logo
GIG Gulf secures Category 'A' Health Insurance License under new regulatory framework in Oman

GIG Gulf secures Category 'A' Health Insurance License under new regulatory framework in Oman

Times of Oman26-05-2025

Muscat - GIG Gulf has achieved a landmark milestone in Oman, becoming one of the first insurers to be awarded a Category 'A' license by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). This license grants GIG Gulf the authority to provide and manage health insurance under the Sultanate's newly established 'Health Insurance Participation' framework, positioning the company at the forefront of a transformative shift in Oman's healthcare landscape.
As one of the first insurers to receive this license, GIG Gulf is now officially authorized to offer and manage health insurance products in Oman. The FSA introduced this new licensing framework to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve service quality, and boost premium retention within the Sultanate. It also establishes a co-insurance model, enabling licensed B insurers to take a share of health business from licensed A insurers. This ensures sustainability, data protection, and a customer-centric approach for the Omani population.
Mehdi Al Harthy, General Manager of GIG Gulf Oman, said, 'We are committed to leveraging our expertise and technology to deliver tailored insurance solutions that meet the unique needs of individuals and businesses across Oman. Our focus is on building long-term partnerships and enhancing customer experience through transparency, accessibility, and trust.'
He added, 'With less than 20% of the population currently insured, the market opportunity is substantial. We are investing in infrastructure, IT systems, and talent to expand our client base and product offerings, ensuring that we meet evolving market demands and consistently deliver the highest quality service. We also thank the FSA for their leadership in fostering a resilient and inclusive health insurance ecosystem in Oman."

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

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

time2 hours ago

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.

Oman advances diverse energy portfolio: EDO
Oman advances diverse energy portfolio: EDO

Observer

time3 hours ago

  • Observer

Oman advances diverse energy portfolio: EDO

MUSCAT, JUNE 4 Oman is set to undergo a major transformation in its energy sector over the next decade, with plans for broad-based expansion across both hydrocarbons and renewable energy sources, according to a key executive of the Sultanate of Oman's pivotal energy industry. Mazin Rashid al Lamki, CEO of Energy Development Oman (EDO)—the wholly government-owned energy sector holding company—said the evolving strategy reflects global energy shifts while maintaining a strong commitment to domestic needs and export potential. In an interview featured in the latest Oman-focused edition of Oxford Business Group (OBG), Al Lamki noted that nationwide assessments of the country's energy resources, currently nearing completion, indicate a 'stronger-than-expected' potential in oil and gas. Together with assessments of Oman's solar and wind capacity, a picture is emerging of a balanced energy mix catering to both domestic demand and exports. 'Overall, we are moving toward a more diversified and integrated energy portfolio. Once it reaches commercial scale, you will see Oman expanding oil, gas, renewables, and green hydrogen. It is not a transition away from hydrocarbons, but a strategic broadening to meet domestic needs and seize export opportunities in an evolving global energy landscape,' Al Lamki stated. In line with this strategic direction, renewable resources are targeted to account for 30% of electricity production by 2030—a figure that could rise to 40–45%, according to current indicators. Hydrocarbon production is also expected to grow in response to sustained global demand, he noted. Al Lamki also emphasized the need for greater investment in the country's energy infrastructure to meet the ambitious renewable energy targets by 2030. 'Oman must expand its electricity infrastructure to meet the 2030 renewable energy target. Today's grid is designed for 11 GW of capacity, but by 2030 we expect that figure to rise to 35–40 GW. This requires investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure,' he said. One key area of focus, he added, is the development of common-use infrastructure to support both green hydrogen and renewable energy projects—a move that would help lower costs and maximize efficiency. 'Public-private partnerships (PPPs) will be key to this process. We are looking at PPP models to support grid expansion, particularly in the northern regions. Existing oil and gas transport infrastructure may be adapted to move hydrogen and desalinated water. Coordinated planning across electricity, water, and hydrogen infrastructure will be essential—and shared investment models will make that feasible,' he explained. When asked about potential sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) to support Oman's energy infrastructure, Al Lamki cited countries in Asia and Europe as particularly promising. 'These countries are seeking reliable, long-term supplies of both clean and conventional energy, and Oman stands out as an appealing partner due to its geopolitical stability, rich resource base, and clear commitment to energy diversification,' he said. Affiliated with the Ministry of Finance, EDO owns 60% of the Block 6 concession operated by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), 100% of Block 6's non-associated gas concession, and 100% of Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom), the master planner of the Sultanate's green hydrogen industry.

Agreement signed on health-promoting schools initiative
Agreement signed on health-promoting schools initiative

Times of Oman

time8 hours ago

  • Times of Oman

Agreement signed on health-promoting schools initiative

Musca t: - The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, and Al Jisr Foundation for Charitable Works today signed a cooperation agreement to support the "Health-Promoting Schools" initiative. The initiative aims to provide a safe and health-enhancing educational environment that enables students to improve their academic performance, acquire essential life skills, and integrate into society. The agreement was signed by Dr. Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education; Sulaiman bin Nasser Al Hiji, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Administrative and Financial Affairs; and Dina Al Khalili, Director General of Al Jisr Foundation for Charitable Works. Dr. Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education, stated that this five-year initiative holds significant importance in enhancing students' health environment, serving as a key tool that positively impacts their academic achievement. He added that the total number of schools participating in the initiative since its launch has reached 566 across various educational directorates in the governorates. These schools implement the initiative's programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Al Jisr Foundation for Charitable Works. For his part, Sulaiman bin Nasser Al Hiji, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Administrative and Financial Affairs, emphasized that this initiative stems from a strategic partnership to serve the public good, particularly by promoting health in school environments. This will be achieved through improving students' learning conditions, enhancing their academic performance, preventing diseases, reducing absenteeism, supporting their mental well-being, and instilling lasting healthy habits—enabling them to focus, engage, and learn more effectively. Dina Al Khalili, Director General of Al Jisr Foundation for Charitable Works, stated that this strategic partnership reflects the convergence of health and education efforts, realizing a shared vision to provide a healthy school environment that enhances students' academic success and develops their essential life skills. She reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to creating a sustainable impact for students and society. Al Jisr Foundation will fund sustainable projects for three schools that have achieved the highest gold-level rating in the "Health-Promoting Schools" initiative over five years. Additionally, the foundation will oversee the initiative's implementation and collaborate with specialized teams from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health to develop a visual identity and an operational guide for the initiative. Efforts are also underway to prepare an electronic platform, which will be launched at a later stage.

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