Oman to host major green hydrogen summit in December
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman will be hosting the fourth edition of the Green Hydrogen Summit Oman (GHSO 2025) during December 1–3, 2025. Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, and in strategic partnership with Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom), the summit will be hosted by Birba Energy Services and will attract over 3,000 international delegates, including government officials, investors, and clean energy experts.
At a press conference here on Wednesday, to announce the summit, Dr Firas Ali al Abduwani, Director General of Renewable Energy and Hydrogen, described GHSO 2025 a milestone on Oman's journey toward a green hydrogen economy. "Hosting this summit is an affirmation of our country's objective of carbon neutrality," he said, referencing Oman's strategic advantages including vast land availability, port facilities, and international positioning.
Dr Al Abduwani also added his remarks on the importance of the conference saying, "As a Ministry, we view this conference as a cornerstone initiative and an essential tool in our efforts to establish a culture of green hydrogen. It is also an important platform to measure the market readiness to adopt and invest in green hydrogen technologies."
Dr Al Abduwani further added, "In the context of our net-zero ambition, this event is one of a series of flagship conferences hosted by the Ministry. They each have a different intention—some giving a general overview, while others, like today's, are specialist and specific. This specialist conference is all about green hydrogen, a reflection of the strategic importance we place on its development and future role in the energy policy of the nation."
The conference will be an opportunity to invest, innovate, and partner, supplementing Oman's hydrogen masterplan to provide solutions to energy security, diversification of the economy, reducing emissions, competitiveness, and developing local capacities. Eight projects are already awarded in Duqm and Dhofar.
Eng Abdulaziz al Shidhani, Managing Director of Hydrom Oman, stated, "The Green Hydrogen Summit has become a cornerstone event on the renewable energy calendar of Oman after being hosted in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Although the summit did not take place in 2024, the drive to propel Oman's green hydrogen strategy is intact.'
Over the years, the summit has seen a growing number of stakeholders from all over the world, including policymakers, technical experts, developers, investors, and market watchers. The conference is an important forum for exchange, knowledge sharing, and innovation advocacy across the entire green hydrogen value chain.
Eng Al Shidhani continued, "The officials emphasized Oman's determination to host the summit annually, regarding it as a valuable means of engaging with international stakeholders and promoting the country's experience and success and opportunities in the green hydrogen sector. The following summit will feature technology exhibitions, policy discussions, and business development forums."
'As a nation committed to a green future of energy, we believe that this summit enables us to share our vision with the world, hear our global partners, and collectively shape the future of green hydrogen," he concluded.
Supported strongly by both public and private stakeholders, the summit will consolidate Oman's reputation as a regional clean energy hub that helps drive its Vision 2040 and Net Zero by 2050.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
3 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
RO192mn agreements to boost Oman's mining sector growth
Muscat – Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) signed three exploration and mining agreements on Tuesday with two specialised companies, with total investments estimated at RO192mn (US$500mn). The deals aim to boost Oman's mining sector, enhance the value of mineral resources and attract new investment in key geological areas. The first agreement grants Gulf Minerals and Materials Company exploration and mining rights in the 11-C concession area in Buraimi, covering 1,089sqkm. The site is noted for ophiolite rocks, and copper and chromium ore indicators. The initial two-to-three-year phase will focus on topographic, geochemical and geophysical surveys, alongside drilling and exploratory trenching. Two agreements signed with Novel Muscat International cover concession areas 51-G1 and 51-G2 in Al Wusta. A factory will be built in area 51-G2 (30sqkm) to produce salts and sodium carbonate (soda ash) using seawater evaporated in basins. Area 51-G1 (558sqkm) will see establishment of a hydrated lime factory. Exploratory studies will assess raw material locations, quality and reserves, focusing on silica, limestone and clay deposits. H E Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, described mining as a key driver of economic growth in Oman. He said the ministry seeks to attract quality investments that create economic impact not only through mineral extraction but also by developing advanced industries that support value chains and national expertise. 'These agreements reflect our strategy to harness specialised knowledge, boost public-private cooperation and optimise resource use,' he said. 'The projects will diversify the economy, enhance product competitiveness, increase mining's GDP contribution and create jobs for residents of host governorates, while supporting local small and medium enterprises.' Abdullah bin Ahmed al Hadi, CEO of Gulf Minerals and Materials, said the company is expanding its ferrochrome plant in Suhar with international partners to raise production capacity to 7,200 tonnes per month by 2026. He added that the company is focused on operational sustainability, localisation of technology, developing national talent, attracting foreign investment and providing subcontract opportunities to SMEs. Hamoud bin Saeed al Awfi, Managing Director of Novel Muscat International, said the agreements with his company will mark the start of a national manufacturing phase by establishing an integrated industrial complex to convert mineral resources into locally made products, raising added value and creating jobs. 'This aligns with national sustainable development goals and promotes manufacturing growth,' he said. The ministry said these agreements demonstrate Oman's commitment to developing an integrated mining sector that aligns with global industry trends and improves the sultanate's regional and international competitiveness. It is focused on creating a flexible investment environment to attract specialised companies and foster public-private partnerships.
Observer
4 hours ago
- Observer
Oman signs mining deals worth RO 192 million
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has signed three new exploration and mining agreements with two specialised companies, marking a significant step in strengthening Oman's mining sector, maximising the added value of mineral resources and attracting investment to priority geological areas. The agreements are part of the government's wider strategy to diversify the economy, boost local manufacturing and create sustainable job opportunities for Omanis. The first agreement grants Gulf Mineral Materials Company exploration and mining rights in Concession Area 11-C, located in Al Buraimi Governorate. Spanning 1,089 square kilometres, the concession is distinguished by its ophiolite rock series, with promising indicators of copper and chromium ore deposits. The initial phase of the project, expected to last two to three years, will involve topographical mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, as well as drilling and exploratory trenching to determine the commercial viability of mining operations. The second and third agreements, signed with Novel Muscat International Company, cover Concession Areas 51-G1 and 51-G2 in Al Wusta Governorate. In Area 51-G2, covering 30 km², the company will develop an integrated industrial project that includes a plant to produce salts and sodium carbonate (soda ash) using seawater transported to evaporation basins for drying and processing. In Area 51-G1, which extends over 558 km², a hydrated lime production facility will be established. Initial work will focus on identifying the location, quality and reserves of raw materials within geological formations rich in silica, limestone and various clays. Combined, these projects represent a total investment of RO 192 million ($500 million), including the cost of establishing industrial facilities, conducting feasibility studies and implementing mining plans in line with international standards. Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, stressed that the mining sector is a key driver of Oman's economic growth and diversification. He noted that these agreements reflect the ministry's commitment to attracting high-quality investments that can transform raw mineral resources into advanced manufacturing industries, thereby supporting national value chains and opening new opportunities for local talent. Abdullah bin Ahmed al Hadi, CEO of Gulf Mineral Materials, highlighted the company's track record, including its successful development of the ferrochrome plant in Suhar in partnership with international strategic partners. The facility's production capacity is set to increase to 7,200 tonnes per month by 2026, with a focus on operational sustainability, technology localisation and SMEs participation. Hamoud bin Said al Aufi, Managing Director of Novel Muscat International, emphasised that the projects will contribute to Oman's manufacturing sector by producing high-value products locally, generating skilled employment and supporting sustainable development. The ministry views these agreements as part of its long-term vision to build an integrated, globally competitive mining industry that enhances Oman's position as a regional hub for advanced mineral-based industries.
Observer
4 hours ago
- Observer
Labour Ministry unveils Oman's first AI career advisor
SALALAH, AUG 12 Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept but a powerful force reshaping the way organisations operate, according to Abdulrahman Abdullah al Busaidi, Director of Smart Management at the Ministry of Labour. Speaking at a recent event, Al Busaidi said the shift from traditional management models to AI-powered systems is enabling faster decisions, greater agility, and a stronger competitive edge. In his presentation, Al Busaidi outlined the differences between three key management approaches: traditional, digital, and AI-driven smart management. Traditional models, he explained, depend on manual, routine tasks and slow decision-making. Digital management improves efficiency through automation and electronic systems. Smart management, however, takes the concept further, using predictive analytics, automated recommendations, and real-time data flows to give leaders instant insights and the ability to act decisively. A highlight of his address was the Ministry of Labour's flagship AI initiative, 'Nadeem' – the first AI-powered virtual career advisor developed in Oman. Created using generative AI technologies, Nadeem is designed to guide and support job seekers throughout their employment journey, offering personalised advice, identifying challenges, and suggesting solutions. Part of the Ministry's Smart Management Project, Nadeem has already proven to be a valuable tool for understanding the needs, expectations, and concerns of both employees and job seekers. 'It's a treasure trove of information,' Al Busaidi said, noting how it has helped the Ministry tailor programmes to improve workplace performance and job matching. He also stressed that the transition to smart management must consider all interconnected elements, especially at the national level. 'Cybersecurity is fundamental because national data is sovereign, and protecting it is essential,' he said. Risk management, he added, is equally important, with pre-prepared scenarios and balanced, well-planned responses ensuring resilience in the face of emerging challenges. Al Busaidi concluded by emphasising that the move towards AI-powered management requires more than just technology investment – it demands an organisational culture that embraces innovation. 'This is no longer optional,' he said. 'It's a strategic necessity if we are to keep pace with the rapid changes shaping today's global business environment.'
