
Omani-Bahraini Bazaar exhibition opens in Muscat
MUSCAT: The much-anticipated Omani-Bahraini Bazaar Exhibition commenced at Oman Mall in the Wilayat of Bausher, Muscat Governorate. The event was inaugurated under the auspices of Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.
Held in alignment with 'Oman Vision 2040' and 'Bahrain Vision 2030', the exhibition aims to enhance the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in economic growth. Featuring 30 exhibitors, including 17 Omanis and 13 Bahrainis, the event offers a diverse range of products such as fashion, perfumes, incense, Omani frankincense, traditional sweets, accessories, handicrafts, heritage items and household supplies.
Running until March 26, the exhibition seeks to strengthen historical ties between Oman and Bahrain, support entrepreneurs, create new investment opportunities and increase bilateral trade.
Dr Juma bin Ahmed al Kaabi, Ambassador of Bahrain to Oman, highlighted that this exhibition reflects the strong economic and diplomatic relations between the two nations. He emphasised the government's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, fostering business growth and enhancing their contribution to GDP.
Echoing these sentiments, Radina al Hajri, Chairwoman of the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association, stressed that the exhibition is a key initiative of the Association, reinforcing economic cooperation and providing a platform for SME owners. She noted that this is the fourth edition of the event, following the success of the January 2025 exhibition in Manama.
Looking ahead, Al Hajri announced a series of upcoming exhibitions, seminars and conferences aimed at fostering deeper economic and cultural exchanges between Oman and Bahrain.
The event was attended by senior officials, diplomats and media representatives, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and entrepreneurial collaboration. - ONA
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Times of Oman
4 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Agreement signed to develop integrated bus public transport hub in Al Buraimi
Muscat - Al Buraimi Governorate and Mwasalat Company today signed a cooperation agreement to develop an integrated bus public transport hub in the Al Uqda Al Shamaliyah area of Al Buraimi Governorate. The project includes the development of a modern, integrated transport station spanning 56,000 square meters. The station will feature an eco-friendly design, offering intercity and intracity passenger transport services, along with advanced facilities such as a smart taxi station, a micro-mobility station, air-conditioned waiting halls, dedicated bus bays, transport operator offices, retail outlets, logistics facilities, and parking spaces for both cars and buses. The agreement was signed under the auspices of Eng. Khamis Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology for Transport. Dr. Hamad Ahmed Al Busaidi, Governor of Al Buraimi, signed the agreement on behalf of the governorate, while Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat, signed on behalf of the company. The agreement aims to enhance public transport infrastructure in the governorate and improve road transport services in line with Oman Vision 2040. It stipulates that Mwasalat will serve as the technical arm of the project, responsible for developing design standards, overseeing implementation, and operating and managing public transport facilities upon completion. Meanwhile, the governorate will allocate the necessary budget for infrastructure and facilitate administrative and regulatory procedures, including land-use adjustments and designating the station as the exclusive hub for mass transit services in the governorate. The Governor of Al Buraimi stated that the establishment of an integrated bus transport hub in the governorate will serve a large segment of public transport users and boost economic indicators. He noted that there are approximately 12 daily bus trips on the Muscat-Al Buraimi route, in addition to the route between Muscat and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, which passes through Al Buraimi Governorate. For his part, Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat, explained that the agreement includes investment aspects, with a tender to be issued for investment in the station's development. Implementation is expected to begin within the next three months, with completion targeted within three years.


Observer
5 hours ago
- Observer
Oman Embassy clarifies on recruitment of Indonesian domestic workers
Muscat: The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Jakarta issued on Wednesday a notice urging Omani citizens not to deal with offices involved in the recruitment of domestic workers in the Republic of Indonesia. According to the embassy, the export of Indonesian domestic workers is currently not officially permitted to Arab countries, including the Sultanate of Oman. The statement clarified that such recruitment remains unofficial and unauthorised. As a result, any financial transactions made for this purpose cannot be legally pursued, and the embassy confirmed that no legal procedures can be taken to recover funds transferred for unapproved recruitment. The embassy emphasised the importance of avoiding dealings that fall outside the official framework, as they are considered illegal.


Times of Oman
8 hours ago
- Times of Oman
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick "very optimistic" about upcoming trade deal with India
Washington DC : A trade deal between India and the United States could be finalised soon, with both countries finding common ground that suits their interests, US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said, expressing "strong optimism" about the direction of ongoing talks while speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum. Lutnick said, "I think to be in a very, very good place, and you should expect a deal between the United States and India in the not-too-distant future because I think we found a place that really works for both countries." When asked if he was hopeful about the outcome, Lutnick said he was "very optimistic," and added, "It could be sort of the way I come across." Lutnick also praised India for moving swiftly in trade talks, noting that both sides were working to finalise a deal far quicker than is typical, a deal that benefits both countries. "Earlier countries get a better deal. That's the way it is. I think India is trying hard to be one of the earlier countries which I appreciate. But these kind of deals used to take two or three years and we're trying to get them done in a month, which is just not the ordinary DNA of trading relationships between countries," he said. The Secretary's remarks come ahead of a July 9 deadline he referenced for ongoing trade discussions. Lutnick, who has decades of business experience in India, said the partnership between New Delhi and Washington has strong potential, especially given the "rare connection" between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Lutnick did not shy away from raising concerns about India's current trade practices. He criticised what he described as New Delhi's " very protectionist" policies. "You ask them why? The answer is, I don't know why. It just is," he said, referring to high tariffs on American goods. "Bring them down to a level that is reasonable and appropriate so we can be treated as partners with each other." He also pointed to India's defence ties with Russia as a matter of concern. "You generally buy military gear from Russia, some way that kind of get up, you know, under the skin of America," Lutnick mentioned, while also acknowledging India's recent shift towards purchasing American defence equipment. On India's role in BRICS, Lutnick said, "That's not really the way to make friends and influence people in America." Lutnick highlighted India's potential as a hub in America's competition with China in artificial intelligence, promising a more open approach to tech-sharing under the Trump administration. "We are willing to sell our best chips, but they have to be done in certain ways," he said, adding that the US plans to support the creation of "giant data centres" in India. He also floated a proposal for a new immigration programme called the "Trump Gold Card," aimed at attracting global entrepreneurs. "A wonderful opportunity for people to be part of two economies," Lutnick said, adding that it would offer flexibility on tax arrangements and residency status. On the trade front, Lutnick said certain industries would be relocated to India while high-end manufacturing returns to the US. "There are enormous numbers of industries that we'd really like to go to India," he added. Interestingly, according to the US Secretary of Commerce, he is a "great fan of India" and "even the people in the government know that that's true." He added that "one" of his "best friends" happens to be "Indian", and they used to have "fun" together, going to house parties and even playing cricket.