Latest news with #RO
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
OQGN awards RO 105m gas pipeline contract
BUSINESS REPORTER MUSCAT, JUNE 18 OQ Gas Networks SAOG (OQGN), the owner and operator of Oman's gas transportation system, has announced the award of a contract worth RO 105 million for the implementation of the Second Loop Line Fahud-Suhar project – a key initiative to boost the country's gas supply network. In a filing to the Omani bourse on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, OQGN – part of OQ Group – said the contract, covering the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of the 193km 42-inch pipeline project, was awarded to the Petroleum Projects Company Petrojet and Partners LLC. Also as part of the project execution strategy, a related contract for the supply of 193 kilometers of line pipe was awarded to Jindal Saw Limited. The planned execution duration of the project is 24 months. 'The project aligns with the company's growth strategy and vision in leading the energy infrastructure,' OQGN added.
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
857-km final phase of Oman's longest dual carriageway begins
Oman has commenced the final construction phases of the dualisation of Sultan Said bin Taimour Road, a strategic highway that, once completed, will become the longest dual carriageway in the country. The road stretches from Oman's central desert to the southern Governorate of Dhofar and plays a vital role in enhancing national connectivity, economic integration and transport safety. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology confirmed the start of construction on the third, fourth and fifth phases of the project. These segments span approximately 400 km and are being developed at a cost of over RO 258 million ($670m). The construction period for the three phases is expected to be 36 months. According to Said bin Mohammed Tabook, Director-General of Roads and Land Transport in Dhofar Governorate, the three sections will significantly improve travel efficiency between the central and southern regions of the country. He explained that phase three extends from the Wilayat of Haima to the Wilayat of Muqshin and covers 132.5 km. Phase four begins in Muqshin and continues to the area of Dawkah, adding another 135 km. Phase five then links Dawkah to the Wilayat of Thumrait, also with a length of 132.5 km. These final phases are part of a broader national infrastructure initiative to upgrade the Sultan Said bin Taimour Road to a dual carriageway, eventually bringing its total length to approximately 857 kilometres. This makes it the longest dual road in the country, serving as a critical transport corridor for both passenger vehicles and commercial freight, particularly during the annual khareef season when Dhofar sees a significant influx of domestic and regional tourists. The project is being implemented by a consortium of companies that includes both Omani and Saudi partners. The road has been designed to withstand Oman's variable desert climate, ensuring accessibility throughout the year. Eng Tabook stated that the road is not merely an infrastructure upgrade but a national integration project. He noted that it would significantly boost economic development by supporting the movement of goods and people across the country. The highway is also expected to facilitate overland logistics from Salalah Port and energy zones in the south to the industrial and commercial centres of the interior and northern Oman. The upgraded road will also improve access to remote communities in the governorates of Al Wusta and Dhofar, contributing to broader goals of economic inclusion and sustainable development. With more efficient transport links, Oman's southern governorate is positioned to emerge as a logistics and energy hub connecting the Arabian Sea to Gulf markets and beyond.
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Al Sharqiyah North grape fest highlights agricultural growth
MUSCAT: The Grape Festival in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate officially opened on Monday at Al Fursan Hall in Al Rawdah village, the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi. Held under the auspices of Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the event was jointly organised by the ministry and the Office of the Governor. It brought together farmers, entrepreneurs, agricultural engineers, the Majlis Ash'shura representatives, shaikhs and dignitaries. In his address, Governor Mahmoud al Thuhli praised the festival as a testament to successful collaboration between government bodies and the local community. He noted that since the inaugural event in 2023, grape cultivation in the governorate had expanded from 8 to 27 acres— a remarkable 238 per cent increase. The 2024 edition builds on this momentum with a model grape farm project aiming to cultivate an additional 100 acres, raising the total to 127 acres. Estimated production is set at 635 tonnes, with economic returns expected to surpass RO 1 million. Six high-quality international grape varieties — renowned for storability and transportability — have been introduced to enhance global market competitiveness. The festival aligns with 'Oman Vision 2040', promoting food security, supporting the agricultural sector, and fostering SME growth. It also aims to raise awareness about grape farming, encourage investment and create job opportunities through contract farming and agricultural associations. Dr Saud al Habsi, in his opening speech, underscored the festival's role in empowering farmers and advancing local agricultural production. The first day featured a documentary on grape farming in Oman and a presentation by Dr Rashid al Yahyai of Sultan Qaboos University, emphasising the role of biotechnology and farmer-academic collaboration in sectoral growth. On June 17, the festival continues with workshops and papers from agricultural bodies and banks. A special session will train women in grape-based food processing. Last year's festival saw the sale of over 10,000 kg of grapes and 4,000 seedlings. This year, projections surpass 15,000 kg, showcasing more than 50 grape varieties, including Flame Seedless, Crimson Seedless, Autumn Royal, Princess, Red Globe and Summer Royal — suitable for fresh consumption, juice and raisins. Participating institutions include Oman Agriculture Development Company, Oman Development Bank and Bank Dhofar, offering financial and marketing support alongside live grape-juicing demos. Now an annual highlight, the festival strengthens collaboration between the government, private sector and community, helping to build a robust, sustainable agricultural ecosystem that enhances local economic growth and national food security.
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Major agro logistics hub coming up in Najd area
MUSCAT, JUNE 16 Oman Agriculture Development Company (OADC) – newly rebranded from the wholly state-owned Nakheel Oman Development Company – has announced the commencement of construction work on a major agro logistics hub at Najd in Dhofar Governorate. Formally known as the Integrated Center for the Collection, Sorting, and Marketing of Agricultural Products in the Najd area of Dhofar Governorate, the 50,000-tonnes-per-annum capacity facility will serve as a one-stop aggregation centre for the Najd Agricultural Zone, the largest of its kind in the Sultanate. Construction of the new Najd agro logistics hub at Saih al Khairat is being undertaken in collaboration with the Najd Agricultural Development Office at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, according to OADC. 'The project seeks to strengthen collaboration with the agricultural community in Najd by enhancing the region's agricultural logistics infrastructure. This includes produce collection from local farmers, cold storage, sorting, packaging, and processing — all aimed at improving product quality, minimizing waste, and expanding market access for Najd's agricultural output, both locally and regionally,' OADC – a subsidiary of Oman Food Investment Holding Company (Nitaj) – said in a post. 'Scheduled for completion by the end of the second quarter of 2026, the project represents a strategic step forward in building a more efficient and sustainable agricultural sector,' the company further added. Covering a farming area of over 54,000 acres, the Najd zone – with its abundance of groundwater resources, nutrient-rich soil, and favourable climate and environmental conditions – is tipped to evolve into Oman's leading 'breadbasket', with the potential to reduce the country's dependency on basic food imports and move toward self-sufficiency. The zone is witnessing the largest inflow of investments across all facets of the agricultural and livestock value chain, with the government earmarking land plots for, among other activities, crop cultivation, livestock farming, fruit and vegetable production, and greenhouses, alongside processing and value-added industries. According to the Ministry, the value of agricultural and farm assets in Najd totaled around RO 190 million at the end of 2024, with assets worth a further RO 50.5 million under development. Revenues from agriculture and farm output amounted to approximately RO 66 million during the 2023/2024 season, with the livestock sector contributing about RO 40 million. Agricultural production has also grown significantly: date production surged to 1,880 tonnes in 2024, up from 502 tonnes in 2022; wheat output soared by 600 per cent to 10,510 tonnes, up from 1,500 tonnes in 2022. Recognising the zone's potential to contribute to food security and economic diversification, a new Agricultural City is currently in the master-planning phase. The masterplan envisions investments in agri-processing industries, agricultural education, and even agri-tourism. It also aims to build capacity within Oman's agriculture sector through the use of cutting-edge technologies such as vertical farming, hydroponics, and aquaponics, supported by AI-driven solutions. The masterplan further prioritises sustainable water management and the integration of land dedicated to various agriculture-based activities such as post-harvest processing, education, and rural tourism. Significantly, the Najd complex is the latest in a series of agro logistics hubs either operational or under development across the country. The largest by far is the Khazaen Central Fruits & Vegetables Market (Silal), serving as a national node for fresh produce logistics covering Muscat, and North and South Al Batinah. Another hub, albeit smaller, is currently in operation in Nizwa.
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
RO 4.5 million in development projects in Al Batinah South
AL RUSTAQ: Al Batinah South Governorate is pressing ahead with a series of infrastructure and development projects worth RO 4.5 million, aimed at stimulating investment, trade and tourism across its wilayats. The projects are being overseen by the Governor's Office through its Development Committee, which plays a key role in advancing the governorate's strategic growth agenda. According to Saud bin Said al Maawali, Deputy Chairman of the Municipal Council and Head of the Development Committee, the projects reflect broader efforts to strengthen the local economy, support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), generate employment for youth and enhance infrastructure and tourism offerings. Al Maawali said the projects are aligned with Oman's decentralisation policy and form part of the national economic transformation strategy under the Tenth Five-Year Plan and Oman Vision 2040. 'We are focusing on initiatives that not only enhance public services and amenities but also promote economic vibrancy and community well-being,' he added. Among the major undertakings is the Barka Waterfront Development Project in Al Muraisi, which stretches over two kilometres and is designed to become a major recreational and tourism hub. With an investment of RO 1.9 million and 55% of construction completed, the project will feature sports and entertainment facilities, support services for tourists and designated investment zones aimed at creating jobs for locals. In Al Musannah, a similar waterfront development is underway in Al Awaid at a cost of RO 1.7 million. Currently 35% complete, the project spans two kilometres and includes plans for restaurants, commercial outlets, children's play areas and sports facilities to enhance the area's appeal for residents and visitors alike. Other key initiatives include the Wadi Al Maawil Commercial Market, which is nearly complete with a 95% construction rate. Covering 16,000 square metres and comprising 27 shops, the RO 319,000 project is expected to become a focal point for commerce and tourism in the wilayat. Meanwhile, the Al Awabi Commercial Market, built over 1,200 square metres with an investment of RO 200,000, has reached 70% completion. The project will house 16 shops and is part of ongoing efforts to revitalise economic and social activity in Al Awabi. Another significant development is the upgrade of Nakhal Public Park, which is 70% complete at a cost of RO 452,000. Enhancements include new recreational facilities and improved infrastructure to transform the park into a major family and tourism destination. The project also includes three dedicated spaces for SMEs and local family businesses, offering fresh investment opportunities in Nakhal and surrounding areas.— ONA
