Latest news with #RoyalDecree
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- General
- Filipino Times
Saudi Arabia registers over 700 new archaeological sites
Saudi Arabia has officially registered 744 new archaeological sites, the Heritage Commission confirmed. This brings the total number of documented sites in the National Antiquities Register to 10,061 across the Kingdom. According to the Saudi Press Agency, these newly registered sites are spread across multiple regions, led by Riyadh with 253 sites, followed by Madinah with 167, Najran with 86, Tabuk with 72, Aseer with 64, Qassim with 30, Jazan with 23, Makkah with 11, the Eastern Region with 13, Hail with 13, Al-Jouf with 10, and the Northern Borders with 2 sites. This large-scale registration aligns with the Antiquities, Museums, and Urban Heritage Law, established through a Royal Decree, which authorizes the commission's CEO to officially list sites of heritage value. By expanding the register, the commission strengthens efforts to protect, manage, and preserve sites that reflect Saudi Arabia's diverse cultural and historical identity. Authorities stressed that safeguarding heritage is a shared responsibility and called on residents and citizens to report any sites not yet documented through the Balagh platform, the commission's official social media channels, or by contacting the Unified Security Operations Center at 911.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Freehold ownership to drive SEZ investment
MUSCAT - The opportunity for foreigners to own residential property on a freehold basis in Oman's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Free Zones is expected to significantly enhance the investment appeal of the Sultanate's expanding portfolio of industrial and economic hubs. This provision is a key feature of the Law of Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, promulgated under Royal Decree 38/2025 on April 7, 2025, and effective from April 14, 2025. Article 42 of the law, titled Land Allocation and Freehold Sale of Units, states: 'A real estate developer may sell the units of these projects to non-Omanis—whether they are natural or legal persons—as freehold, in the manner specified by the regulation.' An explanatory note published by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) clarifies that land for real estate development projects within SEZs is allocated through usufruct rights. However, under the new law, developers may sell residential units within these projects to non-Omanis on a freehold basis. 'It permits real estate developers to sell project units to non-Omanis under the freehold system, a legal framework that allows buyers to fully and permanently own property without restrictions on the ownership period. In other words, individuals possess absolute ownership of the property and may dispose of it in accordance with the regulations set forth by the Authority,' OPAZ stated. 'This type of ownership presents an attractive option for investors and buyers seeking long-term stability and permanent property ownership,' the Authority emphasized. Until now, freehold property ownership for foreigners was limited to Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs)—zones designated by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. As of mid-2023, around 19 ITCs were operational or under development across Oman, offering thousands of residential units for foreign investment. In March 2025, the Ministry announced that 13 additional ITCs are under development, with a further 12 in the pipeline, as part of efforts to strengthen investment in Oman's growing tourism sector. With the extension of freehold ownership rights to SEZs and Free Zones, Oman is poised for a surge in foreign investment in residential real estate, particularly in high-growth industrial and logistics hubs. OPAZ currently manages an extensive portfolio of 23 investment zones, comprising SEZs, free zones, industrial cities, economic cities, an airport free zone, and a dedicated IT park. Several more developments are in early planning or construction stages, aligning with Oman's national drive for economic diversification, industrial resilience, job creation, and foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction. As of end-2024, the total volume of investments in OPAZ-managed assets rose by 10% to approximately RO 21 billion. The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) accounted for RO 6.3 billion, while free zones collectively attracted RO 6.6 billion. Meanwhile, industrial cities saw cumulative investments reaching RO 7.6 billion. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
CairoScene
2 days ago
- General
- CairoScene
744 New Archaeological Sites Registered by Saudi Heritage Commission
Saudi's Heritage Commission has registered 744 new archaeological sites—now 10,061 total—across 13 regions, highlighting efforts to document and preserve the Kingdom's heritage. The Heritage Commission announced the registration of 744 new archaeological sites in the National Antiquities Register, increasing the national total to 10,061. The newly added sites are found in several regions across Saudi Arabia, namely: Riyadh (253), Madinah (167), Najran (86), Tabuk (72), Asir (64), Qassim (30), Jazan (23), Makkah (11), Eastern Province (13), Hail (13), Al-Jouf (10), Northern Borders (2), and the Najran region. These registrations follow the Antiquities, Museums, and Urban Heritage Law (Royal Decree 9/1/1436 AH) and the Heritage Commission's board resolution allowing site registration by its CEO. The move reinforces legal protections and ensures documentation of sites with historical and cultural significance. The Commission stressed the importance of community involvement, urging citizens and residents to report unregistered locations via the Balagh platform, social media, or through emergency contact at 911.
Gulf Insider
07-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Sultan Of Oman Ratifies Visa Waiver Agreement With Russia
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman has issued Royal Decree No. 53 of 2025, ratifying the Oman-Russia visa waiver agreement, which was originally signed in Moscow on April 22, 2025 between the Sultanate of Oman and the government of the Russian Federation. The decree confirms Oman's formal approval of the agreement, which will come into effect once both countries complete the required legal and technical procedures. The visa waiver is set to ease travel between the two nations by allowing holders of ordinary passports from Oman and Russia to enter each other's countries without the need for a visa. This development not only simplifies travel procedures but also opens broader horizons for bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as economy, tourism, education, and investment. The agreement underscores the Sultanate of Oman's position as a nation open to the world, committed to building balanced strategic partnerships and fostering meaningful international engagement. The official start date of the visa-free travel arrangement will be announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman once all procedural requirements are finalised. Until the agreement officially takes effect, Omani citizens planning to travel to Russia must continue to obtain entry visas in accordance with current procedures.
Times of Oman
04-06-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Oman-Russia visa waiver agreement ratified by Royal Decree
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik today issued two Royal decrees reading as follows: Royal decree No. 53/2025 ratifies an agreement between the government of the Sultanate of Oman and the government of the Russian Federation on mutual waiving of visas, signed in Moscow on 22 April 2025. Article (1) ratifies the aforementioned agreement in accordance with the version attached to this decree. Article (2) says that this Royal decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced from its date of issue. Royal Decree No. 52/2025 cancels "Oman Centre for Governance and Sustainability". Article (1) states that "Oman Centre for Governance and Sustainability" shall be cancelled. Article (2) stipulates that the allocations, origins, rights, obligations and assets of "Oman Centre for Governance and Sustainability" shall be transferred to the Financial Services Authority. Article (3) states that employees of "Oman Centre for Governance and Sustainability" shall be transferred to the Financial Services Authority, along with their respective financial grades. Article (4) cancels all that contradicts this decree or contravenes its provisions.
