Latest news with #SayyidSaudbinHilalalBusaidi
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Community partnership initiative ‘All of Oman' wraps up in Muscat
Muscat – Muscat governorate on Sunday hosted the final stop of the 'All of Oman' initiative, a national programme designed to strengthen community partnership and advance integrated development across the sultanate. The concluding event, held under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, will run for three days at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. 'All of Oman' is a series of public engagement events aimed at involving citizens in shaping the country's long-term vision, Oman Vision 2040. Through meetings, field visits and interactive workshops, the initiative seeks to unify local efforts with national development goals. In his opening remarks, Busaidi said the initiative helps translate the vision's strategies into tangible results. 'It strengthens local development by tapping in-to each governorate's geographic and economic strengths. We give priority to projects that address actual community needs,' he said, adding that the effort aims to raise institutional performance, improve public services and boost community satisfaction. Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Head of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, said the initiative reflects genuine community engagement. 'It empowers governorates and promotes decentralisation and sustainability of cities,' he said, noting that workshops helped build government staff capacity and encouraged the exchange of ideas. He also stressed the importance of youth participation in planning the country's future. Fatima bint Khamis al Fazarieh, Head of Planning and Project Management at Muscat governorate, presented an annual development plan, which focuses on investment, renewable energy, market regulation, digital transformation, tourism and community satisfaction. Abdullah bin Nasser al Saidi, General Supervisor of Oman Vision 2040 Communication Programme, outlined the unit's role in coordinating with governorates and aligning with national priorities. Specialised workshops during the event covered governance, development strategies, change management and target-setting, aimed at strengthening planning and project management skills. A key feature of the closing event was an interactive youth meeting, bringing together representatives from academic and youth institutions in Muscat. Participants learnt about recent progress under Vision 2040 and heard success stories, reinforcing the goal of encouraging young Omanis to help shape future projects.
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- General
- Muscat Daily
Oman's first volunteering platform to strengthen social responsibility
Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), in partnership with Al Hosni Group International, has launched Oman's first national volunteering platform 'Ayadi' to bring together volunteer teams, associations, institutions, and individuals under one system. The platform has been created to make it easier to access opportunities in fields such as health, education, environment, relief and development. It aims to unify efforts and build an accurate record of volunteer contributions, fostering a culture of giving and teamwork, officials said. The launch event took place on Wednesday under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, and was attended by ministers, dignitaries and representatives from government, private institutions and civil society organisations. Ayadi is intended to promote and organise volunteer work in line with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises social welfare and the creation of an environment that encourages community participation and social responsibility. The platform aims to strengthen the culture of volunteerism and manage it efficiently through a supportive digital system. It will provide a unified database of volunteers and volunteering activities across the sultanate, and help generate diverse opportunities for community engagement and social cohesion. During the launch, three initiatives were introduced on Ayadi – one of which is 'Our Sea, Our Responsibility' announced by Sohar Port and Freezone. This programme aims to increase environmental awareness and protect coastal areas through beach clean-ups in Majis and Suhar, involving around 200 volunteers. The Omani Society for Design presented its national initiative 'Oman Design Week', to engage youth in organising an annual event for the promotion of design and reinforcement of cultural identity through ten participating volunteers. Salalah Volunteer Team introduced Sawaed al Khair (Hands of Goodness), targeting remote mountain areas in Dhofar to open trails and clean water streams and springs, with around 30 volunteers involved. Ayadi was developed with input from the community through an online engagement phase to ensure it meets public expectations for a technology-based volunteering environment. The platform's mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, allows volunteers to register, create profiles, join opportunities, access training programmes and receive certificates. Organisations can propose initiatives, manage volunteers, track hours, and generate reports on their projects. Officials hope Ayadi will encourage greater participation in volunteer work and strengthen community responsibility across Oman.
Muscat Daily
28-05-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Oman national strategy to tackle hazardous chemicals unveiled
Muscat – A national strategy was launched on Wednesday to ensure safe and integrated management of hazardous chemicals, marking a significant step towards achieving sustainable development goals under Oman Vision 2040. The strategy was unveiled at an international workshop – Safe Management of Hazardous Chemicals – held in Muscat organised by Environment Authority (EA) in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme and Global Environment Facility. The two-day event was inaugurated by Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat. 'The national strategy aims to promote the sound management of chemicals at all stages by effectively utilising global practices, the results of studies and research, and supporting the efforts of the international community to control the circulation of chemicals,' said Mohammed bin Majid al Kasbi, Director of Chemicals and Waste Management Department at EA. He said the strategy is designed to balance economic growth, social welfare and environmental protection – the three pillars of sustainable development. The strategy outlines a framework for managing chemicals throughout their lifecycle, from production and handling to transport, storage, processing and disposal. It also addresses environmental and health risks associated with pollution and emissions to protect both people and ecosystems. Beyond regulation, the strategy focuses on building national capacity, enhancing emergency preparedness and strengthening international cooperation. It calls for a unified chemical management system backed by clear policies, legal instruments and enforcement mechanisms. The workshop has brought together experts from various sectors to explore chemical safety as a core component of environmental sustainability. A total of 18 working papers will be presented, covering areas such as mercury management, hazardous waste treatment technologies, the link between plastics and persistent organic pollutants, and the role of customs in monitoring chemical imports. Participants will also review emergency response protocols and the environmental impact of mercury use in agriculture. Dr Mohammed bin Saif al Kalbani, Director General of Environmental Affairs at EA, said the event aligns with ongoing efforts to foster collaboration among public and private sectors and international partners. 'This workshop complements the efforts of the authority in promoting and developing the sound management of hazardous chemicals through the exchange of expertise between relevant entities in the public and private sectors, as well as the international community, to preserve human health and the environment,' Kalbani said. He added that the sultanate has launched the Comprehensive Initial Assessment Report on Mercury and its Compounds in Oman after joining the Minamata Convention, a global agreement to reduce mercury pollution. The report tracks mercury across its lifecycle and helps the country meet international obligations.
Muscat Daily
07-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
Muscat reviews heritage conservation, urban integration
Muscat – Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday with H E Eng Ibrahim bin Said al Kharousi, Undersecretary for Heritage Affairs in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, to advance heritage conservation efforts in the Muscat governorate. The meeting, attended by senior officials, focused on strengthening cooperation to preserve Oman's cultural and historical legacy, promote tourism, and integrate heritage conservation into urban development plans. Officials reviewed the latest data on archaeological sites and monuments across Oman, which currently has 3,025 registered monuments. In Muscat, Quriyat leads with 80 monuments and 287 archaeological sites, followed by Bausher with 37 monuments and 62 sites, Muttrah with 46 monuments and 23 sites, Seeb with 23 monuments and 31 sites, and Amerat with 20 monuments and 26 sites. The Directorate General of Antiquities provided updates on ongoing restoration efforts for key landmarks in Muscat and outlined priority heritage conservation projects aimed at safeguarding Oman's cultural heritage as a cornerstone of national identity. Innovative projects to revive traditional Omani crafts, including sarooj (lime mortar), green cotton, and leather production, were also highlighted, along with awareness campaigns to promote craft heritage. The Directorate General of Museums presented updates on geological heritage initiatives, including geological parks, meteorite restoration, and a proposal to relocate the Natural History Museum to the Oman Botanic Garden. The meeting concluded with a review of the work of the Historic Landmarks Linkage Committee, which focuses on integrating historical sites into the urban fabric of Muscat and Muttrah, reflecting the governorate's commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage.
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman logistics sector gets $259mln push
Muscat – Eighteen investment agreements worth over RO100mn were signed on Wednesday as part of efforts to expand Oman's logistics sector and position the sultanate as a regional trade hub. The deals were announced during Logistics Day 2025 celebrations held under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, and attended by H E Saeed bin Hamood al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. Organised by Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the event focused on the theme 'Logistics Technologies and Investment' highlighting the growing role of advanced technologies in improving sectoral efficiency and competitiveness. Agreements signed span ports, airports, transportation and warehousing, with several projects integrating smart technology. Among the key agreements were deals with Sohar Port for LNG infrastructure, with Oman Airports to set up a gold refinery and drone research academy, and with Oman SATS to provide discounts on logistics services worth up to 50% until December 31, 2025 supporting export and re-export of perishables. On the occasion, Abdullah bin Ali al Busaidi, Acting Head of Oman Logistics Centre, said, 'We aim for the logistics sector to become the second-largest contributor to Oman's GDP.' In 2024, the logistics sector generated RO2.25bn, accounting for 5.9% of Oman's GDP. The target is to increase its contribution to RO36bn by 2040 under the Logistics Sector Strategy 2040, which focuses on market development, trade facilitation, operational efficiency, Omanisation and logistics technologies. A major announcement during the event was the signing of a framework agreement for the National Port Community System, aimed at digitalising logistics operations, linking stakeholder platforms, and improving transparency and efficiency at ports and border checkpoints. An initiative to promote e-bicycles and shared mobility was launched to improve first- and last-mile connectivity to Muscat and Salalah university campuses. Other investments include LNG berth construction, dredging and supervision at Sohar Port, and development of a drone R&D centre, tech hub and customs warehouse at Muscat airport. Oman Airports signed a 12-year deal with Zahara Airport Services to manage the Muscat airport hotel. Al Madina Logistics will expand Sohar Logistics Station and create a dedicated transport fleet for the energy sector. A new integrated bus station will be developed in Liwa in partnership with Mwasalat and the Governorate of North Batinah. Darb Investment will launch a national freight management platform to streamline trucking and last-mile delivery, while Asyad Ports, in collaboration with O Bunkering, will introduce ship-fuelling at Port Sultan Qaboos. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
