Latest Oman News & Updates

1 year ago

Armenia Grants Visa-Free Entry To GCC Citizens And Residents Starting July 2025

As of July 1, 2025, Armenia has officially opened its borders to citizens and residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, granting visa-free access for short stays of up to 90 days. The visa exemption policy is designed to enhance Armenia’s appeal as an accessible and welcoming destination in the South Caucasus, particularly for travellers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. 90 days stay without visa Under the new rules, all passport holders from GCC countries may travel to Armenia for tourism, leisure, or business without the need for a visa, for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. In addition, the exemption extends to individuals holding valid residency permits issued by any of the GCC member states, provided their residence permits are valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Armenia. This provision broadens access to a large segment of expatriates living in the Gulf region. Growing interest among GCC nationals The timing of the decision coincides with a growing interest among GCC nationals and residents in exploring nearby destinations that offer authentic experiences, diverse cultures, and unique natural beauty. With its rich historical heritage, scenic landscapes, and […]

Oman GDP Grows 2.5% in Q1 2025 to $24.5 Billion

1 year ago

Oman GDP Grows 2.5% In Q1 2025 Reaching $24.5bn

Oman‘s economy expanded by 2.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, with real GDP reaching RO 9.43 billion at market prices, according to data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information. The figure represents an increase from RO 9.2 billion recorded during the same period in 2024, marking growth across multiple sectors of the sultanate’s economy, WAM reported. Oman non-oil sectors drive 4.4% growth in first quarter of 2025 Non-oil sectors led the expansion, posting a 4.4 per cent increase in added value to reach RO 6.92 billion in Q1 2025, compared to RO 6.63 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2024. Oil activities experienced a decline of 0.4 per cent, contributing RO 2.92 billion to the economy in Q1 2025, down from RO 2.94 billion in the previous year’s first quarter. Crude oil production fell by 2.2% to RO 2.45 billion during the period under review. However, natural gas production provided a counterbalance, increasing by 9.5 per cent to RO 475.3 million. The National Centre for Statistics and Information released the data as part of its quarterly economic assessment, highlighting the diversification efforts within Oman’s economy. The growth figures demonstrate the increasing contribution of non-oil sectors to the […]

1 year ago

Indian Traveller Caught Smuggling 5.3Kg Of Marijuana At Muscat International Airport

Oman’s customs authorities at Muscat International Airport intercepted a drug smuggling attempt this week, seizing more than five kilograms of marijuana concealed in the luggage of an Indian traveller, local media reported. According to officials, the 5.3 kilograms of narcotics were skilfully hidden across multiple bags within the passenger’s personal belongings, suggesting a high degree of planning and concealment. The operation, carried out by Oman Customs, underscored both the vigilance of border authorities and the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by drug traffickers attempting to penetrate the region. In a brief statement, the agency said that its officers had acted on intelligence and maintained close surveillance, which ultimately led to the arrest. Oman Customs reiterated its commitment to securing the country’s borders and preventing the illegal importation of narcotics and other contraband. The seized narcotics are now in the custody of the relevant authorities, pending further investigation. The suspect was referred to the public prosecution for legal proceeding.

1 year ago

Three Students, Driver Killed In Oman School Bus Accident

Four people, including three schoolchildren, were killed and twelve others injured on Wednesday in a devastating bus crash in the Al Rusaiss area of Izki, in Oman’s Dakhliyah Governorate. According to a statement by the Royal Oman Police, the incident occurred when a school bus collided with a stationary object and overturned. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, along with three children. Twelve other schoolchildren sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Emergency responders arrived swiftly and provided immediate assistance at the crash site, where the overturned bus and scattered debris partially obstructed the roadway. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the crash. “The Royal Oman Police extends its condolences to the families of the victims and affirms that investigations are underway to uncover the full details behind the accident,” the statement said. The tragedy has sparked renewed concern about road safety, particularly in relation to school transportation. Although Oman has made significant progress in improving road infrastructure and enforcing traffic regulations, the incident underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of children during transit.

1 year ago

Etihad Airways Announces New Flights to Russia, Poland, and Oman

Etihad Airways has announced three additional new destinations to further expand its global network. The airline will add seasonal flights to Kazan, Russia, from December this year, as well as Krakow, Poland; and Salalah, Oman, in the summer of 2026. Etihad continues to expand its footprint globally in order to directly link Abu Dhabi with a broader range of destinations people want to visit, and welcome more visitors to enjoy the UAE’s capital. Etihad Airways adds flights Etihad has already celebrated inaugural flights to four new destinations this year – Prague, Warsaw, Sochi and Atlanta – and is set to add another 13 routes before the year closes. Also read: UAE Airline Flight Suspensions: Flydubai, Etihad, Air Arabia and Emirates Travel Update

1 year ago

New Remittance Rule In Oman: Bank IBANs Mandatory For Inward Transfers

Starting today – July 1- sending money into Oman will require the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) details of the recipient in the Sultanate. Banks in the UAE have been informing their clients about the new requirement for all such transfer of funds to Oman. Oman’s Central Bank had earlier set July 1 as the deadline for banks in the country to cease receiving any cross-border transfers that do not carry the IBAN details. Since end March 2024, Oman has required IBAN for fund transfers from Oman to any recipient outside of the country. “From July 1, sending money in the Sultanate will require the IBAN details of the recipient,” said Arun Leslie, Chief Market Analyst at Century Financial. “Previously, transfers were typically processed using domestic account numbers and SWIFT codes. “This system, while functional, was prone to errors, delays, and rejections.” According to the Central Bank of Oman, “The adoption of IBAN does not require changing the existing account numbers. Instead, the IBAN will include the existing account numbers in a standardized format, which could be validated by banks using a standard methodology.” What an IBAN does is provide a ‘unique’ account number internationally for each customer account, which […]

1 year ago

Oman: 16 Income Sources Exempted From New Individual Income Tax

Oman has announced key exemptions under its new Personal Income Tax Law, which is set to come into effect on January 1, 2028, according to the official Gazette. The law introduced a 5% tax on individuals earning more than OMR 42,000 annually. However, with this relatively high threshold, the Tax Authority estimates that around 99% of the population will remain unaffected. The issuance of Oman’s first-ever Personal Income Tax Law, enacted under Royal Decree No. 56/2025, is part of the country’s broader efforts to promote fiscal diversification and long-term economic sustainability under Oman Vision 2040. 16 income categories exempt from tax The law outlines 16 types of income that are exempt from personal income tax under Article 25. These include: 1. Salaries received by members of diplomatic and consular missions and other diplomatic representatives from foreign countries or international organisations, within the scope of official duties—subject to reciprocity. 2. Living allowances paid to Omani residents working in diplomatic missions (excluding diplomats themselves). 3. Income earned abroad by a tax resident for 18 months following a change in residency status. 4. Salaries and wages earned abroad by Omani tax residents. 5. Contributions to pension and post-service benefit schemes, whether mandatory or […]

1 year ago

Oman Moves To Third Phase Of Plastic Bag Ban, Environment Authority Warns Of Grave Marine Impact

As Oman has rolled out the third phase of its plastic bag ban on Tuesday, July 1, the country’s Environment Authority is intensifying its public awareness campaign, warning of the profound and lasting environmental consequences of single-use plastic. In a statement, the authority described plastic pollution as a critical threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. “A single plastic bag may seem harmless, but it leaves a profound impact on marine life and our environment for decades,” the statement read. “Your simple decision to use sustainable alternatives makes a big difference.” The latest phase of the ban will extend to food stores, fruit and vegetable shops, bakeries, confectionery shops and gift stores. Previous phases had already restricted plastic bag use in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics beginning July 1, 2024, and were further expanded in January 2025 to include clothing, tailoring, eyewear, mobile phone, watch and furniture outlets. The Environment Authority highlighted the ecological toll of plastic waste, particularly on marine animals such as fish, turtles, and whales. These creatures often mistake plastic bags for food, leading to fatal ingestion or entanglement. The statement also warned that plastic does not decompose easily and lingers in the water, polluting ecosystems and threatening the […]

1 year ago

Indian Embassy In Muscat To Open 11 New Consular, Passport And Visa Centres Across Oman

The Embassy of India in Muscat will transfer its consular, passport and visa services to a new provider, SGIVS Global Services LLC, beginning July 1, the embassy announced this week. The change is part of a broader effort to streamline and expand access to consular services for the Indian community in Oman. SGIVS Global, a firm specialising in global visa facilitation, document attestation, and citizen services, will take over operations in a phased rollout. Initially, all services will continue to be offered from the embassy’s current premises on Jami’at Al Dowal Al Arabiya Street in the diplomatic district of Al Khuwair. However, by August 15, SGIVS will operate 11 dedicated application centres across the Sultanate, in cities including Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, Ibri, Sur, Nizwa, Duqm, Ibra, Khasab, Buraimi, and Barka. The embassy urged applicants to plan accordingly and follow official updates,” adding that minor disruptions in service may occur during the transition period. It also expressed appreciation for the public’s “patience and cooperation” as the new system is implemented. The move is seen as an effort to decentralise consular services and improve accessibility for the Indian community across Oman, which numbers in the hundreds of thousands.

1 year ago

High Income Earners Evading Tax To Face Jail term, Hefty Fines: Oman

Underreporting income, overreporting expenses through false deductions, and misrepresenting assets for high Omani earners can lead to jail term of up to three years and maximum fine of 20,000 riyals. That came after Oman enacted its first Personal Income Tax Law, with implementation set for January 1, 2028, aimed at fiscal diversification and economic sustainability under Vision 2040. The new law, issued by Royal Decree No. 56/2025 by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, will apply a 5% tax rate on individuals earning over OMR 42,000 annually. This high exemption threshold means approximately 99% of Oman’s population will not be affected, according to the Tax Authority. According to the official Gazette, it’s prohibited for a person to use fraudulent methods or engage in commercial or financial transactions during any tax year with the aim of achieving illegal tax gains in violation of the provisions of this law. Such gains include avoiding, reducing, deferring the payment of tax due, avoiding or reducing potential tax due, shifting the tax burden to another person. avoiding the obligation to calculate, deduct, or withhold tax, and unlawfully recovering the tax due, or more than its value. The regulations specify the administrative penalties that the President may impose on anyone […]

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Armenia Grants Visa-Free Entry To GCC Citizens And Residents Starting July 2025

Oman GDP Grows 2.5% In Q1 2025 Reaching $24.5bn

Indian Traveller Caught Smuggling 5.3Kg Of Marijuana At Muscat International Airport

Three Students, Driver Killed In Oman School Bus Accident

Etihad Airways Announces New Flights to Russia, Poland, and Oman

New Remittance Rule In Oman: Bank IBANs Mandatory For Inward Transfers

Oman: 16 Income Sources Exempted From New Individual Income Tax

Oman Moves To Third Phase Of Plastic Bag Ban, Environment Authority Warns Of Grave Marine Impact

Indian Embassy In Muscat To Open 11 New Consular, Passport And Visa Centres Across Oman

High Income Earners Evading Tax To Face Jail term, Hefty Fines: Oman

Recent Posts

Saudi Traffic Directorate sets 6 conditions for heavy trucks on roads

GASTAT launches survey to measure values and behaviors in Saudi society

Border Guard seizes 380 kg of khat, 249,000 tablets in Jazan and Asir

Riyadh activates traffic diversion as Thumamah Road development advances

Bahrain rules out participating in Strait of Hormuz meeting with Iran

Dh400 fine, impound: Sharjah Police warn against tailgating as motorcycle rams into car

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