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Sohar Investment Forum Concludes with Recommendations Focused on Enhancing Business Environment Sohar, 5 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Sohar Investment Forum 2026 concluded today with several recommendations emphasizing the importance of strengthening strategic partnerships, continuing the development of the business environment, and integrating efforts between the public and private sectors. These recommendations aim to consolidate the status of the Wilayat of Sohar as a regional hub for investment, industry, and logistics, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. Among the ...

Dollar Recovers as ECB, BoE Decisions LoomSingapore, 5 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The dollar steadied at the start of Asian trade today ahead of interest rate decisions from the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of England (BoE), both of which are expected to keep rates on hold later in the global day. The US dollar index, which measures the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, was up 0.2% at 96.671, having traded near a two-week high earlier. The euro was steady at $1.1800 ahead of the ECB decision, where it is expected to keep rates on hold. The British pound was flat at ...

MSX Rises 44 Points Muscat, 5 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) main index closed higher today, rising 0.69 percent. The MSX 30 Index concluded the trading session at 6,424.70 points, registering an increase of 44.1 points from the previous close of 6,380.59 points. Total trading turnover reached RO 56,278,815, reflecting a rise of 12.5 percent compared to the previous session's value of RO 50,028,696. MSX market report noted that the overall market capitalization went up by 0.694 percent from the last trading day to approximately RO 33.90 ...

Oil Prices Fall 2% as Fears of Potential Supply Disruptions EaseSingapore, 5 Feb (ONA) --- Oil prices fell about 2% today after the US and Iran agreed to hold talks, easing concerns that a potential military conflict between them could disrupt supply. Brent crude futures fell $1.44, or 2.07%, to $68.02 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude prices fell $1.34 cents, or 2.06%, to $63.80. Oil prices rose by about 3% on Wednesday after reports suggested the planned talks between the United States and Iran, before officials from both sides said talks would go ahead.--- ...

Gold, Silver Fall as Dollar Strengthens Amid Broad Market Sell-offSingapore, 5 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Gold and silver prices fell sharply in a broader market sell-off today, as tensions added pressure on precious metals and the dollar advanced to a near two-week high. Spot gold was down 1.7% at $4,876.12 per ounce, retreating from ‌a near one-week high hit earlier in the session. US gold futures for April delivery were down 1.1% at $4,896.30 per ounce. Spot platinum slumped 7.7% to $2,056.64 per ounce after hitting an all-time high of $2,918.80 on 26 January 2026, while palladium shed nearly ...

Oman's Tax Revenues Exceed RO 1.3 Billion Muscat, 5 Feb 2026 (ONA) — The Tax Authority, during its first media briefing held today in Muscat, confirmed that it has achieved its targets within the current revenue estimates for the Administrative Units of the State in the General State Budget for 2025, estimated at approximately RO 1.373 billion. Nasser Khamis Al Jashmi, Chairman of the Tax Authority, stated that taxes are a fundamental pillar of financial sustainability and a fair means of providing the necessary resources to fund public services, support ...

Oman Oil Price Rises 71 CentsMuscat, 5 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Oman oil price (April delivery 2026) today reached 67.46 US Dollars, comprising a rise by 71 Cents compared to the price of yesterday “Wednesday” which stood at 66.75 US Dollars.The average price of Oman oil (February delivery 2026) stabilized at 62.09 US Dollars per barrel, thus 2.35 US Dollars per barrel lower than January delivery 2026.---Ends/AH ...

Air Gases Production Plant Worth RO 4m Inaugurated in Al Rusayl Industrial City Muscat, 4 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Al Rusayl Industrial City witnessed the inauguration of an air gases production plant for the Global Gas Services Company today. Spanning a total area of 20,000 square meters with an investment volume reaching RO 4 million, the facility has a daily production capacity of 173 tons of oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. The opening of the plant comes as part of efforts to strengthen the infrastructure of the industrial gases sector in the Sultanate of Oman and to support ...

Gold Jumps Over 2%Singapore, 4 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Gold prices surged by more than 2% today, extending their strongest performance since 2008, supported by strong investor demand and a weaker US dollar. Spot gold rose 2.2% to $5,044.74 an ounce, after jumping 5.9% in the previous session, marking its largest daily gain since November 2008. The precious metal had reached a record high of $5,594.82 last Thursday. US gold futures for April delivery climbed 2.7% to $5,067.0 an ounce. Other precious metals also posted solid gains. Spot silver advanced 2.1% to $86.92 an ounce, after hitting a record ...

Oil Extends Gains Amid Global Supply ConcernsSingapore, 4 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Oil prices extended gains today, building on Tuesday's rally amid renewed concerns over potential supply disruptions linked to rising regional tensions between the United States and Iran. Brent crude futures rose 65 cents, or 1%, to $67.98 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed 69 cents, or 1.1%, to $63.90 a barrel. Both benchmarks had advanced by nearly 2% in the previous session. Market sentiment was further supported by a trade agreement between the United States and India, which bolstered ...

Dollar Steady, Yen Wobbles Ahead of Japan ElectionSingapore, 4 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The US dollar held steady today as investors remained cautious despite the swift resolution of a partial government shutdown, while the yen wobbled near a two-week low ahead of an unpredictable national election in Japan this weekend. The euro was at $1.1814 in early trading, while sterling stood at $1.3693, steady ahead of policy meetings at the European Central Bank and the Bank of England on Thursday. Both central banks are expected to stand pat on rates. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against ...

Cooperation Agreement Signed to Train Omani Youth in Wind Turbine Manufacturing Muscat, 4 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Mawarid Turbine Company and the National University of Science and Technology signed a cooperation agreement today to qualify approximately 321 Omani graduates. This cohort represents the first national batch to receive intensive and specialized industrial training in the field of wind turbine manufacturing, preparing them for employment at the factory currently being established by Mawarid Turbine in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. The signing ceremony was held ...

OQ Onboards 130 Graduates as Part of 2026 Batch Muscat, 4 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- OQ Group welcomed 130 graduates into its 2026 Graduate Development Programme intake during the official onboarding ceremony held today. The event was held under the auspices of Said Abdullah Al Balushi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour for Human Resources Development at Oman Institute for Energy. The intake represents a tangible outcome of the strategic agreement signed between OQ and the Ministry of Labour in October 2025, reflecting a strong public–private partnership approach to ...

Oman Hosts Workshop on Framework for Air Traffic contingency Management in ME Region Muscat, 4 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Represented by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Sultanate of Oman is hosting a two-day workshop on a framework for Air Traffic contingency Management in the Middle East region (ME). The workshop, organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), began in Muscat today. The workshop reviews the requirements and objectives of emergency planning adopted by the ICAO, working mechanism of the ICAO Crisis Coordination Team and the ...

MSX Rises 59 Points Muscat, 4 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) main index closed higher today, rising 0.93 percent. The MSX 30 Index concluded the trading session at 6,380.59 points, registering an increase of 59.1 points from the previous close of 6,321.52 points. Total trading turnover reached RO 50,028,696, reflecting a rise of 37.9 percent compared to the previous session's value of RO 36,273,730. MSX market report noted that the overall market capitalization went up by 0.385 percent from the last trading day to approximately RO 33.66 ...

Agriculture Ministry, International Dates Council Explore Areas of Cooperation Muscat, 4 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Dr. Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, met today with Princess Sarah Bandar Al Saud, Executive Director of the International Dates Council, and her accompanying delegation currently visiting the Sultanate of Oman. The meeting explored various areas of cooperation with the International Dates Council, proceeding from the strategic importance of the dates sector and its role in bolstering food security and economic development. ...

Oman Oil Price Rises 1.60 US Dollars Muscat, 4 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Oman oil price (April delivery 2026) today reached 66.75 US Dollars, comprising a rise by 1.60 US Dollars compared to the price of yesterday “Tuesday” which stood at 65.15 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (February delivery 2026) stabilized at 62.09 US Dollars per barrel, thus 2.35 US Dollars per barrel lower than January delivery 2026. ---Ends/AG ...

Joint Oman-Türkiye Business Council Discusses Means of Enhancing Private Sector Cooperation Muscat, 3 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Joint Oman-Türkiye Business Council held a meeting today on the sidelines of Oman Expo and International Forum. The meeting was organized by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. During the meeting, the two sides discussed strengthening economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. The discussions explored mechanisms for activating and linking the private sector from both the ...

OCCI Participates in World Forum of Chartered Accountants in India Delhi, 3 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) participated in the World Forum of Accountants, held at the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC) in Greater Noida, Republic of India. The event is held under the theme "Nation Building to Global Collaboration: Strengthening Trust, Enabling Growth." The Chamber’s delegation included Dr. Abdullah bin Masoud Al Harthy, OCCI Board Member and Chairman of the Supervisory Committee for the Omani Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ...

RO 300 Million Worth Real Estate Deals Signed Muscat, 3 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- LEO Development announced strategic partnership with “Rove” to launch real estate projects in the Governorate of Muscat and the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) to the tune of RO 300 million. The collaboration lays the foundation for the development of multiple Rove projects across the Sultanate of Oman, supporting the long-term regional growth ambitions of both partners and reinforcing Oman’s position as an emerging destination for contemporary lifestyle hospitality. The partnership is ...

OIA Launches 4 Major Projects with Investments Exceeding RO 935 Million Muscat, 3 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has launched four major projects during the first month of the 11th Five-Year Plan, with total investments exceeding RO 935 million. These projects are expected to provide more than 1,850 job opportunities, reaffirming the Authority's strategic presence in the manufacturing sector as a primary driver for achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. This initiative stems from a series of international partnerships implemented ...

Session Explores Means of Enhancing Business, Investment Environment in the Sultanate of Oman Muscat, 3 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Oman Business Forum and Partnership with the Private Sector Office at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion organized the first session of the "Tejarah Talks" initiative for 2026, titled "International Partnerships that Deliver Results." The session was held on the sidelines of Oman Expo and International Forum at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The discussion addressed a methodology for tracking the trajectory of ...

MSX Rises 68 Points Muscat, 3 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) main index closed higher today, rising 1.10 percent. The MSX 30 Index concluded the trading session at 6,321.52 points, registering an increase of 68.9 points from the previous close of 6,252.58 points. Total trading turnover reached RO 36,273,730, reflecting a rise of 15.4 percent compared to the previous session's value of RO 31,438,483. MSX market report noted that the overall market capitalization went up by 0.568 percent from the last trading day to approximately RO 33.54 ...

SpaceX Completes Acquisition of xAIWashington, 3 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- SpaceX has announced the completion of its acquisition of artificial intelligence firm xAI, marking a strategic move aimed at strengthening the integration of advanced space technologies with artificial intelligence and high-performance computing capabilities. According to reports, the transaction values SpaceX at approximately $1 trillion and xAI at around $250 billion, placing the combined entity on a potential path toward a future stock market listing with a valuation exceeding $1 trillion. Under the terms of the deal, xAI ...

Dollar Holds Gains on Economic DataTokyo, 3 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The dollar held on to its gains today as positive economic readings and shifting expectations for Federal ‍Reserve policy outweighed concerns about another US ​government shutdown. The Australian dollar rose ahead of an expected rate hike by the ⁠nation's central bank, the first of three major central bank decisions this week. The yen remained lower as Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama tried to play down comments from the prime minister that there were benefits to a weaker currency. The dollar index, which measures ...

Oil Falls for Second Day on Firm DollarSingapore, 3 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Oil prices fell today, easing for a second day, influenced by market factors and the firmer dollar. Brent crude futures fell 39 cents, or 0.5%, at $65.91 per barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was at $61.83 per barrel, down 31 cents, or 0.5%. Oil prices fell more than 4% yesterday (Monday).--- ...

Gold Rebounds More Than 2% After Market Sell-OffSingapore, 3 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Gold prices rose more than 2% today, rebounding from a sharp sell-off triggered by market reaction to the nomination of Kevin Warsh to head the Federal Reserve. Spot gold climbed 2.2% to $4,767.33 per ounce, after falling to its lowest level in nearly a month in the previous session. The precious metal had reached a record high of $5,594.82 per ounce last Thursday. US gold futures for April delivery rose 3% to $4,791.10 per ounce. Gold recorded strong gains in January, rising nearly 13%, marking its largest ...

Oman’s Total Refinery Production Increases by 12.5 Percent Muscat, 3 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The total production of refineries in the Sultanate of Oman recorded a 12.5 percent increase by the end of December 2025, reaching 84,739,200 barrels compared to the end of December 2024, according to preliminary statistics issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The statistics showed that motor fuel production during the month of December 2025 witnessed a slight decrease of 0.1 percent, totaling 2,846,000 barrels compared to 2,848,600 barrels in November ...

IFSB Summit on the Future of Islamic Finance Begins in Muscat Muscat, 3 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Central Bank of Oman (CBO), in collaboration with the Islamic Financial Services Board, organized the 17th IFSB Summit in Muscat, held under the theme “Islamic Finance for the Future: Breaking New Ground for Global Impact.” The Summit brings together senior policymakers, central bank governors, industry leaders, and representatives from intergovernmental institutions and academia from more than 40 countries, reinforcing its position as a leading global platform for advancing ...

Oman Oil Price Rises 28 Cents Muscat, 3 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Oman oil price (April delivery 2026) today reached 65.15 US Dollars, comprising a rise by 28 cents compared to the price of yesterday “Monday” which stood at 64.87 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (February delivery 2026) stabilized at 62.09 US Dollars per barrel, thus 2.35 US Dollars per barrel lower than January delivery 2026. ---Ends/AG ...