. Hamad Saif Al Maamari, Director of the Department of Special Education and Continuous Education at the Directorate General of Education in North Al Batinah, stated that 31 schools in the governorate have been selected for the initial phase of the program, targeting approximately 1,974 male and female students. ...