News

On Behalf of HM, HH Sayyid Asa’ad Bids Farewell to UAE Ambassador Muscat, 6 May (ONA) --- On behalf of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, HH Sayyid Asa’ad bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs, Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan received in his office Mohammed Nekhaira Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the Sultanate of Oman to bid him farewell at the end of his tour of duty. The ambassador expressed his appreciation to His Majesty the Sultan, the Omani government and people ...

Oman Oil Price Rises 2.15 US DollarsMuscat, 6 May (ONA) --- Oman oil price (July delivery 2025) today reached 61.77 US Dollars, comprising a rise by 2.15 US Dollars compared to the price of yesterday “Monday” which stood at 59.62 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (May delivery 2025) has stabilized at 72.51 US Dollars per barrel, thus 5.12 US Dollars per barrel lower than April delivery 2025. ---Ends/AG ...

Omani-Russian Business Forum Opens New Vistas of Bilateral Investments Muscat, 5 May (ONA) --- As part of the visit of Abdulmuslim Abdulmuslimov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Dagestan, to the Sultanate of Oman, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) today organized an Omani-Russian Business Forum. The forum was aimed to develop commercial relations between the two countries. It discussed ways to consolidate economic and investment cooperation and open up new vistas for investment and partnership in various vital sectors. It also elaborated on enhancing commercial ...

MSX Loses 3 Points Muscat, 5 May (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today lost (3.3) points, comprising a rise by (0.07%) to close at (4339.18) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (4342.43) points. The trading value today stood at (RO 4,922,682) comprising a rise by (4.5%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 4,710,843). The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went down by (0.032%) to reach about (RO 27.21) billion. The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors reached ...

Tender Results of Government Treasury Bills Worth RO 32.8 Million Issued Muscat, 5 May (ONA) --- The total issuance of Government Treasury Bills amounted to RO 32.8 million. The value of the allotted Treasury bills amounted to RO 0.3 million, for a maturity period of 28 days. The average accepted price reached RO 99.750 for every RO 100, and the minimum accepted price arrived at RO 99.750 per RO 100. The average discount rate and the average yield reached 3.25893% and 3.26710%, respectively. While, the value of the allotted Treasury bills amounted to RO 32 million, for a ...

HH Sayyid Asa’ad Opens Conference of Energy Regulators Regional AssociationMuscat, 5 May (ONA) --- HH Sayyid Asa’ad bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs, Special Representative of His Majesty the Sultan, today presided over the opening of the conference of the “Energy Regulators Regional Association” (ERRA), held at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.The two-day conference will elaborate on global transformations and mechanisms for investing in clean energy. The conference programme includes the discussion of 15 ...

Over 245,000 Firms Employ Zero Omani Citizens, Workforce Relies on 1.1 Million Expatriates Muscat, 5 May (ONA) —— In a bid to ensure a balance between business sustainability and job localization, the Ministry of Labour has announced a set of integrated regulations and incentives to enforce a decision requiring firms and companies that have completed one year since establishment to employ at least one Omani citizen. This comes in response to data revealing significant disparities in Omanization rates across businesses. While a limited number of companies ...

European Shares Edge Lower as Investors Await Tariff UpdatesBrussels, 5 May (ONA) —- European shares inched lower today as investors awaited further details on the US-China trade negotiations, while also looking ahead to some key corporate earnings and the US Federal Reserve's policy meeting later this week. The pan-European STOXX 600 index was down 0.1%. Other regional indexes were trading in positive territory, barring France (.FCHI), which fell 0.3%. Dutch-listed shares of Shell fell 2.8% after a report said the oil major is working with advisers to evaluate a potential acquisition ...

ASEAN+3 Warns of Protectionism after US TariffsMilan, 5 May (ONA) —- The finance chiefs of the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) - the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plus Japan, China and South Korea - have warned of the potential global economic fallout of protectionist trade policies, following the announcement of higher import tariffs by US President Donald Trump. "Escalating trade protectionism weighs on global trade, leading to economic fragmentation, affecting trade, investment and capital flows across the region," the finance ministers and central bank governors said in a ...

Oman Oil Price Drops 2.48 US Dollars Muscat, 5 May (ONA) --- Oman oil price (July delivery 2025) today reached 59.62 US Dollars, comprising a drop by 2.48 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (May delivery 2025) has stabilized at 72.51 US Dollars per barrel, thus 5.12 US Dollars per barrel lower than April delivery 2025. ---Ends/AG ...

Oil Falls More than $2/bblSingapore, 5 May (ONA) —- Oil prices fell more than $2 a barrel in early Asian trade today as OPEC+ is set to further speed up oil output hikes. Brent crude futures dropped $2.15 a barrel, or 3.51%, to $59.14 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $56.03 a barrel, down $2.26, or 3.88%.—- ...

Gold Prices Rise as Dollar Declines Singapore, 5 May (ONA) —- Gold prices rose today as the US dollar weakened, with investors awaiting the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision later this week. Spot gold increased by 0.2% to $3,245.01 per ounce. US gold futures also rose by 0.3% to $3,252.00 per ounce. The US dollar index fell by 0.1% against a basket of rival currencies, boosting the appeal of gold for holders of other currencies. As for other precious metals, spot silver rose by 0.1% to $32.02 per ounce, while platinum fell by 0.5% to $954.88, and palladium slipped by 0.2% ...

Dollar Falls Amid Strong Gains in Asian Currencies Singapore, 5 May (ONA) —- The US dollar was losing ground again today on a significant rise in Asian currencies. The dollar index dipped 0.2 percent to 99.717. China's yuan duly hit its highest in almost six months at 7.1980 per dollar. The euro edged up 0.3 percent to $1.1333. The dollar eased 0.4 percent to 144.21 yen, and away from Friday's top around 145.91. The Aussie edged up to $0.6466, having hit a five-month high.—- ...

TRA Issues Bylaw on Regulating International Telecommunications CablesMuscat, 4 May (ONA) --- The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has issued Decision No. 1111 to promulgate a “Bylaw on Regulating International Telecommunications Cables”.The decision seeks to establish a secure and accessible telecom infrastructure in the Sultanate of Oman and develop a flexible regulatory environment that keeps pace with rapid updates in the telecommunications sector. The step will also contribute to realizing the Sultanate of Oman's vision of providing a competitive and ...

Sohar International Marks Official Inauguration of New KSA Branch Riyadh, 4 May (ONA) --- Sohar International bank celebrated the official inauguration of its branch in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as part of its ongoing pursuit of strategic growth and enhanced regional relevance. The event was held under the patronage of Yazeed Ahmed AlSheikh, Deputy Governor for Supervision This expansion underscores Sohar International’s pivotal role in fostering cross-border partnerships, facilitating bilateral investment flows and foreign direct investment (FDI), and ...

MSX Gains 12 Points Muscat, 4 May (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today gained (12.8) points, comprising a rise by (0.30%) to close at (4342.43) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (4329.63) points. The trading value today stood at (RO 4,710,843) comprising a rise by (5.2%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 4,478,100). The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went up by (0.293%) to reach about (RO 27.22) billion. The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors reached ...

Oman Ranks First in West Asia, Ninth Globally in Open DataMuscat, 3 May (ONA) —— The Sultanate of Oman has secured the top position in West Asia and ninth globally in open data, according to a report by the Open Data Watch, which oversees an index assessing the availability of open data on national statistical institutions' websites. The organization is independent and recognized by the United Nations Statistical Commission.The report highlighted Oman’s significant progress, climbing ten spots in 2024 compared to 2022. The country now ranks ninth out of 197 nations worldwide, up from ...

MSX Gains 13 Points Muscat, 1 May (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today gained (13.4) points, comprising a rise by (0.31%) to close at (4329.63) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (4316.25) points. The trading value today stood at (RO 4,478,100) comprising a rise by (13.1%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 3,958,741). The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went up by (0.080%) to reach about (RO 27.14) billion. The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors reached ...

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Marsa LNG Project Worth USD 1.6 Billion in Sohar Sohar, 1 May (ONA) --- The groundbreaking ceremony for the Marsa LNG project took place today in the Wilayat of Sohar, marking the launch of the largest joint investment between OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP) and TotalEnergies. The project is valued at $1.6 billion, with TotalEnergies having an 80% stake, while OQEP holds the remaining 20%. The event was held under the patronage of Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, and attended by senior officials from ...

Oman Oil Price Drops 1.81 US Dollars Muscat, 1 May (ONA) --- Oman oil price (July delivery 2025) today reached 60.63 US Dollars, comprising a drop by 1.81 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (May delivery 2025) has stabilized at 72.51 US Dollars per barrel, thus 5.12 US Dollars per barrel lower than April delivery 2025. ---Ends/AG ...

Gold Prices Decline By 2pcSingapore, 1 May (ONA) —- Gold prices today declined amid a rising US dollar and investors' demand for more clarity on the trade policy between the United States and its trading partners. Spot gold dropped by about 2%, reaching $3,224.22 per ounce. US gold futures also fell by 2.4%, recording $3,239.24. Meanwhile, the US dollar index, which measures the performance of the US currency against a basket of other currencies, rose by 0.2%, making gold less attractive to holders of other currencies. The dollar increased by about 0.5% against the euro, trading at ...

Oman’s Pavilion at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai Wins Best Stand AwardDubai, 30 Apr (ONA) —— The Sultanate of Oman’s pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai has won the Best Stand award in the national pavilions category, recognized for its innovative design that blends Omani cultural identity with a modern touch. Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, received the award. Anwar Said Al Balushi, Director of Tourism Events at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, stated that the award reflects the pavilion’s cutting-edge technologies and creative ...

Agreements Inked to Boost Tourist Inflow for Khareef Dhofar 2025Dubai, 30 Apr (ONA) —— The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism today signed a cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Flyadeal on the sidelines of its participation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai.The agreement aims to enhance air connectivity between Oman and Saudi Arabia, support tourist inflow through cost-effective and efficient travel options, and bolster tourism to Dhofar Governorate during the Khareef season. Moreover, the ministry signed another agreement with Saudi travel company “Almusafir” to ...

APSR Announces Electricity Bill Reductions During Summer Muscat, 30 Apr (ONA) —— The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has announced varying reductions on electricity bills for residential consumers (basic accounts) during the summer months, starting from May until the end of August 2025. Additionally, the authority confirmed that electricity consumption tier prices for 2025 will remain unchanged. In May, the reductions will be distributed as follows: subscribers in the first tier (consumption between 0–4,000 kWh) will receive a 15% reduction on ...

Oman Marks Logistics Day 2025 Muscat, 30 Apr (ONA) —— The Sultanate of Oman today celebrated Logistics Day 2025 under the theme "Logistics Technologies and Investment" at Al Bustan Palace Hotel, under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat. Eng. Abdullah Ali Al Busaidi, Acting Head of the Oman Logistics Center at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, stated that celebrating Logistics Day reaffirms the sector's importance and its pivotal role in boosting the national economy. The logistics sector is ...

MSX Gains 18 PointsMuscat, 30 Apr (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today gained (18.4) points, comprising a rise by (0.43%) to close at (4316.25) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (4297.82) points.The trading value today stood at (RO 3,958,061) comprising a drop by (9.9%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 4,392,061).The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went up by (0.019%) to reach about (RO 27.12) billion.The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors reached (RO 184,000), ...

Oman Launches 3rd Auction Round for Lands of Green Hydrogen Projects in Duqm Muscat, 30 Apr (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman has launched its third green hydrogen auction round, marking a new chapter in its strategy to become a leading global hub for green hydrogen production and export. Designed and orchestrated by Hydrom, the third auction offers innovative and flexible opportunities for qualified developers to invest in Oman’s fast-growing hydrogen ecosystem and participate in building a competitive and scalable global green hydrogen economy. Building on the success of ...

Agreement Inked to Establish Industrial Salt Project Worth RO 13.4m Muscat, 30 Apr (ONA) --- Minerals Development Oman (MDO) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Dev Salt to launch the Naqa Salt Project in Wilayat Mahout, Al Wusta Governorate. The agreement was signed by Eng. Mattar Salim Al Badi, CEO of MDO, and Hirendrasingh Jhala, Chairman of Dev Global, in the presence of Ibtisam AhmedSaidAl Farooji, Undersecretaryof theMinistryofCommerce,IndustryandInvestment PromotionforInvestment Promotion. The signing took place in the Invest Oman ...

Oman Oil Price Drops 3.11 US DollarsMuscat, 30 Apr (ONA) --- Oman oil price (June delivery 2025) today reached 62.19 US Dollars, comprising a drop by 3.11 US Dollars compared to the price of yesterday “Tuesday”, which stood at 65.30 US Dollars.The average price of Oman oil (April delivery 2025) has stabilized at 77.63 US Dollars per barrel, thus 2.63 US Dollars per barrel lower than March ...

CBO Announces Auction Results of 74th GDB IssueMuscat, 29 Apr (ONA) —— The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) today announced the Auction results of the 74th Government Development Bonds (GDB) issue worth RO 100,000,000.According to a media release issued by CBO’s Market Operations Department, the 74th GDB Issue, which received overwhelming response from investors, has received applications amounted RO 235,580,100.The average yield was 4.49 percent at an equivalent price of RO 100.490, while the highest yield was 4.55percent at an equivalent price of RO 100.220 and the lowest was at 4.40 ...