
Multiple development projects being implemented in South Al Batinah Governorate
Al Rustaq: The Development Committee of South Al Batinah Governorate, operating under the Governor's Office, is following up the execution of multiple developmental, service, and infrastructure projects aimed at boosting investment, trade, and tourism across the governorate's wilayats.
The total construction cost of these projects amounts to OMR4.5 million. They include: The development of the waterfront in Barka; The development of the waterfront in Al Musanna; The Wadi Al Ma'awil Commercial Market project; The Al Awabi Commercial Market project and the development of Nakhal Public Park.
Saud Said Al Ma'awali, Deputy Chairman of the Municipal Council and Head of the Development Committee for South Al Batinah Governorate, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the committee is devising plans and programmes to enhance the governorate's economy, tourism, and infrastructure. Additionally, it supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs), generates job opportunities for youth, and develops skills and capabilities across various sectors.
He added that these projects fall under South Al Batinah's developmental and recreational initiatives, aligning with Oman's decentralisation policies and the strengthening of local governance as part of an ambitious phase of structural transformations in economic growth frameworks under the Tenth Five-Year Plan and Oman Vision 2040. These efforts aim to improve public facilities and services while stimulating economic activities.
Al Ma'awali noted that the Barka Waterfront Development Project, located in Al Muraisi and stretching over two kilometer, seeks to transform the area into a touristic and integrated recreational hub, serving as a natural retreat and attraction for all age groups. The project includes diverse sports, leisure, and entertainment facilities, along with tourism support services (trip planning, accommodation and transport bookings, tour guidance, and travel logistics). It also provides investment spaces that will generate employment opportunities for locals.
The project's completion rate has reached 55%, with an investment of OMR1.9 million.
As for Al Musanna Waterfront Development Project, situated in Al Awaid and spanning two kilometers, Al Ma'awali stated that its construction cost stands at OMR1.7 million, with 35% of work completed. The project will feature restaurants, retail outlets, children's play areas, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, and beachside recreational activities.
The Wadi Al Ma'awil Commercial Market, covering 16,000 square metres, includes 27 commercial shops with an investment of OMR319,000. The project's completion rate has exceeded 95% and is expected to enhance trade and tourism while supporting commercial activity in Wadi Al Ma'awil, he added.
Al Ma'awali explained that Al Awabi Commercial Market project reflects the government's ongoing efforts to elevate services, achieve sustainable development, and strengthen the local economy by stimulating commercial and social activity in the wilayat. The project, spanning 1,200 square metres, includes 16 commercial shops at an investment cost of OMR200,000, with 70% of work completed.
As for Nakhal Public Park Development project, Al Ma'awali indicated that 70% of construction work has been completed, with a development cost of OMR452,000. The project includes upgrades to enhance visitor experience, transforming the park into an integrated recreational and investment destination. Its strategic location presents promising investment opportunities, featuring three dedicated spaces for SMEs and local family businesses, thereby boosting economic prospects in Nakhal and neighboring areas.
These initiatives underscore the governorate's commitment to fostering sustainable development, improving quality of life, and creating a vibrant economic environment in line with national development goals.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Times of Oman
an hour ago
- Times of Oman
Personal Income Tax: A key step for revenue diversification, sustainable growth
Muscat: The Ministry of Economy affirmed that the implementation of the Personal Income Tax (PIT), set to take effect at the beginning of 2028, represents a crucial step toward enhancing financial stability and completing the fiscal sustainability framework. This measure aims to ensure sustainable financing for development across various sectors. Dr. Said Mohammed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy, stated: 'The tax serves as a new revenue stream to diversify public income sources and mitigate risks associated with reliance on oil as the primary revenue source. It will help maintain current levels of social and service spending while preserving Oman's achievements in financial and economic stability under 'Oman Vision 2040' and its first executive phase, the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021-2025)." He explained that the (PIT) is a fiscal tool adopted by most countries worldwide as a key revenue source to fund state-provided services. Over 190 countries impose this tax, and in many, income taxes constitute the largest component of total tax revenues at federal and local levels, financing public goods and services. He noted that implementing the tax in Oman will yield significant economic benefits, supporting income diversification strategies and long-term fiscal stability as a pillar of economic growth. It, he added, will also sustain government revenues, strengthen the state's financial position, maintain credit ratings, and boost spending power for beneficiaries—directly stimulating aggregate demand and economic growth. He highlighted that oil and gas revenues account for 68% to 85% of Oman's total public income, depending on global energy prices. While oil prices have stabilised at favorable levels in recent years, they remain volatile. Oman has effectively managed additional oil revenues by reducing public debt to safe GDP ratios, increasing investment and social spending, and subsidizing essential goods and services, he further noted. He affirmed that government policies and initiatives have successfully shifted Oman's fiscal and economic trajectory toward sustainability and stability. Public debt has sharply declined, credit ratings have consistently improved to investment-grade levels, and Oman's standing in global competitiveness indices has risen. The Tenth Five-Year Plan sustained GDP growth near target rates, while economic diversification policies attracted quality investments and drove non-oil sector growth beyond expectations, the minister said. He added: 'As the Tenth Plan nears completion, Oman has advanced significantly in economic diversification and fiscal sustainability. The (PIT) will further prioritise financial stability by diversifying revenue sources—a strategic necessity to ensure equitable wealth distribution, enhance public services, strengthen social protection systems, and mitigate risks from global energy market fluctuations and other economic variables.' He emphasised that accelerating "Oman Vision 2040" and its economic diversification strategy—transitioning to a knowledge- and technology-driven economy—requires sustainable funding for long-term planning. The Vision targets strategic investments in education, human capital, advanced infrastructure, innovation, and diversified sectors, alongside essential services and social protection. He pointed out that the 2025 budget allocates over OMR5 billion (39% to education, 24% to health, 28% to social protection) to these sectors, with the Social Protection Fund benefiting over 2 million people monthly as a key mechanism for household financial stability. As for the potential economic impacts, He noted that the tax study assessed effects on GDP and 18 economic sectors, concluding minimal impact (under 1%) due to high exemption and low tax rates. Foreign investment is expected to remain unaffected, as the tax applies to individuals—not corporate entities—and Oman's rates remain competitive globally, the minister concluded.


Times of Oman
an hour ago
- Times of Oman
UTAS-Al Mussanah Honours Graduates and On-the-Job Training Partners
Under the patronage of Dr. Munia Mohammed Al-Farsi, Deputy Assistant Vice-Chancellor for E-Systems and Student Services, the Training and Career Guidance Center at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences – Al Mussanah, represented by the Graduate Follow-up and On-the-Job Training Sections, hosted the Second Graduates Gathering and Recognition Ceremony for Partner Institutions involved in the On-the-Job Training Program for the 2024/2025 academic year. The event took place on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the university campus in Al Mussanah. During the ceremony, 20 institutions from the public and private sectors were honored for their contributions to the success of the OJT program and for providing students with real-world training opportunities. Special recognition was given to the Royal Navy of Oman, which accommodated over 100 student trainees across the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic years, making it one of the program's most active partners. The event also featured the Second Graduates Gathering, dedicated this year to university graduates currently employed at the Al Mussanah branch. The gathering fostered a warm and engaging environment filled with entertainment, and graduates -led activities that encouraged connection among attendees. In her remarks, Dr. Munia Al-Farsi praised the efforts of the partner institutions and emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with the labor market to enhance student capabilities and better align their professional readiness with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of commemorative plaques and certificates of appreciation to the honored institutions, reaffirming the university's commitment to deepening partnerships and evolving its training and employment programs in line with national aspirations.


Times of Oman
an hour ago
- Times of Oman
Meethaq's Shari'a Supervisory Board Approves Reports and Discusses Financing Transactions and Products
The Shari'a Supervisory Board (SSB) of Meethaq Islamic Banking from Bank Muscat held its second meeting for 2025 at the Bank's Head Office. The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mubarak Al Abri, Chairman of the Board, and attended by other Board members, as well as senior representatives from the Sharia'a supervisory and audit departments. During the meeting, the Board Approving the Sharia Audit Report for Q2, the semi-annual Charity Report, Sharia Risk Control Report, and the activities of the Sharia'a Control Department. The SSB discussed several key themes, including structured financing transactions and new products that Meethaq intends to launch during the coming period. It also endorsed the Shariah certificate for separation of Meethaq funds. The regular meetings of the Sharia'a Supervisory Board play a vital role in deliberating on topics pertaining to Islamic transactions, business contracts and practices. These discussions enable the Board to formulate the necessary recommendations and resolutions to ensure compliance with Sharia'a principles. The Board is composed of scholars and experts in Islamic jurisprudence and contemporary economics. They are responsible for reviewing and approving all products, services, activities, investments, and transactions before they are implemented, as well as auditing them post-execution with the assistance of the Internal Shari'a Audit Department to ensure compliance with Shari'a principles as outlined in the Board's rulings and fatwas. Since its inception in 2012, Meethaq Islamic Banking from Bank Muscat has played a pivotal role in transforming the Islamic banking landscape in the Sultanate. Meethaq has contributed to the sector's growth by offering top-quality banking services, products, and facilities that align with Islamic Shari'a principles and cater to the diverse needs of individuals, institutions, and SMEs. All services are provided under the supervision of the Shari'a Supervisory Board and in line with the regulatory framework issued by the Central Bank of Oman for Islamic banks. Through its journey spanning over 12 years, Meethaq has continued to strengthen its leadership in Oman's Islamic banking sector. It has expanded its network to 32 branches and 20 Hafawa centers dedicated to premium banking services across various governorates in the Sultanate. Meethaq also operates over 50 cash deposit and withdrawal machines, with customers benefiting from access to Bank Muscat's extensive ATM network of approximately 900 machines across the country. Affirming its leadership in the field, Meethaq has earned numerous regional and international awards over the past years, recognizing the quality of its banking services and financial solutions. These accolades include the "Best Investment Bank in Oman Award" from Islamic Finance News (IFN), "Best Digital Bank" and "Market Leadership" Awards from Global Finance, and "Best Islamic Window in Oman Award" as part of the Thimar Excellence Awards from The Arabian Stories. These recognitions underscore Meethaq's status as a leading institution in Islamic banking and its ongoing commitment to delivering Shari'a-compliant banking solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers.