News

Muscat, 20 Feb (ONA) ---- Pertaining to its role in attracting foreign investment, building strategic partnerships and bringing advanced modern technologies to the country, Oman Investment Authority (OIA) launched a new project to produce mushroom-based protein using dates as a main element, in collaboration with international partners; most predominantly, US company ‘MycoTechnology’. This partnership came in the heels of OIA’s investment in MycoTechnology, a US company founded in 2013. Mycotechnology is a leading US food biotechnology company focused on the production ...

Dubai, 17 Feb (ONA) --- The 2nd Oman-UAE Economic Forum, held at Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the sidelines of the Sultanate of Oman’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, discussed the consolidation of economic partnership between the business communities in the two countries in manner that serves economic relations, commercial exchange, investments and programmes of cooperation at government and private levels. The forum focused on developing partnerships in various vital sectors, including innovation, renewable energy, water solutions, financial services, ...

Muscat, 17 Feb (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today gained (1.8) point, comprising a rise by (0.04%) to close at (‪‪‪‪4092.50) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (‪‪‪‪‪‪4090.72) points. The trading value today stood at (RO 9,471,237), comprising a surge by (73.4 %), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 5,461,679). The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went up by (0.048%) to reach about (RO 22.03) billion. The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors ...

Jakarta, 17 Feb (ONA) --- Countries must avoid tensions and cooperate to support a recovery from the pandemic as it lingers in many parts of the world, Indonesian President Joko Widodo told a gathering of top financial leaders of the world’s largest economies today. “The winter is coming,” Widodo said in welcoming finance ministers and heads of central banks of the Group of 20 industrial nations. “The pandemic is far from over, and the global economy is struggling,” he said. “During this situation, no single country could recover alone. All countries are ...

Muscat, 17 Feb (ONA) --- Oman oil price (April Delivery 2022) today reached 92.53 US Dollars, comprising a decrease by 52 cents from the price of yesterday (Wednesday), which was 93.05 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/Hilal ...

Duqm, 16 Feb (ONA) ---- The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) organized a visit for a number of, residents and non–residents, military attachés in the embassies of Arab and friendly countries accredited to the Sultanate of Oman, to the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. The delegation included a number of senior officers & retired senior officers of the Sultan's Armed Forces Command. Upon their arrival to the Building of management of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, members of the delegation met with Dr. Ali Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of ...

Muscat, 16 Feb (ONA) --- Asyad Shipping, a part of Asyad Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Japanese Shipping Giant, Suzue Corporation to open up new prospects for collaboration and unlock mutual business opportunities. Through this MoU, the parties aim to pool their capabilities and potentials, and expand their global logistics networks to start new projects that promote the trade and logistics sectors in both Oman and Japan. To this end, Asyad Group seeks to maintain an active exchange of information, technologies, and know-how with the Japanese ...

Muscat, 16 Feb (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) general index (30) today gained (8.7) points, comprising a rise by (0.21%) to close at (‪‪‪‪4090.72) points, compared to the last session, which stood at (‪‪‪‪‪‪4081.98) points. The trading value today stood at (RO 5,461,679), comprising a surge by (96.1%), compared to the last session, which stood at (RO 2,784,672). The report released by MSX pointed out that the market value went up by (0.074%) to reach about (RO 22.02) billion. The report added that the value of shares bought by non-Omani investors ...

Dubai, 16 Feb (ONA) ---- The 2nd version of Oman-UAE Economic Forum will kick-off tomorrow "Thursday" in Dubai. The event comes on the sidelines of the Sultanate of Oman's participation in Expo 2020 Dubai. Mohsen Khamis Al Balushi, Adviserat the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Commissioner General ofOmanat Expo 2020 Dubai, said that Oman's delegation in the forum will be chaired by Qais Mohammed Al Yousuf, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, with the participation of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones ...

Tokyo, 16 Feb (ONA) --- Global shares rose today, buoyed by hopes that a diplomatic solution might avert a Russian invasion of Ukraine. France’s CAC 40 edged up 0.7% in early trading to 7,030.39. Germany’s DAX rose 0.8% to 15,540.97. Britain’s FTSE 100 gained nearly 0.2% to 7,621.99. The future for the Dow industrials was 0.3% higher at 34,996.00. The S&P 500 future rose 0.3% to 4,475.75. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 jumped 2.2% to finish at 27,460.40. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.1% to 7,284.90. South Korea’s Kospi surged 2.0% to 2,729.68. ...

Muscat, 16 Feb (ONA) --- Oman oil price (April Delivery 2022) today reached 93.05 US Dollars, comprising a decrease by 34 cents from the price of yesterday (Tuesday), which was 93.39 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 ...

Dubai, 16 Feb (ONA) --- Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion held here today a meeting with several ministers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Ahmed Balhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Abdullah Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy. The meeting reviewed means of enhancing cooperation in trade, industry and investment between the two countries. Further, the two sides called upon businesspeople to ...

London, 16 Feb (ONA) ---- British inflation has remained at a near 30-year high after rising further in January as the country remains in the grip of a tightening cost-of-living squeeze, according to official figures. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation reached 5.5% in January, up from 5.4% in December and remaining at the highest level since March 1992, when it stood at 7.1%. The ONS said the cost of clothes and footwear pushed inflation higher last month, with the lowest January discounts in shops since 1990. But inflation is soaring ...

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 ...