Fri, June 12 2026

3 days ago

India Rescues 24 Crewmembers From Stricken Tanker Off Oman After US Airstrike

US Navy forces have announced a new Monday direction action operation in the Gulf of Oman. The US has cited that the vessel refused to respond to orders related to the blockade of Iranian naval ports. The ship attempted to sail to an Iranian port, in violation of the ongoing blockade. A CENTCOM statement indicated that the military “disabled Palau-flagged M/T Marivex as it transited international waters in the Gulf of Oman toward Iran.” “An F/A-18 Super Hornet from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) fired a precision munition into the ship’s engineering and steering spaces after the crew failed to comply with directions from U.S. forces,” the statement continued. “Marivex is no longer sailing to Iran,” it said. The Pentagon has also reviewed the following since initiating the blockade on April 13. This is the same vessel which took on US military fire: Indian navy helicopters airlifted 24 sailors off a tanker on fire off the coast of Oman on Monday, New Delhi officials said, without saying what caused the blaze. India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said a fire was reported at around 1:30 p.m. (0800 GMT) on the MT Marivex, a Palau-flagged tanker. “There has been a […]

4 days ago

600 Job Vacancies In Private Sector Establishments Announced

The Ministry of Labour has announced the availability of 600 job vacancies across a number of private sector establishments in Muscat Governorate, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance employment opportunities, increase hiring rates, and empower job seekers to join the labour market and contribute to the country’s economic development. The ministry stated that the available vacancies cover a range of economic sectors and professional fields, providing job seekers with broader opportunities to compete for positions that match their academic qualifications and professional experience. The vacancies are open to candidates with various educational qualifications, including bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, post-diploma qualifications, General Education Diploma (high school) holders, as well as positions designated for those with qualifications below the General Education Diploma level. This reflects the ministry’s commitment to accommodating different categories of job seekers and providing suitable employment opportunities for them. The ministry emphasized that the announcement of these vacancies comes in coordination and cooperation with private sector institutions as part of programmes and initiatives aimed at strengthening public-private partnerships in employment, increasing Omanisation rates across various economic activities, and meeting the workforce needs of companies through qualified national talent capable of contributing to workplace development and achieving growth and […]

4 days ago

Restaurant Fire Triggers Gas Cylinder Blast In Al Amerat, Two Hurt

Firefighting teams from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) in Muscat Governorate responded to a report of a fire that broke out at a restaurant in the Wilayat of Al Amerat, which resulted in a gas cylinder explosion. According to the Authority, the incident left two people with serious injuries. Ambulance teams provided emergency medical assistance at the scene before transporting the injured individuals to a medical facility for necessary treatment. The CDAA said its firefighting teams swiftly intervened to contain the blaze and manage the situation. No further details on the cause of the fire or the condition of the injured persons were immediately available. Authorities have urged business owners and residents to adhere to safety regulations and ensure the proper handling and storage of gas cylinders to prevent similar incidents. READ MORE: Oman braces for 50°C heatwave

4 days ago

7 Opec+ Nations Announce Second Straight 188,000 Bpd Output Increase For July

Seven Opec+ countries have announced a second consecutive monthly increase in oil production, agreeing to raise output by 188,000 barrels per day (bpd) in July 2026 after approving an identical increase for June last month, as the group continues its gradual easing of voluntary supply cuts. The decision was taken during a virtual meeting of Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman on Sunday to review global market conditions and outlook. Announcing the move, OPEC said the countries had decided to “implement a production adjustment of 188 thousand barrels per day from the additional voluntary adjustments announced in April 2023.” According to the production schedule released by the group, Saudi Arabia and Russia will each increase output by 62,000 barrels per day in July, followed by Iraq with 26,000 bpd, Kuwait with 16,000 bpd, Kazakhstan with 10,000 bpd, Algeria with 6,000 bpd and Oman with 5,000 bpd. “The additional voluntary adjustments announced in April 2023 may be returned in part or in full, subject to evolving market conditions and in a gradual manner,” Opec said in the statement. At the same time, the producers stressed that they would remain flexible in managing supply depending on market developments. The […]

4 days ago

Oman braces for 50°C heatwave

Oman is bracing for an intense spell of summer heat, with temperatures in some parts of the sultanate expected to approach the 50°C mark over the coming days, according to forecasts issued by the Civil Aviation Authority’s National Multi Hazard Early Warning Centre. The authority has warned that a strong upper-air high-pressure system, coupled with hot and dry northwesterly winds, is driving a significant rise in temperatures across the country. Forecasters expect the hottest conditions to be felt from Monday, particularly in coastal areas overlooking the Sea of Oman, where daytime temperatures are projected to remain in the upper 40s and could reach 50°C in isolated locations. The warning comes as Oman enters one of the most challenging periods of the summer season, with prolonged exposure to extreme heat posing risks to public health, outdoor workers and vulnerable groups. Meteorologists said inland governorates are also expected to experience scorching conditions, with temperatures generally ranging in the mid-to-high 40s. However, coastal areas of Al Wusta and Dhofar are likely to remain relatively milder due to the moderating influence of sea breezes. Authorities have urged residents to take precautionary measures to avoid heat-related illnesses. People are advised to minimise direct exposure to […]

5 days ago

Sri Lanka Waives Tourist Visa Fee for Omani Citizens

Muscat: Oman’s Foreign Ministry has announced that the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has decided to grant free tourist visas to Omani citizens starting from May 25, 2026. According to the ministry, Omani nationals will be permitted to enter Sri Lanka for up to 30 days through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. The arrangement allows travelers to enter Sri Lanka twice from the date of their first arrival under the same authorisation. The Ministry explained that in the event of a second entry, travelers will be granted permission to stay for the remaining balance of the original 30-day period. Visitors wishing to extend their stay beyond the permitted duration may do so by applying for a visa extension and paying applicable fees. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Omani citizens planning to travel to Sri Lanka to ensure that their passports are valid for at least six months from the date of entry. It also advised travelers to obtain health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay. The ministry wished all travelers a safe and pleasant journey.

5 days ago

Oman ranks 3rd in International Labour Rights Index in 2026

Geneva – Oman has reaffirmed its position as a global leader in labour rights, securing 3rd place in the 2026 Global Rights Index. This prestigious ranking, maintained for the second consecutive year, highlights the nation’s unwavering commitment to enhancing its labour environment in alignment with international benchmarks. The achievement is a direct result of comprehensive national efforts focused on strengthening workers’ rights, trade union freedoms, and promoting constructive social dialogue between all production stakeholders. The success of the Sultanate in this index is attributed to the successful implementation of labour market reforms. These initiatives include the significant modernisation of labour legislation, the promotion of a stable and balanced work environment, and the enhancement of mechanisms for resolving labour disputes. Such improvements not only support sustainable economic growth but also ensure that the rights of all parties in the employment relationship are fully protected. The Global Rights Index is updated annually and published by the International Trade Union Confederation during the International Labour Conference held in Geneva. By consistently achieving a high global ranking, Oman demonstrates its proactive approach to developing a sophisticated labour system that balances economic progress with social responsibility. © 2021 Apex Press and Publishing. All Rights Reserved. […]

5 days ago

US Military Shoots Down Inbound Iranian Attack Drones Over Hormuz, Bombs Coastal Sites

New Overnight US Military Intercepts, Attacks Things are again popping off in the overnight hours in the Strait of Hormuz, but so far it may be looking like another limited action and exchange. The US military reportedly intercepted and shot down at least four Iranian one-way attack drones on Friday into possibly early Saturday (local). According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the incoming unmanned aerial vehicles were heading directly toward the Strait of Hormuz and posed an “imminent threat to maritime traffic.” Following the drone shootdowns, American forces immediately launched retaliatory strikes against key military targets inside Iranian territory. CENTCOM further detailed that American assets hit Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites located in Goruk, a city in the Hormozgan province, as well as on Qeshm Island, a strategically vital Iranian outpost in the mouth of the strait. The Pentagon justified the immediate counter-offensive by stating the radar sites were targeted specifically to “defend against further attacks.” One thing is clear: these ‘limited’ escalations are becoming more regular, and even almost nightly at this point, raising the stakes and possibility of a more full-on, dangerous renewed war. Currently, there are reports of air defenses active over Kuwait: KUWAITI AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS INTERCEPTING DRONE, MISSILE […]

5 days ago

Three Held for Drug Trafficking in Al Seeb

Muscat: Three individuals of two Asian nationalities were arrested in the Wilayat of Al Seeb for possessing more than 7,000 psychotropic tablets, as well as quantities of crystal methamphetamine, marijuana, and hashish, with the intent to traffic and consume these substances. The arrest was carried out by the Directorate for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances at the Muscat Governorate Police Command.

7 days ago

Oman: Fire breaks out at a factory in North Al Batinah

The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority(CDAA) of Oman responded to a paper factory fire in the Wilayat of Sohar in the North Al Batinah Governorate. Preliminary reports indicate that the firefighter teams are making efforts to contain the fire. Sohar, known for its strategic port and industrial capabilities, has seen significant growth in manufacturing sectors, including the paper industry. This incident raises concerns about safety protocols in industrial operations across the Sultanate of Oman. Residents of Sohar and surrounding areas are closely monitoring the situation. Local authorities have advised the public to stay clear of the factory vicinity as emergency operations continue.

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