Breaking News
10 months ago
Oman has approved Starlink Muscat as an internet provider in the country. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) gave approval to Starlink Muscat to begin providing broadband internet services in the Sultanate using satellite communications systems. Starlink is a low-orbit satellite technology that provides broadband internet services. Starlink internet in Oman It seeks to provide high-speed internet access in areas that lack access to such services. Starlink Muscat will cover all geographical areas of the Sultanate of Oman, including comprehensive service areas, with speeds that can reach 100megabytes per second. Starlink Muscat will also provide smart solutions to connect telecommunications towers in areas with difficult terrain. This will help promote digital transition and serve a number of economic sectors such as oil and gas, mining, tourism and agriculture.
10 months ago
Omanis flocked to Eid Habta markets in large numbers across the country ahead of Eid Al Fitr. Eid Habta is a traditional livestock market with centuries-old roots, primarily selling livestock. These markets, which open on the 24th of Ramadan and continue until the last day of Ramadan, also offer other essentials like gifts, nuts, children’s toys, household items and more. Many of the products at these markets are provided by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local artisans, reflecting traditional entrepreneurial culture. The exhibits include ready-made clothing, perfumes, household supplies, and Omani cuisine. Self-employed families also showcase local crafts. Habta markets can be found in provinces such as Rustaq, Nakhal, Awabi, Nizwa, Yanqul, Bahla, Ibri, Izki, Adam, Mudhaibi, Ibra, Sinaw, Bidbid, Sur, Jaalan, Bidyah, Khasab, Seeb, and Muscat. In these markets, professional auctioneers oversee livestock auctions. Auctions start at 200 riyals, with goat prices ranging from 50 to 300 riyals. Local livestock, including Omani goats, sheep, and cows, are typically priced twice as much as imported animals. Many Omanis prefer local livestock due to its tender meat and ease of cooking. High demand for local animals Auctioneers earn a commission of at least 3% from each sale and can make […]
10 months ago
Oman is considering raising the minimum national wage to OMR400 (about Dh3,815), instead of the current OMR325, according to Dr. Mahad bin Saeed Ba’awin, the Minister of Labour. Ba’awan told a local radio station that the OMR400 figure is preferred, the final decision will be subject to further evaluation and negotiation. “As a government, we tend to favour setting the minimum wage at 400 Omani rials. However, this remains a proposal subject to further evaluation,” Dr. Ba’owain said. He explained that the proposal will be thoroughly assessed by the Financial and Economic Committee, the Council of Ministers, and all relevant stakeholders before any decision is made.The minister further said that the proposed range of OMR360 to OMR400 was determined through collaboration between the technical team of the National Employment Programme and the Directorate General of Planning and labour market policies.The announcement follows previous statements by the Minister at the ‘Together we Progress’ forum last month, where he indicated that the Labour Ministry was studying a move to raise the minimum wage to the same OMR360-400 range. At that forum he stated, “We are currently reviewing the minimum wage. We have sent an initial draft to the Secretariat General of the Council of Ministers. The […]
10 months ago
Oman’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at fixed prices increased by 1.7 per cent to OR38.3bn ($99.5bn) by the end of Q4 2024, compared to OR37.67bn ($97.8bn) during the corresponding period of 2023. This was evidenced by preliminary data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). According to the NCSI, the added value of oil activities decreased by 3 per cent, registering a total of OR11.85bn ($30.8bn) by the end of the Q4 2024, compared to OR12.21bn ($31.7bn) by the end of Q4 2023. Oman GDP The contribution of oil activities accounted for 29 per cent. The added value of crude oil activities amounted to OR9.97bn ($25.9bn)—down by 3 per cent, while natural gas activities grew by 5.4 per cent, registering a total of OR1.84bn ($4.8bn). The added value of non-oil activities grew by 3.9 per cent, registering OR27.87bn ($72.4bn) by the end Q4 2024, compared to OR26.83bn ($69.7bn) by the end of the corresponding period in 2023. By the end of Q42024, the value of overall industrial activities stood at OR8.4bn ($21.8bn) compared to OR8bn ($20.8bn) by the end of the 4th quarter in 2023. The value of activities of Oman’s agriculture, forestry and fishing posted a total of […]
10 months ago
Efforts to roll out a unified visa for GCC countries have hit a roadblock, with Oman’s minister of heritage and tourism confirming that security concerns and differing national perspectives are causing significant delays. Speaking during the Shura Council’s eighth regular session, Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi acknowledged that while the unified visa initiative was formally approved in 2023, it remains under study and is unlikely to be implemented in the near future. “The unified GCC visa is still in the research phase,” Al Mahrouqi told council members, citing unresolved issues related to security and coordination among the six GCC nations — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The visa scheme, often likened to Europe’s Schengen system, is intended to simplify travel across the Gulf by allowing tourists to move freely between member states on a single visa. Advocates argue it would strengthen the region’s appeal to international travelers and foster deeper economic cooperation. But behind closed doors, concerns about security, data sharing, and immigration control have reportedly slowed momentum, despite public support for the concept among tourism authorities.
10 months ago
The Omani-Bahraini Bazaar opened at Oman Avenues Mall in Muscat under the patronage of Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman. The event was attended by Dr. Juma bin Ahmed Al Kaabi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Oman; and Rudaina bint Amer Al Hajriyah, Chairwoman of the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association. Organised by the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association in cooperation with Bahrain’s Embassy in Oman, the exhibition runs until March 26 and features 30 exhibitors—17 from Oman and 13 from Bahrain—showcasing products including clothing, perfumes, traditional sweets, accessories, and handicrafts reflecting both cultures. The event aims to enhance Bahraini-Omani ties, support entrepreneurs, create job opportunities, and boost trade partnerships. It aligns with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040, highlighting the role of entrepreneurs in economic growth. Al Kaabi said the organisation of this edition of the bazaar reflects Bahrain’s support for entrepreneurship. He noted that the event highlights the strong ties between the two countries, building on the results of the visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Oman in January of this year. On her part, Al Hajriyah said the bazaar is the […]
10 months ago
A relaxing road trip to Oman for this Eid Al Fitr break not only sounds like a good idea, but is also affordable compared to a flight to any other destination. Luckily, for UAE expatriates and other nationalities residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, they are eligible for a visa on arrival, and going through the border checkpoint is quite an easy process – if you are aware of all the rules. So, to make sure you do not face any hiccups on your road trip, here is all you need to know about the visa and car insurance requirements for driving to Oman. Visa requirements for UAE residents travelling to Oman by road “You do not need to apply for a visa in advance. UAE residents can get a visa on arrival stamped on their passport, and this allows for a stay of 14 days in Oman,” Latheef MC, visa consultant at Dubai-based travel agency, Anisha Travel and Tourism, said. If you are planning to stay for longer than that, then you must apply for an eVisa in advance, which would allow you to stay in Oman for up to 30 days. However, according to Oman’s eVisa platform it normally takes at least four to […]
10 months ago
State-run news agency ONA said there will either be a five or nine-day holiday, depending on moon sighting. ONA reported: “As per the Royal Orders, holiday of Eid Al Fitr 1446 AH, for public and private sectors, will start on Saturday, March 29 2025 and end as per the two following probabilities: Oman Eid Al Fitr 2025 The Ministry of Labour said work may be carried out during the specified holiday period if necessary, provided that employees are compensated in accordance with the applicable regulations.
10 months ago
Oman’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) has announced that entry to or residence in the city of Mecca will be restricted during the 2025 Hajj season, in coordination with authorities in Saudi Arabia. In a statement, the ministry said that, based on official communication from Saudi authorities, access to Mecca will be prohibited from 1 Dhu Al Qi’dah 1446 AH (April 29, 2025) until 14 Dhu Al Hijjah 1446 AH (June 11, 2025). The restrictions are part of crowd management and security measures implemented annually during the Hajj pilgrimage. MERA called on all citizens to fully comply with the regulations throughout the specified period, noting that the directive aims to ensure the safety and organisation of one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
10 months ago
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) have intensified their crackdown on traffic violations in North Batinah governorate, leading to the seizure of 519 vehicles in a major operation. The North Batinah Police Command launched a large-scale campaign targeting violators, confiscating: According to authorities, these vehicles were involved in multiple offenses, including disrupting public order, endangering road users, and causing traffic congestion. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to enforce traffic laws and enhance road safety. Legal proceedings against the offenders are currently underway. Public Urged to Follow Traffic Regulations The ROP has urged citizens and residents to adhere to traffic regulations to maintain order and prevent accidents. This follows a similar crackdown last month in the wilayat of Baushar, Muscat governorate, where dozens of individuals were arrested for reckless driving, performing stunts, and causing excessive noise through modified exhausts and loudspeakers. Strict penalties for public disturbance Meanwhile, the Public Prosecution has reiterated the legal consequences of public disturbances, quoting Article 294/C of the Penal Code. Under this law, individuals found guilty of unjustified shouting, noise, or using disruptive devices in public spaces face: Authorities continue to stress the importance of public safety and strict enforcement of laws to deter such […]
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