Latest Oman News & Updates

1 year ago

Rains Expected To Continue In Oman Till August 21

Starting August 17, large parts of Oman have come under the influence of a low pressure trough expected to last until August 21, 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said. The low-pressure system is expected to bring multiple days of rain, thunderstorms, downdraft winds and rough sea conditions across the country. Some provinces in eastern and southern Oman have witnessed medium to heavy rainfall, leading to the flooding of wadis in some areas. The CAA said that the latest weather updates and analysis of the National Multi Hazard Early Warning Centre indicate that Oman will be affected by a trough of upper air with clouds advection over most of Oman governorates. There are chances of isolated rain of varying intensity and occasional thunderstorms over Al Wusta, Dhofar, South Al Sharqiyah, North Al Sharqiyah and parts of Al Dakhiliyah.. Details of daily weather condition: On Monday, 18 August 2025, Continuous cloud advection and chances of isolated rain with thundershowers over Al Wusta, Dhofar, South Al Sharqiyah , North Al Sharqiyah and parts of Al Dakhiliyah. The rainfall will intensify over Al Wusta, Dhofar and South Al Sharqiyah. Rainfall between 15-35mm may lead to the overflow of some wadis. Fresh downdraft winds […]

1 year ago

Tragic Road Accident In Oman Claims Three Lives

Three people were killed and others injured in a rolling over car accident in Jabal Akhdar on Friday evening, the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) has confirmed. “Rescue and ambulance teams from the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate dealt with a vehicle rollover accident that occurred in Al Jabal Al Akhdar Governorate, resulting in the death of three people, said the . CDAA. A CDAA official told Gulf News that a car crashed into a mountainside while descending from Jabal Akhdar, resulting in the three death and multiple injuries. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while attempting to navigate a steep turn. The authority stated that the brakes failed to respond in time, causing the car to crash into the mountain. “The driver did not realise he was approaching a sharp, steep turn, which caused him to lose control,” the official said. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while attempting to navigate a steep turn. The official stated that the brakes failed to respond in time, causing the car to crash into the mountain. “The driver did not realise he was approaching a sharp, steep turn, which caused him to lose control,” the official said. […]

1 year ago

Oman Braces For Rain From Sunday

Oman’s national meteorological service has warned that a low-pressure trough will sweep into the Sultanate beginning Sunday, August 17, bringing several days of unsettled weather to multiple regions. In a statement issued late Thursday, the Oman Meteorology Department said the system is expected to generate extensive cloud cover and scattered showers across the governorates of South Al Sharqiyah, Al Wusta, Dhofar, and parts of the Al Hajar mountain range. The National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre, which is closely tracking the weather pattern, urged residents and visitors in affected areas to remain alert for changing conditions. The rain could vary in intensity and duration depending on location, but the system is forecast to linger for several days before gradually weakening. While no flood warnings have yet been issued, the public is advised to avoid low-lying wadis during periods of heavy rain and to monitor official channels for updated forecasts.

1 year ago

Oman Announces Two-Month Ban On Kingfish Trading And Fishing

The Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MAFWR) has announced a two-month ban on catching and trading kingfish across all Omani coasts in 2025. The ban will be in place from Friday, 15 August 2025, to Wednesday, 15 October 2025, under Ministerial Decision No. (2014/230). The measure is aimed at protecting kingfish stocks and promoting sustainable fishing practices. Ban guidelines The ministry has urged all fishermen, fish transporters, and related businesses to comply with the following: The ministry stressed that cooperation from all stakeholders is vital to avoid legal penalties for violations. Fisheries sector outlook Oman’s fish production is projected to reach 2,970 metric tons by 2028, up from about 2,270 metric tons in 2023, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 3.7%. Since 2003, the nation’s fish supply has grown by 38.1% year-on-year. Fish consumption is expected to rise to 52,000 metric tons by 2028, compared to approximately 50,000 metric tons in 2023, a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. Since 2019, demand has grown by 1% annually. In 2023, Oman ranked 61st globally in fish consumption. Finland slightly surpassed Oman at around 50,000 metric tons, while Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand took the second, third, and […]

1 year ago

Oman Introduces Flexible 1-3 Year Expat Residence Cards, Extends Omani ID Validity To 10 Years

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has announced major changes to the validity and fee structure for expatriate residence cards and Omani personal identity cards, aiming to provide greater flexibility and streamline renewal procedures for residents. Under Decision No. 78/2025, issued by Lieutenant General Hassan bin Mohsin Al Shraiqi, Inspector-General of Police and Customs, expatriate residents can now choose from three validity options for their residence cards — one, two, or three years — with corresponding fees of 5, 10 and 15, riyals, respectively. Replacement of lost or damaged cards will incur a fee of 20 riyals. The decision also extends the validity of personal identity cards for Omani citizens from the previous term to a full 10 years, aligning it with the duration of the Omani passport. The issuance, renewal, or replacement fee for Omani ID cards remains 10 riyals. In addition to the new validity periods and fees, the amended regulations require all residence and ID card holders to renew their documents within 30 days of expiry to remain compliant with the law. “These amendments are designed to ease administrative processes and provide residents with flexible options to suit their needs,” the ROP said in a statement. Oman is […]

1 year ago

Heavy Rains Lash Northern Oman, Bring Temperatures Down

Heavy rains lashed the northern parts of Oman on Monday, disrupting normal life and throwing traffic out of gear in some areas. Temperatures were lower across some northern parts of the country. Parts of Dhahira, Dhakliyah and south of Sharqiyah and Buraimi governorates received medium to heavy rains, according to the Meteorology Department. The Met office statement said: “Latest weather maps and numerical forecasts suggest cloud cover over northern governorates of Dhahira, Dhakilyah and Buraimi, with chances of rain, thunderstorm and hail of varying intensity across other governorates.” According to forecasts, the system has primarily impacted Dahirah and Dhakilyah Governorates. Long queues of vehicles were reported stuck for hours in some areas, as the motorists were waiting for the water level to go down in some overflowing wadis on Monday. Videos of the flooded wadis have been widely circulated in social media platforms. No casualties have been reported until the writing of this report, according to ROP. Earlier, authorities urged residents to stay away from low-lying areas, as well as overflowing wadis. Oman Meteorology has also given a warning of more downpours, along with a chance of thunderstorms in the coming days. Southern Oman is also experiencing the “khareef” season, […]

1 year ago

Endangered Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Found Dead Off Oman’s Coast

Oman’s Environment Authority has confirmed the discovery of a dead Arabian Sea humpback whale along the country’s coastline, after it was washed ashore off Al Ashkharah beach. The whale was found entangled in fishing nets. In a statement on its Instagram page, the authority noted that the incident was handled systematically and scientifically, in accordance with established environmental protocols. The whale was reportedly trapped in abandoned fishing gear—a practice often linked to negligent and illegal fishing activity. The Arabian Sea humpback whale is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with its population already facing serious threats due to limited numbers, habitat degradation, and human-induced hazards. Such occurrences, officials warned, are becoming increasingly common in international waters due to unregulated and excessive fishing, as well as mounting competition between commercial fleets—many of which disregard international environmental guidelines in pursuit of profits.

1 year ago

Oman’s Giant Sinkholes Draw Tourists — And Safety Concerns

Shrouded in fog in the lush mountains of southern Oman, a giant chasm plunges into the landscape, echoing with mysterious sounds that have spawned myths and legends among nearby tribes. This enormous sinkhole is one of four that dot Dhofar governorate, including one of the world’s biggest: the yawning Kahf Teiq, up to 211 metres (692 feet) deep and 150 metres wide. At the Tawi Atair sinkhole, tourists potter around on concrete paths and stairways. Not all of the holes are so welcoming, however. The sheer drop of the Sheeheet pit, a 40-minute drive away along mountain roads, is ringed with slippery mud, prompting the authorities to put up a fence and warning signs. During AFP’s visit, one tourist slipped and slid perilously close to the edge. Dhofar’s governor, Marwan bin Turki A Said, gave assurances that safety was a priority at the sinkholes, in a briefing attended by AFP. Tawi Atair means “Well of Birds” in Dhofar’s regional language, a reference to the avian twittering, distorted by echoes, that reverberates off the rock. It lay unknown to the outside world until 1997, when a team of Slovenian researchers working with Oman’s Sultan Qaboos University brought it to international attention. […]

1 year ago

Hafeet Rail: What To Know About The UAE-Oman Train Route

Hafeet Rail is a new joint rail venture that will connect the UAE and Oman by train for the first time. Named after Jebel Hafeet, the mountain straddling the UAE-Oman border, the project is a major milestone for regional transport and logistics. What is Hafeet Rail? Hafeet Rail is a joint venture between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Investment Company. Its primary goal is to connect the Etihad Rail network at Al Ain with Sohar Port in Oman, integrating both countries into a unified transport and logistics chain. The project is valued at around $2.5 billion (approximately 960 million Omani rials). It represents the first cross-border railway network in the region. Strategic goals of the UAE-Oman railway project The Hafeet Rail project is part of a long-term vision to strengthen economic ties between the UAE and Oman. Phase I focuses on connecting Sohar with the UAE’s national rail network, creating a fully integrated corridor for passenger and freight movement. The key objectives include: How will the UAE-Oman Railway benefit travellers? Once operational, Hafeet Rail is expected to significantly enhance cross-border travel between the UAE and Oman, offering faster, more convenient, and scenic journeys for passengers. Key benefits for passengers […]

1 year ago

More Omanis Getting Divorced, Government Figures Show

Oman reported an alarming increase in the number of divorce cases over the last year, according to the government figures. More than 4,100 divorces were filed in 2024 in Oman, a rise of 7% compared with a year earlier, the Supreme Judiciary Council figures showed. According to official statistics, 4,122 divorce cases have been filed in the country, an average of 11 cases every day. With the total number of marriages in Oman having decreased slightly from 15,400 in 2022 to 14,716 in 2023, the number of divorces experienced a more substantial drop, declining from over 4,160 cases in 2022 to just over 3,828 in 2023. Statistics showed more than 3,800 divorces were filed in 2021, a rise of 12 percent compared with a year earlier. Muscat topped other governorates with more than 1,161 cases in 2024, followed by Dhofar, 687, North Batinah, 671, South Batinah, 704, and North Sharqiyah, 264, South Sharqiyah, 249, according to figures. Additionally, Muscat Governorate led the way, recording 4,868 marriages in 2024, followed by North Batinah, 2,955, South Batinah, 2,031, Dhakilyah, 2,042, Dhofar, 1,684, South Sharqiyah,1,306 and North Sharqiyah with 1,228. According to recent studies, divorce is increasing among young people and groups with […]

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Rains Expected To Continue In Oman Till August 21

Tragic Road Accident In Oman Claims Three Lives

Oman Braces For Rain From Sunday

Oman Announces Two-Month Ban On Kingfish Trading And Fishing

Oman Introduces Flexible 1-3 Year Expat Residence Cards, Extends Omani ID Validity To 10 Years

Heavy Rains Lash Northern Oman, Bring Temperatures Down

Endangered Arabian Sea Humpback Whale Found Dead Off Oman’s Coast

Oman’s Giant Sinkholes Draw Tourists — And Safety Concerns

Hafeet Rail: What To Know About The UAE-Oman Train Route

More Omanis Getting Divorced, Government Figures Show

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