News

Washington, 15 Feb (ONA) --- Antony Blinken US Secretary of State announced that the US government is offering "a sovereign loan guarantee to Ukraine of up to USD one billion to support its economic reform agenda and continued engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)." "This offer- combined with the strong partnership between Ukraine, the IMF, other international financial institutions, the G7, and other bilateral donors - will bolster Ukraine's ability to ensure economic stability, growth, and prosperity for its people in the face of Russia's destabilizing ...

Sohar, 15 Feb (ONA) --- The Capital Market Authority (CMA) today held a familiarization seminar at Sohar Free Zone about the capital market and the financing options it offers towards the consolidation of investment activities.The seminar, organized in cooperation with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), targeted heads of boards and executive administrations at Sohar Free Zone. It was an opportunity to exchange views between capital market firms and companies operating at economic zones and free zones in the Sultanate of Oman.Emphasis was laid on the ...

Muscat, 15 Feb (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today lost (2.3) points, comprising a decline by (0.06%) to close at (‪‪‪‪4081.98) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (‪‪‪‪‪‪4084.28) points.The trading value today stood at (RO 2,784,672), comprising a rise by (10.05%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 2,530,419).The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went up by (0.009%) to reach about (RO 22.01) billion.The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors reached ...

Muscat, 15 Feb (ONA) —— A study titled "Covid-19 Pandemic and Expectations of Future Technology" has confirmed that the current infrastructure of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the Sultanate of Oman is capable of accommodating new technologies in specific fields.The study, conducted by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI)showed that digital transformation can be turned into an opportunity to restructure the market in specific areas and to devise an effective regulatory and administrative framework in a bid to accelerate economic diversification programs.The ...

Muscat, 15 Feb (ONA) --- Oman oil price (April Delivery 2022) today reached 93.39 US Dollars, comprising an increase by 46 cents from the price of yesterday (Monday), which was 92.93 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (February Delivery 2022) has stabilized at 73.14 US Dollars, thus 7.12 US Dollars per barrel lower than January Delivery 2022. --- Ends/Thuraiya/AG ...

Muscat, 15 Feb (ONA) --- Treasury Bills are short-term highly secured financial instruments issued by the Ministry of Finance, and they provide licensed commercial banks the opportunity to invest their surplus funds. The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) acts as the Issue Manager and provides theadded advantage of ready liquidity through discounting and repurchase facilities (Repo). The results of the said issue are as follows:The total value of the allotted Treasury bills amounted to RO 247.5 million, for a maturity period of 28 days,from 16 February 2022 until 16 March 2022. The ...

Muscat, 14 Feb (ONA) --- During its participation in a videoconferencing meeting with Abu Dhabi Statistics Centre today, the Sultanate of Oman showcased its experience in national registers’ labeling during Census 2020. Oman was represented during the meeting by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Abu Dhabi Statistics Centre is planning to conduct a comprehensive census of population, residences and buildings over the next two years. The meeting explored the legal and regulatory framework of Census 2020, the main stages of the project, the action plan, ...

Muscat, 14 Feb (ONA)—The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion today signed a cooperation programme with Ubar Financial Investment Company to promote available investment opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman and to lure investors to the country. The cooperation programme was inked by Aseela Salim Al Samsami, Investment Promotion Undersecretary, and Abdulaziz Khalifa Al Saadi, CEO of Ubar Financial Investment Company. The programme showcases Oman’s economic value and targets local and international investors. It involves drafting initial ...

Muscat, 14 Feb (ONA) --- The total number of registered vehicles (excluding military vehicles) in the Sultanate of Oman declined by 0.3% from 1,557,453 by the end of December 2020 to reach 1,552,665 by the end of December 2021, according to the latest data issued by the National Centre for Information and Statistics (NCSI). Vehicles with commercial registration recorded the biggest decline from 239,639 vehicles by the end of December 2020 to 232,985 by the end of December 2021. The number of government vehicles went down by 12,695 in December 2020 to 12,206 by the end of ...

Samail, 14 Feb (ONA) --- Samail Industrial City has succeeded in localising Al Habib Food Industries, which is specialised in the production of milk and its derivatives, in a record time of 30 minutes after receiving the investment application on Madayn’s website.With a capital touching RO 500,000, Al Habib Food Industries will set up the project on an area of 10,000 sqm.The investment process time required for localising projects in the industrial cities of Madayn has decreased significantly during the past years, thanks to the developed integrated electronic system and Masar ...

Muscat, 14 Feb (ONA) --- Oman oil price (April Delivery 2022) today reached 92.93 US Dollars, comprising an increase by 2.46 US Dollars from the price of last (Friday), which was 90.47 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (February Delivery 2022) has stabilized at 73.14 US Dollars, thus 7.12 US Dollars per barrel lower than January Delivery 2022. --- Ends/Thuraiya/AG ...

Muscat, 13 Feb (ONA) --- The total number of visitors to the Sultanate of Oman by the end of December 2021 reached 652,000 whilst the number of departures (Omani and expatriates) reached 1,900,000 by the end of December of 2021.GCC visitors scored first as their number reached 293,125 followed by 106,042 visitors from India, 41,923 visitors from Yemen, 19,326 visitors from Pakistan and 18,173 visitors from Egypt.The total revenues of hotels rated (3 - 5 stars) amounted to RO 102 million.The number of guests in those hotels reached 1,200,000 until the end of December 2021, according ...

Sohar, 13 Feb (ONA) ---- A set of vessels dropped anchor at Sohar Port here today, signaling the start of operations on the fast maritime route commissioned by the Sultanate of Oman’s Asyad Group along the Indian Ocean. Asyad expanded the range of the fast Indian container cargo route by establishing a new maritime route that connects the Sultanate of Oman directly with Malaysia and Singapore. The move seeks to enhance the competitiveness of Omani seaports and maintain support to the local merchant community. To cater to the rising demand in inter-nation ...

Muscat, 13 Feb (ONA) ---- Heads of Units of the State’s Administrative Apparatus today held their first joint meeting on the five-year Government Digital Transformation Programme (2021-2025) endorsed by the Council of Ministers in July 2021. The meeting was aimed at establishing a common platform for higher administration in the government sector to help monitor the progress made in the programme, the challenges and measures to resolve them to ensure streamlined implementation of the action plan and to achieve the desired national goals. The meeting touched on ...

Muscat, 13 Feb (ONA) --- The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion today signed a cooperation programme with a local company specialized in technology to set up Oman Exports e-Platform. The agreement was signed by Aseela Salim Al Samsami, Investment Promotion Undersecretary and Thamir Ahmed Al Marhoon, CEO of the company. The programme aims to set up an electronic platform that contributes to promoting Omani exports and displaying Omani products whose owners wish to market them through the electronic platform for other parties outside the Sultanate of ...

Muscat, 13 Feb (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today lost (5.0) points, comprising a decline by (0.12%) to close at (‪‪‪‪4087.67) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (‪‪‪‪‪‪4092.63) points. The trading value today stood at (RO 5,016,000), comprising a drop by (6.6%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 4,705,937). The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went down by (0.021%) to reach about (RO 22.02) billion. The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors ...

Dubai, 13 Feb (ONA) ---- The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates – Madayn, has commenced its participation at Gulfood 2022 – one of the world’s largest annual food and hospitality events – at Dubai World Trade Centre in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Held during 13-17 February, Gulfood 2022 features the participation of more than 4,000 exhibitors representing180 countries. This participation represents the kickstart of ‘Made in Oman’ activities for the current year through which Madayn aims to promote Omani ...

Duqm, 12 Feb (ONA) —— The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) pointed out that 60 % of the supply and installation project of containers cranes and bridge cranes for the commercial berth at the Port of Duqm has been completed.This project comes as part of the second package of the commercial berth at the Port of Duqm. OPAZ awarded the project to design, manufacture, supply, install, test, and operate containers cranes, and bridge cranes to the Irish LIEBHERR company on the 27 April 2021. The project includes supplying 4 Ship To Shore containers (STS) and ...

Muscat, 12 Feb (ONA) —— With the arrival of the Omani-owned container vessel recently acquired by Asyad Shipping, the port of Sohar will be receiving tomorrow, Sunday, its first direct container shipment via the new direct shipping line launched by Oman, represented by Asyad Group, with the Singaporean and Malaysian ports.The opening of this direct shipping line feeds into the initiatives implemented by Asyad Group to promote the competitiveness of the Sultanate of Oman’s ports, enhance their operational efficiency and harness their logistics potential by linking them via direct lines ...

Cairo, 10 Feb (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Economy took part today in the ministerial meeting of the Arab League’s Economic and Social Council, held in the headquarters of the Secretariat General, Egypt. Oman’s delegation was headed by Dr. Said Mohammed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy. The meeting reviewed the report of the Arab League’s Secretary General on the joint Arab economic and social action. It also followed up on the decisions of the 4th edition of the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit. The meeting further discussed ...

Muscat, 10 Feb (ONA) ---- The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates – Madayn, represented by its Excellence and Organisational Transformation Department, organised a workshop for managers of Madayn’s digital transformation projects as part of the 2022 executive plan. The workshop highlighted the methodology of Digital Project Management Office (PMO), reviewed the approved implementation plan, and elaborated on the adopted mechanism for managing Madayn’s digital transformation projects and related tasks. This workshop follows a series of meetings held by ...

Muscat, 10 Feb (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today gained (3.2) points, comprising a rise by (0.08%) to close at (‪‪‪‪4092.63) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (‪‪‪‪‪‪4089.42) points.The trading value today stood at (RO 4,705,937), comprising a surge by (32.7%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 3,547,526).The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went down by (0.032%) to reach about (RO 22.02) billion.The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors reached ...

Muscat, 10 Feb (ONA) --- Oman oil price (April Delivery 2022) today reached 90.95 US Dollars, comprising an increase by 94 cents from the price of yesterday (Wednesday), which was 90.01 US Dollars.The average price of Oman oil (February Delivery 2022) has stabilized at 73.14 US Dollars, thus 7.12 US Dollars per barrel lower than January Delivery 2022. --- Ends/TH/AG ...

Muscat, 9 Feb (ONA) --- The Omani-Iranian Business Council held here today its meeting. It discussed upgrading the level of joint investments between the two countries, enhancing areas of cooperation in mining, fisheries and medical equipment, as well as setting upIranian companies in the Sultanate of Oman in various economic sectors. Qais Mohammad Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion urged businessmen and investors in both countries to take advantage of the available investment opportunities to achieve common goals. On his turn,Seyyed ...

Muscat, 9 Feb (ONA) --- The Omani-Iranian Joint Committee held here today its 19th meeting to discuss areas of bilateral cooperation in economic, financial, investment, technical and industrial fields.The Omani side was headed by Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, whilst the Iranian side was headed by Seyyed Reza Fatemi Amin, Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade.The two sides agreed on exerting more efforts in enhancing business relations and augmenting the volume of trade exchange between the two countries in areas of goods, as well ...

Berlin, 9 Feb (ONA) --- German exports increased for the third consecutive month in December 2021, capping a year in which they rose 14% compared with 2020, German official figures showed today. The Federal Statistical Office said that exports from Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, were up 0.9% in December 2021 compared with the previous month. That followed gains of 1.8% in November and 3.9% in October 2021. Imports were up 5.7% in December 2021, their fifth consecutive monthly increase. For 2021 as a whole, exports rose 14% to some 1.38 trillion euros ...

Muscat, 9 Feb (ONA) --- The Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA), in partnership with the Global Computer Services Company, launched the Access (Nafad) platform. The platform aims to attract national competencies specialized in the fields of technology, communications and postal services. It will allow licensed individuals in those sectors to float tenders, as well as requesting and bidding offers. The launching ceremony was held under the patronage of Eng. Said Hamoud Al Ma’awali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, in the presence of Dr. Mahad ...

Beijing, 9 Feb (ONA) --- Global stocks and Wall Street futures rose today as investors waited for U.S. inflation data for signs of how fast the Federal Reserve might pull back stimulus. London and Frankfurt opened higher. Shanghai, Tokyo and Hong Kong advanced. U.S. inflation data tomorrow (Thursday) are expected to show inflation rose to a four-decade high of 7.3% in January, adding to pressure to control prices. Traders expect the Fed to hike rates at least four times this year, starting next month. In early trading, the FTSE 100 in London rose 0.6% to ...

Muscat, 9 Feb (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today lost (25.8) points, comprising a decline by (0.63%) to close at (‪‪‪‪4089.42) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (‪‪‪‪‪‪4115.21) points. The trading value today stood at (RO 3,547,526), comprising a drop by (2.7%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 3,645,722). The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went down by (0.090%) to reach about (RO 22.03) billion. The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors ...

Muscat, 9 Feb (ONA) --- Oman oil price (April Delivery 2022) today reached 90.01 US Dollars, comprising a decrease by 85 cents from the price of yesterday (Tuesday), which was 90.86 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (February Delivery 2022) has stabilized at 73.14 US Dollars, thus 7.12 US Dollars per barrel lower than January Delivery 2022. --- Ends/AG ...