logo
Oman, Bahrain explore cooperation in urban development

Oman, Bahrain explore cooperation in urban development

Times of Oman26-05-2025

Manama: Prospects for enhancing urban development cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain were discussed on Monday in the Bahraini capital, Manama, as part of the official visit of Dr. Khalfan Said Al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The visit aims at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
During the visit, the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning met with Sheikh Salman Abdullah Al Khalifa, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning and Honorary Chairman of the Bahrain Real Estate Development Association, and Amna Ahmed Al Romaithi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, along with a number of senior officials, investors, and real estate developers in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Al Shuaili affirmed Oman's interest in enhancing cooperation frameworks and exchanging successful experiences, particularly in supporting affordable housing and encouraging real estate developers to invest in value-added projects.
He also expressed Oman's desire to benefit from Bahrain's pioneering experience in housing and urban planning, especially in public-private partnership projects, social housing financing, and the development of modern cities.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

His Majesty grants royal pardon to over 600 prisoners
His Majesty grants royal pardon to over 600 prisoners

Times of Oman

time27 minutes ago

  • Times of Oman

His Majesty grants royal pardon to over 600 prisoners

Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, has issued a special pardon for 645 prisoners of various nationalities. His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander—may God protect and preserve him—has graciously issued a special royal pardon for a group of prison inmates convicted in various cases. A responsible source from the Royal Oman Police stated that the number of individuals honored with the royal pardon has reached 645 inmates, including both citizens and expats. The decision from the Supreme Commander's comes in conjunction with the occasion of Eid Al Adha 1446 AH, taking into account the circumstances of their families.

Nizwa: sustainable development bridging heritage and investment horizons
Nizwa: sustainable development bridging heritage and investment horizons

Times of Oman

time8 hours ago

  • Times of Oman

Nizwa: sustainable development bridging heritage and investment horizons

Nizwa — The Wilayat of Nizwa in the Governorate of A'Dakhiliyah stands as one of Oman's most prominent cultural and touristic destinations, renowned for its rich historical legacy and archaeological landmarks that chronicle significant chapters of the nation's past. Its distinctive architectural and heritage sites beautifully encapsulate Oman's authentic cultural identity. The iconic Nizwa Fort dominates the historical landscape as a masterpiece of traditional Omani architecture and engineering. Adjacent to the fort, the vibrant Nizwa Souq (market) showcases exceptional local craftsmanship, from intricately forged daggers and handcrafted silverware to traditional markets selling livestock, fresh produce, and artisanal goods. Falaj Daris, recognized on UNESCO's World Heritage list as one of Oman's largest aflaj irrigation systems, represents another jewel in Nizwa's heritage crown. This ancient water network sustains extensive agricultural lands while demonstrating centuries-old Omani ingenuity in sustainable water management. The recent development of a public garden within the falaj has further enhanced its ecological and touristic value. Nizwa's strategic geographical location, combined with its diverse topography of wadis (valleys), mountains, and verdant oases, has established it as a prime destination for cultural and eco-tourism. These natural assets, along with progressive development initiatives, have positioned the Wilayat of Nizwa as an attractive investment hub for tourism and infrastructure projects. Nizwa has achieved remarkable progress in sustainable development through Strategic initiatives have been launched in Nizwa in a bid to achieve remarkable progress in sustainable development. These initiatives have further enhanced urban infrastructure and quality of life. Significant development projects currently underway include A'Dakhiliyah Square launched earlier this year, an RO 7 million Integrated Public Transport Station, and restoration works in Haray Al Aqr where wall rehabilitation stands 65% complete with pathway paving 20% finished. The Public Garden Project has reached 40% completion, collectively aiming to elevate Nizwa's status as Oman's premier cultural-tourism destination while creating new economic opportunities. Harat Al Aqr (an old neighborhood renovated by the locals) has transformed into a flagship example of youth empowerment, hosting 78 entrepreneurial ventures that have generated over 300 jobs for young Omanis. This revitalization has turned the historical quarter into a dynamic center for innovation and traditional crafts, featuring heritage cafes, artisanal shops, private museums, restored guesthouses, and classic car exhibitions. The area's cultural renaissance has dramatically increased property values from RO 10 to RO 1,500 per square meter and now attracts over 20 official delegations annually. Sheikh Saleh Thiyab Al Rubaie, Wali of Nizwa, emphasized to Oman News Agency (ONA) that developmental projects are strategically designed to strengthen local economies while preserving cultural heritage. He noted Nizwa's unique historical assets perfectly position it to benefit from sustainable tourism and knowledge-based economic models. The Wali highlighted how historical neighborhood restoration forms a cornerstone of Nizwa's economic strategy, serving the dual purpose of safeguarding cultural identity through architectural conservation while creating employment via tourism and SME development. Nizwa Industrial City, under the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), represents another facet of Nizwa's growth with 186 operational projects across 7.2 million square meters of developed area, attracting RO 504 million in cumulative investments and generating 6,100 jobs with a 45% Omanization rate. Eng. Ishaq Ibrahim Al Kharousi, Acting Director General, revealed Madayn's upcoming RO 1.2 million Entrepreneurial Complex and ongoing studies for an integrated residential zone within the industrial city. On her turn, Ahlam Hamad Al Qasabi, Director of Heritage and Tourism, outlined the ministry's comprehensive SME support programs including streamlined licensing procedures, specialized training initiatives, and incentive packages for heritage hospitality ventures. She noted how the conversion of historical homes into heritage inns perfectly illustrates the purple economy approach, citing 600,000 visitors to Harat Al Aqr in the first quarter of 2023 as evidence of this model's success in merging cultural preservation with economic viability. The ministry continues to prioritize fortress restorations and historical documentation to enhance Oman's sustainable tourism offerings while safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. This comprehensive development approach positions Nizwa as a model for balanced sustainable growth, where cultural heritage preservation and modern economic development progress hand in hand, creating new opportunities while maintaining the unique identity. —— Ends/AH

Barceló Mussanah Resort Advances Sustainability with Ecobia Bio-Digeste
Barceló Mussanah Resort Advances Sustainability with Ecobia Bio-Digeste

Muscat Daily

time17 hours ago

  • Muscat Daily

Barceló Mussanah Resort Advances Sustainability with Ecobia Bio-Digeste

Muscat – Barceló Mussanah Resort, Oman, continues to reinforce its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Since assuming management of the resort in 2021, marking Barceló's debut in the Sultanate, the company has rebranded and upgraded the property to align with international hospitality standards and Oman's national sustainability initiatives. As part of its dedication to environmental responsibility, Barceló Mussanah Resort has partnered with Ecobia Middle East, an Oman-based company offering innovative and cost-effective sustainability solutions, particularly in addressing the challenge of food waste management in the hospitality sector. Several months ago, Barceló Mussanah Resort and OMRAN signed an agreement with Ecobia Middle East to install a cutting-edge bio-digester on the hotel premises. This technology efficiently addresses the issue of food waste by eliminating smelly garbage bags, reducing the attraction of flies and pests, minimizing long-haul waste transport to landfill, and significantly cutting down methane and CO₂ emissions from landfill sites. The installation of the Ecobia Bio-Digester is a dual victory for the resort. Not only has it enhanced the hotel's Corporate Social Responsibility profile, but it also produces rich, 100% organic fertilizer that is now used across the resort's expansive 230,000+ square meters of lawns and landscaped gardens. This eliminates the need to purchase chemical fertilizers, resulting in substantial cost savings. Further benefits include lower waste disposal costs, the elimination of unpleasant odors from rotting food, and the production of free organic fertilizer following the initial return on investment. General Manager David Faull estimates that the bio-digester will achieve ROI within approximately 16 months. David Faull also praised the professionalism, advice, and ongoing support provided by Ecobia Middle East. The company has delivered comprehensive sustainability training to all staff members—from chefs to housekeeping—and conducted intensive training for selected team members on operating, maintaining, and managing the bio-digester. This partnership exemplifies Barceló Mussanah Resort's unwavering commitment to sustainability and its alignment with Oman's environmental goals.

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