News

Awareness Seminar in A’Rustaq Discusses Ways to Protect Elderly from AbuseA’Rustaq, 26 Jun (ONA) —— The fifth awareness seminar on Elder Abuse was held today in the Wilayat of A’Rustaq, organized by the Ehssan Association branch in South Al Batinah Governorate under the patronage of Dr. Yahya Sulaiman Al Nadabi, Wali of A’Rustaq.The seminar’s program included an awareness video titled “No to Elder Abuse”, which highlighted the various forms of abuse that the elderly may face and their psychological and social impact.The event featured several working papers, beginning with a ...

Municipal Council of South Al Batinah Reviews Service, Development ProjectsA’Rustaq, 24 Jun (ONA) — The Municipal Council of South Al Batinah Governorate held its sixth periodic meeting for the year 2025 today, under the chairmanship of Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah and Chairman of the Council.The meeting approved the minutes of the fifth session for 2025, followed by a review of several service and development projects in the governorate. The council examined developmental projects presented by the Ministry of Education, along with topics related to the ...

South Al Batinah Design Hackathon Kicks off A’Rustaq, 23 Jun (ONA) --- The South Al Batinah Design Hackathon, organized by the Governorate’s Office in collaboration with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Al Musannah, launched at the Office of Wali of A’Rustaq today. Held under the theme “An Urban Design with the Identity of Place," the two-day event aims to design and develop an integrated tourism project for “Khor Al Qareem" in the Wilayat of Al Musannah, combining the area’s environmental and cultural identity with modern technologies, ...

Service, Development Projects Implemented in South Al Batinah GovernorateA’Rustaq, 15 Jun (ONA) —— The Development Committee of South Al Batinah Governorate, operating under the Governor’s Office, is following up the execution of multiple developmental, service, and infrastructure projects aimed at boosting investment, trade, and tourism across the governorate’s wilayats.The total construction cost of these projects amounts to RO 4.5 million. They include: The development of the waterfront in Barka; The development of the waterfront in Al Musanna; The Wadi Al Ma’awil Commercial ...

Longest Tourist Walkway Project Unveiled in NakhalNakhal, 12 Jun (ONA) —— The longest tourist walkway in the Wilayat of Nakhal, South Al Batinah Governorate, was unveiled today. The 3-kilometer path will connect the historical Nakhil Fort with Ain Al Thawra Park, passing by numerous natural springs, aflaj (traditional irrigation systems), and agricultural villages along Wadi Nakhal, adding aesthetic value to the wilayat.Sheikh Khalifa Saleh Al Busaidi, Wali of Nakhal, emphasized that the project aims to boost tourism in the wilayat while showcasing the scenic and natural attractions of ...

Mangrove Trees in Barka: Fertile Ecosystem for Marine Life, Migratory Birds Barka, 11 Jun (ONA) —- Khor Al Sawadi in the Wilayat of Barka, South Al Batinah Governorate, is renowned for its mangrove forests, locally known as "Qurm" trees, which represent one of the most biodiverse coastal ecosystems in Oman. These trees create a thriving habitat that supports various marine organisms, including crustaceans and mollusks, while also serving as a crucial stopover for migratory birds due to their location along a global migration route. Eng. Salim Said Al Maskari, ...

A’Rustaq Health City and WHO Sign Letter of Cooperation A’Rustaq, 4 Jun (ONA) --- A’Rustaq Health City and the World Health Organization (WHO) today signed a letter of cooperation to support efforts in including A’Rustaq in WHO's Healthy Cities Program. This initiative aims to improve quality of life and enhance public health through comprehensive, sustainable programs targeting all community segments. The agreement was signed by Dr. Yahya Sulaiman Al Nadabi, Wali of A’Rustaq and Chairman of the Wilayat's Health Committee, and Dr. Jean Jabbour, ...

Bald Sayt Village: A Hub for Tourism, Adventure EnthusiastsA’Rustaq, 1 Jun (ONA) —- Nestled amid lush oases and towering mountain peaks, Bald Sayt village in the Wilayat of A’Rustaq in South Al Batinah Governorate, has emerged as a premier destination for adventure tourism. The village captivates international thrill-seekers due to its location along the famed Wadi (valley) of Bani Auf trail, known as "Snake Canyon" for its challenging terrain. It also serves as a gateway to an ancient mountain pathway officially recognized among Oman’s mountain trails, linking Bald Sayt to the ...

South Al Batinah Municipal Council Reviews Development, Service ProjectsA’Rustaq, 27 May (ONA) —— The South Al Batinah Municipal Council, during its fifth periodic meeting for 2025, reviewed the governorate's plan for projects to be implemented under the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).The meeting, chaired by Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah and Chairman of the Municipal Council, discussed several development and service projects.During the meeting, the Council hosted Dr. Abdullah Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority.The Council also reviewed ...

Honoring Outstanding Students in South Al Batinah Quran Competition A’Rustaq, 19 May (ONA) —— The Directorate General of Education in South Al Batinah Governorate today held a ceremony to honor outstanding students in the Quran Competition for 2024/2025 academic year, as part of its efforts to nurture students and instill religious and educational values. The event featured various segments, including melodious recitations of the Holy Quran by top-performing students, a presentation of the competition’s message, and a visual film highlighting the contest’s ...

Student Company Develops Smart Device to Track Shipping Containers Al Musanaa, 4 May (ONA) —— The student company "Servo" at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Al Musannah has successfully developed a smart device designed to be placed inside shipping containers to monitor their condition during transportation and storage. Shajan Mohammed Al Alawi, CEO of the student company, explained that the device is equipped with sensors to measure critical environmental indicators such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and vibration to ensure the safety of ...

International Conference Discusses Updates of Sustainable Development in Engineering and Technology Al Musanaa, 30 Apr (ONA) --- Deliberations of the International Conference on Sustainable Development in Engineering and Technology (ICSDET-2025) began today. The two-day event is organized by the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Al Musanna, South Al Batinah Governorate, in collaboration with the Global College of Engineering and Technology. It brings together a select group of researchers, academics, and specialists in engineering and technology ...

South Al Batinah Municipal Council Reviews Service Development Topics A’Rustaq, 29 Apr (ONA) —— The Municipal Council of South Al Batinah Governorate held a meeting today to discuss a number of service and development-related topics in the governorate. The council reviewed the minutes of the Governorate’s Development Committee meeting, as well as the implementation status of the "Rimal Park" project. It also discussed the minutes of the Legal Affairs Committee meeting and several circulars and responses concerning the regulation of public facilities and ...

Wakan Village Attracts Over 19K Visitors Nakhal, 27 Apr (ONA) —— The number of visitors to Wakan Village in Wadi Mistal, the Wilayat of Nakhl, South Al Batinah Governorate, has reached 19,270 since the beginning of January until April 2025, according to statistics released by the village’s Tourism Guidance Office, affiliated to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. The village has seen a significant influx of visitors during this period, with statistics indicating that February is typically the peak month for tourism. This year, the village welcomed 7,888 visitors in ...

Forum Discusses Digital Revolution in Libraries Al Musannah, 21 Apr (ONA) --- The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Al Musannah today hosted the second edition of its university library forum under the title "Libraries and Information Institutions in the Era of Digital Revolution: The Transformation of Present and Future." The event took place in Al Musannah, South Al Batinah Governorate. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Sheikh Ahmed Ali Al Habsi, Wali of Al Musannah. The forum served as a key knowledge platform to ...

Cyber Security Week Kicks Off at South Al Batinah EducationA'Rustaq, 9 Mar (ONA) --- Activities of the Cyber Security Week organized by the Directorate General of Education in South Al Batinah Governorate began today.The event, which will last until 13 March 2025, includes public awareness campaigns and exhibitions in all schools of the governorate about basic principles of cyber security and the protection of data and personal information. It also covers the areas of electronic hacking, artificial intelligence (AI) and safe applications of social media.--- Ends/Bishara/AG ...

Over 56K Visitors to Historical Landmarks in South Al Batinah A’Rustaq, 3 Mar (ONA) --- The number of visitors to historical landmarks in the Governorate of South Al Batinah increased by 15.8% during 2024 to reach 56,203 visitors compared to 48,493 visitors in 2023. The statistics, issued by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, indicate that the number of visitors to castles and forts in the Governorate of South Al Batinah peaked during the month of November 2024 (10,962 visitors), constituting a rise by 19.5%. The month of February 2024 came next with 8,436 visitors, ...

Sohar Sulphur Fertilizers Enhances Oman’s Status in Global Market Sohar, 5 Feb (ONA) --- Sohar Sulphur Fertilizers company, which specializes in the production of sulphur fertilizers, is undertaking efforts to support and enhance Omani exports. The company, which exports its products to more than 26 countries around the world, is headquartered in Madayn in the Wilayat of Sohar in North Al Batinah Governorate. Sohar Sulphur Fertilizers was established in 2011 as a joint venture between OQ (a subsidiary of Oman Investment Authority) and Aqua Venture International, with the aim of ...

Oman Geological Heritage Exhibition Opens in A’Rustaq A’Rustaq, 30 Dec (ONA) --- The fourth edition of Oman Geological Heritage Exhibition "Sustainability and Job Opportunities" was opened at Al Hazm Fort in the Wilayat of A’Rustaq in the South Al Batinah Governorate today and will continue until the end of June 2025. The exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of South Al Batinah, Petroleum Development Oman and Geological Society of Oman, aims to diversify the museum system that enhances tourist ...

South Al Batinah Governorate Signs Agreement for Operation, Installation of Advertising Platforms A’Rustaq, 24 Dec (ONA) --- South Al Batinah Governorate today signed an investment agreement to the tune of RO 2 million with Fikra Company for the installation and operation of digital and printed advertising platforms in various wilayats of the governorate, for a period of five years. The agreement aims to enhance advertising infrastructure in the governorate and facilitate promotional services for institutions and individuals, in addition to supporting local development ...

Symposium Held on Ways to Safeguard National IdentityAl Awabi, 22 Dec (ONA) --- A symposium titled "Identity and Citizenship" was held in the Wilayat of Al Awabi, South Al Batinah Governorat, today.The symposium laid emphasis on means of safeguarding the Omani identity by instilling national values in young people.The symposium included a visual presentation about the importance of endorsing the national Omani character and avoiding whatever is alien to society.The symposium was held under the auspices of Sheikh Rashid Ahmed Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social ...

WHO Delegation Visits Snaibi’ Health Village in Al-Awabi, South Al Batinah Al Awabi, December 5 (ONA) --- A delegation from the World Health Organization (WHO) today visited important development projects and health initiatives, including Snaibi’ Health Village in the Wilayat of Al Awabi, South Al Batinah Governorate. The visit was aimed at soliciting public about the best ways to support and implement such initiatives in a manner that suits the social environment. The WHO team conferred with members of the Village Development Committee and sought measures to upgrade ...

Transport Ministry Inaugurates Road Connections of Khazaen Economic City Muscat, 29 Sep (ONA) --- The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology today inaugurated the project of road connections (7 km) of Khazaen Economic City. The project links the city with Al Batinah Expressway. Further, the project comes within the framework of the Ministry’s efforts to link the national roads network with Khazaen Economic City. --- Ends/AG ...

Oman Celebrates “Prophet’s Birthday Anniversary of Hijri Year 1446 AH” in South Al Batinah A’Rustaq, 12 Sep (ONA) --- Represented by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, the Sultanate of Oman celebrated the anniversary of Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday for the Hijri year 1446 AH in the Wilayat of A’Rustaq, South Al Batinah Governorate. The celebration included a reading of “Al Mawlid”, narrating Prophet Mohammed’s life story, along with a duo chant in his praise, performed by Ahmed Rashid Al Dhiabi and Ammar Darwish Al Fouri. Enhanced by Artificial ...

Silal Market Receives More Than 1,100 Refrigerators Barka, 22 Jul (ONA) --- More than 1,100 cooling units have been received at the Central Market for Vegetables and Fruits (Silal) in the Wilayat of Barka, South Al Batinah Governorate, since the start of market’s operations in June 2024. The marketplace accommodated more than 26,000 tons of goods imported from countries of origin, in addition to local and neighboring markets. Silal seeks to develop wholesale trade, using a wide range of equipment and services that are aimed to serve traders, importers and ...

South Al Batinah Governor’s Office Inks 10 Investment Contracts A’Rustaq, 3 Jul (ONA) --- The South Al Batinah Governor’s Office today signed 10 investment contracts worth RO 7.5 million. This came within the framework of boosting the local economy and providing diverse investment opportunities in different wilayats of the governorate. The contracts include the establishment of a central livestock market, a youth camp and an industrial project, among other projects. --- Ends/Anas ...

Livestock, Aquatic Feed Production Unit at Khazaen City Advances 25%Barka, 9 Jun (ONA) --- A project on setting up an animal and marine life feed production unit in Khazaen City is progressing as scheduled, at 25 percent now. The project seeks to meet the needs of livestock and marine life.The project, being implemented by Omani Bioproducts Company, is an investment shared by Oman Flour Mills Group and Nakheel Oman Development Company, said Eng. Abdullah Said Al Muzaini, Director of operations at the factory. He added that the project aims at enhancing food security and recycling ...

South Al Batinah Municipal Council Holds Meeting A’Rustaq, 25 Mar (ONA) --- The Municipal Council of the Governorate of South Al Batinah today held its 3rd meeting for 2024 under the chairmanship of Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashimi, Governor of South Al Batinah. The meeting discussed a spectrum of topics on the agenda, namely investment projects in the field of agriculture, fisheries and water resources, facilities provided to those willing to benefit from usufructs for agricultural projects and the results of a study on some social phenomena, among other topics. ...

Rains Fall in A’Rustaq, Al Musanaa, BarkaA’Rustaq, 29 Feb (ONA) —— The wilayats of A’Rustaq, Al Musanaa and Barka in the Governorate of South Al Batina today experienced moderate to heavy rains.The rainfall in these wilayats led to the overflow of some wadis.—— Ends/AH ...

Annual Camel Race Competitions in Barka Concludes Barka, 25 Jan (ONA) --- The annual camel race competitions (2024), organized by Oman Camel Racing Federation, concluded today at Al Fulaij Race Track, Wilayat of Barka, Governorate of South Al Batinah. The 4-day race included 69 runs for camel of various age groups and classifications. It saw a large turnout of camel owners and camel slimmers from different governorates of Oman. The 8 kilometres of the finale included 4 rounds. The conclusion of the race was held under the auspices of Nasr Hamoud Al Kindi, Secretary General of ...