Muscat Daily
UK pledges continued support for Oman’s efforts on Strait of Hormuz
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Andy Burnham, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, held a bilateral meeting at 10 Downing Street on Wednesday, reviewing longstanding relations and ways to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The...
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Royal welcome for H M at Windsor Castle
Windsor, UK - An official reception ceremony was held in honour of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at Windsor Castle on the occasion of his state visit to the United Kingdom on Tuesday. Ahead of the ceremony, Prince William of Wales greeted His...
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Employment among Omanis with disabilities rises 10%
The number of Omanis with disabilities in employment rose 10% in 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching 18,437, with 47% working in the private sector, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The...
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Housing, food, transport take 60% of household budgets
The average household in Oman spends RO797.64 a month, and almost 60% of that goes on three things - housing, food and transport - according to the Household Income and Expenditure Survey conducted by the National Centre for Statistics and Information...
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Hon’ble Lady greets nation on Omani Women’s Day
Muscat – H H Honourable Lady Sayyida Ahad Abdullah Hamed Al Busaidi, Spouse of the Sultan of Oman, greeted the nation on the occasion of Omani Women’s Day, celebrated on October 17. The text of the message read as follows: “On the occasion of Omani...
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His Majesty launches new CDAA identity
Muscat - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik launched the new identity of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) on Wednesday, underscoring the importance accorded to civil protection and public safety in the sultanate. Acting on Royal...
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Duty-free markets planned at three border crossings
Duty-free markets are being planned at three land border crossings to stimulate trade, support tourism and enhance services for travellers in Oman. Lt Gen Hassan bin Mohsin Al Shuraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs at Royal Oman Police, has...
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Oman, Kazakhstan turn to AI to unlock new mineral resources
Oman and Kazakhstan have agreed to establish a joint centre dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) enabled mineral exploration, marking a new phase of cooperation in mining, technology and geological research. Minerals Development Oman (MDO),...
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New rules for expat recruitment agencies
H E Dr Mahad bin Saeed bin Ali Baawain, Minister of Labour, issued Ministerial Decision No 390/2026 on Sunday introducing new regulations governing agencies recruiting non-omani workers, with the rules coming into force on January 1, 2027. The...
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IFC Oman to register companies this year ahead of 2027 launch
The International Financial Centre of Oman (IFC Oman) is moving towards a major milestone, with company registration set to begin later this year ahead of the launch of full licensing operations in 2027. A package of laws covering business...
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Oman, GCC push for digital logistics market
Manama, Bahrain - Oman and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stakeholders are moving towards greater integration of trade and logistics services, with a proposal to establish a joint digital logistics market emerging as a key outcome of the 15th...
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New era of cooperation takes shape
Astana, Kazakhstan - The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Kazakhstan have agreed to deepen their strategic partnership, with focus on expanding bilateral trade, boosting investment, strengthening connectivity and developing cooperation in emerging...
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H M Sultan Haitham arrives in Astana
- His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik arrived in Astana on Monday on a two-day state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan. President Kassym-jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan led the welcoming party for His Majesty at Nursultan Nazarbayev International...
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ROP warns of growing cyber blackmail risks in online games
Online games are increasingly becoming digital communities where children and teenagers can communicate directly with strangers, creating new risks of cyber blackmail, grooming, bullying and exploitation, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has warned. Brig...
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Second rocket launch strengthens Oman’s space ambitions
operator, while the rocket’s payload was provided by the Australian company Orbit2orbit. Singapore’s Ocullospace was involved in the mission. H H Sayyid Azzan bin Qais Al Said, CEO of Etlaq, said the mission marked the first launch at the port...
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HM meets Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi
Muscat - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik met Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), at Al Barakah Palace on Wednesday. At the outset, the guest...
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Omani researchers win Sharjah cultural heritage award for study on sarh tree
Omani researchers Dr Huda bint Mubarak Al Dairi and Dr Thuraya bint Abdullah Al Jabri won the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage for best research and studies in cultural heritage in the Arab category for their joint study on the...
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Three paths to promotion of govt staff
For Oman’s government employees, moving up the career ladder will no longer depend largely on how long they have occupied a grade. A new promotion system is putting performance, competence and specialised skills at the centre of career progression,...
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$51bn tourism investment push for 2040
Oman is preparing for a major expansion of its tourism sector, with a projected Us$51bn investment pipeline, 12mn annual visitors and more than 500,000 tourism-related jobs targeted by 2040 as the sultanate shifts towards highervalue, sustainable...
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Omani duo creates history in 100m at Asian Games
Ali Al Balushi and Mulham Al Balushi claimed silver and bronze medals respectively in the men’s 100m at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya on Friday, delivering a rare double podium finish for Oman in one of the Games’ most anticipated events. Ali took...
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His Majesty visits SEZ at Duqm
Duqm - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik visited the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) on Wednesday. His Majesty reviewed the most significant economic, investment and development projects in the zone, the expansion it has witnessed in recent...
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H M stresses on fiscal resilience, non-oil trade
Salalah - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik presided over a Council of Ministers meeting on Tuesday at Al Hosn Palace in Salalah, reviewing economic, health, investment and tourism priorities and directing a series of measures to strengthen Oman’s...
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Oman-sharjah corridor trade hits Ro178mn
A new logistics corridor linking Oman and Sharjah has handled more than Ro178mn worth of goods in its first three months, as businesses increasingly use the land-sea route amid disruptions and uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz. The corridor,...
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GDP growth accelerates to 5.1% in Q2
Oman’s economy expanded 5.1% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, accelerating sharply from the first quarter as a strong increase in oil and gas activity drove overall growth despite subdued expansion in non-oil sectors. Gross domestic product...
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Oman, Angola open new chapter
Oman and Angola have moved to broaden their economic and investment partnership, with a two-day state visit by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik resulting in new cooperation across energy, mining, logistics, agriculture, fisheries and...
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H M accorded official welcome in Botswana
- His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik arrived in the Republic of Botswana on Wednesday afternoon on a two-day state visit. Upon His Majesty's arrival at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in the capital Gaborone, President Duma Gideon Boko of...
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Ro20mn allocated to sharpen job skills at vocational colleges
About Ro20mn has been allocated to develop vocational colleges between 2026 and 2030 as Oman seeks to strengthen training infrastructure and equip nationals with skills needed by a changing labour market. The investment is part of a wider Ministry of...
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Oman calls for alternative LNG routes to bypass Hormuz
Oman has called for the development of alternative export routes for liquefied natural gas (LNG) to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, as continuing regional tensions disrupt energy shipments through the strategic waterway. Energy security,...
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Number of Omani doctors increases 12% to 4,300
Oman’s healthcare sector recorded continued growth in 2025, with the number of Omani doctors increasing 12% to 4,300 from 3,800 in 2024, according to National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) data. The increase came alongside expansion in...
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OIA boosts Oman’s tech investments
Muscat - Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has further advanced the ‘Omani Angle’ of its international investments by signing an investment agreement in partnership with Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Commission and China-based Templewater. Under...
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H M opens new HQ of Internal Security Service in Dhofar
Salalah - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, graced the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Internal Security Service in Dhofar on Wednesday. Upon the arrival of His Majesty the Sultan’s motorcade, he was received by...
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H M Sultan Haitham, Kagame discuss stronger partnership
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik held a meeting with President Paul Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda at Al Maamourah Palace on Tuesday morning. During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed the growing ties between their countries and their...
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H M, Kagame talks focus on cooperation
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and President Paul Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda held an official session of talks at Al Hosn Palace in Salalah on Monday evening. Discussions focused on cooperation and investment in mining, renewable energy,...
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OMANI AIRPORTS WIN NINE GLOBAL AWARDS
Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport have received nine global awards as part of the Airport Service Quality programme’s Customer Experience Awards, presented by Airports Council International during the council's 2026 summit held in...
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4th heart transplant marks new milestone for organ donation
Oman has successfully carried out its fourth heart transplant, while organs from a single braindead donor were transplanted into four patients, marking another milestone for the country’s expanding organ donation programme. The Oman Centre for Organ...
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IRAN HITS US-LINKED SITES ACROSS GULF
Iran launched one of its broadest waves of retaliation in weeks against Us-linked military sites across the Gulf and neighbouring states, as Tehran accused Washington of killing civilians in a new round of strikes inside Iran. Iranian attacks were...
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H M and MBS discuss regional developments, de-escalation
- His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik paid a private fraternal visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. During the visit, His Majesty held a meeting with Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MBS), Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the kingdom, at the...
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Domestic tourism surges 16.2%
Domestic tourism in Oman recorded strong growth in 2025, attracting 15.8mn, up 16.2% from 13.6mn in 2024 and 12.9mn in 2023, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Domestic tourists recorded 4.7mn nights across the...
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Road accidents fall 17%, 595 fatalities recorded
Road accidents in Oman fell 17% in 2025 despite continued rise in the number of vehicles on the country's roads, while speed remained the leading cause of crashes, according to National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) data. A total of...
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Ro1.95bn investment opportunities in Dhofar
Five investment opportunities worth around Ro1.95bn have been announced in Dhofar, spanning urban development, real estate, ecotourism and marine tourism, as the government seeks to attract local and international capital into projects that build on...
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Oman, Iran agree on temporary corridor
Muscat – Oman and Iran have proposed establishing a temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and launching a joint project to clear mines from the strategic waterway, marking the clearest move yet towards restoring safe shipping...
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AI to tackle diabetes-related blindness
An artificial intelligence-powered screening programme in Oman has cut waiting lists at specialist eye clinics by 87% and identified more than 12,000 diabetic patients requiring further examination, as the sultanate expands the use of technology to...
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Development spending rises 16% to Ro798mn in H1
Oman’s development expenditure rose 16% to Ro798mn in the first half of 2026, as the government accelerated spending on projects and economic transformation initiatives while directing Ro2.706bn towards social sectors and basic services. Development...
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Oman, Japan seek de-escalation
Muscat – Oman and Japan have called for intensified international efforts to ensure free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that lasting maritime security depends on diplomacy and a political solution to regional tensions. The...
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UAE imposes trade embargo on Iran
Abu Dhabi, UAE - The UAE has announced it is imposing an indefinite trade embargo on Iran, with the Foreign Ministry saying Tehran is ‘undermining regional and international peace and security’. The announcement follows an earlier statement by the...
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West Bank under siege as world watches
West Bank, Palestine - For more than ten days, three Palestinian families in Qusra, south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, have remained besieged in their homes as Israeli settlers, under the protection of Israeli forces, block access to basic...
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H M meets Sheikh Mohammed in Abu Dhabi
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik paid a private visit to the United Arab Emirates on Monday during which he held a meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi. At the meeting, the two...
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Inflation rises to 3.2% in July as food prices surge
Oman’s annual inflation rate increased to 3.2% in July 2026, up from 2.8% in June, as a sharp increase in food prices and higher transport costs pushed consumer prices higher, according to the latest data released by the National Centre for Statistics...
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EMERGENCY TEAMS BATTLE OIL SPILL
Oman intensified cleanup and monitoring operations after oil from a grounded tanker off the Al Hallaniyat Islands reached Duqm’s Ras Madrakah coast, where a stretch of 12km has been affected. Authorities stated that no pollution had so far been...
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Property valuation mechanism goes digital
An artificial intelligence-backed property valuation mechanism that uses actual transaction data and human oversight to determine fair property values is being introduced as authorities step up efforts to improve transparency and curb manipulation in...
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Dhofar unveils Ro903.19mn Al Najd agri city masterplan
A comprehensive plan for the Ro903.19mn Al Najd Agricultural City in Thumrait, a largescale food security project expected to produce about 105,000 tonnes of agricultural output annually and create 6,500 jobs, was unveiled at the Food Security Forum...
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Tourism economy to reach Ro4.6bn by 2036: WTTC
Oman’s travel and tourism sector is projected to grow more than twice as fast as the overall economy in the next decade, with its contribution to the sultanate’s economy forecast to rise from Ro3bn in 2025 to Ro4.6bn by 2036, according to the World...
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H M visits Qatar to meet Sheikh Tamim
Doha, Qatar - His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik paid a private visit to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, on Sunday. During the visit, a cordial meeting was held by the two leaders at the Amiri Diwan in Doha. Their...
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87% of National E-commerce Plan complete
Nearly 87% of Oman’s National E-commerce Plan 2022–2027 is complete, with 26 of 30 initiatives now implemented as the sultanate steps up efforts to expand its digital economy. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) said...
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Iran says Oman deal will not immediately reopen Hormuz
Tehran, Iran - Iran and Oman have come to an agreement on the “geographic characteristics” of a shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has stated, and that the two neighbours are in the final stage of...
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UN, WHO raise alarm over Gaza deaths
Gaza, Palestine - The United Nations and World Health Organization have condemned attacks on civilians and healthcare facilities in Gaza after an Israeli strike destroyed a medical warehouse near Al Aqsa Hospital. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,...
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Oman targets 33% emissions cut by 2035 under NDC 3.0
Oman has committed to potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33% by 2035, under a new climate plan submitted to the United Nations that also outlines measures to protect the country from heat, water scarcity, cyclones and rising sea...
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ROP AMENDS CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Royal Oman Police (ROP) has introduced amendments to the executive regulations of the GCC Unified Customs Law, expanding electronic clearance procedures, revising personal exemptions and setting updated rules for temporary imports, re-exports and...
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Hamas ties disarmament to Israeli pullout
Gaza, Palestine - A senior Hamas official has said that the Palestinian group will not take any steps towards disarmament before Israeli forces withdraw from the Gaza Strip. Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas’ negotiating delegation, said the issue of...
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‘Fake job offers driving new wave of trafficking’
The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT) has warned of the growing use of fake overseas job offers to lure victims into human trafficking and cybercrime, as the sultanate marks the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30...
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Hormuz closure could spark global marine invasion, scientists warn
The prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global marine biosecurity crisis, with thousands of stranded ships potentially spreading invasive species to ports across the world when normal shipping resumes, according to an...
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Israeli military campaign disrupts life in West Bank
Ramallah, West Bank - Israeli military operations intensified across the occupied West Bank on Monday, with raids, arrests and home demolitions reported in several cities and towns, further restricting movement and disrupting daily life, according to...
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Regional conflicts weigh on Oman’s GPI ranking
Oman dropped 18 places to 60th in the 2026 Global Peace Index (GPI), with rising regional tensions and conflicts contributing to the sultanate's lower ranking despite remaining among the three most peaceful countries in the Middle East and North Africa...
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RED SEA CONFLICT DEEPENS
The Houthis in Yemen claimed a missile attack on Saudi Arabia after Riyadh launched strikes on targets linked to the group on Friday night, marking a further escalation in regional tensions. Early on Saturday, the Houthis' Ansarullah media said on...
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Iran’s Hormuz demands set a dangerous precedent: Rubio
Manila, Philippines - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Asian leaders on Wednesday that Iran’s demand to control and collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz would threaten the world’s economy and set a precedent that could be repeated elsewhere in...
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‘The word ceasefire has lost all meaning’
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic despite a ceasefire that came into effect in October 2025, accusing Israel of continuing military operations...
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Khareef journeys turn tragic; authorities warn motorists
Every year, the arrival of khareef transforms Dhofar into Oman's most popular tourist destination, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to its cool weather, mist-covered mountains and lush landscapes. But for many families, the journey has become...
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New partnership gives startups access to global expertise
An Omani innovation hub backed by Oman Investment Authority's Future Fund Oman is set to give local startups direct access to one of the world's leading innovation networks in a move aimed at helping entrepreneurs learn from international peers,...
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Ro20mn eco-tourism projects at OBG
Invest Oman has unveiled three tourism projects within Oman Botanic Garden (OBG) as investment opportunities, targeting eco-tourism, adventure travel and wildlife conservation. The proposed developments – a wellness retreat, a geo-adventure park and a...
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Experts in Oman hail new era of cyber resilience
The third edition of the Cybersecurity & Cloud Conference - themed Data Protection, Privacy & Digital Resilience - brought together government representatives, technology leaders, cybersecurity professionals and industry experts in Oman at the...
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End 'containment' policy, establish new Gulf security architecture: Sayyid Badr
Oman has called for a fundamental rethink of the Gulf's security architecture, urging a move away from decades of policies based on ‘containment’ towards a more inclusive regional framework that brings together all Gulf states. In an opinion article...
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Fans, food and FIFA World Cup boost local economy
As the FIFA World Cup reaches its decisive stage, football is once again proving that it is far more than just a sporting spectacle. The tournament has evolved into a global industry that stimulates economic activity across a wide range of sectors,...
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Oman condemns drone attacks
Iran attacked Gulf states on Sunday and declared the Strait of Hormuz closed after the United States conducted its third round of strikes in a week, in a serious escalation as the ongoing conflict spirals. Tehran on Sunday claimed attacks on Bahrain,...
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Oman climbs 6 places to rank 49th in environmental index
Oman has climbed six places to rank 49th globally among 177 countries in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), reinforcing its progress in environmental sustainability and climate action. The latest ranking follows a sharp improvement in...
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Iran conflict weighs on Gulf cities in global liveability rankings
Muscat has fallen 14 places to 123rd in the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index 2026, making it the world's biggest downward mover as the Iran war weighed on stability across the Gulf and wider Middle East. The report ranks...
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