News

Oman, Eritrea Explore Means of Boosting CooperationAsmara, 24 Mar (ONA) —— Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister met at the Eritrean capital Asmara today with Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea.The meeting discussed the cooperation relations between Oman and Eritrea, and means of promoting them in various sectors, such asmining, marine resources, transportation and logistics, information technology and banking.The two ministers exchanged views on a set of regional and international issues of common concern. Theystressed the importance of coordination and ...

HM The Sultan Sends Written Message to Eritrean PresidentAsmara, 24 Mar (ONA) —— His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has sent a written message to President Isaias Afwerki of the State of Eritrea.The message deals with relations between Oman and Eritrea, and means of promoting them in various fields.It was handed over by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister when the Eritrean President received him in the capital Asmara today.During the meeting, Sayyid Badr conveyed greetings of His Majesty the Sultan to PresidentAfwerki, along with His Majesty’s best wishes of good ...

Oman Celebrates 80th Anniversary of Arab LeagueMuscat, 24 Mar (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman is joining other Arab countries in marking the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the Arab League.The Arab League has been a cornerstone of joint Arab action since its establishment in 1945.Since joining the League in 1971, the Sultanate of Oman has maintained its commitment to uphold the principles of Arab solidarity. It has ever since endorsed an approach based on positive cooperation with all.Oman’s stance stemmed from ‘constructive balance’ in dealing with regional and ...

Shura Council Hosts Minister of Heritage and TourismMuscat, 24 Mar (ONA) --- The Shura Council today hosted Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, during its 8th regular session of the 2nd sitting of the 10th Term.The session dealt with the ministry's statement on its policies, plans and programmes, overall tourism development indicators, heritage sector management, tourism sector management and human resources in the heritage and tourism sectors, as well as areas of coordination and prospects of investment.The session was chaired by Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, ...

Royal Office Minister Receives Ambassadors of Bangladesh, SyriaMuscat, 24 Mar (ONA) --- Gen. Sultan Mohammed Al Nu’amani, Minister of the Royal Office, received in his office today Khondker Misbah ul Azim, Ambassador-designate of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to the Sultanate of Oman.At the outset of the meeting, Gen. Sultan Al Nu’amani welcomed the Ambassador, wishing him success in performing his duties. The two sides also exchanged friendly talks and ways to develop bilateral relations in a manner that achieves the common interests of the two friendly countries. The ...

Eid Al Fitr 1446 AH Holiday Announced Muscat,4Apr (ONA) --- As per Royal orders, it has been decided that the Eid Al Fitr holiday 1446 AH for employees of the State’s Administrative Apparatus, other legal entities and establishments of the private sector will start on Saturday, 29 March 2025 and end as per the two following probabilities: (A) If first day of Eid is on Sunday, 30 March 2025, the holiday ends on Tuesday 1 April 2025. Official work will resume on Wednesday, 2 April 2025. (B) If first day of Eid is on Monday, 31 March 2025, the holiday ends on Thursday 3 ...

Oman Marks World Metrological Day Muscat, 23 Mar (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman marked the World Meteorological Day which falls on 23 March every year. This year’s World Metrological Day is themed “Closing the early warning gap together”. It aims to contribute to minimizing the effects resulting from cyclones, storms and floods. ---Ends/AG ...

Agreement Signed with Be'ah for Management of Healthcare Waste Muscat, 20 Mar (ONA) --- Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (be'ah) today signed an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources to provide services of healthcare waste collection, transport and treatment. The agreement deals with the management of waste generated by government veterinary clinics affiliated with the ministry. The agreement reflects efforts to enhance environmental sustainability and ensure the safe and sound management of this type of hazardous waste. The ...

Military Technological College Opens Technical Laboratories Muscat, 19 Mar (ONA) - The Military Technological College (MTC) today celebrated the opening of a number of technical laboratories. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Rear Admiral Saif Nasser Al Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Military Technological College. The event was in pursuance of the ongoing modernization and development of the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF) during the prosperous reign of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme ...

Supreme Judiciary Council Holds 4th meeting in 2025 Muscat, 19 Mar (ONA) - The Supreme Judiciary Council today held its fourth meeting of 2025 under the chairmanship of Sayyid Mohammed Sultan Al Busaidi, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Judiciary Council. The Council discussed various topics and decisions related to administrative, financial and employment affairs. It elaborated on different areas of interest to judges, members of the Public Prosecution Department and other personnel. It also looked into memoranda of understanding. --- Ends/Bishara/AG ...

Main Committee Discusses Plan to Implement E-census in Agricultural, Fisheries, Water Fields Muscat, 19 Mar (ONA) --- The main committee tasked with the electronic census in agricultural, fisheries and water fields today held its first meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. The meeting discussed the project's implementation plan, its main objectives and its envisaged outcomes. Dr. Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (Chairman of the Main Committee), stressed the significance of the project in improving ...

Agreement Signed to Establish National Rehabilitation Center in South Al BatinahMuscat, 19 Mar (ONA) —- The Ministry of Health (MOH) today signed an agreement to establish a National Rehabilitation Center, funded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Bahwan.The agreement aims to finance the establishment of a rehabilitation and healthcare center for adults and children in the South Al Batinah Governorate.Dr. Abdullah bin Hamoud Al-Harthy, International Relations Advisor at the Minister’s Office, said that this National Rehabilitation Center is the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman, ...

Oman Denounces Israeli Air Raids on Daraa Governorate of SyriaMuscat, 19 Mar (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman has strongly condemned the air raids launched by Israeli occupation forces on Daraa Governorate in the Syrian Arab Republic, describing the assaults as "yet another violation of Syrian territorial sovereignty".In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, the Sultanate of Oman reiterated its calls upon the international community to intervene immediately to deter Israel and put an end to Israel’s disregard for international law. Such acts, the statement said, generate further ...

Agreement Signed to Finance Purchase of Modern Medical Equipment in Al Buraimi Al Buraimi, 18 Mar (ONA) - The Directorate General of Health Services in Al Buraimi Governorate today signed an agreement with Ooredoo to finance the purchase of modern medical equipment for Al Buraimi Hospital and Al Buraimi Health Complex. According to the agreement, the General Surgery Department at Al Buraimi Hospital will be supplied with an advanced surgical laser device for the treatment of some gastrointestinal diseases. The agreement also deals with the procurement of a shockwave therapy ...

Sultan Qaboos University Launches New Student Admission Programme “Afaq” Muscat, 17 Mar (ONA) --- As part of its plans to enhance its international rating and, in line with Oman Vision 2040, the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has announced a new Bachelor’s programme codenamed “Afaq” for the conditional admission of international students and Omani students who did not get a chance through acceptance via the Unified Admission Centre.The programme, scheduled to be implemented with effect from the forthcoming academic year, sets specific terms and fees for the admission of ...

Sultan's Special Force Marks Annual Day Muscat, 16 Mar (ONA) --- The Sultan's Special Force (SSF) today celebrated its annual day which falls on 15 March every year. The ceremony, which saw the graduation of a new batch of soldier recruits, was held under the auspices of Gen. Sultan Mohammed Al Nu'mani, Minister of the Royal Office. Upon the arrival of the chief guest at Al Sumood Camp’s military parade ground, the Royal Guard of Oman’s band played the Royal Anthem. The column of the graduates gave the military salute to the chief guest. Gen. Sultan Al Nu'mani inspected ...

Oman Marks Arab Human Rights DayMuscat, 16 Mar (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman today organized a symposium themed "The Right to Food" to mark the Arab Human Rights Day, which falls on 16 March every year. The symposium, held at the Diplomatic Club, was aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of advancing human rights in accordance with international and regional conventions. It also focused on the Sultanate of Oman’s efforts to enhance food security and related national policies.The symposium was held under the auspices of Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the ...

Foreign Minister, Iranian Counterpart Discuss Regional, International DevelopmentsMuscat, 16 Mar (ONA) — Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minisster received in his office today Dr.Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.During the meeting, the two ministers explored means of enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.In light of current developments, the two ministers underscored the importance of preparing the conditions that support diplomatic solutions and using channels ...

Oman Takes Active Role in 69th Session of UN Commission on Status of Women in New York New York, 13 Mar (ONA) --- Represented by the Ministry of Social Development, the Sultanate of Oman continues to participate in the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), being held in New York. The session focuses on "Reviewing and Appraising the Implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action” after 30 Years since the declaration was first endorsed. The session, which began on 10 March, will continue until 21 March 2025 . Dr. Laila Ahmed Al ...

National Museum’s Board of Trustees MeetsMuscat, 13 Mar (ONA) —— The Board of Trustees of the National Museum today held its 13th meeting at the Museum’s headquarters.The meeting focused on reviewing recent developments in the Museum’s activities, as well as discussing future development plans aimed at enhancing the Museum’s role as a leading cultural tourism destination in the Sultanate of Oman, thereby contributing to a qualitative leap in this vital sector.The meeting was chaired by Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Chairman of the Board of Trustees ...

Oman Skies to See Total Lunar Eclipse Tomorrow Muscat, 12 Mar (ONA) --- A total lunar eclipse will be observed in the skies of the Sultanate of Oman tomorrow, Thursday 13 March 2025, the first phenomenon of its kind in 2025. The eclipse will begin partially at 9:09 a.m., local time, while the total eclipse will start at 10:26 a.m. and continues until 11:31 a.m. Ahmed Mohammed Al Khalidi, member of the Oman Society of Astronomy and Space (OSAS), said that not all residents of the Sultanate of Oman will be able to observe the progression of the lunar eclipse, since the moon will ...

SQU Advances in QS World University Rankings in Petroleum Engineering, Nursing Muscat, 12 Mar (ONA) --- The Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has made progress in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, by Academic Programmes, rising 25th places globally in its petroleum engineering specialization. Meanwhile, in the nursing specialization, the SQU occupied 32ndranking, and figured among the top 50 majors globally. Yet, in another achievement to be added to the university's record, six SQU majors made it into the list of the top 300 global disciplines: They were accounting ...

Oman, Pakistan Explore Means of Boosting Cooperation in Agriculture Muscat, 12 Mar (ONA) --- Dr. Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources received in his office today Jam Kamal Khan Federal Minister of Commerce of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, who is currently visiting the Sultanate of Oman. During the meeting, the two ministers discussed topics related to cooperation in agriculture and explored joint investment opportunities that can contribute to the development of the agricultural sector in both countries. The Minister of ...

Royal Office Minister Receives Afghanistan’s FM, Ambassadors of Iraq, Romania Muscat, 12 Mar (ONA) --- Gen. Sultan Mohammed Al Nu’mani, Minister of the Royal Office received in his office today Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the march of bilateral relations and explored means of promoting them to serve joint interests. The meeting was attended by Chargé d'Affaires of Afghanistan’s Embassy in Muscat.Moreover, Gen. Sultan Mohammed Al Nu’amani, Minister of ...

Oman Participates in 69th Session of Commission on Status of Women New York, 11 Mar (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman is participating in the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), held in New York during the period from 10 to 21 March 2025. The session focuses on reviewing and appraising the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Oman’s delegation in the session is headed by Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development. During the CSW69 a side event was held under the title “Women and Technology: ...

Supreme Judiciary Council Cuts, Cancels Some Service Fees, Introduces New Fees Muscat, 10Mar (ONA) --- Acting in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, the Supreme Judiciary Council has announced the reduction and cancellation of existing fees and initiation of new fees in courts, public prosecution departments and notary public sectors. The step forms part of the third phase of implementation of the government services pricing project. The Supreme Judicial Council revised a total of 25 fees--of which 14 were reduced, 5 were cancelled and 6 were introduced for the first ...

Over 290,000 Live Animals Provided to Meet Consumer Needs Muscat, 9 Mar (ONA) --- The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has said that 289,089 heads of livestock were made available to consumers during January and February 2025, of those 267,213 are heads of sheep and goats and 21,876 cows. Eng. Khalfan Mattar Al Sharji, Director General of Livestock, said that the Ministry is actingin coordination with livestock import companiesto meet local market needs for livestock and red meat over the forthcoming period. For this purpose, a total of 129 permits haveso ...

Defence Ministry Signs Agreement with OQ Exploration, Production Company Muscat, 9 Mar (ONA) --- Represented by the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), the Ministry of Defence today signed an agreement for emergency air support with OQ Exploration and Production Company (OQEP) for the offshore concession area of Bukha Platforms in Musandam Governorate. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence by Air Commodore Zahran Nasser Ambusaidi, Chief of Staff Officer of the Royal Air Force of Oman, and Dr. Ibrahim Saleh Al Saleh, OQ Exploration and Production ...

Registration Begins for Programme to Convert Graduation Projects into StartupsMuscat, 6 Mar (ONA) --- The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation today announced the start of online registration for the 8th edition of a programme to convert student graduation projects into startups. The programme targets Omanis and residents of the Sultanate of Oman who are students of higher education institutions (university diploma and postgraduate qualifications).The programme seeks to motivate researchers and innovators and support institutions to transform ideas into innovative ...

Education Ministry Approves Results of GED Semester 1 Exams for 2024-2025Muscat, 6 Mar (ONA) --- Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al Shaibani, Minister of Education, today approved the general indicators of results of Semester 1 exams of the General Education Diploma (GED) and its equivalents for School Year 2024/2025.As many as 54,943 male and female students sat for the GED exams and the overall success rate was 80.76%.Giving a breakup, the Ministry explained the following:A total of 1,577 students sat for exams of the GED Diploma for private (bilingual) schools and the success rate was ...