News

Oman Cybersecurity Conference Focuses on Infrastructure SectorMuscat, 8 Mar (ONA) --- The 3rd session of Oman Cybersecurity Conference 2023, organized by Al Roya newspaper today, reviewed plans to enhance readiness and means of responding to cyberattacks in the sector of national infrastructure institutions.The conference studied ways of developing and fine-tuning national capabilities in the field of electronic security.The conference discussed key elements on the governance of electronic security in the sector of infrastructure, as well as the governance of professions related to ...

Finance Ministry Organizes Introductory Meet on Streamlining Budget’s Fiscal PerformanceMuscat, 8 Mar (ONA) --- The Ministry of Finance today organized an introductory meeting on streamlining the fiscal performance of the State's 2023 general budget.The meeting was chaired by Abdullah Salim Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, and attended by representatives of government units.The meeting elucidates the procedures of the Financial Performance Control Initiative designed to ensure that all government units and departments adhere to their approved budgets in a manner ...

Arab Forum for Consumer Protection Highlights Status quo of Small Consumer  Muscat, 8 Mar (ONA)—Tasks of the Arab Forum for Consumer Protection kicked off at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre today. The forum, titled “Small Consumer and Sustainable Consumption”, is Organized by the Consumer Protection Authority within the context of the Arab Consumer Protection Week. The event highlights the status quo of 'the small consumer' and is informed by local and international experiences in developing services rendered to this segment of consumers. The opening ...

MSX Gains 11 PointsMuscat, 8 Mar (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today added (11.3) points, comprising a rise by (0.23%) to close at (4854.67) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (4843.38) points.The trading value today stood at (RO 8,819,945), comprising a surge by (499.7%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 1,470,679).The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went up by (0.114%) to reach about (RO 23.80) billion.The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors reached (RO 974,000), ...

Oman Oil Price Drops 2.62 US DollarsMuscat, 8 Mar (ONA) --- Oman oil price (May Delivery) today reached 82.04 US Dollars, comprising a drop by 2.62 US Dollars from the price of yesterday (Tuesday), which was 84.66 US Dollars.The average price of Oman oil (March Delivery) has stabilized at 80.92 US Dollars per barrel, thus 3.49 US Dollars per barrel higher than February Delivery. --- Ends/Thuraiya/AG ...

Oman Takes Part in ITB Berlin 2023 Berlin, 7 Mar (ONA) ---- The Sultanate of Oman is currently taking part in the International Tourism Exchange, ITB Berlin 2023, which kicked off today in Berlin, Germany. As many as 40 tourism and hotel establishments are participating in the pavilion of the Sultanate of Oman, displaying the most important tourism components, services and facilities provided by Oman. The delegation of the Sultanate of Oman in the activities of this fair at Berlin, is headed by Salim Mohammad Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, who will ...

Hotel Revenues Exceed RO 20 Million in Oman by the End of January 2023 Muscat, 7 Mar (ONA) --- The revenues of 3-5 star hotel surged by 50.8% as at the end of January 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2022 to stand at RO 20.79 million, according to the latest data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Occupancy rate also recorded a rise by 31.3% to reach 53.7% compared to 40.9% during the corresponding period in 2022. The number of 3-5 star hotels’ guests stood at 173,313, comprising an increase by 65% till the end of January 2023 ...

MSX Gains 10 PointsMuscat, 7 Mar (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today added (10.2) points, comprising a rise by (0.21%) to close at (4843.38) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (4833.15) points.The trading value today stood at (RO 1,470,679), comprising a drop by (29.7%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 2,091,764).The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went up by (0.045%) to reach about (RO 23.77) billion.The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors reached (RO 985,000), ...

Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit Meets WIPO Director General Muscat, 7 Mar (ONA) --- Dr. Khamis Saif Al Jabri, Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit met at his office today Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and his accompanying delegation, currently visiting the Sultanate of Oman. The two sides explored means of cooperation. They also exchanged opinion on future visions as intellectual property rights are considered catalyst for economic growth, as well as an important component within ...

British Business Delegation Visits "Invest Oman" Lounge Muscat, 7 Mar (ONA)—A delegation of British investors representing a group of companies operating in the sectors of mining, technology, agriculture, services and logistics visited “Invest Oman” lounge today. They took note of various incentives offered to investors, investment mechanisms and related procedures. The delegation toured the sections of Invest Oman where they were briefed about the most important services provided to investors wishing to do business in Oman, the departments offering the services, ...

Tender Results of Government Treasury Bills Worth RO 12 Million Issued This weekMuscat, 7 Mar (ONA) --- The total issuance of Government Treasury Bills amounted RO 12 million. The value of the allotted Treasury bills amounted to RO 3 million, for a maturity period of 28 days. The average accepted price reached RO 99.650 for every RO 100, and the minimum accepted price arrived at RO 99.650 per RO 100. The average discount rate and the average yield reached 4.56250% and 4.57852%, respectively.Whereas, the value of the allotted Treasury bills amounted to RO 9 million, for a maturity ...

Oman Oil Price Rises 55 Cents Muscat, 7 Mar (ONA) --- Oman oil price (May Delivery 2023) today reached 84.66 US Dollars, comprising a rise by 55 cents compared to the price of yesterday (Monday) which was 84.11 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (March Delivery) stabilized at 80.92 US Dollars per barrel, thus 3.49 US Dollars per barrel higher than February ...

CMA Approves Allocation of Abraj Energy Shares in Accordance with Observing Interests of Small InvestorsMuscat, 6 Mar (ONA) --- The Capital Market Authority (CMA) has announced allocation of Abraj Energy shares in accordance with a policy observing the interests of the second category of investors represented by small investors with an allocation ratio at 35% of the total offer. Sheikh Abdullah Salim Al Salmi, Executive President of the Capital Market Authority said the amount collected from the subscription process exceeded eight folds of the offered shares for the second category ...

CIGRE Muscat International Symposium Discusses Access to Flexible, Sustainable Electrical SystemsMuscat, 6 Mar (ONA) --- A symposium organized by the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) and titled “CIGRE Muscat International”, kicked off today at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC).The symposium discussed the impact of “an approach to cut down carbon emissions and switch to renewable energy” reflects on the infrastructure of the electricity sector. The event looked into measures to reach more durable, flexible and sustainable electrical ...

MSX Declines 20 Points Muscat, 6 Mar (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today lost (20.2) points, comprising a drop by (0.42%) to close at (4833.15) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (4853.36) points. The trading value today stood at (RO 2,091,764), comprising a decline by (37.2%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 3,332,380). The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went down by (0.060%) to reach about (RO 23.76) billion. The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors ...

Meeting Reviews Means of Enhancing Cooperation Between Oman, WIPO Muscat, 6 Mar (ONA) --- Dr. Saleh Said Masn, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry met here today with Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). During the meeting, the two sides discussed a spectrum of topics and exchanged views on various matters related to WIPO’s tasks. They also reviewed means of enhancing cooperation between Oman and WIPO. The two sides touched on Oman’s benefitting from the ...

Heritage Undersecretary Receives WIPO Director General Muscat, 6 Mar (ONA) --- Eng. Ibrahim Said Al Kharusi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Heritage received in his office today Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and his accompanying delegation, currently visiting the Sultanate of Oman. The meeting discussed topics and projects related to intellectual property, trademarks, and geographical indications of the elements and components related to the Omani cultural heritage. The two sides ...

Real Estate Deals Value in Oman Surpasses RO 260 Million till January 2023 Muscat, 6 Mar (ONA) ---- The total value of property transactions in the Sultanate of Oman by the end of January 2023 rose by 20.4% to reach RO 260.5 million, compared to RO 216.3 million during the corresponding period in 2022, according to the latest date issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The figures revealed that the total fees collected for all transactions by the end of January 2023 amounted to RO 5.8 million, comprising an increase of 2.6% compared to the same ...

SMEs Authority Chairperson Meets WIPO Director General Muscat, 6 Mar (ONA) --- Halima Rashid AlZar'ee, Chairperson of the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) met here today with Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and his accompanying delegation, currently visiting the Sultanate of Oman. The meeting discussed global trends in utilizing intellectual property to support startups and means to enhance cooperation in the areas of commercial franchising, marketing and training for the SMEs. It ...

Oman Oil Price Rises 79 Cents Muscat, 6 Mar (ONA) --- Oman oil price (May Delivery 2023) today reached 84.11 US Dollars, comprising a rise by 79 cents compared to the price of last (Friday) which was 83.32 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (March Delivery) stabilized at 80.92 US Dollars per barrel, thus 3.49 US Dollars per barrel higher than February ...

WIPO Director General Hails Oman’s Interest in IP Muscat, 6 Mar (ONA) --- Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) lauded the Sultanate of Oman’s interest in the intellectual property (IP) as it is considered “a catalyst for growth”. He added that the Sultanate of Oman is among the first Arab countries to join the Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration. In a media meeting with Oman News Agency (ONA), the WIPO Director General expressed his admiration of Oman Vision ...

National Committee on Combating Money Laundering Holds First Meeting of 2023Muscat, 5 Mar (ONA) --- The National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism held its first meeting of 2023. The meeting was chaired by Tahir Salim Al Amri, Chairman of the National Committee.The meeting discussed ways of developing the system of combating money laundering and financing of terrorism in the Sultanate of Oman, upgrading the system in line with the best international practices, reiterating the significance of all parties’ performing their roles in a regular ...

Oman to Host Arab Consumer Protection WeekMuscat, 5 Mar (ONA) --- Represented by the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), the Sultanate of Oman will host the activities of the “Arab Consumer Protection Week”, which will be held from 8 to 14 March 2023. The event highlights various issues of interest to the Arab consumer.This was stated during a press conference organized by the CPA in Muscat today.The phrase "small consumer" has been used to reflect the theme of this year’s event, notably to portray the significance of this segment of consumers who constitute an integral part ...

Global Tourism Week Explores Ways to Consolidate Partnership Among Firms Muscat, 5 Mar (ONA)—The Global Travel Week Middle East, hosted by Oman, is exploring vistas of enhancing partnership and communication between international luxury travel and tourism companies, on one side, and their counterparts in Oman, on the other side. This was realized through tourism service providers’ use of innovative communication methods to establish long-term relationships and exchange expertise. As many as 200 specialists in the field of luxury tourism from different countries of the ...

Producer Price Index Up by 22.3% in Oman Muscat, 5 Mar (ONA)—Producer Price Index (PPI) in Oman grew by 22.3% during the 4th quarter of 2022, compared to the corresponding period in 2021. Data of the quarterly PPI survey, issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information, indicate that the prices of oil and gas products increased by 27.8%. This was due to a 31.5% rise in the prices of crude oil and natural gas, coupled with 7.1% growth in the prices of refined petroleum products. The volume of non-oil products dropped by 3.7% as a result of a 5.1% decline in ...

MSX Gains 32 Points Muscat, 5 Mar (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today added (32.4) points, comprising a rise by (0.67%) to close at (4853.36) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (4820.99) points. The trading value today stood at (RO 3,332,380), comprising a rise by (18.2%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 2,820,332). The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went up by (0.177%) to reach about (RO 23.77) billion. The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors reached ...

Oman Air Receives Fifth Delivery of New Boeing 737 MAX 8 Aircraft Muscat, 5 Mar (OMA) ---- Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, has announced the delivery of a new Boeing 737 MAX 8 from CDB Aviation. The aircraft is the last in a series of five deliveries contracted as part of a sale and leaseback transaction with the global aircraft leasing platform, which is a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Leasing). Designed to offer exceptional performance, flexibility and efficiency, the 737 Max 8 is ...

Oman to Showcase its Tourism Capabilities at ITB Berlin on 7 MarchMuscat, 4 Mar (ONA) —- The Sultanate of Oman will take part in Berlin International Travel and Tourism Fair (ITB 2023 ) from 7 to 9 March 2023.The Omani delegation will be led by Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism.ITB Berlin is the world's largest tourism industry fair. It brings together countries, tourist destinations, tour operators, airlines, travel agents, booking agents and hotels.The Sultanate of Oman pavilion at ITB Berlin 2023 will showcase tourism capabilities and unique sites in the ...

Economic, Free, Industrial Zones Boom Added Value of Governorates' Economy, SMEsMuscat, 4 Mar (ONA) —- The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) boosts the growth of Omani industries in its affiliated zones through the well-developed infrastructure that enables establishing various industrial projects.In addition, the zones provide a set of incentives and facilities, so these projects and industries contribute to backing the In-Country Value (ICV) of the national economy and increasing the volume of Omani exports to global markets.In this regard, Dr. Said bin ...

Solar Energy Projects “Manah 1 and Manah 2” to Be Awarded to International Investors Muscat, 2 Mar (ONA) --- The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has granted its approval to Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) to award “Manah 1 and Manah 2” solar energy projects to international investors. The project will be located in the Wilayat of Manah in the Governorate of A’Dakhiliyah. The two stations represent the second projects to be floated by OPWP to contract the purchase of capacity generated by renewable energy. The two plants will produce ...