9 months ago
Oman has announced the establishment of the first camel cheese production factory in the Wilayat of Rakhyut, Governorate of Dhofar. The step seeks to support economic development, empower rural women and enhance the value chain of dairy products. The project is being implemented by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Oman camel cheese Being the outcome of cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the project will be carried out with funding from Al Jisr charity foundation. The factory is set to start operations during the first quarter of 2026. It is envisaged to process quantities ranging from 500l to two tons of camel milk per day, with plans in place to gradually increase operational capacity to five tons by the end of the first year of operation, and later to more than 15 tons. The factory’s products will include the production of fresh and semi-hard cheeses, with future plans to produce hard cheese, condensed milk, milk desserts and ice cream. In its first stage, the factory will empower 20 rural women from the Omani Women’s Association in the Wilayat of Rakhyut, Dhofar Governorate. It will enable the women’s role in supporting the local food production […]
9 months ago
Oman is introducing new employment rules as it looks to increase the number of citizens working in the private sector. As part of an Omanisation drive, firms that have operated for one year without hiring Omanis must submit an employment plan within one month of notification. In a bid to ensure a balance between business sustainability and job localisation, the Ministry of Labour has announced a set of integrated regulations and incentives to enforce a decision requiring firms and companies that have completed one year since establishment to employ at least one Omani citizen. Oman job rules This comes in response to data revealing significant disparities in Omanisation rates across businesses. While a limited number of companies employ the majority of Omani nationals, thousands of others do not hire any locals, despite benefiting from Oman’s business environment. Key findings include: The decision aims to realign the labour market, curb hidden trade, ensure fair distribution of opportunities, and promote competitiveness based on sustainable and equitable principles. As part of efforts to empower national talent and boost job localisation, the ministry has launched an employment package tailored to market needs. This includes: The ministry has adopted a flexible enforcement mechanism, accounting for the economic […]
9 months ago
Stringent actions have been taken against 410 firms for violating trade regulations, according to the National Team for Combating Illicit Trade. Inspections were carried out across 581 commercial companies operating in Muscat, Dhofar, and North Al Batinah — regions selected for their high concentration of commercial records. Muscat alone registered 20,244 records, followed by North Al Batinah with 16,094 and Dhofar with 10,290. Administrative penalties were imposed on 410 establishments, while 77 companies complied with audit requirements by submitting key documents such as bank statements and lease agreements — bringing the compliance response rate to 13.2%. The audit targeted 106 commercial activities, particularly those restricted from foreign investment. Limited exemptions were granted to sectors like tailoring, car repairs, salons, and veterinary services — provided the businesses had been operational for more than five years. Hidden trade is defined as enabling an expatriate to engage in business activities without authorisation, using licences, commercial registrations, and approvals issued to a citizen or their company. Nasra bint Sultan Al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and Head of the National Taskforce, emphasised the campaign’s objective: eliminating hidden trade, restoring market integrity, and boosting investor confidence. […]
9 months ago
The OPEC+ countries have agreed on Saturday to an oil output hike for a second month in a row in June with 411,000 barrels per day. Last month, the eight OPEC+ countries made a larger-than-planned production increase for May, also of 411,000 bpd. Oil prices fell over one percent on Friday as traders braced for more OPEC+ supply when concerns of an economic slowdown caused by a trade war between the U.S. and China have prompted forecasters to lower demand growth expectations for this year. The June increase had been agreed as the OPEC+ countries held an online meeting to decide on output. The eight OPEC+ countries are Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman. “In view of the current healthy market fundamentals, as reflected in the low oil inventories, and in accordance with the decision agreed upon on December 5, 2024, to start a gradual and flexible return of the 2.2 million barrels per day voluntary adjustments starting from April 1, 2025, the eight participating countries will implement a production adjustment of 411,000 barrels per day in June 2025 from May 2025 required production level. This is equivalent to three monthly increments,” the […]
10 months ago
The Environment Authority has monitored several endangered wildlife species in new habitats within Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, as part of its ongoing efforts to preserve biodiversity and protect wildlife using advanced tracking technologies, including camera traps. The monitoring operations recorded the presence of the Arabian lynx, a medium-sized wildcat known for its exceptional hunting and leaping abilities. Additionally, the Arabian tahr—a unique mountain goat species—and the Arabian wolf, renowned for its adaptability to desert and semi-desert environments, were also documented. These sightings indicate the recovery of ecosystems and the success of the authority’s protection programmes, contributing to ecological balance and the sustainability of natural resources. Eng. Ahmed Salim Al Amiri, Director of the Environment Department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, stated that these results stem from field surveys and the use of modern technology, aligned with a national strategy aimed at conserving wildlife and ensuring ecosystem sustainability. Al Amiri emphasised the critical role of local communities in supporting environmental efforts, stressing the need to comply with regulations protecting wildlife to ensure these natural treasures endure for future generations. The authority continues to implement monitoring and protection programmes in collaboration with relevant entities, calling for concerted efforts to support wildlife conservation initiatives and […]
10 months ago
In a heartbreaking incident, siblings, aged 10 and 7 years, tragically drowned while swimming at Al Khabourah Beach in North Al Batinah Governorate. According to the Royal Oman Police, the Coast Guard Police, along with concerned citizens, swiftly responded to the emergency and managed to recover the bodies. The Omani community has expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the grieving family. Also read: Oman: Open-air cinema and eco-tourism hub coming up in South Al Batinah
10 months ago
The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) announced varying reductions on electricity bills for residential consumers (basic accounts) during the summer months, starting from May until the end of August 2025. Additionally, the authority confirmed that electricity consumption tier prices for 2025 will remain unchanged. Oman electricity bills In May, the reductions will be distributed as follows: Subscribers in the first tier (consumption between 0–4,000 kWh) will receive a 15 per cent reduction on their billsSubscribers in the second tier (4,001–6,000 kWh) will receive from a 10 per cent reduction on their billsSubscribers in the third tier (consumption exceeding 6,001 kWh) will receive a 5 per cent reduction on their billsThe reductions will increase during June, July, and August, reaching 20 per cent for the first tier, 15 per cent for the second tier, and 10 per cent for the third tier. The authority directed licensed companies to refrain from cutting off electricity services for basic account subscribers during the summer months. It also mandated the option to defer electricity bill payments in Oman during this period, in accordance with the approved regulatory framework, ensuring service continuity and protecting consumer rights amid peak demand due to rising summer temperatures. Additionally, […]
10 months ago
Royal Oman Police (ROP) has announced new regulations concerning the import of vehicles from Gulf countries. Effective July 1, 2025, the ROP will no longer accept vehicles imported under the clearance certificate system. Instead, importers must provide an export certificate issued by the competent authorities in the country where the vehicle is registered. “The Royal Oman Police, represented by the Directorate General of Traffic and the General Directorate of Customs, is pleased to announce to importers of vehicles from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries that it has stopped accepting the import of vehicles with a clearance certificate system. “Imports will be limited to an export certificate issued by the competent authorities in the country of registration of the vehicle. This is to regulate the process of importing used vehicles from the Gulf countries through the inter-ports of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, effective from July 1, 2025,” stated the announcement from Oman Customs. Meanwhile, the demand for imported used cars is growing in Oman driven by budget-conscious buyers and young people seeking affordable alternatives to new vehicles. While lower prices and unique features make these cars attractive, industry experts are urging buyers to exercise caution to avoid potential risks […]
10 months ago
After the UAE, it’s Oman for Campa Cola, India’s legacy fizzy drink. The entry into Oman’s F&B market also represents a first for Reliance Consumer Products, which bought the Campa Cola brand in 2022. With Indian expats in the Gulf – and of a certain age – Campa Cola remains along with the other Indian cola brand ‘Thums Up’ the beverages they had grown up with. (It was in the 1990s that Pepsi and Coca-Cola re-entered the Indian market.) Campa Cola has since the Reliance deal managed to build a following among a newer – and younger – consumer. “Campa isn’t just a drink; it’s a revival of a legacy, a taste of India, and a celebration of the spirit of today’s youth,” said Ketan Mody, COO of Reliance Consumer Products. “We are excited to enter the Oman market with Campa, a heritage Indian brand founded more than 50 years ago. “We are investing for the long-term and see great potential for accelerated growth in the region. We have a track record of delivering innovative and global quality products at affordable prices to customers.” The Campa portfolio will initially include Campa Cola, Campa Lemon and Campa Orange.
10 months ago
An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 struck southern Oman on Sunday, according to the National Seismic Network stations of the National Center of Meteorology. The quake struck at 2.32pm local time at depth of 8km. The earthquake was not felt by UAE residents and had no effect in the region, the met stated. In the past few years, Oman recorded a few earthquakes, with the most recent one being on October 21, 2023. Meanwhile on June 7, the UAE recorded a mild earthquake of magnitude 2.1 on the border with Oman in Al Fayaa area. On April 13, a magnitude 5.8 quake rocked the coast of the gulf country. The epicentre of the tremor was around 500km from the port city of Sur in Oman at a depth of 10km below the seabed. On February 19, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake was felt across the country as residents reported feeling slight tremors. Seismology experts had earlier told Khaleej Times that UAE residents have no reason to worry about earthquakes. Khalifa Al Ebri, director of Department of Seismology, NCM, said: “The UAE has low to moderate seismicity; hence we are safe. We are not on the active seismic belt. “We have frequent tremors ranging from two to three in a year. People do not feel […]
4 hours ago
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