News

Oman, Rwanda Discuss Ways to Enhance Tourism Cooperation Muscat, 11 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Rwanda explored today avenues for strengthening tourism cooperation, joint marketing, and the exchange of expertise in the management and development of tourism resources and products. The discussions aimed to bolster bilateral relations and support sustainable tourism development efforts in both friendly nations. This occurred during a meeting held today by Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, at his office with Olivier ...

Oman, Rwanda Sign 4 Agreements, Cooperation Programmes Muscat, 11 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Rwanda today signed four agreements and cooperation programmes aimed at consolidating the two countries’ partnership and expanding areas of collaboration in the fields of logistics, dry ports, supply chains, data centers, cloud computing, infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) projects and services. The first agreement included a cooperation programme in the field of logistic services and the operation of dry ports and services related to ...

Robust Vision Leads Oman Towards a Prosperous Economic FutureMuscat, 10 Jan 2026 (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman welcomes the anniversary of the eleventh of January, marking the day His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik assumed power in the country, while achieving financial and economic accomplishments that reflect the resolve and sublime vision to establish Oman as an attractive investment environment supported by clear and favorable legislation, through plans, programs, and efforts from all parties to realize these achievements.Furthermore, the launch of the Eleventh Five-Year Development ...

MSX Gains 26 Points Muscat, 8 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) main index closed higher today, increasing by 0.43 percent. The MSX 30 Index concluded the trading session at 6,126 points, registering a rise of 26.3 points from the previous close of 6,099.70 points. Total trading turnover reached RO 52,699,412, reflecting a rise of 0.5 percent compared to the previous session's value of RO 52,421,628. MSX market report noted that the overall market capitalization went up by 0.142 percent from the last trading day to approximately RO 32.93 ...

Gold Declines as Investors Await News on US Monetary PolicySingapore, 8 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Gold prices declined today as investors awaited the release of a key jobs report that could provide further signals on the direction of monetary policy in the United States. Spot gold fell by 0.3 percent to USD 4,440.67 per ounce, retreating from its highest level in more than a week. US gold futures for February delivery also declined by 0.3 percent to USD 4,449.60 per ounce. Gold prices are currently around USD 110 below the record high of USD 4,549.71 per ounce reached on 29 December 2025, amid an ...

Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of US Jobs ReportSingapore, 8 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The dollar was calm today as investors weighed a slew of data that showed ‍the US economy was in a delicate position ahead of a crucial jobs report on Friday. The euro was steady at $1.1678 in early Asian hours, on course for a small weekly drop, while sterling bought $1.34605. The yen was flat at 156.78 per US dollar. The Australian dollar fetched $0.6721, just below ‌the 15-month high it ‌touched earlier this week, while the New Zealand dollar was little changed at $0.5769. The ‌dollar index, which measures ...

Oil Prices Gain Slightly on US Inventory DrawTokyo, 8 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Oil prices gained slightly today, rebounding from two days of declines, ‍as a larger-than-expected draw in US crude inventories. Brent crude futures climbed 38 cents, or 0.6%, to $60.34 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $56.36 a barrel, up 37 cents, or 0.7%. Both benchmarks fell more than 1% ‌for a ‌second day on Wednesday with market participants expecting ample global supply this year, including analysts at Morgan Stanley, who estimate a ‌surplus of as much as 3 million barrels per day in ...

Oman Oil Price Drops 4 Cents Muscat, 8 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Oman oil price (March delivery 2026) today reached 58.56 US Dollars, comprising a drop by 4 cents, compared to the price of yesterday “Wednesday” which was 58.60 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (January delivery 2026) stabilized at 64.44 US Dollars per barrel, thus 60 cents per barrel lower than December delivery 2025. ---Ends/AG ...

Tax Authority Signs Agreement to Develop Tax Management System Muscat, 7 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Tax Authority today signed an agreement in Muscat with Nortal company to develop the tax management system in Oman. The agreement constitutes a strategic step aimed at modernizing the tax system and enhancing digital transition in accordance with the best global trends in technical governance. The agreement focuses on establishing an advanced tax system that contributes to automating tax collection, minimizing human intervention, augmenting data accuracy and applying ...

Dollar Stable Ahead of US DataSingapore, 7 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- US Dollar steadied in a narrow trading range today ahead of the release of a number of US economic data that could determine the direction of Federal Reserve (US central bank) expectations regarding interest rates. Most currencies fell in early Asian trading, with the Australian dollar down 0.3 percent to USD 0.6717 following inflation data that came in below expectations, though it quickly recouped those losses. The British pound was steady at USD 1.3502, while the Japanese currency edged up slightly to 156.63 yen per dollar. ...

MoU Signed to Enhance Digital Transformation Projects in Oman Muscat, 7 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with Future Cities, a subsidiary of Omantel Group. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in several advanced technical fields supporting digital transformation projects in the Sultanate of Oman. Under this MoU, the areas of cooperation include cleaning and processing data to ensure high quality and developing solutions based on AI technologies. The MoU was signed by Dr. ...

MSX Gains 75 Points Muscat, 7 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) main index closed higher today, increasing by 1.24 percent. The MSX 30 Index concluded the trading session at 6,099.70 points, registering a rise of 75 points from the previous close of 6,024.74 points. Total trading turnover reached RO 52,421,628, reflecting a drop of 6.7 percent compared to the previous session's value of RO 56,160,906. MSX market report noted that the overall market capitalization went up by 0.788 percent from the last trading day to approximately RO 32.89 ...

Sanad Centers 2nd Forum Focuses on Sustainability, Quality of Digital Transition Muscat, 7 January 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion today organized the second forum of “Sanad Service Centres”, in Muscat. The forum discussed public-private sector partnerships aimed at raising the efficiency of Sanad services and improving beneficiary experience. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Khamis bin Saif Al Jabri, Head of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, in the presence of Qais bin Mohammed Al ...

Oman, Venezuela Emphasize Dialogue, Diplomacy, Respect for International Law Muscat, 7 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, received a phone call this evening from Yván Gil Pinto, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. During the call, the two ministers discussed the latest developments related to the Republic of Venezuela. They emphasized the importance of respecting international law and adhering to the paths of dialogue and diplomacy to safeguard the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of ...

Oman Oil Price Drops 1.07 US Dollars Muscat, 7 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Oman oil price (March delivery 2026) today reached 58.60 US Dollars, comprising a drop by 1.07 US Dollars, compared to the price of yesterday “Tuesday” which was 59.67 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (January delivery 2026) stabilized at 64.44 US Dollars per barrel, thus 60 cents per barrel lower than December delivery 2025. ---Ends/AG ...

Oil Prices Decline Amid Expectations of Increased Venezuelan ProductionSingapore, 6 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Oil prices declined today as traders assessed the possibility of increased Venezuelan crude oil production, boosting expectations of ample global supply this year amid weak demand. Brent crude futures fell 0.2% to $61.62 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude was priced at $58.15 per barrel, down 0.3%. Venezuela is a founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and holds the world’s largest oil reserves, estimated at around 303 billion ...

Gold at One-week High Amid Growing Expectations of Interest Rate CutSingapore, 6 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Gold prices rose today, reaching their highest level in a week, after remarks by officials at the US Federal Reserve suggesting monetary boosted interest rate-cut bets. Spot gold climbed 0.4% to $4,465.32 per ounce, after jumping nearly 3% in the previous session. US gold futures for February delivery rose 0.3% to $4,465.70 per ounce. As for other precious metals, spot silver rose 2.9% to $78.72 per ounce, after reaching a record high of $83.62 on 29 December 2025. Spot platinum gained 2.5% to ...

International Financial Centre of Oman to Bolster Financial Sector's Role in Achieving Economic Diversification Targets Muscat, 6 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The establishment of International Financial Centre of Oman, approved by the Council of Ministers in its meeting today, marks a calculated strategic step based on comprehensive studies of global and regional experiences. The establishment of the Centre aims to foster an attractive environment for investments, commercial banks, and global financial institutions specializing in commercial and Islamic banking, financial services, ...

Agreement Signed to Provide RO 15 Million in Funding for Enterprises Muscat, 6 Jan 2026 (ONA) ---The joint committee between the Ministry of Finance and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) for managing the Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSME) Support Program signed a financing agreement today in Muscat worth RO 15 million with the Development Bank. This move is part of ongoing efforts to bolster economic and social development in the Sultanate of Oman. The agreement was signed on behalf of the joint committee by Zahir Marhoon Al Abri, Director General of Treasury and ...

MSX Gains 18 Points Muscat, 6 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) main index closed higher today, increasing by 0.31 percent. The MSX 30 Index concluded the trading session at 6,024.74 points, registering a rise of 18.6 points from the previous close of 6,006.10 points. Total trading turnover reached RO 56,160,906, reflecting a drop of 10 percent compared to the previous session's value of RO 62,428,905. MSX market report noted that the overall market capitalization went up by 0.141 percent from the last trading day to approximately RO 32.63 ...

Electricity Production in Oman Increases by 5% Muscat, 6 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The total electricity production in the Sultanate of Oman recorded a 5 percent increase by the end of November 2025, reaching approximately 48,357.2 GWh, compared to 46,063.5 GWh during the same period in 2024, according to data issued by the relevant authorities. The data indicated that net electricity production rose by 4.3 percent to reach 46,984 GWh by the end of November 2025, compared to 45,044.8 GWh during the corresponding period last year. On the governorates level, North Al Batinah, South ...

Oman Oil Price Rises 1.06 US Dollars Muscat, 6 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Oman oil price (March delivery 2026) today reached 59.67 US Dollars, comprising a rise by 1.06 US Dollars, compared to the price of yesterday “Monday” which was 58.61 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (January delivery 2026) stabilized at 64.44 US Dollars per barrel, thus 60 cents per barrel lower than December delivery 2025. ---Ends/AG ...

Second Forum of Sanad Service Centres to be Held on 7 January Muscat, 5 January 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion will organize the second forum of Sanad Service Centres on Wednesday 7 January 2026. The forum, to be held in Muscat, will showcase 20 years of constant service and explore new vistas for Sanad Centres’ future and sustainability. The forum will be held under the auspices of Dr. Khamis Saif Al Jabri, Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit. The forum celebrates the progress made by Sanad ...

Third National Campaign of Discounts, Promotional Offers to Begin on 7 January Muscat, 5 January 2026 (ONA) --- On the occasion of His Majesty the Sultan’s Accession Day, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion will launch the 3rd edition of the “National Campaign for Discounts and Promotional Offers on Wednesday 7 January 2026. Titled “Oman Celebrates”, the campaign will be held in Muscat in partnership with Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and the Consumer Protection Authority. The launch ceremony will be held under the ...

Oil Prices Edge Lower on Supply Glut ConcernsWashington, 5 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Oil prices were moving lower today after oil-producing countries in the OPEC+ group decided on the weekend to keep output unchanged through the first three months of the year. Concerns over sluggish demand in China, a stronger dollar and the prospect of a production revival in Venezuela also weighed on prices. Benchmark Brent crude futures fell over 1% to $60.13 a barrel, while WTI crude futures were down 1% at $56.73. OPEC+ agreed to maintain stable oil production at its meeting on Sunday, despite falling ...

Tender Results of Government Treasury Bills Worth RO 25 Million Issued Muscat, 5 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The total issuance of Government Treasury Bills amounted to RO 25 million. The value of the allotted Treasury bills amounted to RO 11 million, for a maturity period of 28 days. The average accepted price reached RO 99.707 for every RO 100, and the minimum accepted price arrived at RO 99.705 per RO 100. The average discount rate and the average yield reached 3.81591% and 3.82711%, respectively. The value of the allotted Treasury bills amounted to RO 14 million, for a maturity ...

MSX Gains 66 Points Muscat, 5 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) main index closed higher today, increasing by 1.12 percent. The MSX 30 Index concluded the trading session at 6,006.10 points, registering a rise of 66.7 points from the previous close of 5,939.38 points. Total trading turnover reached RO 62,428,905, reflecting a rise of 47.5 percent compared to the previous session's value of RO 42,332,727. MSX market report noted that the overall market capitalization went up by 0.503 percent from the last trading day to approximately RO 32.58 ...

Dollar Starts First Week of New Year HigherTokyo, 5 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The US dollar began the first full trading week of the new year on a stronger note, rising to its highest level in three and a half weeks against the euro and gaining against the British pound. The dollar rose 0.1 percent to $1.1705 per euro, having earlier climbed to $1.170025 for the first time since 11 December 2025. The dollar also increased 0.1 percent to 1.34495 against the British pound and rose 0.1 percent to 156.90 yen.--- ...

Gold Rises by Over 1% as Safe-haven Demand IncreasesSingapore, 5 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Gold rose by more than one percent today, while other precious metals also went up, amid escalating geopolitical tensions and increased demand for safe-haven assets. Spot gold climbed by around 1.5 percent to $4,395.35 per ounce, reaching its highest level in more than a week. The precious metal registered a record high of $4,549.71 per ounce on 26 December 2025. US gold futures for February delivery rose 1.8 percent to $4,405.40. Gold posted strong gains in 2025, ending the year up 64 percent, which is its ...

Inflation in Oman During 2025 Aligns with Forecasts, Averaging 0.94% Muscat, 5 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Economy has confirmed that the inflation trajectory in the Sultanate of Oman throughout 2025 aligned with projections, which estimated a rate of approximately 1 percent. The average inflation in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded 0.94 percent from January to November of last year. The Ministry noted that on a local level, inflation continues its moderate path within target ranges. Global inflationary pressures remain relatively limited despite variables in ...