News

OQBi Hackathon Crowns Four Innovative Teams Driving Industrial Digital Transformation Salalah, 22 Oct (ONA) --- The OQBi Hackathon 2025 concluded today with the recognition of four winning teams celebrated for their technical innovations and practical solutions across safety, energy, and creative industries sectors. In the OQBi Hackathon’s Challenges track, three teams emerged victorious. Team "Safe Crew" secured first place for their cloud-based real-time field crew tracking system designed to enhance operational readiness and safety. Team "Vision AI" earned ...

Gold Extends Decline from Record High Amid Profit-TakingSingapore, 22 Oct (ONA) --- Gold prices extended their decline today amid profit-taking following recent record highs, as investors awaited key US inflation data this week for further indications on the Federal Reserve's potential path toward interest rate cuts. Spot gold fell 0.3% to $4,113.54 per ounce, after plunging more than 5% on Tuesday -- its sharpest daily drop since August 2020. Meanwhile, US gold futures for December delivery rose 0.5% to $4,129.80 per ounce. Despite the recent correction, gold prices have surged about 56% so ...

Oil Rises over 1% Amid Supply ConcernsSingapore, 22 Oct (ONA) --- Oil prices rose by more than one percent today, extending gains for the second consecutive day, amid a mix of supply risks linked to sanctions and hopes for progress in US-China trade talks. Brent crude futures climbed 94 cents, or 1.5%, to $62.26 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 92 cents, or 1.6%, to $58.16. Oil rebounded from a five-month low recorded on Monday, driven by increased output from producers and the impact of trade tensions on demand. On Tuesday, the US Department of Energy ...

Dollar Declines, Yen Rises Amid Market VolatilitySingapore, 22 Oct (ONA) --- The US dollar index edged lower today after a three-day rally, as the greenback retreated during Asian trading amid market volatility triggered by a sharp fall in gold prices, which rebalanced flows across safe-haven assets. The dollar was last down 0.1% at 151.74 yen, after data showed that Japan's exports rose in September for the first time in five months. The dollar index, which measures the performance of the US currency against six major peers, stood at 98.84, down 0.1%. The euro rose 0.1% to $1.1613, while the ...

National Statistics and Information Strategy 2025–2030 Launched Muscat, 22 Oct (ONA) --- The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) today launched the “National Statistics and Information Strategy 2025-2030” during a workshop that was attended by more than 100 representatives of government departments. The workshop sought to raise awareness about the National Statistics and Information Strategy 2025-2030 (NSIS 2025-2030) and elaborate about its envisaged performance indicators. It was organized in pursuance of national efforts to unify statistical and ...

Oman Participates in UNCTAD Ministerial Conference in GenevaGeneva, 22 Oct (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman participated in the deliberations of the 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) ministerial meeting, currently being held in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme "Shaping a Common Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive, and Sustainable Development."The Sultanate of Oman’s delegation was headed by Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, with the participation of Ambassador Idris Abdulrahman Al ...

Oman Oil Price Rises 1.25 US Dollars Muscat, 22 Oct (ONA) --- Oman oil price (December delivery 2025) today reached 63.48 US Dollars, comprising a rise by 1.25 US Dollars compared to the price of yesterday “Tuesday”, which stood at 62.23 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (October delivery 2025) has stabilized at 69.33 US Dollars per barrel, thus 1.87 US Dollars per barrel lower than September delivery 2025. ---Ends/AH ...

Oman Airports Forge Path to Future with New Intelligent Campus ShowcaseMuscat, 21 Oct (ONA) --- Oman Airports has launched its Intelligent Campus Showcase at Muscat International Airport, in partnership with global technology leader Huawei. The initiative represents a significant advancement in Oman's aviation sector transformation, demonstrating a strategic commitment to developing more intelligent, efficient and digitally connected airports that align with future transportation needs. This collaboration underscores Oman Airports' substantial investment in smart digital ...

Oman Hosts Investment Forum 2025 in UK London, 21 Oct (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Finance in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry, held the “Oman Investment Forum 2025” in London today, with the aim of strengthening financial, investment, and economic cooperation between the two sides. The forum seeks to boost investor confidence in Oman’s financial position by showcasing success stories and the policies and structural reforms implemented to achieve fiscal balance and sustainability. It also outlines the Government strategies and ...

Business Forum in Muscat Brings Together Representatives of Omani, Qatari Trade Companies Muscat, 21 Oct (ONA) --- The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion is organizing a two-day business forum in Muscat for Omani and Qatari trade companies. Sheikh Mubarak bin Fahad Al Thani, Ambassador of the State Qatar to the Sultanate of Oman, said that relations between Oman and Qatar have seen steady growth over the past decades, thanks to the two countries’ shared vision based on mutual trust and exchange of common benefits. Al Thani underlined the ...

77th Issue of Government Development Bonds Launched by Auction Method Muscat, 21 Oct (ONA) --- On behalf of the Government of Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) announced the new issue of Government Development Bonds. The size of the new issue is at RO 80 million, with green shoe option (not exceeding RO 20 million), with a maturity period of 5 years and will carry a coupon rate of 4.1% p.a. The issue will be open for subscription from 22 to 27 October 2025 while the auction will be held on Tuesday, 28 October ...

Madayn Launches Tender for Phase 1 of Al Suwaiq Industrial City Muscat, 21 Oct (ONA) --- The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates “Madayn” has officially launched the tender for the implementation of infrastructure and utilities in Phase 1 of Al Suwaiq Industrial City in North Al Batinah Governorate. This phase will cover the development of a 5-million-sqm area, comprising the construction of internal roads, water, electricity and sewage networks, as well as other essential services and utilities. The tender also includes the establishment of greenhouses ...

MSX Gains 97 Points Muscat, 21 Oct (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX 30) Index closed at 5,458.64 points today, gaining 97.8 points (1.82%) from the previous session's close of 5,360.89 points. Trading value reached RO 72.62 million, reflecting a 1.8% decrease compared to the previous session's RO 73.98 million. According to a market report released by MSX, market capitalization increased by 0.680% from the last trading day to approximately RO 30.95 billion. Non-Omani investors recorded purchases valued at RO 4.40 million, representing 6.06% of total ...

President of Botswana Explores Investment Opportunities in OmanMuscat, 21 Oct (ONA) — President Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana was briefed today on investment opportunities during his visit to Oman Investment Authority (OIA), as part of his visit to the Sultanate of Oman.Upon his arrival at the OIA headquarters, the guest was received by Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, OIA Chairman, who provided an overview of the OIA, its investment portfolios, and the mechanism for distributing investments, both within Oman and abroad.The guest attended presentations from several OIA ...

IEA Expects Global Oil Market to Remain Oversupplied in 2026Washington, 21 Oct (ONA) --- The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecast a global oil market oversupply of 4 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2026, citing the recent increase in crude oil supplies from the Middle East and the Americas. It noted that this increasingly underscores the need for market change. Toril Bosoni, head of the IEA's Oil Industry and Markets Division, said that the global oil market may be at a turning point, with signs of a significant oversupply emerging. The overall oil surplus averaged 1.9 million bpd ...

Gold Edges Lower as Investors Take Profits After Record HighSingapore, 21 Oct (ONA) --- Gold prices fell today as investors took profits after the precious metal hit a new record high in the previous session, supported by strong safe-haven demand and rising expectations of an imminent interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve. Spot gold declined 0.3% to $4,340.99 per ounce, after reaching an all-time high of $4,381.21 on Monday. US gold futures for December delivery settled at $4,357.80 per ounce. Among other precious metals, spot silver dropped 1.2% to $51.83 per ounce, platinum slipped ...

Dollar Gains Ground as Yen WeakensSingapore, 21 Oct (ONA) --- The US dollar gained ground today, recovering early losses as support came from a decline in the Japanese yen, which fell 0.4% in the latest trading to 151.38 yen per dollar. The yen also weakened against other major currencies, with the euro rising 0.33% to 176.06 yen, and the British pound gaining 0.28% to 202.55 yen. Against the dollar, the pound sterling fell 0.16% to $1.3383, while the euro slipped 0.1% to $1.1630. The US dollar index, which measures the greenback's performance against a basket of six major currencies, ...

Average Inflation Rate till September 2025 in Oman Rises by 0.8 PercentMuscat, 21 Oct (ONA) — The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the Sultanate of Oman recorded an increase of 1.1 percent in September 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, using 2018 as the base year. The average inflation rate for the period from January to September 2025 also rose by 0.8 percent, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information.The data showed that the average inflation rate for the 'Miscellaneous Goods and Services' group in Oman during the period from January to September ...

Oman Oil Price Rises 19 CentsMuscat, 21 Oct (ONA) --- Oman oil price (December delivery 2025) today reached 62.23 US Dollars, comprising a rise by 19 Cents compared to the price of yesterday “Monday”, which stood at 62.04 US Dollars.The average price of Oman oil (October delivery 2025) has stabilized at 69.33 US Dollars per barrel, thus 1.87 US Dollars per barrel lower than September delivery 2025.---Ends/AH ...

OMREN Summit Kicks Off with High Note on AI Role in Education, Research Muscat, 20 Oct (ONA) --- A summit on research and educational technology, codenamed OTS 2025, is being organized today and tomorrow—20 and 21 October 2025—by Oman Research and Education Network (OMREN), at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The summit focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) as a driving force for transforming education and research, as part of national efforts to promote digital transition and innovation across vital sectors. The opening ceremony of the summit was ...

EU Approves Total Ban on Russian Gas by 2027 Luxembourg, 20 Oct (ONA) --- The European Union (EU) has moved to end all imports of Russian natural gas by the end of 2027, following a majority vote by member states during a meeting of European energy ministers in Luxembourg. The measure is aimed at depriving Moscow of a major source of revenue used to fund its war in Ukraine. Denmark, which currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, aims to secure final approval for the ban before the start of the coming year. The proposal faced strong opposition from Slovakia ...

Tender Results of Government Treasury Bills Worth RO 12.5 Million Issued Muscat, 20 Oct (ONA) --- The total issuance of government treasury bills amounted to RO 12.5 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 99.755 for every RO 100, and the minimum accepted price arrived at RO 99.755 per RO 100. The average discount rate and the average yield reached 3.19375% and 3.20159%, respectively. The value of the allotted treasury bills amounted to RO 9.5 million, for a ...

MSX Gains 35.3 Points Muscat, 20 Oct (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange "30" index closed today's trading session at 5360.89 points, rising by 35.3 points or 0.66 percent compared to the previous session's close of 5325.62 points. Trading value reached RO 73.97 million, increasing by 20.8 percent compared to the last session's value of RO 61.25 million. According to the MSX report, market capitalization increased by 0.211 percent from the previous trading day, reaching approximately RO 30.74 billion. Non-Omani investors recorded purchases worth RO 5.23 million, representing ...

"Oman Investment Forum 2025" to Begin in London Tomorrow London, 20 Oct (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman will organize "Oman Investment Forum 2025" in London tomorrow "Tuesday", as part of activities of the Omani-British Strategic Consultation Team. Nasser Khamis Al Jashmi, Chairman of the Tax Authority, Head of the Omani side at the Omani-British Strategic Consultation Team, will attend the event, with the participation of officials from government departments. The forum seeks to enhance investor confidence in the Sultanate of Oman's financial position and ...

Salalah Airport Welcomes Inaugural Flight of Neos from RomeSalalah, 20 Oct (ONA) — Salalah Airport has welcomed the inaugural scheduled flight of the Italian airline "Neos," arriving from Rome via Milan. This marks the launch of a direct, regular air route between the two destinations, with one flight per week during the 2025-2026 winter tourism season.This step reinforces the Sultanate of Oman's position as a distinguished destination on the global tourism map. The new route is a qualitative addition to the network of international destinations served by Salalah Airport.Oman Airports ...

Oman Oil Price Rises 42 Cents Muscat, 20 Oct (ONA) --- Oman oil price (December delivery 2025) today reached 62.04 US Dollars, comprising a rise by 42 Cents compared to the price of last “Friday”, which stood at 61.62 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (October delivery 2025) has stabilized at 69.33 US Dollars per barrel, thus 1.87 US Dollars per barrel lower than September delivery 2025. ---Ends/AH ...

“Hadatha” Cybersecurity Centre InauguratedMuscat, 19 Oct (ONA) — The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, represented by the National Cybersecurity Center, in collaboration with Middle East College, has launched the "Hadatha" Center for Cybersecurity at the college's headquarters.The launch was held under the patronage of Dr. Saif Abdullah Al Haddabi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation for Research and Innovation.The launch of the center falls within the executive program for the cybersecurity industry "Hadatha" and ...

MSX Gains 35 Points Muscat, 19 Oct (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange "30" index closed today's trading session at 5325.62 points, rising by 35.9 points or 0.68 percent compared to the previous session's close of 5289.69 points. Trading value reached RO 61.25 million, increasing by 40.7 percent compared to the last session's value of RO 43.53 million. According to the MSX report, market capitalization increased by 0.264 percent from the previous trading day, reaching approximately RO 30.68 billion. Non-Omani investors recorded purchases worth RO 3.23 million, ...

Sixth Edition of Oman ICV Forum Kicks Off Muscat, 16 Oct (ONA) --- The 6th edition of Oman In-Country Value (ICV) Forum kicked off in Muscat today. Organized by Al Roya Newspaper, the forum focused on future scenarios of ICV, from compliance to impact. The launch ceremony was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Mohammed bin Thuwaini Al Said, and attended by government officials and dignitaries.Hatim Hamad Al Ta’ee, Chairman of the Forum's Organizing Committee, said in a speech that the concept of local content has become a tangible reality that contributes to ...

OCCI Addresses Banking Access Challenges for Private Sector Workforce Muscat, 16 Oct (ONA) --- Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) convened a strategic dialogue addressing financial accessibility challenges facing Omani private sector employees. The high-level consultative session, coordinated with the Ministry of Labour, gathered representatives from government institutions, employer associations, labour organizations and the banking sector to develop solutions for enhancing workforce financial inclusion. Participants examined systemic barriers limiting private ...