Latest Oman News & Updates

3 weeks ago

64.7% of adults in Oman overweight or obese

As many as 64.7 per cent of adults in Oman are overweight or obese, according to the findings of the National Survey on Non-Communicable Diseases and their associated risk factors for 2025. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, conducted the national survey to assess the prevalence of non-communicable diseases and associated risk factors among the population. The survey highlights the growing burden of excess weight as a major public health concern in Oman. The Ministry has urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, emphasising that small steps towards achieving a healthy weight can make a significant difference to long-term health. “Almost 30 percent of the Omani population is overweight, but when combined with obesity the figure exceeds 60 percent,” Dr Amira al Kharusi said during the 33rd European Congress on Obesity (ECO) held recently in Istanbul, Türkiye. She attributed the rise to changing dietary habits, especially increased consumption of junk food, coupled with declining levels of physical activity. “You can easily see groups of children sitting idle with mobile phones in their hands and doing very little physical exercise. This is a cause for alarm because it increases their chances of becoming overweight,” she said. […]

3 weeks ago

Oman warns against eating, buying 12 toxic pufferfish species

Residents and visitors in Oman have got a fresh warning against consuming pufferfishes found in the Sultanate’s waters. On Sunday, the Food Safety and Quality Centre revealed certain types of the fish contain potent toxins such as tetrodotoxin, which can cause severe symptoms ranging from paralysis and difficulty breathing to death. Consumers have been alerted of the different types of harmful fishes and have been urged to avoid buying, trading, or consuming them. Cooking or freezing does not remove their toxins or make them safe, the authority stated. Types of toxic pufferfish. Photo: Oman’s Food Safety and Quality Centre Consuming the fishes cann cause serious symptoms such as numbness, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, paralysis and difficulty breathing. The authority warned residents to choose fishes that are known to be safe and purchase them from reliable sources, while following regulations and official instructions. Red tide areas: Authorities warn against eating any fish or shellfish harvested from beaches affected by red tide algal blooms, which cause severe neurological poisoning. Improperly stored fish: Omani health authorities advise against eating fish that has not been properly chilled, which causes heat-resistant scombroid histamine poisoning. Seasonal fishing bans: Oman enforces temporary seasonal bans on catching and […]

3 weeks ago

Oman postpones GCC-Iran talks to allow conditions for constructive dialogue

Foreign minister says delay will help ensure conditions for constructive dialogue A meeting in Oman between GCC countries and Iran to discuss possible agreements on the Strait of Hormuz, has been postponed, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi said. Oman has postponed the regional meeting scheduled to take place in Salalah on Monday, as more time was needed to create conditions for constructive dialogue aimed at strengthening regional security and stability. “The regional meeting scheduled to take place tomorrow in Salalah has been postponed until a later date to ensure appropriate conditions for constructive dialogue that can help achieve sustainable understandings, support regional security and stability, and meet the aspirations of the region’s peoples for cooperation and peace,” Al Busaidi said. Iran’s foreign ministry official said that the postponement comes at a request by some regional countries, and is a joint decision by Tehran and Muscat. The meeting had been expected to bring together GCC states and Iran for talks on regional issues, including security and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Oman has been spearheading diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching understandings over the strategic waterway. The planned talks came amid heightened regional tensions and disruption to shipping through […]

3 weeks ago

One Indian missing after attack on commercial vessel off Oman coast: MEA

Thirteen Indian crew rescued from MT El Gaia; embassy tracks rescue efforts The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday confirmed that one Indian seafarer is missing after an attack on commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman. “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman earlier today. Of the 14 Indian crew onboard, 13 Indians have been rescued so far. Search and Rescue operations for the missing Indian national are continuing,” the MEA stated. According to the ministry, the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation. The ministry thanked the Omani authorities for their support in rescuing Indian nationals. “We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions and pursuance of dialogue and diplomacy to bring peace to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians, and civilian infrastructure in the region is unacceptable. We also urge that free and safe navigation and flow of commerce through the international waterways in the region be restored at the earliest,” the MEA mentioned. The Indian Embassy in Oman stated that the mission is […]

3 weeks ago

Oman urges travellers to India to secure comprehensive health insurance before departure

Oman’s consulate in Mumbai warns hospital and intensive care costs can be high Oman has urged its citizens travelling to India, particularly students, to obtain comprehensive health insurance covering their entire stay amid an increase in cases requiring medical treatment and hospital care. In its travel advisory, Oman’s Consulate General in Mumbai warned that medical expenses in India could be high, particularly for patients requiring intensive care, potentially leaving travellers facing significant unexpected costs. The consulate advised citizens to ensure their insurance policies cover treatment following accidents and medical emergencies, as well as medicines and medical evacuation when required. Omani students studying in India were specifically urged to obtain appropriate health insurance valid for the full duration of their stay to protect their health and avoid unexpected financial burdens. The advisory comes as India remains a major destination for Omanis travelling abroad for medical treatment and higher education.

3 weeks ago

New tobacco excise rules take effect from Oct 1

The Tax Authority has set minimum standard prices for cigarettes and other tobacco products for the calculation of excise tax, with the new rules taking effect from October 1, 2026. Under Decision No 206/2026, the standard price of a pack containing 20 cigarettes cannot be less than RO1, while shisha and other ready-to-use tobacco products will have a minimum standard price of RO2.5 per 250gm. The standard price is not necessarily the retail price paid by consumers. It is a reference value used by the Tax Authority to determine the value on which excise tax is calculated. Under the mechanism, the retail selling price of a tobacco product will be compared with its prescribed standard price. Excise tax will then be calculated on whichever value is higher. The Tax Authority said the system is intended to ensure that excise tax is not calculated on a value below the prescribed minimum for a product. For packs or tobacco quantities that differ from the specified amounts, the minimum standard price will be calculated proportionately. For example, the standard price for 250gm of ready-to-use tobacco will be RO2.5. For 500gm of the same product, the minimum reference value will double to RO5. Similarly, […]

3 weeks ago

Vegetable prices jump 19% as food inflation bites

Vegetable and fruit prices recorded sharp increases in Oman in August, adding to pressure on household food bills as annual inflation reached 3.4%, according to official data. Vegetable prices jumped 19% compared to August 2025, while fruits were 16.3% more expensive, data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) showed. Meat prices rose 9.8%, non-alcoholic beverages 3.5% and other food products 3.1%. Prices of milk, cheese and eggs rose 3%. Sugar, jam, honey and sweets were up 2.3%, while bread and cereals increased 0.8%. Oils and fats edged up 0.1%, while fish was the only major food subgroup to record a decline, falling 0.1%. Overall consumer prices in Oman increased 3.4% year-on-year in August. Average inflation during the first eight months of 2026 stood at 2.9%. Transport recorded the largest increase among the main Consumer Price Index categories, rising 8.5% from a year earlier, ahead of food and non-alcoholic beverages at 7%. Prices of miscellaneous personal goods and services increased 6.1%, while restaurants and hotels were 3.6% more expensive. Furniture, household equipment and routine maintenance costs rose 3.1%, education 2.2% and health 1.7%. Culture and recreation prices increased 0.4%, while clothing and footwear edged up 0.1%. In contrast, […]

3 weeks ago

Oman police detain woman following fatal attack on her mother in Muscat

Police say the incident occurred in Al Khoudh and legal procedures are under way An Asian woman has been arrested in Muscat after allegedly attacking her mother with a bladed weapon, causing fatal injuries, the Royal Oman Police said. The incident took place in Al Khoudh in Muscat Governorate, according to a police statement. The woman allegedly attempted to take her own life after the attack, police said. The Muscat Governorate Police Command arrested her in connection with the case. Authorities did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident or identify either woman. The Royal Oman Police said legal procedures were being completed.

3 weeks ago

Oman’s ACC Premier Cup campaign ends in heavy Hong Kong defeat

Oman’s ACC Men’s Premier Cup campaign ended in disappointment on Saturday as Hong Kong powered to a nine-wicket victory in the third-place play-off, handing Vinayak Shukla’s side a fourth successive defeat. Sanju Sajeev’s fighting half-century was not enough to prevent Oman from being bowled out for 144 in 40.1 overs at the UKM-YSD Cricket Oval in Bangi, Malaysia, as Hong Kong rode on Nasrulla Rana’s four-wicket haul before Anshuman Rath and Zeeshan Ali made light work of the chase. The defeat also brought into sharp focus Oman’s batting struggles that persisted throughout the tournament. Hong Kong raced to 146 for one in just 19.5 overs to secure third place and a spot in the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup alongside finalists UAE and Nepal. Electing to bat, Oman suffered an early collapse as Hong Kong struck four times inside the opening four overs. Mujibur Ali fell for three at nine, Jatinder Singh followed for five two runs later, while Hammad Mirza was dismissed without scoring. Jiten Ramanandi’s departure for four left Oman reeling at 16 for four after 3.5overs. Karan Sonavale attempted to rebuild with 17 from 22 balls, hitting three boundaries, but his dismissal at 52 opened the door […]

3 weeks ago

16 Omani companies to showcase products at World Food Moscow 2026

The Sultanate of Oman will participate in World Food Moscow 2026, taking place from September 15 to 18 in the Russian capital, with 16 Omani companies showcasing their products as part of efforts to expand the presence of national products in international markets and open new opportunities for Omani exports in Russia and Central Asian markets. The participation is being organised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, through “Made in Oman Exports” (Exports Oman), to enhance the competitiveness of non-oil Omani exports and support national companies in accessing new markets. The initiative also aims to connect Omani businesses with international importers, distributors and buyers, while identifying commercial opportunities and partnerships that can increase the global reach and competitiveness of Omani products. Through their participation, the Omani companies will highlight the diversity and quality of national products and explore new distribution channels, while establishing business relationships with importers, retail chains, restaurants and hotels. The participation will also promote Oman as a reliable source of food and halal products, strengthening opportunities for the growth of national exports in the Russian market and related markets. Zakiyah bint Abdullah Al Amriya, Trade Information Specialist at Exports Oman, said the participation represents […]