News

Gathering Organized for Government Digital Transformation Teams Muscat, 5 Nov (ONA) --- The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology organized here today the 2nd gathering of government digital transformation teams. The two-day event is participated by 120 employees of government digital transformation teams. It was also attended by experts in the information and communications technology (ICT) field. The gathering aims to boost integration in the coordination of institutional action and enhance communication between government units to achieve the ...

Cruise Ship Anchors in Salalah Port Salalah, 25 Oct (ONA) --- Salalah Port today received a cruise ship with 2,340 passengers on its board, including 1,566 tourists. The cruise ship has a tourist programme to visit many ports around the world. The tourist programme of the cruise ship included tours to tourist attractions and archaeological sites renowned in the Governorate of Dhofar, besides visiting beaches and traditional bazaars in the Wilayat of Salalah. The Sultanate of Oman annually witnesses visits of many cruise ships, due to its sea location overlooking the Indian ...

Omani-Qatari Committee Winds Up 22nd Session’s Meeting in Muscat, Signs 2 Memoranda Muscat, 2 Nov (ONA) --- The Omani-Qatari Joint Committee concluded here today a ministerial meeting held as part of the panel’s 22nd session. The Omani side at the two-day meeting was led by Sultan Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance, while the Qatari delegation was headed by Ali Ahmed Al Kawari, Minister of Finance. During meeting, the committee explored aspects of cooperation in various fields, including economy and trade, as well as the progress made in joint investment projects. At ...

SAS48 Hackathon Launched, to Forge Technical Solutions in Rescue Sector Muscat, 2 Nov (ONA) --- A competition titled “Sas48 Hackathon” was launched today in Muscat with the aim of finding technical solutions to deal with natural disasters in the relief and rescue sector. The two-day competition is organized by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, under the slogan “Relief Technologies”. The competition targets entrepreneurs and experts in the field of rescue and relief, programming and development of smart phone apps and website design, ...

MSX Drops 9 PointsMuscat, 2 Nov (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today lost (9.9) points, comprising a drop by (0.22%) to close at (4492.34) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (4502.24) points.The trading value today stood at (RO 3,194,060), comprising a decline by (49.6%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 6,332,111).The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went down by (0.138%) to reach about (RO 23.62) billion.The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors reached (RO 239,000), comprising ...

Seminar Outlines Employers’ Rights, Obligations Cited in Social Protection Law Muscat, 2 Nov (ONA) --- The Social Protection Fund organized a seminar today on employers’ rights and obligations under the Social Protection Law. The seminar was aimed at highlighting the responsibilities of employers in terms of registration and payment of their respective employees’ subscriptions. It also underlined the employers’ duty to advise their employees about their insurance prerogatives. The seminar saw the participation of government personnel representing departments of human ...

Central Bank of Oman Holds Annual Bankers Meeting 2023Muscat, 2 Nov (ONA) —- The Annual Bankers Meeting 2023 was held today with attendance of Tahir Salim Al Amri, the Executive President of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO), CEOs and senior officials of licensed banks, payment service providers (PSPs) operating in the Sultanate of Oman and Oman Banks Association (OBA).The meeting commended the tangible role of the banking sector and its significant contribution towards the prosperity of the Omani economy, referring to the firmly established signs of recovery of the Omani economy.The meeting ...

Oman Oil Price Rises 61 CentsMuscat, 2 Nov (ONA) --- Oman oil price (January delivery 2024) today reached 86.87 US Dollars, comprising a rise by 61 cents from the price of yesterday (Wednesday), which stood at 86.26 US Dollars.The average price of Oman oil (November delivery 2023) has stabilized at 92.77 US Dollars per barrel, thus 6.02 US Dollars per barrel higher than September delivery 2023.—- Ends/Khalid ...

Oman and Etihad Rail Board Reviews Railway Network Project Updates and Future PlansMuscat, 2 Nov (ONA) —— The Board of Directors of Oman and Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the railway network linking the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), held a meeting in Muscat.The board has reviewed the advancements that support the continued development of the project, which will see the construction of an efficient railway network that links Sohar Port with the UAE National Railway Network, in line with global standards.Among the achievements highlighted were the ...

Oman Participates in 23rd Global Summit of World Travel and Tourism Council in RwandaKigali, 2 Nov (ONA) —- The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, participates in the twenty-third global summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council under the slogan (Building Bridges for a Sustainable Future), which began its deliberations in the capital of the Republic of Rwanda, Kigali today.Heads of states and delegations from all over the world and as many as 100 business leaders and CEOs of major international companies take part in the summit.Oman’s delegation ...

CBO Keeps its Repo Rate Unchanged at 6pcMuscat, 2 Nov (ONA) ——The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) decided to keep its repo rate for local banks fixed at 6.00%, after the U.S. Federal Reserve decision to leave its key policy rate unchanged at the range of (5.25% - 5.50%).The repo rate is the policy rate that allows commercial banks to acquire short term liquidity from the Central Bank as the lender of last resort.This policy is aligned with the structure and nature of the Omani economy. There are a number of advantages for the Sultanate of Oman that are derived from this policy among which are ...

Number of EVs in Oman Exceeds 400, Supported by 100 Charging Stations Muscat, 1 Nov (ONA) --- Amid ongoing action to enable new dealers to import electric vehicles (EVs) directly from manufacturers, the EVs in the Sultanate of Oman exceeded 400. Eng. Khamis Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, outlined initiatives to manufacture EVs at the Special Economic Zone in Duqm (SEZAD). The number of EV charging stations stands at 100 now and it is hoped that the number will grow to 300 in the next two ...

IMF Article IV Mission for 2023 for Oman Commences Muscat, 1 Nov (ONA) --- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) today commenced its meetings for the 2023 Article IV consultations, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) till 15 November 2023. IMF experts are set to conduct a series of meetings with officials and specialists from CBO, MOF and a number of government, civil society and private sector institutions. The meetings will discuss the recent economic and financial developments, ...

Oman to Take Part in UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai Muscat, 1 Nov (ONA) ---- The Sultanate of Oman will take part in tasks of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28), due to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) during 30 November till 12 December, 2023. Oman’s participation in this conference under the slogan “Oman is a sustainable future” comes as an extension of its participation with the rest of the world to find practical and sustainable solutions to global environmental problems related to sustainable development. Oman will also review its ...

MSX Drops 43 Points Muscat, 1 Nov (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today lost (43.2) points, comprising a drop by (0.95%) to close at (4502.24) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (4545.46) points. The trading value today stood at (RO 6,332,111), comprising a rise by (24.8%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 5,071,848). The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went down by (0.296%) to reach about (RO 23.65) billion. The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors reached (RO ...

Oman Oil Price Drops 1.02 US Dollars Muscat, 1 Nov (ONA) --- Oman oil price (January delivery 2024) today reached 86.26 US Dollars, comprising a drop by 1.02 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (November delivery 2023) has stabilized at 92.77 US Dollars per barrel, thus 6.02 US Dollars per barrel higher than September delivery 2023. --- Ends/Thuraiya/AH ...

ISWA World Congress 2023 Underscores Environmental Sustainability Muscat, 31 Oct (ONA) --- The 39th world congress of the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) laid emphasis on commitment to environmental sustainability and proper management of waste materials. Hosted by Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (Be’ah), the congress, which runs until 1 November 2023, is being attended by participants from 55 countries representing 145 institutions and companies operating in the sector of waste management. Titled "Global Action Toward a Net Zero Future.", the event ...

Second Edition of Oman Code Race Launched Muscat, 31 Oct (ONA) --- The second edition of the Oman Code Race, was launched under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. Oman Code Race includes the 10th edition of Oman university competition on programming, Oman Beaver Competition and Oman Informatics Olympiad Competition. The race sees a large turnout of participants from Oman and abroad. It aims at grooming a generation of young programmers to operate in tune with the needs of the labour market. Oman Code Race also includes ...

Oman, Saudi Arabia Discuss Opportunities to Establish Projects in Economic Zones Riyadh, 31 Oct (ONA) --- Prospects for enhancing economic cooperation and investment opportunities available in economic zones, free zones and industrial cities in the Sultanate of Oman were discussed in Riyadh today. The meeting, which took place at the premises of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, brought together a delegation from Oman’s economic zones, free zones and industrial cities, members of the Saudi-Omani Business Council and representatives of major companies and businessmen in the ...

MSX Gains 2 Points Muscat, 31 Oct (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today gained (2.12) points, comprising a rise by (0.05 %) to close at (4545.46) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (4543.34) points. The trading value today stood at (RO 5,071,848), comprising a decline by (66.14%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 14,978,928). The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went up by (0.174%) to reach about (RO 23.72) billion. The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors ...

GCC Housing Plans Discussed, Award Winners Feted Muscat, 31 Oct (ONA) --- A dialogue session titled “Housing Projects and Plans in GCC States” was held today at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, on the sidelines of the ongoing “Urban October” conference and the “First GCC Housing Week”. Attended by GCC ministers of housing and the GCC Secretary General, the dialogue session discussed themes that take centre stage in member states, as follows: “housing trends in future city projects” in the Sultanate of Oman, “innovative infrastructure technologies in housing ...

Oman’s Production of Refineries, Petrochemicals Increases 13.8pc till September 2023 Muscat, 31 Oct (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman production of refineries and petrochemicals recorded an increase by 13.8% till the end of September 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2022, according to preliminary statistics released by the National Center for Statistics and Information. The production of regular gasoline (91) witnessed a 24.6 percent increase by the end of September, resulting in a 13 percent increase in sales and a 10.1 percent increase in exports. ...

Asyad Group Forges Investment Partnership in Real Estate Development Muscat, 31 Oct (ONA) --- Asyad Group, represented by Oman Post and Asyad Express, has forged an investment partnership with Wujha Real Estate Development Company and Bayan Investment House. This initiative perfectly aligns with Asyad Group's strategy to actively involve the private sector in the development and investment of its assets. The signed agreements translate Asyad Group's comprehensive land investment strategy, strategically designed to enhance its assets through Design, Build, ...

Oman Chairs 21st Meeting of GCC Officials Responsible for Housing Muscat, 31 Oct (ONA) --- GCC officials responsible for housing affairs held their 21st meeting in Muscat today under the chairmanship of Dr. Khalfan Said Al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning. The meeting discussed promoting the joint efforts of the GCC joint housing action march, as well as upgrading the level of cooperation, coordination and integration in this field. The meeting reviewed successful experiences in the field of housing and sustainable smart cities in the GCC states. It ...

Oman Oil Price Drops 1.16 US DollarMuscat, 31 Oct (ONA) --- Oman oil price (December delivery 2023) today reached 88.52 US Dollars, comprising a drop by 1.16 US Dollar from the price of yesterday (Monday), which stood at 89.68 US Dollars.The average price of Oman oil (October delivery 2023) has stabilized at 86.57 US Dollars per barrel, thus 6.03 US Dollars per barrel higher than September delivery 2023. --- Ends/Thuraiya/KH ...

Economic Confidence in Eurozone Falls in October to its Lowest Level in Almost Three Years Brussels, 30 Oct (ONA) --- The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) in the eurozone fell 0.1 points in October 2023 from the previous month to 93.3, the European Commission said in Brussels today. It is the lowest level since November 2020 and the sixth weakening in a row, though analysts had on average expected a sharper decline, to 93 points. Confidence dimmed in industry, retail and among consumers. It improved in the service sector and a little in the construction industry. While ...

MSX Drops 8 Points Muscat, 30 Oct (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today lost (8.5) points, comprising a drop by (0.19%) to close at (4543.34) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (4551.81) points. The trading value today stood at (RO 14,978,928), comprising a surge by (341.6%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 3,392,210). The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went down by (0.057%) to reach about (RO 23.68) billion. The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors reached ...

Oman Chairs 9th Meeting of GCC Anti-Corruption Ministerial Committee Muscat, 30 Oct (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the State Audit Institution (SAI), chaired the 9th meeting of the GCC Anti-Corruption Ministerial Committee, which was held at Al Bustan Palace Hotel in Muscat today, in the presence of the GCC Secretary General. The meeting discussed the joint manuals in the field of integrity and anti-corruption, namely the Financial Declaration Manual, the Manual of Disclosure and Making Media Content available to the authorities and institutions ...

CBO Tender Results of Government Treasury Bills Worth RO 38 Million Issued Muscat, 30 Oct (ONA) --- The total issuance of Government Treasury Bills amounted RO 38 million this week. The value of the allotted Treasury bills amounted to RO 5 million, for a maturity period of 28 days. The average accepted price reached RO 99.655 for every RO 100 and the minimum accepted price arrived at RO 99.655 per RO 100. The average discount rate and the average yield reached 4.49732% and 4.51289%, respectively. The value of the allotted Treasury bills amounted to RO 33 million, for a maturity ...

Southern Runway at Muscat International Airport Refurbished Muscat, 30 Oct (ONA) --- The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced that the work on the refurbishment and extension of the old southern Runway at Muscat International Airport have been completed and getting ready to permit aircraft movements. CAA affirmed that the southern runway was refurbished as per the safety and regulation requirements for aircraft to commence landing and take-off. A period for Aerodrome Certification will need to take place which entails a physical inspection of the runway and ...