Oman: Strategic pacts to strengthen port infrastructure and expand services
Muscat: Asyad Group, global integrated logistics provider, reaffirmed its pivotal role in shaping the Sultanate of Oman's logistics future through its active participation in the Logistics Day 2025 organized by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology. The Group continues to deliver on its mandate to enhance Oman's global competitiveness, leveraging its integrated solutions, sustainable initiatives, and strategic partnerships to create a resilient, investor-friendly logistics ecosystem aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
During the event, Asyad presented a paper titled 'Asyad's Role in Empowering Oman's Logistics Sector: Growth, Resilience, and Opportunities, ' highlighting the pillars of its comprehensive strategy to develop a globally connected logistics network, expand its footprint across international markets, empower local private-sector players, and unlock opportunities for Omani talent. The presentation also shed light on the Group's 2024 milestones: a pivotal year marked by its first international acquisition. This move expanded Asyad's operational presence to over 90 locations worldwide and underscored its sustained financial and operational growth driven by innovation and excellence.
Further supporting port development and value-added services, Asyad Ports and Freezones signed an agreement with O Bunkering Company to deliver bunker fuel services at Sultan Qaboos Port, enhancing Oman's maritime readiness and attracting new commercial activities.
Reinforcing its commitment to growth and innovation, SOHAR Port and Freezone signed three major agreements to support the development of its LNG terminal. The port partnered with WSP Middle East – Oman for engineering consultancy and project management services, Boskalis for dredging 3.8 million cubic meters of marine material, and Six Construct for constructing the LNG jetty and coastal protection infrastructure.
SOHAR Port and Freezone also earned national recognition at the Ministry's Logistics Best Practices Awards. The 'Marasi' Port Management System won first place in the Continuous Improvement and Innovation category after achieving 90% digitalization in maritime operations and reducing paperwork by 85% through smart operating tools. The port also secured second place in the Net Zero category for pioneering the use of biodiesel produced from recycled cooking oil, in marine tugboats, a first for any port in the Middle East.
Demonstrating its commitment to enhancing urban mobility integration, Mwasalat signed two strategic agreements. These included a first-and-last-mile service development initiative connecting micro-mobility to public transport in select higher education institutions Muscat and Salalah in partnership with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences; and an agreement to develop an integrated public transport station in North Al Batinah in coordination with the Office of the Governor of North Al Batinah. These efforts aim to boost urban mobility efficiency and contribute to broader sustainability objectives.
2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Zawya
Oman to introduce 5% income tax on high earners from 2028
Muscat – Oman will implement a 5% income tax on individuals with annual earnings exceeding RO42,000 starting January 2028, marking a milestone in the sultanate's fiscal reform agenda and the first such measure in the GCC. The new tax regime, outlined in a law comprising 76 articles across 16 chapters, aims to broaden revenue streams while ensuring that most citizens remain unaffected. Karima bint Mubarak al Saadiya, Director of the Individual Income Tax Project at the Tax Authority, said that all preparations for the rollout have been completed. She confirmed that executive regulations will be issued within a year of the law's publication in the Official Gazette. 'Guidelines for individuals and legal entities are being prepared and will be released in line with an approved timeline,' she added. According to the Tax Authority, only about 1% of the population is expected to fall within the taxable bracket, based on income data gathered from multiple government entities. The exemption threshold has been set deliberately to shield the majority of citizens from taxation. The measure is part of Oman's wider plan to strengthen public finances and reduce reliance on oil revenue, aligning with broader economic diversification goals under Oman Vision 2040. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Al Etihad
6 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Sultan of Oman issues Royal Decree on Personal Income Tax Law
22 June 2025 19:13 MUSCAT (ALETIHAD)His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Sunday issued Royal Decree No. (56/2025) promulgating the Personal Income Tax Law, after the same was presented before the Council of (1) states that the 'Personal Income Tax Law', attached to this decree, shall be (2) stipulates that the Chairman of the Tax Authority shall issue the Executive Regulation of the law attached to this decree within one year of the date of publication of the same in the Official Gazette. The Chairman of the Tax Authority shall also issue the decisions necessary for the implementation of the Law's provisions. Article (3) cancels the clause (1) of the article (18-bis) of the Income Tax Law issued by Royal Decree No. (28/2009). It also cancels all that contradicts the attached law or contravenes its provisions. Article (4) says that this decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced from January 1, 2028. Know the law The Personal Income Tax Law consists of 76 articles distributed across 16 chapters. The law will impose a 5% tax on the taxable income of natural persons whose gross annual income exceeds 42,000 Omani Rial, derived from specific income types as defined by the law. The law will come into effect at the beginning of Tax Authority said that the Personal Income Tax Law complements the tax system in line with Oman's economic and social conditions and aligns with the role assigned to the Tax also contributes to the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 by diversifying income sources and reducing reliance on oil revenues, with targets of 15% of GDP by 2030 and 18% by 2040. Additionally, the tax aims to promote wealth redistribution among societal segments, enhancing social justice, while supporting the state budget and specifically financing part of the social protection Authority also affirms that the implementation of the personal income tax follows an in-depth study assessing its economic and social impact, based on income data from various government entities. The study established a carefully considered exemption threshold, revealing that approximately 99% of Oman's population will not be subject to this the exemption threshold is set high at 42,000 Omani Rial, and the tax rate is low at 5%. The law also includes deductions and exemptions accounting for social considerations in the Sultanate of Oman, such as education, healthcare, inheritance, zakat, donations, primary housing, and other Mubarak Al Saadi, Director of the Personal Income Tax Project, confirmed that all necessary preparations and requirements for implementing the tax have been completed. The executive regulations of the law will be issued within one year of its publication in the Official told Oman News Agency (ONA) that an electronic system has been developed by the Tax Authority to promote voluntary compliance and has been linked with the departments concerned to ensure accurate income calculation and verification of tax declarations. The Tax Authority has also strengthened its workforce through specialized training programs in line with the tax implementation requirements. Additionally, guidance manuals for natural and legal persons will be published according to a predetermined schedule.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Zawya
New projects expand ecotourism in Oman's nature reserves
Muscat – Oman is stepping up its efforts to develop ecotourism as part of a wider push to balance environmental protection with economic growth and job creation. The sultanate is investing in its 31 nature reserves, which cover nearly 15,000sqkm – about 17% of its land area and 10% of its marine territory. Authorities say these protected areas are central to supporting biodiversity, attracting tourists, and encouraging research on ecosystems and natural processes. The Environment Authority (EA), in partnership with other agencies and civil society, is implementing management plans to conserve habitats while opening up investment opportunities. New investment in ecotourism is expected to strengthen local economies, create jobs in nearby communities, and contribute to a sustainable green economy in line with Oman Vision 2040. Royal decrees continue to protect endangered species and preserve the geological and ecological diversity of the reserves. Strict environmental rules have been set to ensure that conservation remains a priority even as tourism and related projects expand. In recent moves, the Environment Authority signed nine investment contracts worth more than RO44mn for projects in seven reserves. These include the development and management of sites such as Ras al Shajar, turtle, oryx, and wetland reserves, parts of Jabal Samhan and Khor al Mughsail, as well as an eco-resort and star park in Al Hajar al Gharbi Starlight Reserve. Private sector partners are helping to build eco-friendly lodges, camps, visitor centres, trails, and facilities that meet advanced environmental standards. These projects cover sites in Muscat, South Sharqiyah, Al Wusta, Dakhliyah and Dhofar. The new developments aim to provide authentic nature-based experiences, combining conservation with cultural and educational value. Plans include turtle ponds, eco-safaris and adventure tourism in protected settings. Officials emphasise that local communities are closely involved in the planning, running and maintenance of these projects, ensuring direct employment and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises. The expansion of ecotourism, anchored in strong community participation and sustainable practices, is expected to strengthen Oman's position as a leading destination for responsible tourism in the region. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
