Oman's waste recycling sector expands to 83 firms
MUSCAT: As many as 83 companies are currently engaged in waste recycling activities, underscoring the significant growth of the circular economy in Oman over the last several years, according to Dr Abdullah al Amri, Chairman – Environment Authority.
Taking part in a panel discussion on Day 1 of the Advantage Oman Forum, he said the proliferation of commercially-driven recycling activities is a testament to the enactment of effective policies and regulations that have fostered the growth of this sector.
'Four years ago, new policies were introduced to encourage internal recycling within the Sultanate. Some facilities were also made available to investors. In the past four years, we have seen the successful establishment of 83 recycling plants, focusing on various materials including iron scrap, aluminum scrap, plastic, car parts, cardboard, paper, tyres, and others,' Dr Al Amri stated.
Fuelled by the growth of this sector, around 43 per cent of municipal solid waste is now being recycled, according to the official. 'So we are on the right track! We expect to reach 60 per cent by 2030 and more than 90 per cent by 2040.'
Sharing his thoughts on the growth of the country's circular economy, fellow panelist Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, said the Oil & Gas sector is also getting its act together and dealing with oilfield waste in an environmentally responsible manner. Scrap steel and waste oil, for example, are now being recycled and processed in a sustainably approved way.
'With support from the Environment Authority and the Ministry of Commerce, we are now collecting all of that waste for reprocessing within the country, thereby supporting not only environmentally friendly processes, but also creating opportunities for new industry, new jobs, and so on,' he said.
From the standpoint of decarbonisation, the Oil & Gas industry is also actively working to start collecting carbon emissions, notably from hard-to-abate industries, for sequestering in suitable locations. So CO2 capture and CO2 sequestration are now part of the circular economy,' Al Aufi added.
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
4 days ago
- Zawya
Oman: Dialogue highlights SMEs role in boosting the economy
MUSCAT: In a move to strengthen collaboration and integration with key stakeholders, the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) held its 15th dialogue session focused on enhancing opportunities for SMEs in the retail, construction and manufacturing sectors. The session, attended by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, brought together SMEs owners and stakeholders from across these sectors. It aligns with ASMED's ongoing efforts to improve the business environment and make it more conducive and attractive to SMEs. The discussion aimed to amplify SMEs contributions by encouraging innovation, improving operational efficiency, fostering public-private partnerships and promoting awareness about SMEs as a vital pillar of the national economy. The minister noted, 'Omani companies should not only focus on the local market. We encourage expansion beyond Oman. The ministry supports entrepreneurs through structured, evidence-based decision-making. Moreover, the Ministry of Labour's mandate to employ Omanis excludes those holding entrepreneurship cards.' Key topics addressed included policies, legislation, licensing and support mechanisms that help SMEs develop creative solutions and form strategic partnerships. The session also opened the floor for questions, enabling business owners to share challenges and suggest viable solutions. Oman is working towards a robust industrial future in line with national aspirations. In the past five years, significant milestones have been achieved in the industrial sector. The government is now focused on enhancing the competitiveness of national products, both locally and internationally. Emphasising the importance of local content, the dialogue reinforced its role in developing economic infrastructure and improving the business ecosystem. This drives productivity, boosts sector efficiency and fosters innovation, contributing to long-term economic and financial stability while promoting balanced and sustainable growth. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
4 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. (
Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
$74.17bln invested to operate over 1,000 factories in Qatar: MoCI
Doha: Saleh Majed Al Khulaifi, who serves as Assistant Undersecretary for Industry and Business Development at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, stated that Qatar's industrial sector is growing rapidly, with 1,004 operating factories in the country by the end of last year and a cumulative investment of QR270 billion. He made this statement during a ceremony organized by the Ministry to honor entities that contributed to the success of several national initiatives, including National Product Week, the Opportunities initiative, the Ramadan discounted consumer goods list, and the initiative supporting red meat during Ramadan and Eid Al Adha. Attending the event was Assistant Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs Hassan Sultan Al Ghanem, alongside representatives from participating entities and companies. Al Khulaifi highlighted that these initiatives aim to empower the private sector and enhance its role as a key partner in achieving economic growth and diversification. He emphasized that the 1,000 Opportunities initiative, launched in collaboration with Qatar Development Bank in 2022, was part of the Ministry's digital tools on the Single Window platform. The initiative helps local investors access existing and future investment opportunities and encourages broader participation in the industrial sector. He also noted that the Manufacturing Strategy (2024-2030) targets increasing the value added by manufacturing industries to over QR70.5 billion, boosting non-hydrocarbon exports to around QR49 billion, and growing industrial investments to more than QR326 billion by 2030. It also aims to diversify manufacturing by 50% and accelerate the shift toward smart, knowledge-based industries. Meanwhile, Al Ghanem praised the success of the Ramadan discounted consumer goods list for 1446 AH, calling it a model of successful public-private cooperation to ease the economic burden on citizens and residents and help balance the local market. He said that around 18 retail outlets participated in the initiative, which resulted in total savings for consumers of QR5,317,311 out of QR52,712,765 in total sales, a 10% price reduction overall. Consumer spending on goods during Ramadan reached QR47,395,454, reflecting strong demand for discounted products. He noted that 2025 recorded the highest sales volume since the initiative began, signaling increased consumer awareness of the importance of such national programs. Commenting on the program's success, he said that protecting the consumer was not the responsibility of a single party, but a shared duty that requires the combined efforts of all relevant stakeholders. He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to creating a fair and secure consumer environment and enhancing transparency in commercial dealings. Director of the National Product Competitiveness Support Department at the Ministry Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Buhashim Al Sayed, expressed pride in the achievements of National Product Week, describing it as a prominent annual event that showcases the quality of Qatari products and boosts their visibility in the local market. He added that the latest edition saw a significant increase in footfall and recorded a 75% surge in sales at some retail outlets, reflecting growing consumer trust in Qatari products and heightened awareness of the importance of supporting national industries. He also announced the launch of a dedicated webpage for Qatari products on the Ministry's official website, allowing factories to apply for the Qatari Product label and to report unfair trade practices and industrial obstacles, supporting the principle of fair competition. Reviewing industrial growth indicators, Dr. Al Sayed revealed that the number of national products had risen to 1,815, a testament to the effectiveness of the Ministry's industrial policies in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. The ceremony included a video presentation showcasing key national initiatives launched by the Ministry during the year and their developmental and economic objectives. The event concluded with an awards presentation honoring participating entities and companies for their significant contributions to economic development and community partnership. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
