
Oman gifts mural to WTO to mark Royal visit
The artwork, created by Omani artist Salim bin Khamis al Salami, highlights Oman's heritage, natural diversity and forward-looking vision. Selected through a national competition, it will be displayed permanently at the WTO's central hall in Geneva. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion with support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, reflects Oman's use of art in cultural diplomacy and global engagement under Oman Vision 2040.
Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said the mural symbolises Oman's commitment to international dialogue through art. Ambassador Idris al Khanjari added it stands as a lasting symbol of Oman's strong ties with the WTO.
Hashtags

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


Muscat Daily
an hour ago
- Muscat Daily
Jabal Akhdar Park to open on Monday as part of tourism push
Jabal Akhdar – A new public park in Jabal Akhdar will open on Monday, adding to the wilayat's tourism and leisure facilities as part of ongoing development projects in Dakhliyah governorate. The Jabal Akhdar Park, built at a cost of more than RO1.1mn, covers 20,000sqm in the Saih Qatna area and is expected to attract both residents and tourists year-round. The project forms part of efforts under Oman Vision 2040 to turn the governorate's natural and cultural assets into sustainable development opportunities. Sultan al Ghafili Sheikh Sultan bin Mansour al Ghafili, wali of Jabal Akhdar, said the park is an important addition to the tourism landscape in the governorate. 'The project includes a 1,000sqm children's play area, sports paths, and investment areas containing a café, a shop and an area for electric games, in addition to prayer rooms and restrooms,' he said. The park also features an open multi-use theatre, green spaces covering 5,000sqm, 150 trees, 400 shrubs, and landscaped vegetation aimed at making the site suitable for family activities and community events. 'The project reflects the keenness of the wilayat, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of Dakhliyah, to develop facilities that meet sustainability standards, support small and medium enterprises, provide job opportunities and stimulate commercial activities,' Ghafili said. He added that further initiatives will follow, targeting ecotourism, smart agriculture and community services. 'These projects are part of a comprehensive development drive that considers innovation, sustainability and the promotion of Omani identity,' he said. Mohammed bin Ali al Wardi, Director of the Projects Department at Dakhliyah Municipality, described the park as part of an integrated plan to enhance public spaces and the urban environment. 'The celebration square in Saih Qatna, inaugurated in July, represents a model for cultural and tourism infrastructure in the governorate,' he said. He added that ongoing and upcoming projects aim to position Jabal Akhdar as a sustainable tourism centre, balancing preservation of the natural environment with the development of facilities and services.


Muscat Daily
an hour ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman to highlight tourism potential in Jaipur roadshow
Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism will hold a promotional workshop in Jaipur, India, on Monday as part of its efforts to strengthen the country's position in regional and global tourism markets. The workshop aims to highlight Oman's tourism assets, ranging from heritage and culture to adventure and wedding tourism, while promoting the sultanate as a safe and stable destination. Officials said the event will feature face-to-face meetings with leading Indian travel agencies, airlines and specialised media outlets. The sessions will focus on building partnerships and showcasing opportunities in sectors including cruise tourism, hospitality, and meetings and conferences. 'The Indian market is a priority within the ministry's promotional plan,' an official said. 'There is a growing demand for outbound tourism from India, supported by stronger cultural and economic ties between the two countries.' The programme will include visual presentations, publications, and interactive sessions led by Omani tourism representatives. Delegates from Omani tourism institutions will also hold business meetings with their Indian counterparts to present tailored packages designed for different traveller groups. In recent years, Oman has seen steady growth in tourist arrivals from India. Officials attribute this to easier visa procedures, improved air connectivity, and deeper cooperation between Omani and Indian companies in the travel sector. The campaign forms part of the ministry's broader strategy to diversify tourism markets and increase visitor numbers in line with Oman Vision 2040, which emphasises tourism as a driver of economic growth.


Observer
3 hours ago
- Observer
MoL intensifies inspections to regulate labour market
MUSCAT, AUG 16 The Ministry of Labour (MoL) is stepping up its efforts to regulate Oman's labour market with a series of inspection campaigns across the Sultanate of Oman's governorates. These inspections are part of an ongoing strategy to create a positive, transparent and productive work environment while ensuring compliance with the Labour Law and related regulations. The campaigns are designed not only to detect violations but also to raise awareness among employers and workers about the importance of adhering to the law. By doing so, the Ministry seeks to safeguard the rights of workers, strengthen fair competition and promote sustainable job opportunities for the national workforce. Amanullah bin Balan al Balushi, Head of the Inspection Campaigns Department at the Labour Control Office in Muscat, explained that inspections are carried out in multiple ways. They may be scheduled visits based on action plans, targeted operations following public complaints, or surprise checks to uncover irregularities such as the employment of illegal workers. He added that such campaigns are essential in maintaining order in the labour market and curbing practices that negatively impact the economy and society. To enhance effectiveness, the Ministry has recently assigned the Inspection Unit of the Security and Safety Services Corporation (SSC) to conduct field campaigns. These include identifying non-Omani workers who violate labour laws in governorates such as Muscat, Dhofar and Al Batinah North. The scope of this partnership is expected to expand to additional governorates, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to broader nationwide coverage. Inspection campaigns cover a wide range of sectors that are vital to Oman's economic growth. These include healthcare — such as hospitals, clinics and pharmacies — retail markets, logistics and transportation, tourism establishments, warehouses, private education institutions, industrial workshops and public services. By extending oversight across these diverse fields, the Ministry ensures that all establishments abide by regulations and that Omani workers are given fair employment opportunities. 'Inspection campaigns contribute significantly to regulating the labour market, reducing irregular labour and creating sustainable job opportunities for Omanis', Al Balushi emphasised. He pointed out that the campaigns not only protect the interests of workers and employers but also enhance investor confidence in the Omani market by promoting transparency and stability. The Ministry's latest data highlights the scale of these efforts. Since the beginning of this year, 6,698 inspection campaigns have been carried out in cooperation with competent authorities. In addition, 697 reports were received through the Ministry's electronic complaints system and the Tajawab platform. During this period, 7,874 non-Omani workers were found to be in violation of labour laws, underscoring the need for continued monitoring and enforcement. By maintaining strict oversight, the Ministry of Labour is aligning its efforts with Oman's National Vision, which seeks to create a fair and competitive labour market, attract foreign investment and ensure that national human resources are employed effectively in line with the country's development goals. Amanullah bin Balan al Balushi