Latest news with #SultanateofOman
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Social development ministry launches ‘Ayadi' volunteer work platform
Muscat: The Ministry of Social Development yesterday launched the 'Ayadi' or Hands platform for volunteer work, aimed at promoting a culture of volunteering and managing it with high professionalism and efficiency by providing a supportive digital environment. The platform will establish a unified database and statistics on volunteer work and volunteers in the Sultanate of Oman. The event was held under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat. 'Ayadi' is the first digital platform dedicated to enhancing and organizing the values of volunteer work in Oman. It aligns with the 'Oman 2040' vision under the priority of well-being and social protection, which focuses on creating an enabling environment for social responsibility programs and voluntary contributions. The platform will provide diverse volunteer opportunities that promote positive participation, a sense of belonging, and community solidarity, thereby supporting national goals of building an empowered society that actively contributes to shaping development pathways. The launch ceremony witnessed the introduction of the first three initiatives on the platform. Sohar Port and Freezone announced the launch of the 'Our Sea, Our Responsibility' initiative, which aims to enhance community responsibility and environmental awareness to preserve coastal ecosystems and support marine resource sustainability. The initiative targets around 200 volunteers. The Oman Design Association introduced the 'Oman Design Week' initiative to engage Omani youth in organizing an annual event celebrating design and promoting Oman's cultural identity, with the participation of about 10 volunteers. Meanwhile, Salalah Volunteer Team's initiative, 'Hands of Good,' focuses on environmental and community efforts in the rugged mountainous areas of Dhofar. It aims to open mountain roads and trails, clean water channels, and natural springs, improving the lives of local residents and their living environment.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman & Italy: partnership of opportunity
The Sultanate of Oman and the Italian Republic are leveraging deep historical and diplomatic connections to cultivate a dynamic economic partnership. Rooted in ancient trade routes and centuries of mutual respect, this enduring relationship fosters a stable environment for long-term projects, notably in cultural heritage and strategic infrastructure, by mitigating investor risks and promoting shared commercial interests. Formal diplomatic relations began in the early 1970s, solidified by Italy's 1975 embassy opening in Muscat. Ongoing high-level engagements and Italy's appreciation for Oman's mediating role in international dialogues underscore a strategic alignment beyond economics. This diplomatic depth enhances Oman's global standing and ensures a stable environment crucial for attracting foreign investment, while strengthening Italy's role as a key European partner in the Gulf. Recent bilateral trade between Oman and Italy has seen significant expansion, reaching €708.9 million in 2024, a 31% increase and a 30.6% annualised growth over five years. Omani exports to Italy notably more than doubled from €103.9 million in 2023 to €243.4 million in 2024, indicating diversification potential. While Italy maintained a considerable surplus with €692.3 million in exports to Oman, NCSI (National Centre for Statistics and Information) data for 2024 shows Oman's trade deficit with Italy exceeding RO 32 million. Oman's exports, mainly unwrought aluminiums and ferro-chromium, reflect its industrial strength, while Italy's exports of industrial components, machinery, and tools (totaling approximately RO 40.07 million in imports for Oman) highlight its role as a technology supplier. This complementary trade structure points to significant opportunities for investment, joint manufacturing, and technology transfer to boost Oman's value-added production. Italy is tourist attracting country, with 57 million attracted in 2023, one of Oman's top agenda is to boost tourism. There is some synergy in this field. Italian tourists are attracted to Oman, some agencies hire chartered flights. 16 FF Oman&Italy-A Partnership of Opportunity The convergence of Oman's national development agenda, Vision 2040, with Italy's advanced industrial and technological capabilities, creates a fertile ground for strategic investment and business opportunities across multiple sectors. Oman Vision 2040 prioritises economic diversification, carbon neutrality, and an increased contribution from the private sector. Italy, with its strengths in green technologies, advanced engineering, and sustainable development, is uniquely positioned to support these goals. Key sectors for enhanced collaboration include the energy transition, particularly green hydrogen, where Oman plans ambitious investments, with Italy offering innovation and expertise. Opportunities also exist in advanced oil and gas technology, as Oman actively seeks foreign expertise in sophisticated drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies. Italian companies like ENI and Saipem are already well-established in this sector in Oman. Infrastructure and construction present significant demand for Italian expertise, equipment, and services, driven by Oman's Vision 2040 mega-projects like the Duqm Refinery and the expansion of Muscat International Airport. Italian technical expertise is also highly sought after in technology and innovation, aligning with Oman's long-term development strategy. Oman's burgeoning tourism sector, emphasising eco-tourism, cultural preservation, and sustainable development under its Tourism Vision 2040, offers significant opportunities for Italian companies specialising in sustainable tourism development and cultural heritage management. Italian archaeological and restoration knowledge has already greatly benefited Omani heritage projects. Oman also presents a consistent market for premium "Made in Italy" products across fashion, footwear, jewelry, luxury goods, and shipbuilding. Furthermore, opportunities in water and waste management align with Oman's sustainable development goals, offering further avenues for collaboration. Exchange of students can be an area. Oman armed forces and security forces use Italian equipment. A possible area of FDI Both nations stand to gain substantially. Oman benefits from Italian technical expertise, technology transfer, and accelerated sustainable development for a more diversified economy. Italy gains energy security through access to Oman's natural resources, including future green hydrogen, and leverages Oman's strategic gateway to GCC, Indian Ocean, and East African markets, aligning with initiatives like the "Mattei Plan for Africa." This partnership drives significant two-way investment, impacting both private sectors. The Oman Investment Authority's (OIA) successful real estate investment in Milan, yielding a 50% return, signals Oman's growing capacity for outward investment into European markets and a shift towards sophisticated capital flow, strengthening its global financial footprint. Italian businesses are also increasingly investing in Oman, drawn by Vision 2040's focus on high-growth sectors and investor-friendly reforms. To foster direct business connections, both governments, particularly Italy, have implemented proactive measures. The Italian Trade Agency (ICE/ITA) has bolstered its presence in Oman, reopening its Country Desk in Muscat and launching its first official national pavilion at Oman Sustainability Week 2025. These initiatives facilitate crucial networking, fostering new commercial partnerships and supporting market entry for Italian SMEs by lowering informational and logistical barriers, thus driving broader private sector collaboration. In conclusion, the Oman-Italy relationship is positioned for deeper and more diversified cooperation, built upon a strong historical foundation, dynamic growth, and significant strategic alignment. The complementary economic structures, coupled with shared commitments to sustainable development, create powerful synergies that directly support Oman Vision 2040 and Italy's strategic interests. By consistently leveraging their historical trust, strategic alignment, and robust institutional frameworks, both nations can continue to build a model of sustainable and mutually beneficial international collaboration, contributing to their respective national development goals and broader regional stability.
Times of Oman
11-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman participates in 2nd Belt, Road Conference on Science, Technology Exchange
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is participating in the 2nd Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange held in the People's Republic of China. The Omani delegation is headed by Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. In her speech at the conference, Dr. Rahma emphasised the importance of international cooperation in science and technology, praising the Belt and Road Initiative's role in strengthening scientific and research partnerships among participating nations. She also highlighted Oman Vision 2040 and its key pillars, which align with the objectives of the Science and Technology Exchange Initiative under the Belt and Road framework. She noted Oman's key achievements since its first participation in the initiative, including the signing of an MoU on science and technology cooperation. This has led to several collaborative programs between Omani and Chinese universities, such as knowledge exchange in "smart campuses," enhanced scientific cooperation with Chinese private sector institutions—particularly global company Huawei—as well as student and researcher exchanges, and cultural cooperation through Chinese language education and Arabic teaching for non-native speakers. On the sidelines of the event, the Minister held talks with Lin Xin, Vice Minister of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, exploring ways to enhance scientific and technical exchange in priority research areas such as environmental sciences, food security, medicine, health sciences (including traditional medicine), and artificial intelligence. Discussions also covered expertise exchange in marine and ocean sciences, genetic resources, and mutual invitations to scientific conferences, including the upcoming Arab-Chinese Conference scheduled in August 2025. Additionally, they reviewed cooperation in cultural exchange, teaching each country's language in higher education institutions, and increasing mutual recognition of academic credentials. During her visit to Sichuan University in Chengdu, the Minister explored potential collaboration in scientific and research programmes, particularly in creative arts. She also discussed partnership opportunities between Omani private higher education institutions and the Chinese university, including joint exhibitions, young researcher training, bilateral research projects, cultural student events, and cooperation in AI, IoT, and modern technologies.
Zawya
09-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman leverages ‘precision agriculture' to strengthen food security
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is increasingly harnessing technology and innovation to expand and diversify its agricultural base, with the goal of strengthening food security in a sustainable manner. To this end, various state-owned enterprises are deploying precision agriculture techniques—centered on the use of AI and other tech-based tools—to boost crop yields and food production while minimizing water use and other inputs. This technology-driven approach has been emphasized by Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, in a recent interview featured in Oxford Business Group's (OBG) 2025 annual spotlight on Oman. 'Oman's agricultural strategy over the next five to ten years prioritizes strengthening food security by diversifying crop production, increasing livestock numbers, and boosting aquaculture. Diversifying crops aims to make the Sultanate more self-sufficient and reduce dependency on imports,' Al Habsi said. 'To make Omani agricultural products more competitive on a regional scale, modern farming practices—such as precision agriculture and sustainable methods—are being adopted to improve yields and reduce input costs. Additionally, the development of food safety systems and the improvement of food establishments enhance product value while minimizing food loss and waste. Export markets are being developed through quality certification, targeted marketing, and collaboration with trade bodies to ensure Omani products meet international standards,' the Minister added. Precision agriculture is a modern farming practice that uses advanced technologies to monitor, measure, and respond to variability in fields, with the goal of optimizing productivity while reducing waste and environmental impact. It involves tools such as GPS-guided tractors and harvesters, soil and crop sensors, drones and aerial imaging, satellite-based remote sensing, and AI-powered farm management software. According to Al Habsi, technology and innovation are 'transformative forces' that enhance productivity and resource management. 'Precision agriculture, with tools including GPS, IoT sensors, and drones, allows real-time monitoring of soil health, crop conditions, and water usage—optimizing the application of vital inputs. Advanced irrigation systems, such as smart and drip irrigation, help conserve water, thereby supporting environmental sustainability, one of the four pillars of Oman Vision 2040,' he noted. Vision 2040 targets a significant strengthening of agriculture and food security by raising food self-sufficiency from around 48% to 70%, expanding cultivated land from 544 km² to 1,044 km², and promoting high-value crop production. The strategy emphasizes sustainable water use, aiming for a 40% increase in availability, and supports the adoption of modern technologies, precision farming, and digitized agricultural services. The Ministry, in collaboration with various agri- and food-focused public enterprises, has already made significant progress in leveraging technology to achieve these goals. 'Climate-resilient crops and new farming techniques such as hydroponics and greenhouse cultivation are being introduced to maximize output with limited resources. Data analytics and AI tools help farmers make informed decisions based on market trends, crop health, and weather predictions. Agricultural biotechnology, such as tissue culture, is improving crop yields and resistance to disease. Integrating these technologies enhances productivity and ensures a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system,' Al Habsi said. A leading example of precision agriculture in Oman is the Million Date Trees Plantation Project, which has employed satellite imagery, GIS, and AI to optimize date palm cultivation. Data collected via sensors and drones are analyzed using AI/ML technologies to detect issues such as pest infestations, enabling targeted interventions. This has led to increased production and improved date quality. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
03-06-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Oman gifts a plaque to WTO commemorating Sayyid Bilarab's visit
Muscat : The Sultanate of Oman presented a commemorative plaque to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) commemorating the visit of His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said to the organisation's headquarters in Geneva on June 21, 2023. This mural is a symbolic gift from His Highness to the organisation, an initiative that embodies the depth of bilateral relations and mutual appreciation between the Sultanate of Oman and the organisation. It highlights three main themes: Historical civilisation, natural diversity, and a bright future, in an artistic representation that reflects Omani values, openness to global issues, and sustainable development. This initiative was supervised by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, with the participation of the Omani Society for Arts, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth. This initiative reflects institutional cooperation and affirms Oman's active presence in international forums through arts and culture. Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said: 'This initiative expresses the Sultanate of Oman's appreciation for its constructive relations with the World Trade Organisation and embodies its commitment to promoting cultural communication and dialogue with various countries around the world through art.' He added: 'This initiative comes under the guidance and follow-up of His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, who attaches special importance to the arts as an effective tool in promoting cultural dialogue and building bridges of communication between the Sultanate of Oman and the world." The minister emphasised that HH Sayyid Bilarab support for this project reflects his belief in the role of culture in consolidating Oman's presence on the international stage and underscores the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to presenting a bright image of its cultural and human heritage. Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Culture at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said: 'This artistic initiative embodies a civilisational, cultural, and artistic dimension that reflects the Sultanate of Oman's vision of using the arts as a bridge for global dialogue and understanding, and a belief in the importance of culture and the arts as a tool for representing national identity in various forms.' He expressed his pride in presenting the commemorative plaque to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, which is part of the institutional partnership and cooperation supporting the integration of national efforts to represent the Sultanate of Oman in international forums, enhance its national and cultural identity, and disseminate it globally, in line with Oman Vision 2040. He said : "This plaque, which reflects Omani civilization, natural diversity, and a vision for the future, has highlighted the creative energies of young Omani artists and contributed to conveying the message of authentic Omani art to the World Trade Organisation, thereby affirming the role and importance of the arts in building cultural and diplomatic relations." Idris bin Abdulrahman Al Khanjari, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva, explained that this cultural initiative reflects an important cultural and diplomatic dimension in the Sultanate of Oman's relations with the WTO. It also demonstrates the Sultanate's commitment to the approach of human communication through the arts. Al Khanjari expressed his pride that this painting will remain present at the WTO headquarters as a symbol of mutual appreciation and the strong relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the WTO. The Ambassador explained that the painting will be hung in a central hall in the WTO building, called the "Salle des Pas Perdus," which serves as a living museum of pluralism, art, and shared history, with its walls echoing the footsteps of generations of diplomats. It is worth noting that an art competition was organised with the participation of six Omani artists, taking eight months of continuous work under the supervision of a specialised art committee and in coordination with relevant authorities. The painting by Omani artist Salem bin Khamis Al Salami was honoured by His Highness Sayyid Bilarab to represent the Sultanate of Oman and is on permanent display at the World Trade Organization headquarters, as an artistic blend that combines Omani cultural identity with global openness.
