News

Italian Prime Minister Leaves OmanMuscat, 14 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic left Muscat today, following a short official visit to the Sultanate of Oman.Meloni and her accompanying delegation were seen off at the VIP Hall of Muscat International Airport by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, HH Sayyid Nizar bin Al Julanda Al Said, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Italian Republic and members of the mission of honour.--- Ends/AH ...

Royal Office Minister Receives US AmbassadorMuscat, 14 Jan 2026 (ONA) — Gen. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nu’amani, Minister of the Royal Office received today Ana A. Escrogima, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Sultanate of Oman.The meeting witnessed an exchange of cordial conversations and a review of the course of bilateral relations, which are witnessing continuous development in various fields, as well as means to enhance them to serve common interests of the two countries. The two sides also discussed a set of developments on the regional and international arenas.— ...

State Council Discusses Draft Sports Entities Law and Study on Financial Sustainability Muscat, 14 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- During its fifth session of the third regular sitting of the eighth term today, the State Council discussed the "Draft Law on Sports Entities" and a study by the Social and Cultural Committee regarding "Enhancing Financial Sustainability for Civil Society Institutions." The session, chaired by Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, reviewed the agenda. This included discussing the "Draft Law on Sports Entities" referred by the ...

State Council Discusses Draft Sports Entities Law and Study on Financial Sustainability Muscat, 14 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- During its fifth session of the third regular sitting of the eighth term today, the State Council discussed the "Draft Law on Sports Entities" and a study by the Social and Cultural Committee regarding "Enhancing Financial Sustainability for Civil Society Institutions." The session, chaired by Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, reviewed the agenda. This included discussing the "Draft Law on Sports Entities" referred by the ...

Winners of Sultan Qaboos Quran Competition Felicitated Muscat, 14 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science today felicitated winners of the Sultan Qaboos Quran Competition in its 33rd edition, under the patronage of Sheikh Al Fadl Mohammed Al Harthy, Secretary General of the Council of Ministers. The competition comprised 7 levels. The ceremony featured a visual presentation highlighting key stages of the competition during both the preliminary and final phases. It is worth noting that the current edition of the competition comprises seven ...

Italian Prime Minister Arrives in OmanMuscat, 14 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic arrived in Muscat today on an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman.HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs led the welcoming party for the guest and her accompanying delegation upon their arrival at Muscat International Airport. HH Sayyid Shihab extended a formal welcome to the distinguished guest and her accompanying delegation, wishing them a successful visit.The Italian Prime Minister was accorded an official reception as HH ...

Port Sultan Qaboos Receives Indian Navy Sailing Vessel Kaundinya Muscat, 14 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Foreign Ministry, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of India in the Sultanate of Oman, organized a reception today for the Indian Navy sailing vessel "INSV Kaundinya" at Port Sultan Qaboos. The vessel set sail on 29 December from the port of Porbandar in the Indian state of Gujarat. The reception was held under the auspices of Azzan Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, in the presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of ...

Muscat Nights: A Platform for Economic Empowerment Muscat, 14 Jan 2026 (ONA) ---- This year’s "Muscat Nights" activities, held across several locations in Muscat Governorate, feature a blend of cultural, entertainment, and heritage programs. The event focuses on increasing the participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and productive families to expand the local economic impact and enhance community engagement. SMEs and productive families participate extensively, showcasing products in various fields, including traditional crafts, heritage handiwork, and popular ...

Foundation Stone Laid for New National University of Science, Technology Campus A’Seeb, 13 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The National University of Science and Technology celebrated today the laying of the foundation stone for its new university campus at Sultan Haitham City in the Wilayat of A’Seeb, Muscat Governorate. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Khalfan Said Al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning. The project represents a qualitative addition to the higher education system in the Sultanate of Oman, aligning with national strategic directions aimed ...

Oman Participates in 49th Session Arab Council of Ministers of Youth, Sports Cairo, 13 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman participated today in the 49th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Youth and Sports, held at the headquarters of the Secretariat General of the Arab League in Cairo. The delegation of the Sultanate of Oman was headed by Basil Ahmed Al Rowas, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth. The session discussed several important topics, most notably the approval of recommendations from the Board of Directors of ...

Italian Prime Minister to Visit Oman Wednesday Muscat, 13 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic will arrive in the Sultanate Oman tomorrow “Wednesday” on an official visit during which she will conduct official talks with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. During the visit, the Prime Minister will be accompanied by an official delegation comprising some officials at the Italian government. --- Ends/AH ...

First Samail Environmental Hackathon Explores Youth Ideas for Sustainable Environment Samail, 13 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- In a step reflecting the growing awareness among Omani youth regarding the importance of sustainability and their role in protecting the environment and creating future solutions, the third Samail Economic Forum kicks off its activities tomorrow by organizing the first Samail Environmental Hackathon. The event is held under the theme of engaging the community in innovating practical solutions for environmental and sustainable development issues. The hackathon ...

Medical City for Military and Security Services Organizes Public Health Seminar Muscat, 13 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Medical City for Military and Security Services organized a "Public Health" seminar today, under the auspices of Brigadier Abdulmalik Suleiman Al Kharousi, Assistant Chairman of the Medical City for Supplies and Support Affairs. The seminar, held at the Medical City Hospital for Military and Security Services – Muscat, featured a visual presentation highlighting the importance of the event and its various themes regarding public health. The program included ...

Royal Academy of Management Board of Trustees Holds First Meeting of 2026 Muscat, 12 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Board of Trustees of the Royal Academy of Management (RAM) held its first meeting of 2026, chaired by Sayyid Khalid Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of Diwan of Royal Court and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The Board reviewed institutional performance in 2025, approved the Annual Plan for 2026 and considered this year’s priorities, including the Oman Global Economic Integration Initiative, Future Readiness Framework, and the seamless integration of AI into RAM’s ...

Central Public Health Laboratory Opens Muscat, 12 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Health today celebrated the inauguration of the Central Public Health Laboratory, which stands as a national, regional, and global reference in the field of public health laboratories. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior. The establishment of the center aims to enhance health and prevent disease by leading in laboratory sciences, supporting public health and environmental activities, building networks, and providing rapid ...

Commander of Peninsula Shield Force Visits MTC, MSC Muscat, 12 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Maj. Gen Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Ruwais, Commander of the Peninsula Shield Force, and his accompanying military delegation today visited the Military Technological College. Upon his arrival at the college headquarters, the guest was received by Brigadier Ahmed Khalfan Al Hadidi, Dean of the Military Technological College. During the visit, the Commander of the Peninsula Shield Force was briefed on the college's educational mission, its academic curriculum, and the advanced technologies and ...

SAF Chief of Staff Receives Commander of Peninsula Shield Force Muscat, 12 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Vice Admiral Abdullah Khamis Al Raisi, Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces, received in his office at Al Murtafa'a Camp today Maj. Gen Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Ruwais, Commander of the Peninsula Shield Force, and his accompanying military delegation. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views and discussed several military topics of common interest. The meeting was attended by Brigadier Ahmed Hamid Al Yaqoubi, Commander of the 23rd Infantry Brigade and Brigadier Saif Hamad ...

A’Dhahirah Organizes Operetta to Celebrate HM the Sultan’s Accession Day Ibri, 11 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Directorate General of Education in A’Dhahirah Governorate celebrated this evening the anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s Accession Day by presenting the national operetta titled "Harbors of Glory." Held under the auspices of Najib Ali Al Rowas, Governor of A’Dhahirah, this student-led national operetta served as a patriotic spectacle embodying the spirit of belonging and loyalty. The performance reflected the unity of the nation’s citizens and ...

Qatari Delegation Views Oman's Judicial Experience Muscat, 11 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Sayyid Khalifa Said Al Busaidi, Chairman of the Supreme Court, met today in Muscat with a judicial delegation from the State of Qatar, led by Ahmed Ali Al Binali, Deputy President of the Qatari Court of Cassation. The meeting focused on enhancing judicial cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Qatar, alongside the exchange of insights and experiences in the judicial and legal fields. This visit is part of the bilateral scientific exchange program between Supreme Courts and ...

Launch of HM the Sultan’s Award for Research, Innovation Supports March of Science, Knowledge Muscat, 11 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation confirmed that the launch of His Majesty the Sultan’s Award for Research and Innovation is am initiative embodying the insightful vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. This initiative highlights the continuous Royal commitment to consolidating the status of science and knowledge, strengthening the scientific research and innovation ecosystem as a fundamental pillar of comprehensive and ...

Interior Minister Receives Secretary General of Arab Interior Ministers Council Muscat, 11 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Sayyid Hamoud Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior, received this morning at his office Dr. Mohammad Ali Koman, Secretary General of the Arab Interior Ministers Council. The visit to the Sultanate of Oman comes as part of the Secretary General’s customary consultative tour in preparation for the upcoming Council meeting. During the meeting, the two sides discussed several topics included on the agenda of the 43rd session. They also emphasized the significance ...

Comprehensive National Employment Plan Devised to Implement Royal Directives: Ministry Affirms Muscat, 11 Jan 2026 (ONA) — The Ministry of Labour has worked on preparing a comprehensive national plan for employment and skills development. This plan is based on an effective strategic partnership between the government sector, government-owned companies, and private sector establishments, to implement the Royal directives aimed at accelerating the pace of employment and providing 60,000 job opportunities for citizens during 2026. The Ministry clarified that the ...

Oman, Rwanda Discuss Means of Enhancing Cooperation in Diplomatic, Cultural, and Economic Fields Muscat, 11 Jan 2026 (ONA) — Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister received today Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda. The meeting reviewed the friendship relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Rwanda. It also discussed means of enhancing bilateral cooperation in a number of diplomatic, cultural, economic, investment, agricultural, and tourism fields along ...

HM The Sultan Confers Royal Orders Upon Some Figures Muscat, 11 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik today conferred Royal orders upon a number of distinguished figures. This comes in appreciation from His Majesty for their pivotal roles and outstanding contributions across numerous fields. His Majesty the Sultan conferred the Royal Commendation Order (First Class), upon Sayyid Khalid Hamad Al Busaidi for his service in the fields of arts and culture. His Majesty also conferred Al Nu'man Order (First Class) upon Dr. Mohammed Awad Al Hassan for his ...

Royal Grant Embodies Priority of Family StabilityMuscat, 11 Jan 2026 (ONA) — The Royal grant from His Majesty the Sultan allocating RO 100 million for a housing assistance program to cover 3,500 families during 2026 and 2027, embodies the support for family stability and the enhancement of the quality of life for families with low-income across the various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.This grant is an extension of a series of Royal directives that place the citizen at the forefront of priorities, affirming the wise leadership's keenness to provide suitable housing as a fundamental ...

HM The Supreme Commander Bestows Excellent Service, Royal Commendation Medals Upon RCA Officers Muscat, 11 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander bestowed the Medals of Excellent Service and Royal Commendation upon a number of officers and non-commissioned officers at the Royal Court Affairs (RCA). Nasr Hamoud Al Kindi, Secretary General of the Royal Court Affairs pinned the medals. This comes in recognition of their efforts and contributions in serving the nation and His Majesty the Supreme Commander. On this occasion, Al Kindi ...

With Royal Blessings, Four Awards Bearing Name of HM the Sultan UnveiledMuscat, 11 Jan 2026 (ONA) — With the Royal blessings of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Diwan of Royal Court announced four major awards, namely His Majesty the Sultan's Culture and Social Award, His Majesty the Sultan's Award for Research and Innovation, His Majesty the Sultan's Award for Economy, Business, and Digital Excellence, and His Majesty the Sultan's Award for Governorates Development.Dr. Habib Mohammed Al Riyami, Chairman of Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science, stated that each award ...

HH The Honourable Lady Visits MusandamKhasab, 10 Jan 2026 (ONA) — Her Highness the Honourable Lady Assayida Ahd Abdullah Hamed Al Busaidi, Spouse of the Sultan of Oman today paid a visit to the Governorate of Musandam.The visit included Bassa Beach Park in the Wilayat of Khasab, one of the tourism and development projects in the governorate. It serves as a recreational space for the people of the governorate and its visitors, and embodies the ongoing development efforts in the tourism sector.The Honourable Lady also visited the 'Zaree Khasab' Exhibition Project initiative, as well as the ...

Oman to Mark HM The Sultan’s Accession Day Tomorrow Muscat, 10 Jan 2026 (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman will celebrate tomorrow, Sunday, the anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s Accession Day, which falls on the eleventh of January. The blessed Omani march continues its renewed renaissance with a clear and ambitious vision, built upon a national system that confidently and competently enhances future prospects.The eleventh of January represents a moment of pride and honour for every Omani and resident on this benevolent land, and an occasion to renew loyalty and ...

Omani-Turkish Talks in Ankara Seek Ways to Boost Bilateral Partnership Ankara, 8 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, held talks with Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Republic of Turkiye, during their meeting in Ankara today. The two ministers reviewed the overall relations of cooperation between the two friendly countries. They expressed their satisfaction with the positive course of relations and the tangible progress achieved in various areas. The two sides discussed the outcomes of the visit of President Recep ...