Omani-Bahraini bazaar opens at Mall of Oman
The event aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and Bahrain Vision 2030, aiming to enhance the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in economic development. The exhibition features 30 exhibitors, comprising 17 Omanis and 13 Bahrainis, showcasing a diverse range of products, including fashion, perfumes, incense, Omani frankincense, traditional sweets, accessories, handicrafts, heritage items, and household supplies.
Running until Wednesday, March 26, the exhibition seeks to strengthen the historical ties between Oman and Bahrain, support entrepreneurs, foster new investment opportunities, and promote bilateral trade.
Dr. Juma bin Ahmed al Kaabi, Ambassador of Kingdom of Bahrain to Oman, highlighted that this edition of the exhibition reflects the government's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses and increasing their production. He noted that such initiatives contribute to the national economy and reinforce the robust relations between the two nations.
Radina bint Amer bin Mohammed al Hajriya, Chairwoman of the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association, stated that the exhibition is a result of collaboration between the Bahraini Embassy in Oman and the Association. She emphasised that organising exhibitions is a key priority for the Association, as they provide economic and commercial benefits to both countries by supporting SME owners.
Hajri further noted that the Omani-Bahraini Bazaar in Muscat marks the fourth event organised by the Association, following the success of the products exhibition held in Manama in January. She also revealed that additional exhibitions, seminars, and conferences are planned for 2025, in cooperation with the embassies of both nations.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials, diplomats, and members of civil society and the media. The event was jointly organised by the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Oman.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
10 hours ago
- Observer
Oman to produce medical diagnostic machines locally
A strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr Mohammad Mahmoodi, CEO of Carbon Technologies, and Dr Frank Vitzthum, Board Member and CTO of R-Biopharm, Germany, in the presence of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, on Tuesday. Under the MoU, advanced diagnostic manufacturing will be localised in Oman, supporting technology transfer and enhancing the country's health innovation ecosystem. The partnership will enable integration of state-of-the-art assay technologies into its local production lines, supporting both national and regional healthcare priorities. 'It is a milestone MoU in Oman's journey towards eliminating tuberculosis and other diseases from the country, and both communicable diseases and NCDs,' said Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. 'I'm optimistic and this will pave the way for various scientific advancements in the country, especially when it is located near SQU and within the Innovation Park Muscat. We have begun, and we look forward to having an international consortium to eradicate both communicable and non-communicable diseases. We look forward to collaborating with regional, national and international partners so that we can cooperate with the leading players,' she added. Speaking to the Observer, Dr Mohammad Mahmoudi, Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Technologies, said that this collaboration is a testament to Oman's growing capacity in innovation-driven industries and its strategic openness to global partnerships. 'Together with R-Biopharm, we aim to elevate diagnostic standards, nurture Omani talent and contribute to national healthcare resilience,' Dr Mohammad added. Aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, the MoU supports national goals in biotechnology, scientific research and industrial innovation. Speaking on the sidelines of the signing ceremony, Eng Said bin Nasser al Salmi, Board Member of Carbon Technologies, said that the MoU would open up more opportunities to leverage Carbon Technologies as a leading Omani company and expand local R&D capabilities to serve both domestic and international markets in the healthcare industry and position Oman among the leading innovation hubs in such sectors. Dr Dirk Dressler, Head of Business Development at R-Biopharm AG, said, 'We are honoured to partner with Oman's Carbon Technologies. This collaboration reflects our confidence in Oman's capabilities and our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible diagnostics across the region."
Muscat Daily
21 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman's city planners target heritage, innovation balance
Muscat – Oman is advancing plans to develop smart cities that merge modern technology with traditional architecture, aiming to preserve national identity while meeting the needs of urban transformation. Officials say the approach seeks to balance heritage and innovation in line with Oman Vision 2040. Sultan Haitham City is cited as a leading example, offering a blend of modernity and privacy, while serving as a model for future development and a potential investment hub. Al Hassan bin Ali al Shakiri, architect at the Executive Office for Smart Cities Projects at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, said smart cities in Oman are 'not just infrastructure, but tools for renewing identity and improving quality of life, based on traditional Omani architecture and its understanding of the environment and social behaviour'. He noted that Omani architectural principles – such as the use of local building materials, natural ventilation through mashrabiyas, and compact layouts that create shaded pathways – can be adapted to modern urban needs. Traditional systems like falaj irrigation, mud buildings and narrow passageways provide a foundation for designs that reduce energy consumption, improve air quality and direct pedestrian flow. Shakiri said smart city development must adapt to the local environment, use resources sustainably and integrate technology in a way that serves the community before the technology itself. Dr Haitham bin Najim al Abri Dr Haitham bin Najim al Abri, an architect and researcher in Omani architecture, said the country's urban heritage reflects 'the Omanis' genius in harmonising with nature and respecting resources'. He asserted, 'Smart cities here are not copies of global models, but an extension of the genius of our ancestors, where technology nurtures identity rather than erasing it.' Abri identified challenges including the import of generic international designs, lack of digital documentation of heritage, and limited local expertise combining heritage and smart technologies. He said these could be addressed through local innovation, legislation to integrate identity into urban design, and hybrid education combining heritage knowledge with modern engineering skills. Property owner Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed al Balushi said heritage values are visible in the planning of Sultan Haitham City. 'We see respect for privacy in neighbourhood designs, and spaces such as mosques, councils and parks that encourage community interaction.' The city's architecture draws from traditional motifs such as arches and engravings, while integrating smart lighting, connected green spaces and dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths.
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman grants visa-free entry to Armenian citizens
Muscat – Oman has included citizens of the Republic of Armenia in its list of countries exempt from entry visa, a move announced during the fifth round of political consultations held in Yerevan on Tuesday. The talks were led by H E Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali al Harthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs in Foreign Ministry, and Vahan Kostanyan, Armenia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. H E Sheikh Khalifa welcomed Armenia's decision to open a resident embassy in Muscat and expressed appreciation for Armenia's recent move to exempt Omani citizens from tourist visa requirements. He informed the Armenian delegation about Oman's reciprocal decision to grant visa-free entry to Armenian nationals. The discussions also covered ways to expand bilateral cooperation across various spheres, including trade, cargo shipment, air communication, IT, education, science, culture and tourism. Both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest. H E Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali al Harthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs in Foreign Ministry In July, Oman's Foreign Ministry announced that Omanis would be exempt from visas when travelling to Armenia, effective July 1, 2025. Under the new policy, Omanis can stay in Armenia for up to 180 days within a one-year period without needing a prior visa. The exemption aims to boost tourism, business exchanges and cultural ties between the two nations. Earlier in April, the Armenian Cabinet approved the opening of a resident embassy in Oman, highlighting the dynamic growth of Armenia's relations with Gulf countries and deepening of friendly ties with Oman. The Armenian foreign ministry acknowledged Oman's balanced foreign policy and neutral stance in regional matters, which it credits for fostering dialogue and cooperation among regional powers. The visa exemption and diplomatic developments mark a significant step in enhancing the strategic partnership between Oman and Armenia, opening new avenues for economic and cultural collaboration.
