News

Sanad Service Centres in South Al Batinah Enhance Business Environment, Facilitate Government Procedures Al Rustaq, 14 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Sanad Service Centres in South Al Batinah Governorate constitute one of the main pillars of the system of economic and service activities, thus lending optimum support to the growing commercial and investment drive in the governorate. Sanad Service Centres contribute to facilitating government procedures,enhancing the business environment and enabling entrepreneurs and citizens to complete their transactions in an efficient and rapid ...

South Al Batinah Organizes Operetta to Mark HM the Sultan’s Accession Day A’Rustaq, 11 Jan 2026 (ONA) ---- The Directorate General of Education in South Al Batinah Governorate celebrated today the anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s Accession Day. The celebration, held at the A’Rustaq Sports Complex, featured a student festival titled "Covenant and Belonging." The event was held under the auspices of Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah. ---Ends/AG ...

Initiative Provides 3,319 Medical Devices to Over 2,220 Beneficiaries in South Al Batinah A’Rustaq, 4 Jan 2025 (ONA) --- The "Sahhil Hayatahum" (Ease Their Lives) initiative, implemented by the Ihsan Association branch in South Al Batinah Governorate, has continued its humanitarian mission of supporting the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Between 2015 and 2025, the initiative focused on providing and distributing prosthetic and assistive medical devices to enhance the quality of life for its beneficiaries. Statistical data shows that the initiative has reached a ...

771 Educators in South Al Batinah Graduate from Specialized Institute for Professional Training of Teachers A’Rustaq, 30 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Directorate General of Education in South Al Batinah Governorate celebrated today the graduation of the seventh cohort from the strategic programs of the Specialized Institute for Professional Training of Teachers, comprising 771 male and female graduates. The celebration follows the trainees' completion of training programs for the School Leadership Strategy, Supervision Experts, Senior Teachers, Subject Matter Experts, and New ...

Details of Sand Sports Games in South Al Batinah Unveiled A’Rustaq, 30 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- Details of the Sand Sports Games within the activities of “Experience South Al Batinah” in its third edition for the year 2026 were unveiled today. The event will be held during January in the Al Abyadh sands “Khabbat Al Qa’adan” in the Wilayat of Nakhal This came during a press conference held at the South Al Batinah Governor's office, attended by Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah, and a number of officials representing the relevant entities. The ...

Strategic Visions Aim to Enhance Academic Knowledge with Industrial Applications Al Musannah, 28 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- Higher education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman have successfully developed an integrated strategic vision aimed at bridging the gap between academic theory and industrial practice. This vision is being realized through several practical tracks, including linking education directly to industry, solving real-world challenges, and creating integrated training programs that develop specialized skills tailored to immediate industrial needs. Graduation projects ...

Nine Passionate Rounds Mark Conclusion of 2025 Camel Racing Competition in Barka Barka, 25 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- Al Fuleij racecourse in the Wilayat of Barka, South Al Batinah Governorate, today saw the conclusion of the 2025 Camel Racing Competitions. The closing ceremony was held under the auspices of Sheikh Said Saud Al Ghufaili, Chairman of Oman Camel Racing Association. Nine races were held in the final event, which was organised by the Royal Court Affairs, represented by the Royal Camel Corps. Out of the final nine races, 4 races were dedicated to both male ...

South Al Batinah Municipal Council Holds Meeting A’Rustaq, 24 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Municipal Council of South Al Batinah Governorate reviewed several service and development topics related to the growth of the governorate’s wilayats during its tenth meeting of 2025. The meeting, chaired by Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashimi, Governor of South Al Batinah and Chairman of the Council, included the approval of the previous meeting’s minutes and discussions on various issues concerning the education sector. During the session, the Department of Heritage and Tourism delivered a ...

South Al Batinah Municipality Organizes Health Forum to Enhance Governance, Food Safety Barka, 23 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- South Al Batinah Municipality today started a two-day ‘municipal health forum’ in the Wilayat of Barka, as part of the Municipality's efforts to enhance institutional integration in food safety and develop the overall municipal work system. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng. Masoud bin Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah. The forum deals with key challenges and opportunities in the municipal sector and review efforts made ...

Symposium Held in South Al Batinah Focuses on Investment in EducationA’Rustaq, 21 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Directorate General of Education in South Al Batinah Governorate today organized a symposium titled “Investing in a Safe Educational Environment”. The symposium was held under the auspices of Dr. Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education. The symposium aimed to meet a number of objectives: Raise public awareness the importance of early childhood education and its role in shaping personality and developing cognitive skills ...

South Al Batinah Emergency Management Panel Reviews Readiness to Address Incidents A’Rustaq, 16 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The sub-committee tasked with emergency management in the South Al Batinah Governorate today reviewed the preparedness of its sectors to deal with any incidents. The discussion took place during the committee’s meeting chaired by Brigadier Mohammed Awadh Al Shanfari, Commander of South Al Batinah Governorate’s Police, Chairman of the Governorate's Emergency Sub-Committee. The meeting was attended by representatives of supporting committees from other ...

A’Rustaq Hospital Accredited as Mother and Baby-Friendly Hospital A’Rustaq, 15 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- A’Rustaq Hospital today obtained accreditation as a Mother and Baby-Friendly Hospital from the Ministry of Health, making it the third hospital in the Sultanate of Oman to receive "Baby-Friendly Hospital" accreditation and the second to receive "Mother-Friendly Hospital" accreditation. This national achievement adds to the record of excellence in the health sector. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah, in the ...

Permits for Tourism Projects Post 48.7 percent Rise in South Al Batinah Nakhl, 14 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The number of permits issued for tourism investment projects in the South Al Batinah Governorate between January and October 2025 grew by 48.7 percent to 174, compared to 117 issued during the corresponding period in 2024. According to updated statistics from the Heritage and Tourism Department in South Al Batinah Governorate, the number of eco-lodges in the governorate stood at 48—of which 33 were set up in the Wilayat of Barka, 10 in the Wilayat of Al Musanaa, 2 in the ...

Agreement Inked to Fund, Implement Al Rumais Park Project in Barka Barka, 10 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The South Al Batinah Governorate signed an agreement with four private sector companies to fund and implement the Al Rumais Park project in the Wilayat of Barka. This is part of efforts to enhance partnership between the government and private sectors and to support community initiatives that contribute to improving the quality of life and developing public facilities in the Governorate. The agreement with the private sector companies was signed by Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, ...

“International Day of Persons with Disabilities” Observed in South Al Batinah Governorate Al Rustaq, 4 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Directorate General of Social Development in South Al Batinah Governorate held a ceremony in the Wilayat of Rustaq to mark the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025”. The event was organized in cooperation with the Department of Culture, Sports and Youth in the governorate. The ceremony was attended by more than 120 persons with disabilities who are enrolled at “Al Wafa Centre for the Rehabilitation of Persons with ...

Geography Laboratory for Modern Technologies Inaugurated in A’RustaqA’Rustaq, 30 Nov 2025 (ONA) — The Geography Laboratory for Modern Technologies was inaugurated today in the Al Hazm area of the Wilayat of A’Rustaq.The facility aims to support the educational process by providing a practical environment that enables the application of geographical concepts in a realistic manner.The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Abdullah Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education.The opening of the laboratory marks a significant step towards ...

Around 28K Monthly Visitors to Hajarat Al Sheikh Tourist Walkway in Wadi Al Maawil Wadi Al Maawil, 19 Nov 2025 (ONA) --- The Hajarat Al Sheikh Tourist Walkway in the Wilayat of Wadi Al Maawil, South Al Batinah Governorate, is witnessing increasing popularity, attracting nearly 28,000 visitors monthly, making it one of the most prominent natural and heritage tourist destinations in the Wilayat. The walkway, implemented through a partnership between the Office of the Governor of South Al Batinah and the people of the Wilayat, serves as a recreational space for visitors, combining ...

Internal Road Paving in Full Swing in Wilayats of South Al Batinah Governorate Nakhal, 12 Nov (ONA) --- The wilayats of South Al Batinah Governorate are currently carrying out an active programme of internal road paving. The programme forms part of infrastructure projects being implemented within the Governorate's annual development plans. The projects, undertaken by the Directorate General of South Al Batinah Municipality, include the paving of internal roads in residential neighbourhoods and parking areas of government departments, commercial complexes, health ...

South Al Batinah Governorate Reviews Development Projects Underway in Nakhal Nakhal, 10 Nov (ONA) – The Governorate of South Al Batinah today held a community meeting during which it reviewed the progress being made in service and development projects currently underway in the Wilayat of Nakhal. Held in the presence of South Al Batinah Governor, Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, the meeting was in pursuance of ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure, improve the quality of life and enhance tourism and economic activities in the Wilayat. Eng. Ali Hassan Al Mujaini, ...

Meeting Reviews Development Projects BarkaBarka, 28 Oct (ONA) — The South Al Batinah Governorate today reviewed a number of service and development projects currently under implementation in the Wilayat of Barka. This comes within the context of ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure, improve the quality of life, and promote urban development in Barka.The review took place during a meeting between Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah, and a number of officials in the governorate.Eng. Ali Hassan Al Mujini, Director of the Projects Department at South Al Batinah ...

South Al Batinah Municipal Council Reviews Service-Related TopicsA’Rustaq, 27 Oct (ONA) — The Municipal Council in South Al Batinah Governorate reviewed some service and developmental topics.This took place during its eighth meeting this year, held today under the chairmanship of Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah and Chairman of the Municipal Council.The meeting reviewed the executive status of the project to allocate an agricultural land plot “usufruct” for relocating the poultry breeding and marketing project in Al Mullada area in the Wilayat of Al ...

South Al Batinah Emerges as Premier Tourism Destination Through Heritage Development Barka, 19 Oct (ONA) --- South Al Batinah Governorate has demonstrated significant growth in its tourism infrastructure, with licensed tourism establishments reaching 274 by September 2025, comprising hotels, heritage lodges, and eco-friendly accommodations. The region has also seen expansion in its travel sector, with 148 registered travel agencies and tour operators currently active. The Directorate of Heritage and Tourism has been instrumental in developing the governorate's tourism ...

Agreements Inked to Localize Projects in Khazaen Economic City Worth over RO 276 MillionBarka, 15 Oct (ONA) — Khazaen Economic City in South Al Batinah Governorate signed 19 new investment agreements during the first half of 2025, to localize a number of local and foreign projects with a total value exceeding RO 276.5 million. This compares to 9 agreements valued at RO 5.4 million during the same period in 2024, achieving a 111% growth in the number of agreements and a qualitative leap in investment value.This accelerated growth reflects increasing confidence from local and international ...

Qualifying Rounds for Sultan Qaboos Quran Competition Commence in BarkaBarka, 15 Oct (ONA) — The preliminary qualifying rounds for the 33rd edition of Sultan Qaboos Quran Competition commenced today in the Wilayat of Barka, South Al Batinah Governorate, at its 20th stop.Organized by the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science at the Diwan of Royal Court, the competition features 111 male and female contestants.The competition includes seven levels: Level 1 requires full memorization of the Holy Quran; Level 2 requires memorization of 24 consecutive parts; Level 3 requires 18 ...

Oman's Ancient Copper Industry Stands as Testament to Advanced Civilization A’Rustaq, 12 Oct (ONA) --- The ancient copper industry in the Sultanate of Oman serves as compelling evidence of an advanced civilization that evolved into a leading industrial power nearly five thousand years ago. Historical records from Sumerian and Assyrian civilizations document copper exports from Oman to Mesopotamia, while numerous archaeological sites across the country reveal extensive smelting remnants that testify to the industry's remarkable scale ...

Investment Agreements Worth Over RO 9 Million Signed in South Al Batinah Muscat, 9 Oct (ONA) --- The Office of the Governor of South Al Batinah today signed 13 new investment and executive agreements with a number of private sector institutions, valued at over RO 9 million. The signing took place during the Home and Building Expo at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The agreements were signed on behalf of the Governor’s Office by Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah, and by a group of investment and executive institutions and companies representing ...

Completion Rate in Restoration Project of Al Khasfah Tower Reaches 55pcA’Rustaq, 8 Oct (ONA) — The completion rate of the restoration works for Al Khasfah historic Tower in the Wilayat of A’Rustaq, South Al Batinah Governorate, has reached approximately 55%.This effort is part of the ongoing work by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to preserve historical heritage and enhance the presence of heritage landmarks as tourist and cultural assets in the wilayat.— Ends/AH ...

Social Development Ministry Opens Complex in A’Rustaq for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities A’Rustaq, 7 Oct (ONA) --- The Ministry of Social Development today opened a building that comprises production halls at “Al Wafa Centre for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities” in A’Rustaq, South Al Batinah Governorate. The complex is aimed to train persons with disabilities and economically empower them to establish their own businesses and integrate them into the labour market. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng.Masoud Said Al ...

Precast Concrete Factory Opens in Wilayat of Nakhal Nakhal, October 5 (ONA) --- A precast concrete factory was opened today in the Wilayat of Nakhal, South Al Batinah Governorate, to enhance local content and keep pace with modern construction requirements. The project was carried out by Global Precast Industries LLC company. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Khalfan Said Al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning. Eng. Ibrahim Salim Al Siyabi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the factory, said that the unit, whose construction ...

Expanded Health Awareness Symposium Held in Al Awabi Wilayat Al Awabi, 30 (ONA) --- The Health Committee in the Wilayat of Al Awabi today organized an expanded awareness symposium titled "Genetic Blood Disorders and Pre-Marital Screening." The event was held under the auspices of Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah, with the attendance of several officials in the governorate. The symposium included three working papers: The first paper addressed genetic diseases. The second paper reviewed the details of the pre-marital screening program from a health ...