Latest Oman News & Updates

2 months ago

Oman Makes Premarital Medical Screening Mandatory

Oman has made premarital medical screening mandatory for couples planning to marry, in a move aimed at early detection of hereditary blood disorders and infectious diseases and at providing medical counselling before marriage, the Ministry of Health said. The ministry said the measure is designed to help reduce the transmission of certain genetic and communicable diseases, prevent avoidable health conditions in children and ease the social, psychological and financial burden on families. In a public awareness notice, the ministry urged Omani citizens planning to marry, as well as those intending to marry Omani nationals from abroad, to complete the required premarital medical examination at government health institutions or private facilities licensed by the ministry. It added that a marriage contract will not be finalised unless both parties have undergone the mandatory premarital screening.

2 months ago

2.2-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Sea Of Oman, No Damage Reported

A minor earthquake measuring 2.2 on the Richter scale was recorded in the Sea of Oman on Wednesday evening, according to the Earthquake Monitoring Centre at Sultan Qaboos University. The tremor occurred at 10:19 pm local time and was located about 23 kilometres north-east of the coastal city of Sur, data from the centre showed. The earthquake struck at a depth of 33 kilometres, indicating a deep-seated seismic event. No damage or injuries were reported, and the tremor is not believed to have posed any threat to coastal communities. Oman regularly experiences low-magnitude seismic activity due to regional tectonic movements, most of which pass without impact or public concern. READ MORE: Emirates Building Systems Gets Major Contract For Cultural Complex In Oman

2 months ago

Three French Tourists Die as Sightseeing Boat Capsizes off Muscat Coast

Three French tourists were killed and two others sustained minor injuries after a tourist boat carrying a group of French visitors capsized off the coast of Muttrah, the Royal Oman Police said on Tuesday. The police said the vessel was carrying 25 French tourists, in addition to a tour guide and the boat’s captain, when it overturned about 2.5 nautical miles from Sultan Qaboos Port. Emergency teams from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority responded immediately to the incident, providing on-site medical treatment to the injured, whose conditions were described as stable. Authorities confirmed that all remaining passengers were safely accounted for. Investigations are continuing to determine the circumstances and cause of the accident. Also Read : Rain Forecast Across Several Saudi Regions from Wednesday Evening

2 months ago

Heavy Rain Sparks Dangerous Wadi Flows as Oman Urges Public to Stay Alert

Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) has urged the public to exercise extreme caution and comply with official safety instructions as heavy rainfall continues to affect parts of the Sultanate, leading to active and potentially dangerous wadi flows. In a statement, the authority stressed that adherence to alerts and guidance issued through official channels is vital to protecting lives and property, underlining the importance of public cooperation during adverse weather conditions. Motorists were advised to reduce speed, maintain safe distances between vehicles and avoid low-lying areas and locations prone to water accumulation. Parents were also urged to closely supervise children and prevent them from playing near wadis or standing water. The CDAA warned against attempting to cross flooded roads or approaching water bodies, citing serious safety risks. In emergencies, the public should call 9999 or 2434 3666. Also Read : Emirates Dubai to Newcastle Flight Diverts to Edinburgh After Emergency Alert

2 months ago

Saudi, Omani Naval Forces Take Part As “Winds of Peace 2026” Exercise Kicks Off in Oman

The Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the Royal Navy of Oman are taking part in the joint naval exercise titled “Winds of Peace 2026,” which kicked off in the Sultanate of Oman on Monday. This is part of the efforts to strengthen military cooperation between the two friendly neighboring countries. Rear Admiral Mohammed Al-Otaibi, commander of the exercise, said that the maneuvers aimed at exchanging expertise in the areas of maritime operations and security, unifying concepts in planning and execution, and supporting the role of naval forces in protecting and securing maritime shipping lanes and enhancing regional maritime security. Al-Otaibi explained that the exercise includes advanced operational scenarios simulating the nature of modern naval operations, with the participation of ten warships, helicopters, and two platoons of special naval security units, in addition to the Royal Air Force of Oman, which contributes to raising the operational readiness of the participating forces. He said that His Majesty’s ships will conduct naval maneuvers in the Sea of Oman, while the special naval security units will conduct training at the Said bin Sultan Naval Base. The maneuvers include joint naval operations exercises, special forces drills, naval aviation training, and live-fire missile exercises. “The first […]

3 months ago

Oman Cracks Down On Work Injury Delays, Introduces Fines For Late Reporting

Oman has issued new regulations governing work-related injuries and occupational diseases, setting out detailed coverage criteria, reporting obligations and penalties for delays, under a decision issued by the Social Protection Fund. The rules, issued under Decision No.1 of 2026, apply to work injuries that occurred before the law entered into force if the injured person’s condition had not yet stabilised, local media reported. Injuries that had already stabilised before enforcement are excluded, even if compensation procedures were delayed. Occupational diseases diagnosed before an individual became subject to occupational injury insurance are also not covered. The regulation broadly defines work-related injuries to include approved occupational diseases, injuries caused by work-related stress and fatigue, relapses or complications of previous work injuries, and accidents occurring during or because of work, inside or outside Oman. It also covers injuries leading to total disability or death during direct travel between an insured person’s home and workplace, provided the journey follows the usual route, involves no unjustified deviation and occurs within normal travel time. Strict criteria are set for recognising injuries linked to stress or fatigue, requiring a direct causal link to the work environment, verified medical evidence, excessive or irregular working hours in breach of […]

3 months ago

GCC Population Set To Reach 83.6m By 2050 As Region Ages Rapidly

The total population of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC ) countries is projected to reach approximately 83.6m by 2050, according to population projections from the United Nations. Population growth across the GCC is expected to continue over the next quarter-century, with the region facing a simultaneous expansion in overall population and a sharp rise in the number of older residents. According to a new report issued by the Gulf Statistical Centre, the number of older persons in region will more than double over the same period, exceeding 5.5m by 2050. This demographic shift highlights the growing importance of long-term policy planning in areas including urban development, healthcare systems, labour markets, and social protection frameworks to support sustainable development across the region. According to the report, the total population of GCC countries reached around 61.5m by the end of 2024. This represents an increase of 8.5m compared to 2019, with an average annual growth rate of 2.8 per cent — nearly three times the global average. The findings underline the pace at which demographic dynamics are evolving across the Gulf Cooperation Council states. Rapid GCC population growth In terms of age structure, the working-age population group, defined as those aged 15 to […]

3 months ago

Bahrain Takes Part In GCC ‘Arabian Gulf Security 4’ Drill In Qatar

Bahrain Police forces have arrived in Qatar to take part in the joint security field exercise “Arabian Gulf Security 4”, involving security agencies from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The exercise will be held from January 25 to February 4, 2026, as part of the Ministry of Interior’s efforts to support the Gulf security system and strengthen cooperation and coordination among GCC security agencies. The exercise aims to help achieve shared security goals and ensure the safety and stability of Gulf societies. Bahrain’s participation comes in line with directives from GCC interior ministers to enhance security readiness, exchange expertise, and unify methods for dealing with various security challenges and scenarios. “Arabian Gulf Security 4” focuses on improving joint coordination, developing field capabilities, and raising the level of emergency response, contributing to the security and stability of GCC member states. It is worth noting that the Kingdom of Bahrain hosted the first edition of the joint security exercise “Arabian Gulf Security” in October 2016, reflecting its leading role in supporting joint Gulf security cooperation and strengthening integration among GCC security agencies.

3 months ago

Oman Hit By Cold Wave As Jebel Shams Temperature Drops To -2°C With Strong Winds

A powerful cold air mass has descended upon the Sultanate of Oman, bringing plummeting temperatures and fierce winds that have swept across most governorates since Thursday. The authority confirmed that the severe weather conditions are expected to persist over the coming days, with temperatures forecast to drop even further. The impact has been felt throughout the country. Since morning, residents in Muscat and other regions have experienced powerful gusts that have dramatically reduced visibility in several areas. Over the past 24 hours, Jebel Shams recorded the lowest reading at minus 2.1 degrees Celsius. Other mountainous and interior regions experienced similarly frigid conditions, with Saiq dropping to 6.3°C, Al Sunainah to 9.9°C, and Yanqul to 10.2°C. Buraimi, Mahdha, Dhank, Hamra Al Droua, Ibri, Fahud, and Bahla all saw temperatures ranging between 10.5°C and 12.6°C. Satellite imagery shows dust clouds spreading from southern Iran across the Arabian Sea toward the Sea of Oman coast, with northern governorates expected to be gradually affected. Road safety has emerged as a serious concern. The Royal Oman Police specifically cautioned motorists traveling on Sultan Said bin Taimur Road between Haima and Adam, where strong winds have created dangerous sand accumulations that compromise visibility. Authorities have urged […]

3 months ago

Lowest Temperatures In The GCC

Winter in the GCC feels a lot colder than summer, but there have been times when the temperatures have really dipped, with record low temperatures set. Sometimes, there has even been snow in the desert, including in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Some of the lowest temperatures in the Gulf have dropped to below 0°C, making snowfall possible. Lowest temperatures in the GCC January 16, 2008: -10°C, Hail, Saudi Arabia February 3, 2017: -5.7°C, Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE December 16, 2024: -3°C, Salmi, Kuwait January 26, 2023: -0.9°C, Jabal Shams, Oman February 5, 2017: 1.5°C, Abu Samra, Qatar January 20, 1964: 2.7°C, Durrat Al Bahrain, Bahrain Historic low temperatures in the region have been set as far back as 1964. And new record lows have been set as recently as 2023 and 2024. If you’re planning on travelling around the Gulf in the winter, you might want to pack a jacket, boots, and a scarf, especially if you’re travelling to northern regions. UAE winter temperatures The UAE is currently in Al Shabt, which is the coldest time of the year. Al Shabt runs from January 15 to February 10. On January 22, Jebel Jais recorded a frigid temperature that […]

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Oman Makes Premarital Medical Screening Mandatory

2.2-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Sea Of Oman, No Damage Reported

Three French Tourists Die as Sightseeing Boat Capsizes off Muscat Coast

Heavy Rain Sparks Dangerous Wadi Flows as Oman Urges Public to Stay Alert

Saudi, Omani Naval Forces Take Part As “Winds of Peace 2026” Exercise Kicks Off in Oman

Oman Cracks Down On Work Injury Delays, Introduces Fines For Late Reporting

GCC Population Set To Reach 83.6m By 2050 As Region Ages Rapidly

Bahrain Takes Part In GCC ‘Arabian Gulf Security 4’ Drill In Qatar

Oman Hit By Cold Wave As Jebel Shams Temperature Drops To -2°C With Strong Winds

Lowest Temperatures In The GCC

Recent Posts

IMF To Cut Global Growth Forecast Due To Mideast War

Bahrain: Actress Duped In Repair Ruse, Man Gets Two Years

Bahrain: Sand Theft Scheme Ends In Jail And Deportation For Two Workers

Saudi Arabia: Kingdom Arrests 15,458 Illegals In One Week

Speculation Surges That Pakistan Talks Are A Delay Tactic Ahead Of Expanded US Action On Iran

Only Iran “Friendly” Ships Allowed Transit Through Strait, As Tankers Pile Up Near Hormuz, Waiting To Cross

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