logo
Sayyid Badr, Saudi counterpart visit Empty Quarter border crossing

Sayyid Badr, Saudi counterpart visit Empty Quarter border crossing

Times of Oman28-04-2025

Ibri: Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Monday visited the the Empty Quarter border crossing linking the two countries.
During the visit, the two ministers reviewed the facilities and the services provided by the crossing boarder to enhance commercial, tourist, and transit traffic.
This comes as part of the ongoing cooperation and integration between the two countries across various fields, reflecting the distinguished fraternal ties between their peoples.
The visit underscores the mutual commitment to bolstering logistical and economic cooperation, in line with the aspirations of both countries' leadership under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Oman's Vision 2040.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

New tech office boosts Oman's digital transformation drive
New tech office boosts Oman's digital transformation drive

Observer

time3 hours ago

  • Observer

New tech office boosts Oman's digital transformation drive

MUSCAT: Elm, a digital solutions leader owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), has officially launched its new office in Muscat, underscoring its long-term ambition to participate in Oman's digital transformation and expand its regional footprint. The move marks Elm's first physical presence in Oman, a market it views as strategically aligned with its growth objectives and expertise in e-government platforms, cybersecurity, digital identity, and artificial intelligence-driven services. With a client base that spans government, corporate, and individual sectors in Saudi Arabia, Elm's entry into Oman reflects growing regional collaboration in the technology space. The office was inaugurated during a ceremony under the auspices of Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and attended by Ibrahim bin Saad Bishan, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Oman, as well as key officials from both countries. Elm's expansion aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises the digital economy and government modernisation. The company says it aims to introduce custom solutions to help Omani institutions accelerate digital transformation across sectors such as logistics, public services, and national security. The Muscat office is part of Elm's broader strategy to export its homegrown capabilities developed in Saudi Arabia. In recent years, Elm has gained prominence for building and managing platforms such as Absher (a government service portal), and Tawakklna (a Covid-19 health platform), which have become integral to the Saudi government's digital infrastructure. Elm's expansion aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises the digital economy and government modernisation. Elm's Executive Vice President of Marketing and Official Spokesperson, Majid bin Saad al Arifi, said the decision to establish a base in Oman reflects the company's confidence in the local ecosystem. 'The opening of Elm's office in the Sultanate of Oman represents a strategic step that reflects our strong belief in the capabilities and digital potential of this market,' said Al Arifi. 'Through our presence, we aim to build high-value partnerships and provide tailored technological solutions that enhance government performance and promote a sustainable digital economy — delivering meaningful impact to citizens, investors, and our institutional partners alike,' he added. Elm's entry comes at a time when Oman is actively seeking private sector collaboration to fast-track its digital agenda, offering streamlined regulatory frameworks and incentives for foreign investment in the ICT sector. Elm's presence is also expected to generate skilled employment opportunities and knowledge transfer, as the company often works closely with local partners and public entities to localise its services. The Muscat office will serve as a regional hub to coordinate projects, engage with stakeholders, and adapt solutions to Oman's unique priorities — reinforcing the economic and technological ties between Muscat and Riyadh.

OIA accelerates Oman Vision 2040 development hiring and training
OIA accelerates Oman Vision 2040 development hiring and training

Observer

time3 hours ago

  • Observer

OIA accelerates Oman Vision 2040 development hiring and training

MUSCAT: In line with Oman Vision 2040 human capital growth goals, Oman Investment Authority (OIA) created 1,393 new jobs for Omani nationals during 2024, driving the Omanisation rate among its related entities to a high 77.7 per cent. The significant contribution to national employment generation was one of the highlights of OIA's operational performance during 2024, showcased at a press conference held on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Al Mutasim bin Saeed al Sariri, Director General In-Country Value, OIA, said, "Omanisation continues to be a key objective within many industries in the Sultanate, and the Oman Investment Authority's unrelenting commitment is a testament to its active drive towards advancing the human capital development goals included within Oman Vision 2040." The move showcases OIA's leadership role in building a sustainable knowledge economy for the future by investing in local talent and strengthening employment bridges for citizens. Vision 2040, the nation's long-term development plan, revolves around human capital and aims to build a competitive workforce capable of addressing the evolving needs of an advanced economy. Aside from its strategy to create jobs, OIA has also launched various training and upskilling schemes including Nomou, Eidaad, and Mu'tamad. These initiatives seek to prepare young Omanis with the competencies needed for the labor market through formal education, mentorship, and exposure to industries. Its nucleus is Jadarah, an online site with the purpose of connecting graduates with job and training opportunities. By bridging the gap between education and employment, Jadarah promotes Vision 2040's immediate call to undertake greater integration between school output and the needs of the labour market. Parallel to this, OIA has increased its support for scholarships, summer internships and joint programmes with higher education institutions. The initiatives give Oman youth practical experience and technical skills to enhance their career preparedness and long-term employability. OIA's strategy shows the capability of public investment organizations to drive socio-economic transformation by connecting operational goals to national goals. Its consistent focus on localisation, people development, and innovation is positioning it at the core driver of the Vision 2040 ambitions. With the Sultanate of Oman shifting towards a diversified and sustainable economy, initiatives like those pursued by OIA will be at the heart of releasing the potential of its human assets and driving inclusive and sustainable growth.

Community partnership initiative ‘All of Oman' wraps up in Muscat
Community partnership initiative ‘All of Oman' wraps up in Muscat

Muscat Daily

time3 hours ago

  • Muscat Daily

Community partnership initiative ‘All of Oman' wraps up in Muscat

Muscat – Muscat governorate on Sunday hosted the final stop of the 'All of Oman' initiative, a national programme designed to strengthen community partnership and advance integrated development across the sultanate. The concluding event, held under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, will run for three days at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. 'All of Oman' is a series of public engagement events aimed at involving citizens in shaping the country's long-term vision, Oman Vision 2040. Through meetings, field visits and interactive workshops, the initiative seeks to unify local efforts with national development goals. In his opening remarks, Busaidi said the initiative helps translate the vision's strategies into tangible results. 'It strengthens local development by tapping in-to each governorate's geographic and economic strengths. We give priority to projects that address actual community needs,' he said, adding that the effort aims to raise institutional performance, improve public services and boost community satisfaction. Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Head of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, said the initiative reflects genuine community engagement. 'It empowers governorates and promotes decentralisation and sustainability of cities,' he said, noting that workshops helped build government staff capacity and encouraged the exchange of ideas. He also stressed the importance of youth participation in planning the country's future. Fatima bint Khamis al Fazarieh, Head of Planning and Project Management at Muscat governorate, presented an annual development plan, which focuses on investment, renewable energy, market regulation, digital transformation, tourism and community satisfaction. Abdullah bin Nasser al Saidi, General Supervisor of Oman Vision 2040 Communication Programme, outlined the unit's role in coordinating with governorates and aligning with national priorities. Specialised workshops during the event covered governance, development strategies, change management and target-setting, aimed at strengthening planning and project management skills. A key feature of the closing event was an interactive youth meeting, bringing together representatives from academic and youth institutions in Muscat. Participants learnt about recent progress under Vision 2040 and heard success stories, reinforcing the goal of encouraging young Omanis to help shape future projects.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store