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1 day ago
The Sultanate of Oman will observe the first day of Eid Al Adha on Friday, June 6, 2025, said Dr. Subaih bin Rahman Al Saadi, an Omani expert in celestial sciences, according to Muscat Daily. Al Saadi’s prediction follows precise astronomical calculations indicating the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon on the evening of Tuesday, May 27. “The conjunction of the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH with the sun will occur at exactly 7:03:29 am local time on May 27,” Dr. Saadi added. He noted that the moon will set approximately 36 minutes after sunset in Muscat, positioned 8 degrees from the sun and elevated 7 degrees above the western horizon—conditions favorable for sighting the crescent. “These astronomical indicators confirm that Wednesday, May 28, will be the first day of Dhul Hijjah. Consequently, the Day of Arafah will fall on Thursday, June 5, and Eid Al Adha will begin on Friday, June 6,” Dr. Saadi stated. In accordance with Royal Decree No. 88/2022, Oman will observe the Eid Al Adha holiday from Dhul Hijjah 9 to 12. As the first day of Eid falls on a Friday this year, an additional compensatory day off will be granted to ensure a full holiday […]
1 day ago
The Sultanate of Oman officially unveiled its tallest flagpole yesterday at Al Khuwair Square. Soaring 126 meters, equivalent to a 40-storey building, the monumental structure now claims the title of the highest man-made feature in the country. The inauguration was held under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, and attended by Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, alongside other senior officials. Raising the national flag atop this towering edifice, measuring approximately 18 metres in length and 31.5 metres in width, the event showcased Oman’s aspirations aligned with Vision 2040 for development and success. Constructed from 135 tonnes of steel, the flagpole features an outer diameter of 2,800 millimetres at its base tapering to 900 millimetres at the top. It is equipped with a warning light system for aircraft navigating the airspace. The Al Khuwair Square project aims to transform the area into an 18,000-square-metre multipurpose community hub. Planned facilities include a plaza, expansive lawns, walkways, a skate park, cycle paths, a cafeteria, and various entertainment and sports amenities, fostering vibrant social and business activity.
2 days ago
A tropical weather system is expected to form over the eastern Arabian Sea this weekend, prompting close monitoring by Omani authorities. While current forecasts show no direct or indirect impact on the Sultanate of Oman over the next five days, the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre is keeping a close eye on its development. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is likely to move northward and intensify into a depression within 36 hours. Meanwhile, Oman is battling intense heatwaves, with temperatures nearing record highs. The Oman Meteorology Department has warned that conditions may worsen, especially in North Batinah, South Batinah, Dhahirah, North Sharqiyah, and Al Wusta governorates. The Met Office’s Wednesday forecast predicts mostly clear skies across the country, with a chance of cloud formation over the Al Hajar Mountains, bringing isolated rainfall. Low clouds and fog may develop late at night and early morning over parts of Dhofar, South Sharqiyah, and Al Wusta. Oman lies in a cyclone-prone region, especially from May to July and October to November, when the Indian Ocean is most active. Though rare, Arabian Sea cyclones can be devastating. Shaheen struck on October 2, 2022, with winds reaching 150 km/h, leading to flooding, landslides, […]
4 days ago
Oman is emerging as one of the top global destinations for investment-linked residency – but true to its style, the Gulf state has been going about it in an understated way. But that’s all changing. It was recently that Oman announced an intensely ambitious re-development plans for Salalah, the popular tourism destination in the southern part of Oman. The re-development opens up a whole range of long-term residency possibilities in Oman – and one which is definitely going to figure prominently in the plans for the global wealthy ‘who want a different vibe where they want to be’. “The Salalah re-development is nothing short of a generational makeover for Oman and its ambitions to be a global investment spot,” said an investment advisor to high networth individuals. What are the visa options available in Oman? “Oman offers both a 10-year visa and 5-year residency (which is renewable) for investors,” said Gorvinder Pannu, Partner in Employment at Addleshaw Goddard Oman. “The ‘golden visa’ offers long-term residency for foreign investors – subject to fulfilling certain conditions. “This program represents a significant step in Oman’s efforts to attract foreign investment and create a thriving business environment.” What will Oman’s Golden Visas cost? * […]
5 days ago
The Sultanate of Oman recently granted citizenship to 156 expats, following a decree by Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik. In February, the royal decree on the Omani nationality law was issued, and introduced a new set of conditions for foreign nationals seeking Omani citizenship. This law replaces the previous citizenship legislation of 2014 and aligns nationality regulations with the nation’s current constitutional principles as outlined in the Basic Law of the State. The law establishes clear guidelines and procedures for acquiring, restoring, renouncing, and losing Omani citizenship, thereby ensuring national identity is preserved while accommodating deserving individuals who contribute to Oman’s development. Definition of an Omani citizen The Omani citizenship by origin applies to persons born to Omani fathers, whether within the sultanate or abroad, before the law’s enactment. The law extends citizenship by origin to certain grandchildren of Omanis who acquired citizenship by grant, provided the grandchild is over 50 years old. Citizenship also applies to those born to Omani fathers who become stateless, regardless of the mother’s nationality, reflecting a commitment to prevent statelessness within Oman’s population. Dual nationality and renunciation The law generally prohibits dual nationality to maintain exclusive allegiance to Oman. Exceptions require a royal decree based on […]
5 days ago
The Bahrain investment firm Investorp will pump in $550 million into an infrastructure project at Oman’s Port of Duqm. The funding will be done through Investcorp’s dedicated infrastructure platform. Investcorp Aberdeen Infrastructure Partners – the Gulf company’s joint venture with Aberdeen plc – will be the shareholder in the Oman project along with the Port of Duqm Company, the DEME Group and Port of Antwerp Bruges. “This investment is closely aligned with AIIP’s mandate to invest in long-term concessions across the GCC countries and the broader MENA region,” said a statement. The Port of Duqm investment is Investcorp Aberdeen Infrastructure Partners’ fourth such commitment, following its participation in ADNOC’s Project Wave in the UAE and two infrastructure concessions for social and public assets in Saudi Arabia. “We are pleased to be investing not only in one of Oman’s largest infrastructure projects, but in Oman’s Vision 2040, contributing to the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050,” said Mohammed Alardhi, Executive Chairman at Investcorp. The Port of Duqm – in Oman’s south-east and with direct access to the Indian Ocean – is a ‘crucial gateway and transit point’ for global trade and commerce. The Port operates as a multi-purpose hub, handling […]
5 days ago
Oman’s Ministry of Labour has announced a ban on outdoor work during peak midday hours from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, effective June through August, to protect workers from heat-related risks. According to the Oman Times, the regulation—outlined in Article (16), Clause (2) of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations—applies to construction sites and other open areas exposed to high temperatures. The Ministry also launched a Safe Summer campaign to raise awareness about heat stress and the importance of adhering to the midday work stoppage. Private sector companies are urged to comply with the rule to ensure worker safety. Temperatures nearing record highs The announcement comes as Oman experiences severe heatwaves. On Sunday: The Oman Meteorology Department has warned of further temperature spikes, especially in North & South Batinah, Dhahirah, North Sharqiyah, and Al Wusta regions. Health advisory issued Medical experts have advised residents to avoid direct sun exposure and stay indoors during peak heat hours to prevent heatstroke and related illnesses.
5 days ago
Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik has issued a royal decree granting Omani citizenship to more than 150 expatriates. Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik issued Royal Decree No. 17/2025 granting Omani citizenship to 156 people. (We have taken a look at how expats can become Omani citizens. Here’s a detailed guide.) In February, the Royal Decree on the Omani Nationality Law was issued and introduced a new set of conditions for foreign nationals seeking Omani citizenship. The recent implementation of the Omani Nationality Law under Royal Decree No. 17/2025, replaces the previous nationality law enacted under Royal Decree No. 38/2014, and came into effect on February 2, 2025. The Nationality Law outlines the rules and regulations related to Omani citizenship and the eligibility criteria for individuals seeking to become citizens. The law provides different pathways for individuals to acquire citizenship in Oman, including by birth, marriage to an Omani citizen, and naturalization. It also outlines specific eligibility criteria for each pathway, such as parentage for citizenship by birth, conditions for foreign spouses to acquire citizenship through marriage, and requirements for naturalisation. The law also clarifies provisions regarding Omani citizenship by descent. The Nationality Law stipulates that dual citizenship is generally not permitted in Oman, unless granted by […]
5 days ago
Oman is currently experiencing intense heatwaves, with temperatures nearing record highs across the Sultanate. On Sunday, the mercury soared to a scorching 48.6°C in Qurayat province, coming close to the critical 50°C mark. Al Ashkarah recorded 47.2°C, followed by Sur at 46.4°C, and Awabi at 45.6°C. The Oman Meteorology Department has warned that temperatures are expected to rise further, particularly in the governorates of North Batinah, South Batinah, Dhahirah, North Sharqiyah, and Al Wusta. Medical professionals have advised residents to stay indoors during peak heat hours and avoid direct sun exposure. Staying hydrated and maintaining electrolyte levels is essential to prevent heat-related illnesses. Meanwhile, authorities have banned outdoor work at construction sites and in open areas between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. from June to August due to extreme heat. Companies that violate the midday work ban will face penalties. In its Sunday forecast, the Met Office predicted mainly clear skies across most governorates, with a chance of low clouds and fog patches developing late at night and early morning over parts of Dhofar, South Sharqiyah, and Al Wusta.
7 days ago
Two Asian expatriates died following the partial collapse of a residential-cum-commercial building in the Wilayat of Bawshar, Muscat governorate, on Saturday. The collapse occurred due to an explosion caused by a cooking gas leak in a restaurant. Authorities are investigating the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that a momentary gas leak in the restaurant kitchen triggered the explosion, leading to the structural failure. Tragically, two Asian expats lost their lives. Civil Defense Authority teams promptly evacuated the area, secured the site, and provided emergency medical care. The authority urges everyone to comply with safety rules and procedures regarding approved connections and plugs, and the safe storage of gas cylinders as per official requirements. According to the authority’s emergency handbook, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders must only be purchased from authorised dealers and always stored upright—not horizontally. “Keep gas cylinders at least one metre away from open flames, heat sources, and electrical outlets,” the handbook advises. “Ensure there are no naked flames nearby when changing the gas cylinder. Store no more than one spare cylinder at any time, and the spare should be kept upright in a ventilated cabinet. “Keep windows open and kitchens well ventilated while cooking; never leave cooking unattended […]
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