Shura Council to host Minister of Heritage and Tourism on March 24
Muscat: The Shura Council is set to host Salem Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism on March 24 for statement before the Council.
This comes as part of the series of ministerial statements approved for the second regular session of the tenth term.
This was announced by Ahmed Mohammed Al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Shura Council, who stated that the Council will convene its eighth regular session for the second annual term (2024-2025) of the tenth legislative period (2023-2027).
The session will be dedicated to discussing the statement of the Minister of Heritage and Tourism, in accordance with Article (69) of the Oman Council Law, which stipulates that: 'At the beginning of each annual session, the Shura Council determines the program of ministerial statements and their discussion themes, based on a joint proposal from the Council's Bureau and the heads of the standing committees. The Chairman of the Council shall inform the government of this program, specifying the elements and themes that each statement must include, according to the subject or sector it pertains to.'
The Secretary-General explained that the statement will cover six main themes identified by the Council earlier.
The first theme will examine the ministry's plans and programmes implemented in the heritage and tourism sectors, their alignment with Oman Vision 2040 priorities, and the development plan projects for these sectors.
It will also present the ministry's vision for integrating future programs and projects to enhance the heritage and tourism sectors within the Eleventh Five-Year Plan.
The second theme of the ministerial statement will analyse the tourism balance within the current five-year plan and the projections for the upcoming plan.
Contribution to GDP
This includes assessing tourism expenditures across various aspects, evaluating the impact of domestic tourism on the overall sector's contribution to GDP, and examining spending patterns and growth prospects.
Additionally, it will assess the status of integrated tourism complexes, their investment value, job creation potential, and interconnections with other economic sectors.
The third theme will focus on managing the heritage sector, addressing the administration of tangible Omani cultural heritage (both public and private) and the ministry's efforts to ensure its sustainability.
It will also discuss the management of historical and archaeological sites, including documentation, preservation, and maintenance. Furthermore, the theme will examine the contribution of the heritage sector to GDP, its future growth, and the ministry's vision for developing the sector in light of existing opportunities, challenges, investment prospects, and optimal employment mechanisms.
According to Al Nadabi, the fourth theme will explore the management of the tourism sector, emphasising its contribution to GDP and highlighting key tourism projects aimed at maximising the sector's economic impact. Additionally, it will address the role of tourism-related legislation in enhancing the economic returns from the sector.
The fifth theme will focus on human resources in the heritage and tourism sectors. It will discuss the ministry's efforts to assess the supply and demand for national labour, improve Omanisation rates, and enhance workforce development.
Moreover, it will examine workforce training programs and initiatives to create job opportunities in the two sectors.
His Excellency the Secretary-General further stated that the sixth theme will cover coordination, development, and investment prospects. It will review the ministry's collaboration with the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) in advancing the tourism sector, as well as its role in enabling the private sector to invest in heritage and tourism sites.
Additionally, it will highlight the ministry's initiatives to strengthen partnerships with SMEs and its policies and programs for maximising local content in coordination with various stakeholders.
He also noted that the session will be held publicly, with media representatives in attendance, to ensure transparency and promote community engagement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
4 hours ago
- Observer
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.
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Dhofar gears up for khareef with 100 tourist sites, 7,300 rooms
SALALAH, June 7 Dhofar Governorate is gearing up for its signature tourism season with a marked increase in hospitality capacity, as the number of licensed establishments reaches 100, offering 7,300 rooms, the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism has confirmed. The expansion — driven by new hotel openings in Salalah, Taqah and Mirbat — is part of wider preparations for Khareef 2025, a key period for tourism in Oman. 'This capacity growth reflects our strategic focus on readiness and service excellence,' said Abdullah bin Omar al Sabbah Baaboud, Assistant Director of the Promotion Department in Dhofar. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, he noted, is working in tandem with stakeholders to upgrade tourism infrastructure and attract further investment into the hospitality sector. These efforts align with Oman Vision 2040, which positions tourism as a vital contributor to economic diversification and local development. According to official data, Dhofar welcomed 1.048 million visitors during the Khareef 2024 season, a 9 per cent year-on-year increase. Omani visitors surged by 70.1 per cent to over 734,500, while Gulf visitors rose 16.9 per cent, reaching nearly 177,000. Visitors from other Arab nations also posted a modest increase of 3.6 per cent. By end-2024, Dhofar had 83 licensed hotel properties offering 6,537 rooms. The additional supply — set to reach 100 hotels by summer 2025 — aims to meet rising demand and expand accommodation options for a diverse visitor base. The 2024 season also featured a significantly extended calendar of events, running for 90 consecutive days. Activities ranged from cultural showcases and family entertainment to sporting attractions such as the Salalah International Cycling Tour, drawing broad audience engagement across the governorate. The ministry implemented targeted marketing campaigns, participated in international travel exhibitions; and organised media and trade familiarisation trips. Social media outreach also intensified, partnering with regional influencers to reinforce Dhofar's profile as a leading monsoon destination. Officials expect further growth in visitor arrivals over the coming seasons, supported by continuous infrastructure upgrades and broader investment in tourism services. With Khareef tourism now a centrepiece of Dhofar's economic strategy, the governorate is on track to solidify its standing as a premier destination in the Arabian Peninsula.
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
IMF backs Oman's reforms, warns of global risks
A recent visit by a staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), held in Muscat from May 21 to 29, 2025, has provided a timely and comprehensive assessment of Oman's macroeconomic trajectory. Led by César Serra, the mission engaged with national authorities on key developments, fiscal performance, structural reforms and medium-term outlooks. The statement issued at the end of the visit presents a cautiously optimistic picture of Oman's economy — one marked by resilience, reform and prudent policymaking — while also highlighting emerging risks that require close attention. According to the IMF, Oman's real GDP expanded by 1.7 per cent in 2024, up from 1.2 per cent the previous year. This growth was achieved despite reduced hydrocarbon output, in line with Opec+ production curbs. The performance reflects strong non-oil sector activity — especially in manufacturing, logistics, tourism and services — all core areas targeted under Oman Vision 2040's diversification agenda. Looking ahead, GDP growth is forecast to accelerate to 2.4 per cent in 2025 and 3.7 per cent in 2026, supported by the expected phase-out of production limits and sustained investment in strategic sectors. Inflation remains well contained, registering 0.9 per cent year-on-year during January–April 2025, providing a stable environment for consumers and investors alike. The IMF notes that Oman's fiscal surplus stood at 3.3 per cent of GDP in 2024, although this figure was slightly lower than earlier estimates due to accelerated public investment in infrastructure, health, education and water services. In parallel, Energy Development Oman (EDO) redirected a portion of its dividend payments to long-term investment, further contributing to the temporary narrowing of fiscal space. Over the short term, the fiscal surplus is projected to moderate to an average of 0.5 per cent of GDP during 2025–2026, before recovering in the medium term as oil output increases and reform measures take hold. Importantly, Oman continues to make significant progress in public debt reduction. Central government debt declined to 35.5 per cent of GDP in 2024, down from 37.5 per cent the previous year. State-owned enterprise (SOE) debt also fell to approximately 31 per cent of GDP, reflecting continued progress on governance and operational reform under the Oman Investment Authority. Oman's current account posted a surplus of 2.2 per cent of GDP in 2024 but is expected to shift into a moderate deficit of around 2 per cent of GDP during 2025–2026, due to softer oil prices and more subdued non-oil export growth. Nonetheless, the IMF expects a return to surplus thereafter, contingent on higher oil production and stronger trade performance. On the financial front, the banking sector remains robust. Omani banks are well-capitalised, profitable, and maintain strong liquidity positions. The sector continues to support private sector credit growth, backed by an expanding deposit base and a positive net foreign asset position. The IMF report underscores that structural reforms are advancing across multiple fronts. The Tax Authority is implementing its Tax Administration Modernisation Programme, the Central Bank of Oman is refining its liquidity management framework, and efforts are underway to expand access to finance through a well-structured financial development agenda. One of the most significant milestones is the operational launch of Future Fund Oman, a new investment platform designed to mobilise private capital into key economic sectors. Several projects have already been approved, and substantial co-investment from the private sector has been secured. Simultaneously, Oman is intensifying its efforts in renewable energy, particularly green hydrogen. These initiatives are vital for future energy security, export diversification and industrial development. The finalisation of the 11th Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030) — framed under the objectives of Vision 2040 — is expected to play a critical role in consolidating these reform gains and accelerating economic diversification. Despite a broadly favourable outlook, the IMF warns of downside risks. Geopolitical tensions, global trade disruptions and prolonged weakness in oil prices could all undermine fiscal and external stability. Furthermore, elevated global interest rates could raise borrowing costs and dampen private investment, particularly if hydrocarbon revenues soften. To mitigate these risks, the IMF recommends that Oman sustain its current reform momentum, enhance private sector participation and continue building fiscal buffers. Policy consistency and timely implementation will be essential to navigating this uncertain landscape. The IMF's mission affirms that Oman has made tangible progress in strengthening its economic fundamentals. Growth is returning, inflation is low, debt is declining and reforms are deepening. The economy is now better positioned to respond to external shocks and capitalise on long-term opportunities. As Oman prepares to launch its next development cycle, the focus must remain on execution. Maintaining investor confidence, advancing green energy initiatives and ensuring inclusive growth will be critical to achieving Vision 2040's long-term goals. Oman's economic strategy is evolving with purpose. The challenge now is to maintain momentum, institutionalise reform, and drive the transition from a hydrocarbon-dependent model to a resilient, diversified and sustainable economy.
