logo
814 Omani firms participate in Festival of Discounts

814 Omani firms participate in Festival of Discounts

Muscat Daily09-02-2025

Muscat – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has on Sunday informed that altogether 814 commercial establishments are taking part in the 'Festival of Discounts and Offers', which opened on January 9 to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Accession Day of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
The monthlong festival, which will continue until Tuesday, is aimed at promoting commerce, encouraging public-private partnerships, while commemorating the Accession Day.
The event is being held in collaboration with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT), the Ministry of Information, Muscat Municipality, and the Consumer Protection Authority, among others.
Ali bin Hamad al Maamari, Director of the Licensing Department at MoCIIP, said that the festival presents a great opportunity to support the retail sector by allowing stores to offer special deals on local products and services. 'These offers contribute to stimulating sales and creating a positive economic environment in the sultanate.'
Maamari added that the ministry continuously organises events and programmes aimed at fostering the growth of local markets by supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The event has drawn wide participation across various sectors, including retail, tourism, healthcare, hospitality and automotive services. Participating businesses are offering discounts on a range of products and services such as clothing, shoes, perfumes, electronics, hotel stays, healthcare services, food and beverages, and car maintenance. Shopping malls are also hosting interactive competitions and exclusive offers.
Raiya Salim bin Hamoud al Maskari, Assistant Director of the Tourism Marketing Department at MHT, highlighted the significance of the festival in supporting Oman's growing tourism sector.
'These efforts have strengthened Oman's position as a leading tourist destination,' she said, adding that the festival offers a unique opportunity to support the national economy by getting more hotels, which can in turn develop the country's tourism. 'Special focus has been given on the SME sector to add value to the tourism industry and attract both local and international visitors.'
The 'Festival of Discounts and Offers' asserts Oman's commitment to fostering economic activity and supporting the retail and tourism sectors.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Labour Ministry outlines mechanism to ensure Omanistation requirement
Labour Ministry outlines mechanism to ensure Omanistation requirement

Times of Oman

time8 hours ago

  • Times of Oman

Labour Ministry outlines mechanism to ensure Omanistation requirement

Muscat: The Ministry of Labour has announced the implementation mechanism for the decision requiring each commercial registration that has completed one year of establishment to employ at least one Omani citizen. The new policy, which supports national workforce development and labour market regulation, was first outlined in a Ministry statement issued on 5 May 2025. The mechanism applies to all commercial establishments, with specific provisions based on the nature and size of the entity. A. Foreign Investment Establishments 1. Foreign-owned businesses with a commercial registration older than one year must submit an employment plan to hire at least one Omani citizen within three months. 2. Recruitment may be completed either directly or through a clear employment plan that results in actual hiring. 3. A total ban on issuing new work permits will apply to any non-compliant establishment, regardless of employee count. 4. A grace period of no more than three months will be given from the date of official notification. 5. This mechanism has been developed in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. B. Establishments Employing More Than 10 Workers 1. These businesses must submit an employment plan to recruit at least one Omani within three months. 2. Recruitment may occur either directly or through a viable employment plan. 3. Notifications will be sent through the Ministry's electronic system. 4. If the business fails to comply, the system will automatically impose a ban on issuing new work permits. C. Establishments Employing Fewer Than 10 Workers 1. These entities must submit a plan to employ one Omani citizen within six months. 2. All such businesses will undergo a case review within six months to assess their contribution to local value addition. 3. Compliance can be achieved through direct hiring, a viable employment plan, or, if value addition is demonstrated, a temporary exemption. 4. Non-compliance will trigger an automatic ban on new license issuance via the Ministry's system. D. Entrepreneurs and Full-Time Business Owners 1. Establishments owned by entrepreneurs or full-time business owners will be given a one-year grace period to meet the Omanisation requirement. 2. A case review will be conducted within six months to evaluate the entity's local economic contribution. 3. Entrepreneurs who do not currently hold a Riyada Card may apply through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority to obtain one and benefit from associated exemptions and facilities.

Labour Ministry outlines mechanism to ensure Omanisation requirements
Labour Ministry outlines mechanism to ensure Omanisation requirements

Times of Oman

time8 hours ago

  • Times of Oman

Labour Ministry outlines mechanism to ensure Omanisation requirements

Muscat: The Ministry of Labour has announced the implementation mechanism for the decision requiring each commercial registration that has completed one year of establishment to employ at least one Omani citizen. The new policy, which supports national workforce development and labour market regulation, was first outlined in a Ministry statement issued on 5 May 2025. The mechanism applies to all commercial establishments, with specific provisions based on the nature and size of the entity. A. Foreign Investment Establishments 1. Foreign-owned businesses with a commercial registration older than one year must submit an employment plan to hire at least one Omani citizen within three months. 2. Recruitment may be completed either directly or through a clear employment plan that results in actual hiring. 3. A total ban on issuing new work permits will apply to any non-compliant establishment, regardless of employee count. 4. A grace period of no more than three months will be given from the date of official notification. 5. This mechanism has been developed in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. B. Establishments Employing More Than 10 Workers 1. These businesses must submit an employment plan to recruit at least one Omani within three months. 2. Recruitment may occur either directly or through a viable employment plan. 3. Notifications will be sent through the Ministry's electronic system. 4. If the business fails to comply, the system will automatically impose a ban on issuing new work permits. C. Establishments Employing Fewer Than 10 Workers 1. These entities must submit a plan to employ one Omani citizen within six months. 2. All such businesses will undergo a case review within six months to assess their contribution to local value addition. 3. Compliance can be achieved through direct hiring, a viable employment plan, or, if value addition is demonstrated, a temporary exemption. 4. Non-compliance will trigger an automatic ban on new license issuance via the Ministry's system. D. Entrepreneurs and Full-Time Business Owners 1. Establishments owned by entrepreneurs or full-time business owners will be given a one-year grace period to meet the Omanisation requirement. 2. A case review will be conducted within six months to evaluate the entity's local economic contribution. 3. Entrepreneurs who do not currently hold a Riyada Card may apply through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority to obtain one and benefit from associated exemptions and facilities.

Preparations underway for safe, attractive business during Dhofar Khareef Season 2025
Preparations underway for safe, attractive business during Dhofar Khareef Season 2025

Times of Oman

time9 hours ago

  • Times of Oman

Preparations underway for safe, attractive business during Dhofar Khareef Season 2025

Salalah: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has affirmed the completion of preparations to welcome the Dhofar Khareef season 2025, one of the governorate's most prominent economic and tourism events. This is achieved through a series of inspection campaigns and awareness initiatives, reinforcing ongoing efforts to ensure a sound and secure business environment while stimulating local and foreign investments. Mohammed Khalifa Al Badrani, Director General of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Dhofar, stated that the Khareef season presents a significant opportunity to revitalize commercial and economic activity in Dhofar. This necessitates intensified oversight of commercial establishments to ensure compliance with legal and professional requirements, as well as educating shop owners on sound business practices that stimulate market activity and safeguard consumer rights. He emphasized the importance of monitoring essential requirements in commercial outlets, such as electronic payment systems, to facilitate service provision for targeted businesses. In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), he explained that the Directorate has been conducting comprehensive inspection campaigns for several months, covering markets, commercial complexes, restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets, to verify compliance with health regulations and commercial business laws. He added that the Directorate, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is organizing workshops and awareness sessions for merchants and business owners to promote a culture of compliance and innovation in service delivery, aligning with visitor expectations during the Khareef season. Al Badrani noted that Dhofar Governorate has seen significant growth in the commercial sector, with 718 commercial registrations recorded by the end of Q1 2025, reflecting the sector's vitality and increasing investment interest in the governorate. He highlighted that construction and contracting activities topped the list of the most licensed commercial activities, with a total of 2,100 licenses issued by the end of Q1 2025, compared to 1,274 licenses in 2024—demonstrating the momentum in Dhofar's construction and infrastructure sectors. As for new investments in the governorate, he clarified that the number of new investors in Q1 2025 reached 1,217, with 88 commercial registrations issued, reflecting investor confidence in Dhofar's economic environment. He credited the Directorate's role in facilitating procedures and providing necessary support to investors while working to localize commercial projects that enhance trade and industrial activity across Dhofar's wilayats. Efforts are also underway to integrate industrial cities, free zones, and optimal utilization of Salalah Port to boost commercial activities. Al Badrani pointed out that the number of commercial licenses issued in Q1 2025 reached 9,527, compared to 13,800 in 2024, attributing the decline to the reorganization of certain commercial activities and updated procedures to ensure higher service quality and operational sustainability. In the industrial sector, 1,155 industrial licenses were issued in Q1 2025, compared to 1,742 during the same period in 2024. He affirmed that this year's Khareef season preparations follow an integrated action plan in coordination with Dhofar Municipality, the Royal Oman Police, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Consumer Protection Authority. This collaborative effort aims to provide a secure investment and business environment, enhancing the governorate's appeal as an investment and tourism destination. Al Badrani explained that Dhofar Governorate is intensifying preparations for the Khareef season, which attracts large numbers of visitors and tourists from within and outside Oman. A comprehensive plan ensures the readiness of various service and regulatory sectors, with field teams already conducting fuel station inspections to verify supply availability and equipment safety. Markets are also being monitored to ensure compliance with health and environmental standards, along with the provision of essential goods at reasonable prices. Awareness campaigns targeting merchants and consumers promote safe purchasing practices and deter negative behaviors, while hotlines operate around the clock to receive feedback and inquiries, ensuring swift responses and boosting visitor confidence in services. He added that the Directorate aims to provide consumers and visitors with a comfortable and secure shopping experience by improving sales facilities and strategically distributing commercial activities based on expected demand. All business operators are urged to adhere to legal requirements and approved standards. Concurrently, continuous efforts are being made to educate investors on leveraging the economic opportunities presented by the Khareef season, which directly stimulates commercial and industrial activity while enhancing the governorate's business environment—contributing to local economic growth and elevating services for both citizens and visitors.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store