logo
RO 243m pacts to finance flood protection dams

RO 243m pacts to finance flood protection dams

Observer21-05-2025

The Sultanate of Oman signed a number of agreements with the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB) worth RO 243 million to finance the construction of flood protection dams, on Wednesday.
The agreements were signed on the sidelines of the 50th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, held in Algiers.
The agreements were signed by Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Minister of Finance, and Dr Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Group.
The minister also signed a framework memorandum to enhance strategic cooperation and economic integration with the IsDB Group and member states. The memorandum covers several areas of cooperation including infrastructure development and support for the private sector and other sectors such as roads, electricity, water, sanitation, tourism, manufacturing industries, industrial zones in addition to developing human and institutional capacities.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MSX market cap surpasses RO 28 billion
MSX market cap surpasses RO 28 billion

Observer

timea day ago

  • Observer

MSX market cap surpasses RO 28 billion

MUSCAT: The market capitalisation of the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) climbed to over RO 28 billion last week, supported by weekly gains of RO 79.3 million as several stocks ended higher. The MSX's main index closed at 4,578 points, up 17 points, maintaining the momentum seen over the past five weeks. The services sector index gained 5 points, driven by strong performances from Ooredoo, Omantel and OQ Gas Networks. In contrast, the industrial and financial sector indices dropped by 17 and 10 points, respectively, while the Shariah index recorded a marginal decline. The daily trading volume increased to RO 11 million, up from RO 10 million the previous week. The average daily number of transactions also rose, reaching 2,149 compared to 1,787. Trading was limited to four days due to the Eid Al Adha holiday. OQ Base Industries dominated activity with trades worth RO 10.58 million — 24 per cent of the week's total trading value of RO 44 million. Its share price rose by 4 baisas to close at 122 baisas. Bank Muscat followed with RO 5.49 million in trades, while OQ Gas Networks, Sohar International Bank, and OQ Exploration and Production rounded out the top five most traded stocks. Market performance remained buoyant with 34 securities gaining, 30 losing and 17 remaining unchanged. Muscat Gases posted the highest weekly gain at 18 per cent, closing at 118 baisas. Galfar Engineering rose 9 per cent to 72 baisas, while National Gas gained 8.8 per cent to 86 baisas. National Gas Company also announced the acquisition of an 80-per cent stake in Samharam Gas Company, which operates LPG bottling and distribution in Dhofar. The deal is expected to enhance the company's market position and profitability. In corporate news, Al Anwar Investments reported a surge in net profits from RO 532,000 to approximately RO 2.4 million for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2025. Its board approved a 4-per cent cash dividend and a 4-per cent bonus share issue, subject to approval at the AGM on June 25. The share closed last week at 83 baisas, down 2 baisas. — ONA

Shipbuilding, maintenance project pact signed
Shipbuilding, maintenance project pact signed

Observer

time5 days ago

  • Observer

Shipbuilding, maintenance project pact signed

KHASAB: Musandam Global Investment company and its Turkish business partners on Tuesday signed an agreement to establish Musandam Drydock and Marine Industries Company. The agreement deals with launching a strategic project in Musandam Governorate, with an investment cost of more than RO 5 million in its first phase, to provide a set of vital services like construction and maintenance of fish farming cages, coastal and commercial fishing vessels, marine tugs, service vessels and transport vessels. The company will take steps to meet the needs of the Omani market and neighbouring regional markets, besides enhancing industrial integration in the marine and fisheries services sector. The project will keep pace with national trends in promoting food security and sustainable industrial growth. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Governor of Musandam. - ONA

RO 2.1 billion disbursed in subsidies last year
RO 2.1 billion disbursed in subsidies last year

Observer

time5 days ago

  • Observer

RO 2.1 billion disbursed in subsidies last year

MUSCAT, JUNE 3 Oman allocated more than RO 2.1 billion in 2024 to fund targeted support across critical sectors and public welfare programmes, as part of its broader fiscal strategy to promote economic resilience and social stability. According to official data released by the Ministry of Finance, the largest share—RO 565 million—was directed to the electricity sector to maintain affordability and ensure continued access to essential services. The government also committed RO 501 million to bolster the national social protection system, in line with the objectives of the Social Protection Law and Oman Vision 2040. In a move to strengthen fiscal health, RO 400 million was allocated for debt servicing. The petroleum sector received RO 232 million in fuel subsidies, helping cushion consumers from international price fluctuations. Key utilities and infrastructure were also prioritised. The water and sanitation sector was allocated RO 203 million, while the waste management sector received RO 71 million. The transport sector was granted RO 84 million to support mobility and logistics development. To ease the cost of living, the government allocated RO 24 million for food subsidies and RO 41 million to support interest payments on housing loans for eligible citizens. An additional RO 47 million was distributed to support other essential public services and initiatives. These allocations demonstrate Oman's commitment to maintaining essential public services while supporting vulnerable groups and advancing infrastructure investment. The 2024 spending priorities align closely with the nation's long-term development goals under Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to achieve balanced growth, fiscal sustainability, and improved quality of life.

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