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Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Invest Oman hosts ‘Advantage Oman' dialogue in Brussels
BUSINESS REPORTER MUSCAT, JUNE 17 As part of its strategic agenda to expand global investment partnerships, Invest Oman , operating under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, convened the 'Advantage Oman – Kingdom of Belgium' Business Dialogue in Brussels. The event was held in collaboration with the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Belgium and the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC). Designed to highlight the Sultanate's evolving investment landscape, the dialogue aimed to foster deeper economic and trade relations between Oman and Belgium. It brought together a distinguished audience of Belgian investors, industry leaders, and senior decision-makers, with a focus on high-potential sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and tourism and leisure. The platform facilitated direct engagement between Omani and Belgian stakeholders, enabling exploration of joint investment opportunities and commercial synergies. The Omani delegation presented Oman's strategic megaprojects, regulatory enhancements, and investor-centric reforms—underscoring the Sultanate's commitment to creating a competitive and future-ready business environment. Pankaj Khimji, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Adviser at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, stated: 'Oman places great emphasis on forging long-term partnerships with Belgium. This dialogue is a strategic step toward elevating our economic cooperation, introducing Oman's competitive advantages, and enabling Belgian enterprises to expand within a high-potential, future-ready market.' Rua bint Issa Al Zadjali, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Belgium, remarked: 'This initiative reflects Oman's broader vision to strengthen economic diplomacy and create meaningful engagement with key international markets. It is a timely platform to deepen ties with Belgium's business community and highlight Oman's role as a trusted and strategic investment destination.' The 'Advantage Oman – Kingdom of Belgium' Business Dialogue is part of Oman's ongoing global outreach to position itself as a regional gateway for investment and trade. Belgium continues to emerge as a key partner across several priority sectors, as Oman actively builds enduring economic bridges with European markets.
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
MoCIIP signs agreements to boost industrial sector growth
Muscat – In a major step towards enhancing industrial competitiveness and empowering national talent, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) on Monday signed a series of strategic agreements with key government bodies and private sector partners. The signing ceremony, held under the patronage of H E Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, was attended by H E Dr Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy; H E Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry; H E Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah; and several senior officials and private sector executives. H E Dr Masan described the agreements as a significant milestone in strengthening Oman's industrial capabilities. He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to investing in human capital, calling it a cornerstone of a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. 'These agreements support the goals of the Industrial Strategy 2040, which aims to establish a diversified and technology-driven industrial sector,' he said. Among the key agreements was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MoCIIP, the Office of the Governor of North Al Batinah, and Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel to establish a dedicated industrial training center in the governorate. The center will offer specialised training to equip Omani youth with skills tailored to market demands, enhancing their employability in the industrial sector. In another important development, a funding agreement was signed with Daleel Petroleum to support the development of Tasnee, a digital platform designed to connect industrial procurement with local products. The platform aims to improve supply chain efficiency and increase in-country value (ICV) by promoting local sourcing. MoCIIP also announced the launch of new industrial training programmes in partnership with Oman Cables Industry Company. Additionally, a cooperation agreement was signed with Al Alamia for Retail, providing 300 opportunities for training, qualification, and employment. Of these, 100 are direct jobs tied to training programmes, while 200 are training-to-employment opportunities for Omani youth. 'This initiative directly supports our efforts to strengthen national workforce participation and foster economic empowerment,' said Nasra bint Saif al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at MoCIIP. Eng Khalid bin Salim al Qassabi, Director General of Industry at MoCIIP, noted that these initiatives mark a pivotal phase in industrial development. 'Our aim is to align educational outcomes with market requirements by equipping graduates with the technical skills and specialised knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy,' he said. The new agreements reflect Oman's strategic vision of building a resilient, competitive industrial sector based on national competencies and robust public-private partnerships. They also support broader efforts to integrate Omanis into the workforce while advancing innovation and sustainable growth.
Observer
14-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman, Uzbekistan strengthen trade and investment ties
TASHKENT: The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Uzbekistan have pledged to deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors, following the conclusion of the fifth session of the Omani-Uzbek Joint Committee held in Tashkent. The Omani delegation was led by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, accompanied by Wafa bint Jabr al Busaidi, Ambassador of Oman to Uzbekistan. Their Uzbek counterparts were headed by Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, along with senior officials from both nations. Discussions during the session focused on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, energy, logistics, agriculture, higher education, tourism, and culture. Both sides also highlighted the growing importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable growth. A significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement to enhance cooperation in the air transport sector, including increased operating rights. Both sides expressed interest in strengthening logistical partnerships, particularly by facilitating the re-export of Uzbek products through Omani ports, reinforcing Oman's role as a regional logistics hub. The two countries also agreed to intensify cooperation in scientific research, innovation, and higher education, with a view to supporting knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives. Furthermore, the committee underlined the importance of closer engagement between chambers of commerce and business communities in both countries to boost trade volumes and investment flows. On the sidelines of the committee meeting, Al Yousef held bilateral talks with several senior Uzbek officials, including Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies, and Bakhtiar Odilovich Saidov, Minister of Foreign Affairs. These meetings provided an opportunity to address existing trade challenges and explore new investment prospects. Al Yousef also participated in roundtable discussions involving Omani and Uzbek business leaders, where he promoted Oman as a strategic investment destination. A detailed presentation on the "Invest in Oman" initiative was delivered by Omar al Harthy, Senior Investment Analyst at the Ministry, highlighting the incentives, regulatory reforms, and infrastructure that make Oman attractive to foreign investors. The Omani delegation also conducted a number of field visits, including to the American University of Technology in Tashkent, a subsidiary of Ozman Investment Company, and the Innovation Centre under Uzbekistan's Ministry of Digital Technology. These visits served to identify areas for potential collaboration in education and digital transformation. The delegation visited facilities operated by AKFA Group, a leading Uzbek company involved in industrial manufacturing and education. Meetings were also held with representatives of Uzbek companies specialising in electronic payment systems, e-commerce, and textiles. Adding further significance to the visit, Minister Al Yousef attended the inauguration of the Tashkent branch of the Golden Integration Oil and Gas Company. The launch coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Golden Integration and Oman's Seih Al-Sariyah Company, signalling a new chapter of cooperation in the energy sector. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to updating and activating existing bilateral agreements to reflect emerging priorities and global economic trends. The successful session of the joint committee marks a notable step in strengthening Oman-Uzbekistan ties, paving the way for broader collaboration in the years ahead. — ONA
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New regulations issued for fuel stations in Oman
Muscat: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion has issued Ministerial Decision No. ( /2025) regarding the regulatory framework governing the conditions and requirements for issuing licenses to establish and operate fuel filling stations. The decision stipulates that all concerned parties must rectify their status within one year from the date the regulation comes into effect. It also emphasises that the activity of establishing and operating fuel filling stations may not be carried out without obtaining a license in accordance with the provisions of this regulation. Furthermore, the decision prohibits the sale of fuel outside the designated site, with the exception of mobile fuel stations. The Ministry affirmed that coordination is underway with the relevant authorities to identify locations designated for the establishment of integrated fuel stations under usufruct agreements prior to offering them for public bidding, with the requirement that all specified conditions and procedures be met. The Ministry is also responsible for overseeing and monitoring the activities of licenced marketing companies to ensure compliance with the provisions of the regulation, detect violations, and take the necessary corrective actions. Requirements for establishing fuel stations The decision stipulates that the distance between any proposed fuel filling station and an existing, under-construction, or approved station must not be less than five kilometres, whether in the same or opposite direction, if the road is not dual carriageway, and this applies across all governorates and wilayats of the Sultanate of Oman. Exceptions are made for the Governorate of Muscat and the Wilayats of Salalah and Sohar. A feasibility study is required, along with the fulfillment of security, technical, and planning considerations. Additionally, the decision requires that the distance between two integrated fuel stations must not be less than fifty kilometres in the same direction. However, the committee may grant exceptions to this requirement if justified by economic and technical considerations. The regulation emphasises that the proposed site must be supported by a title deed, lease agreement, or usufruct right, and must be designated for commercial, mixed-use residential-commercial, tourism, or industrial purposes. This requirement excludes elevated, marine, and mobile fuel stations. The decision further affirms that the establishment of an integrated fuel station under a usufruct agreement is only permitted at locations specifically designated by the Ministry. Commercial fuel stations The regulation stipulates that the site area for a commercial fuel station shall not be less than 3,000 square meters, excluding existing stations. Licensing applications for private fuel stations must include details such as the type of fuel, the number of designated vehicles and equipment, and the distance to the nearest existing station. Additionally, applicants must submit a copy of the project agreement or provide clear justifications in the absence of a public or private project. For marine fuel stations, the regulation requires the submission of a feasibility study along with documentation proving that the site has been allocated by the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources for fishing ports or by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for commercial ports. For above-ground fuel stations, a feasibility study must also be submitted. The site must be designated for commercial or industrial use and located within industrial zones. Additionally, there must be full compliance with standard specifications for fuel transport containers, including tanks, barrels, or designated packaging. For mobile fuel stations, the regulation requires the submission of a feasibility study and approval from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. The Ministry clarified that any party wishing to establish and operate a fuel station must submit an application to the licensed fuel marketing company, ensuring that all specified requirements are met. The marketing company evaluates the proposed site and, if the project is deemed economically viable, forwards the request to the relevant department. This department is responsible for registering the application and issuing a preliminary approval form valid for six months, during which all necessary approvals must be completed. If this timeframe or any extension period expires without completion, the application is canceled. A temporary one-year licence is issued to commence construction upon payment of the required fee. If the project is not completed within that period, the licence is cancelled, and the application cannot be reconsidered for a period of two years. Terms and conditions Upon completion of the station's facilities, the licensed company must notify the relevant department and submit a final approval certificate from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. The final license will then be issued within thirty days and will be valid for three years, renewable under the same terms and conditions. The regulation allows applicants whose requests are rejected to file a grievance with the Minister within thirty days of being notified. Failure to respond within this period is considered a rejection of the grievance. The Ministry emphasised that the license may not be waived without its written approval. Additionally, changing the name of the marketing company requires an official clearance document or a final court judgment. The Ministry has established a specialised committee, chaired by the Ministry itself and including representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, and the Royal Oman Police. This committee is responsible for reviewing license applications that do not meet the minimum distance requirement. The committee must issue a decision within thirty days, and applicants have the right to file a grievance with the Minister in the event of a rejection. The regulation also imposes several obligations on licensed marketing companies and operators. These include registering submitted applications, evaluating proposed sites, ensuring the implementation of safety measures in coordination with the Royal Oman Police, providing essential services and electric vehicle charging facilities, maintaining a 24/7 security surveillance system, and complying with approved technical standards. Companies must also ensure staff training and provide inspection access to regulatory authorities. The Ministry emphasised that fuel sales are strictly limited to vehicle, equipment, and boat fuel tanks. Refuelling into tanks or barrels exceeding 100 liters per vehicle per day is prohibited. All such transactions must be recorded, and monthly reports must be submitted to the relevant department. Administrative penalties The regulation outlines several administrative penalties, including a written warning, a fine ranging from OMR1,000 to OMR3,000 with the possibility of doubling in case of repeat violations or suspension or revocation of the licence. A monthly fine of OMR500 is imposed on those who continue operations after the expiration of their licence. Additionally, a fine of OMR5,000 is levied on a marketing company that delays payment of the annual fee. The licence will be revoked if the activity is not carried out for a period of six months without a valid excuse, or if false information is provided. Any party subject to a penalty has the right to submit a grievance to the Minister within sixty days from the date of notification or awareness of the decision. A lack of response within thirty days will be considered a rejection of the grievance. Improving the business environment The update of the regulatory framework governing the conditions and requirements for issuing licenses to establish fuel filling stations is one of the key steps taken by the Ministry to improve the business environment and regulate the sector. The primary objective of this update is to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework that clearly defines the conditions and requirements for the establishment and operation of all types of fuel filling stations. This includes stations that provide gasoline and diesel services, as well as those offering alternative fuels such as natural gas or hydrogen. The Ministry continuously reviews these conditions to ensure alignment with modern technical standards, including environmental and safety requirements, in order to provide the highest levels of protection for both citizens and station workers. Enhancing institutional integration The updated regulation also aims to strengthen coordination among key stakeholders, such as the Civil Defence Authority, the Environment Authority, and the Ambulance Authority, to ensure effective implementation of the regulations. The Ministry seeks to encourage investment in this vital sector by creating a regulatory environment that supports the expansion of fuel stations and offers investors well-considered opportunities within a fair legal framework that ensures competitiveness. One of the main goals of these updates is to enhance the quality of services provided at fuel stations. This includes the addition of user-friendly amenities such as ATMs, maintenance centers, restaurants, mosques, and dedicated services for people with disabilities. The new regulations will also introduce mandatory licensing requirements, including clearly defined criteria for station size, geographic location, and the range of services to be provided. Technical and safety requirements The regulation will also include stringent technical and safety requirements aimed at upholding public safety standards and protecting the environment. These requirements will be established in coordination with relevant authorities such as the Civil Defence Authority and the Environment Authority, to ensure alignment with international standards in this field. Furthermore, the regulation will promote the adoption of modern technologies at fuel stations, including the provision of electric vehicle charging points and hydrogen refueling stations. It will also emphasise the use of solar energy as part of sustainable energy solutions for power generation at fuel stations. The regulation will also work towards improving market organisation by allocating fuel station sites under usufruct agreements based on precise and transparent criteria, including organising bidding processes to select the most suitable locations. This step aims to increase investment opportunities and provide a favorable environment for both local and international investors in the sector. These updates will include a transitional period that allows existing station owners sufficient time to adjust their operations in accordance with the new requirements, ensuring business continuity and easy adaptation to the updated standards. Existing stations will also receive support from the Ministry to facilitate the transition in line with the new safety and quality standards. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
04-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
New regulations issued for fuel stations in Oman
Muscat: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion has issued Ministerial Decision No. ( /2025) regarding the regulatory framework governing the conditions and requirements for issuing licenses to establish and operate fuel filling stations. The decision stipulates that all concerned parties must rectify their status within one year from the date the regulation comes into effect. It also emphasises that the activity of establishing and operating fuel filling stations may not be carried out without obtaining a license in accordance with the provisions of this regulation. Furthermore, the decision prohibits the sale of fuel outside the designated site, with the exception of mobile fuel stations. The Ministry affirmed that coordination is underway with the relevant authorities to identify locations designated for the establishment of integrated fuel stations under usufruct agreements prior to offering them for public bidding, with the requirement that all specified conditions and procedures be met. The Ministry is also responsible for overseeing and monitoring the activities of licenced marketing companies to ensure compliance with the provisions of the regulation, detect violations, and take the necessary corrective actions. Requirements for establishing fuel stations The decision stipulates that the distance between any proposed fuel filling station and an existing, under-construction, or approved station must not be less than five kilometres, whether in the same or opposite direction, if the road is not dual carriageway, and this applies across all governorates and wilayats of the Sultanate of Oman. Exceptions are made for the Governorate of Muscat and the Wilayats of Salalah and Sohar. A feasibility study is required, along with the fulfillment of security, technical, and planning considerations. Additionally, the decision requires that the distance between two integrated fuel stations must not be less than fifty kilometres in the same direction. However, the committee may grant exceptions to this requirement if justified by economic and technical considerations. The regulation emphasises that the proposed site must be supported by a title deed, lease agreement, or usufruct right, and must be designated for commercial, mixed-use residential-commercial, tourism, or industrial purposes. This requirement excludes elevated, marine, and mobile fuel stations. The decision further affirms that the establishment of an integrated fuel station under a usufruct agreement is only permitted at locations specifically designated by the Ministry. Commercial fuel stations The regulation stipulates that the site area for a commercial fuel station shall not be less than 3,000 square meters, excluding existing stations. Licensing applications for private fuel stations must include details such as the type of fuel, the number of designated vehicles and equipment, and the distance to the nearest existing station. Additionally, applicants must submit a copy of the project agreement or provide clear justifications in the absence of a public or private project. For marine fuel stations, the regulation requires the submission of a feasibility study along with documentation proving that the site has been allocated by the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources for fishing ports or by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for commercial ports. For above-ground fuel stations, a feasibility study must also be submitted. The site must be designated for commercial or industrial use and located within industrial zones. Additionally, there must be full compliance with standard specifications for fuel transport containers, including tanks, barrels, or designated packaging. For mobile fuel stations, the regulation requires the submission of a feasibility study and approval from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. The Ministry clarified that any party wishing to establish and operate a fuel station must submit an application to the licensed fuel marketing company, ensuring that all specified requirements are met. The marketing company evaluates the proposed site and, if the project is deemed economically viable, forwards the request to the relevant department. This department is responsible for registering the application and issuing a preliminary approval form valid for six months, during which all necessary approvals must be completed. If this timeframe or any extension period expires without completion, the application is canceled. A temporary one-year licence is issued to commence construction upon payment of the required fee. If the project is not completed within that period, the licence is cancelled, and the application cannot be reconsidered for a period of two years. Terms and conditions Upon completion of the station's facilities, the licensed company must notify the relevant department and submit a final approval certificate from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. The final license will then be issued within thirty days and will be valid for three years, renewable under the same terms and conditions. The regulation allows applicants whose requests are rejected to file a grievance with the Minister within thirty days of being notified. Failure to respond within this period is considered a rejection of the grievance. The Ministry emphasised that the license may not be waived without its written approval. Additionally, changing the name of the marketing company requires an official clearance document or a final court judgment. The Ministry has established a specialised committee, chaired by the Ministry itself and including representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, and the Royal Oman Police. This committee is responsible for reviewing license applications that do not meet the minimum distance requirement. The committee must issue a decision within thirty days, and applicants have the right to file a grievance with the Minister in the event of a rejection. The regulation also imposes several obligations on licensed marketing companies and operators. These include registering submitted applications, evaluating proposed sites, ensuring the implementation of safety measures in coordination with the Royal Oman Police, providing essential services and electric vehicle charging facilities, maintaining a 24/7 security surveillance system, and complying with approved technical standards. Companies must also ensure staff training and provide inspection access to regulatory authorities. The Ministry emphasised that fuel sales are strictly limited to vehicle, equipment, and boat fuel tanks. Refuelling into tanks or barrels exceeding 100 liters per vehicle per day is prohibited. All such transactions must be recorded, and monthly reports must be submitted to the relevant department. Administrative penalties The regulation outlines several administrative penalties, including a written warning, a fine ranging from OMR1,000 to OMR3,000 with the possibility of doubling in case of repeat violations or suspension or revocation of the licence. A monthly fine of OMR500 is imposed on those who continue operations after the expiration of their licence. Additionally, a fine of OMR5,000 is levied on a marketing company that delays payment of the annual fee. The licence will be revoked if the activity is not carried out for a period of six months without a valid excuse, or if false information is provided. Any party subject to a penalty has the right to submit a grievance to the Minister within sixty days from the date of notification or awareness of the decision. A lack of response within thirty days will be considered a rejection of the grievance. Improving the business environment The update of the regulatory framework governing the conditions and requirements for issuing licenses to establish fuel filling stations is one of the key steps taken by the Ministry to improve the business environment and regulate the sector. The primary objective of this update is to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework that clearly defines the conditions and requirements for the establishment and operation of all types of fuel filling stations. This includes stations that provide gasoline and diesel services, as well as those offering alternative fuels such as natural gas or hydrogen. The Ministry continuously reviews these conditions to ensure alignment with modern technical standards, including environmental and safety requirements, in order to provide the highest levels of protection for both citizens and station workers. Enhancing institutional integration The updated regulation also aims to strengthen coordination among key stakeholders, such as the Civil Defence Authority, the Environment Authority, and the Ambulance Authority, to ensure effective implementation of the regulations. The Ministry seeks to encourage investment in this vital sector by creating a regulatory environment that supports the expansion of fuel stations and offers investors well-considered opportunities within a fair legal framework that ensures competitiveness. One of the main goals of these updates is to enhance the quality of services provided at fuel stations. This includes the addition of user-friendly amenities such as ATMs, maintenance centers, restaurants, mosques, and dedicated services for people with disabilities. The new regulations will also introduce mandatory licensing requirements, including clearly defined criteria for station size, geographic location, and the range of services to be provided. Technical and safety requirements The regulation will also include stringent technical and safety requirements aimed at upholding public safety standards and protecting the environment. These requirements will be established in coordination with relevant authorities such as the Civil Defence Authority and the Environment Authority, to ensure alignment with international standards in this field. Furthermore, the regulation will promote the adoption of modern technologies at fuel stations, including the provision of electric vehicle charging points and hydrogen refueling stations. It will also emphasise the use of solar energy as part of sustainable energy solutions for power generation at fuel stations. The regulation will also work towards improving market organisation by allocating fuel station sites under usufruct agreements based on precise and transparent criteria, including organising bidding processes to select the most suitable locations. This step aims to increase investment opportunities and provide a favorable environment for both local and international investors in the sector. These updates will include a transitional period that allows existing station owners sufficient time to adjust their operations in accordance with the new requirements, ensuring business continuity and easy adaptation to the updated standards. Existing stations will also receive support from the Ministry to facilitate the transition in line with the new safety and quality standards.
