Oman: Nama initiatives, installment plans for some consumers
Muscat: The Nama Group Electricity Companies announced several new facilities for consumers, including the "Yusr" Service that offers installment plans for those facing difficulties.
12-month monthly payment plan, top-up in times of need via the Nama app, and fixed payment amount in summer or winter.
The companies have 1.35 million subscribers across the Sultanate of Oman (excluding Dhofar Governorate), while the project of smart meter installations has achieved a 75 percent target.
The projects to be launched include the electronic transaction tracking system, AC Maintenance (Phase 1), smart electrical load management, and daily consumption display via mobile app.
automatic top-up of prepaid meters.
In Dhofar, more than 84% of electricity meters have been replaced with smart meters.
2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
30 minutes ago
- Zawya
Oman: EDO seeks partners to support energy transition, ICV
MUSCAT: An Omani delegation comprising officials from Energy Development Oman (EDO), the wholly government-owned energy sector holding company, and the General Secretariat of the Tender Board, has embarked on a visit to Japan to meet with executives of two major conglomerates – Sumitomo Corporation and Nippon Steel. EDO said in a post on Sunday that the visit is part of efforts to efforts to 'develop strategic partnerships and enhance the localization of manufacturing in the energy sector'. Affiliated to the Ministry of Finance, EDO owns 60 per cent of the Block 6 concession operated by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), 100 per cent of Block 6's non-associated gas concession, and 100 per cent of Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom), the master-planner of the Sultanate's green hydrogen industry. Significantly, discussions with the Japanese corporations encompass a wide range of objectives relevant to, among other areas, the energy transition, local manufacturing, and national capacity building. 'The visit's agenda includes several sessions addressing advanced industries supporting the energy sector, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, as well as the development of integrated industrial parks. This visit reflects (EDO's) direction toward building a comprehensive industrial base, founded on knowledge transfer, role integration, and long-term collaboration that contributes to empowering national capabilities and enhancing the sector's readiness,' said EDO. 'During the visit, the company presented the Local Content Framework and Oman's readiness to host high-quality industrial investments, strengthening its position as a competitive hub in global energy value chains,' it further added. Both Sumitomo Corporation and Nippon Steel are longstanding suppliers of Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) - pipes and casings used in oil and gas drilling and production operations – for Oman's hydrocarbon sector. EDO, by virtue of its majority shareholding in PDO, is one of the largest customers for OCTG hardware. The supply arrangement with PDO dates back to around 2003 when Sumitomo Corporation, together with Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (NSSMC), signed deals to provide high quality OCTG goods to Oman's national oil company. A specialized storage area for OCTGs was also established in Port of Duqm's logistics zone as part of a 'Mill to Well' model designed to optimize supply chain efficiencies linked to the supply of these pipes to PDO. Earlier this year, EDO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sumitomo Corporation Middle East to explore the localisation of OCTG manufacturing in Oman. The MoU also aimed to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on imports. Another large consumer of OCTG is BP, which operates the tight-gas fields of Block 61. In July 2018, Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (NSSMC) forged a strategic partnership for the supply of OCTG to BP Exploration (Epsilon) Limited of Oman (BP Oman). 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
30 minutes ago
- Zawya
A nation recalibrated: Why Oman may hit 2040 targets ahead of time?
In an age dominated by grand national visions, Oman's latest performance report of its 10th Five Year Plan, spanning the 2021–Q1 2025 timeframe, stands apart—not for its rhetoric, but for its results. While other nations amplify ambitions, Oman quantifies them. And what the numbers now reveal is nothing short of a silent transformation—precise, purposeful, and increasingly irreversible. This transformation—guided by Oman Vision 2040—is not being proclaimed with slogans, but evidenced through percentages. From digital government to clean water access, from economic diversification to governance reform, the performance report issued recently by the Ministry of Finance underscores the progress Oman is making on multiple fronts, consistently and measurably. STRATEGIC PLANNING THAT PRODUCES At the heart of the report lies a compelling headline figure: 44.9% cumulative improvement in national performance indicators over just four years. This is not a marginal shift—it is a recalibration of how governance, services, and citizen engagement function in the Sultanate. The government's success in digital transformation is among the most visible. 85% of services are now accessible online, and 90% of citizens use digital identity systems, enabling faster, more transparent public services. Digital infrastructure readiness stands at 95%, while AI integration in government functions has reached 20%—a significant foundation for the next generation of smart governance. This is not just about technology; it's about access. Digital service satisfaction now stands at 80%, and 81% of public sector services have been automated, cutting red tape and raising accountability. HEALTHCARE THAT DELIVERS Healthcare is one of Oman's standout reform areas. Preventive health service coverage has reached 95%, and public satisfaction with the sector stands at 86%. The digitisation of medical records has ensured 90% of patients can now access their health data with ease. Key outcomes include a 4.6% increase in life expectancy, and an 11.9% decline in infant mortality since 2021—proof that investment in the healthcare system is not only improving systems, but saving lives. The health insurance coverage rate stands at 92%, and health system efficiency has improved by 6.1%—figures that show strategic policies are translating into tangible gains. AN ECONOMY DIVERSIFYING BY DESIGN Despite global economic volatility, Oman's efforts to reduce its dependence on oil are bearing fruit. The report shows an 8.7% increase in non-oil sector contribution to GDP, supported by 7.8% growth in the manufacturing sector and a 4.9% rise in SME contributions. Public–private collaboration has become a pillar of this diversification, with a PPP success rate of 90% and private sector engagement in development at 92%. These numbers reflect not just alignment with Vision 2040, but a structural shift in how Oman's economy is financed, built, and grown. FDI inflows have risen by 2.0% annually, while business environment indicators improved by 2.8%, driven by ongoing regulatory reform and streamlined licensing procedures. Inflation control measures delivered a 2.6% improvement, and economic diversification indexes rose by 3.2%, signaling that Oman's economy is expanding in both depth and scope. EDUCATION IN SERVICE OF EMPLOYMENT The education sector has undergone substantial reform. Tertiary enrolment stands at 60%, and a significant 86% of graduates now meet labour market needs. Vocational training participation sits at 59%, and digital literacy among youth is an impressive 95%—a critical asset for a future economy built on innovation. Still, gaps persist. STEM graduates comprise 45% of total graduates, and only 15% of students specialise in entrepreneurship-related fields. While female labour force participation has improved to 40%, perceptions of gender equity in the workplace remain modest at 57%. These metrics will need sharper focus to meet inclusivity and competitiveness targets. CITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY Urban development efforts have kept pace with citizen expectations. Access to electricity and clean water has reached 95% and 90% respectively, and 81% of the population expresses satisfaction with infrastructure. Housing remains accessible to 83%, while smart city initiatives have achieved 59% implementation. Yet public transport coverage remains at 55%, and green infrastructure integration at 25%—areas where Oman can scale up to ensure sustainable urban living. The environmental domain, however, is a red flag. Carbon emissions dropped only 0.6%, and waste recycling remains at 14%. Environmental awareness is just 28%, while air quality and water efficiency compliance both sit at 72%. Without greater policy innovation and public mobilisation, Oman risks lagging behind on sustainability, even as it leads in infrastructure. Where Oman is leading regionally—and arguably internationally—is in governance reform. Transparency indicators are at 86%, accountability mechanisms score 91%, and anti-corruption efforts are rated at 85%. This new culture of statecraft is supported by 72% e-participation and 50% citizen engagement in policymaking—numbers that are expected to rise as decentralisation efforts and municipal reforms take hold. The report's closing message is clear: Oman is not improvising. It is delivering. Over 70% of Vision 2040 performance indicators have either met or exceeded benchmarks. And yet, rather than declare victory, the government is pressing forward—identifying regional disparities, calling for stronger environmental frameworks, and encouraging private sector competitiveness. If the next five years mirror the momentum of the last, Oman may not just reach its Vision 2040 goals—it may arrive early, and stronger than anticipated. Qasim Al Maashani 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
30 minutes ago
- Zawya
Vietnam proposes boosting Oman Investment Fund to $1bln
MUSCAT: Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has proposed raising the capital of the Vietnam – Oman Investment Fund (VOI) to $1 billion. The proposal was made during a high-level meeting in Hanoi with Shaikh Nasser bin Sulaiman al Harthy, Deputy President for Operations at Oman Investment Authority (OIA), and his accompanying delegation. Reported by the official information channel of the Government of Vietnam, the Prime Minister's remarks reflect Vietnam's intent to enhance its strategic engagement with Oman, a growing economic partner in the Gulf region. The meeting took place against the backdrop of strengthening relations between the two nations, with cooperation expanding across trade, investment, infrastructure, and energy. Highlighting Oman's growing relevance as a key Middle Eastern partner, Prime Minister Chinh commended the longstanding presence and strategic investment role of VOI in Vietnam. Established 17 years ago as a joint initiative between the State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) of Vietnam and the OIA, VOI has spearheaded a number of high-impact investments aligned with Vietnam's development goals. The Prime Minister emphasised that an expanded VOI—with a target scale of $1 billion—would allow for greater investment in critical sectors including infrastructure, renewable energy, clean water, healthcare, education, consumer finance, and high-tech agriculture. He noted that beyond economic returns, these investments also contribute to social development and the improvement of public services and livelihoods across Vietnam. 'This fund has proven its long-term vision and commitment to Vietnam's sustainable growth,' said Prime Minister Chinh. 'Now is the time to scale it up to match the size of our economy and development ambitions.' The meeting also touched on Vietnam's broader engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with Prime Minister Chinh highlighting discussions held during the recent 2nd Asean-GCC Summit. He noted a shared interest in launching negotiations for a Vietnam-GCC free trade agreement and expanding cooperation in areas such as digital transformation, green economy, Halal food production, and investment protection frameworks. In response, Shaikh Nasser bin Sulaiman al Harthy welcomed the Prime Minister's proposal and reaffirmed Oman's interest in intensifying its economic partnership with Vietnam. He described the VOI as a platform for deeper strategic engagement and said Oman could serve as a regional gateway for Vietnamese products and services entering the Middle East. Al Harthy also announced the launch of a new $200 million 'Vietnam New Era Growth Fund' in partnership with SCIC. This fund will focus on emerging and high-potential sectors including telecommunications, finance, technology, Halal agriculture, and digital infrastructure. 'We value the Prime Minister's vision and support the idea of expanding the Vietnam – Oman Investment Fund,' said Al Harthy. 'We are ready to promote Vietnam as a key investment destination for Omani and Gulf investors, while also inviting Vietnamese businesses to use Oman's logistics and seaport networks to reach broader markets in the region.' The OIA delegation's visit is seen as a pivotal moment in advancing Vietnam-Oman relations. Both sides expressed confidence in the long-term trajectory of the partnership, agreeing that expanded joint funds could not only drive economic growth but also strengthen diplomatic ties and regional integration. If realised, the $1 billion VOI would mark a substantial increase from its current capital base and signal deeper strategic alignment between Hanoi and Muscat. It would also reflect Vietnam's growing profile as a destination for Gulf capital and a gateway to Asean markets. As both countries eye a future shaped by green development, high-tech industry, and regional connectivity, the Vietnam-Oman investment axis is poised to become a vital channel for sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.
