SalamAir reconnects Muscat and Beirut with direct flights
This move comes as part of SalamAir's broader strategy to expand its regional network and enhance air connectivity across the Middle East and beyond. The reintroduction of Beirut marks a key milestone in the airline's continued growth and commitment to offering affordable, flexible and various travel options to its customers.
Beirut is a cultural and historical gem offering stunning Mediterranean coastlines, world-class cuisine, and a rich blend of ancient and modern heritage. The city attracts tourists year-round, and its significance as a regional hub for business and leisure makes it a highly desirable destination for travelers from Oman and beyond.
Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir, commented: 'Bringing Beirut back to our network reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening air connectivity and enhancing travel options for our guests. There is a significant Lebanese population in Oman, and currently, there are no direct flights between the two countries. Our new service aims to fill that gap, offering greater convenience and supporting increased tourism, trade, and business opportunities. This move also aligns with the broader objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in advancing the tourism and logistics sectors and driving economic diversification. As always, we continue to expand with competitive Lite Fares and easy add-ons to ensure real value for our guests.'
H E Albert Samaha, Ambassador of Lebanon to Oman, welcomed the resumption, stating: 'These long-awaited flights serve as a vital link for the Lebanese community residing in Oman and facilitate easier access to their homeland. It also paves the way for enhanced tourism, cultural interaction, and bilateral cooperation between our two nations. We sincerely thank the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman and SalamAir for realizing this shared vision.'
This addition affirms SalamAir`s role as one of the region's fastest-growing low-cost carriers and a key contributor to Oman's Vision 2040 goals of enhancing tourism, connectivity, and economic diversification.
Passengers can book their tickets via SalamAir's website and the mobile app.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Muscat Daily
SalamAir reconnects Muscat and Beirut with direct flights
SalamAir, Oman's low-cost airline, proudly announces the return of Beirut, Lebanon, to its flight schedule, with direct flights operating twice a week starting December 3rd, 2025. This move comes as part of SalamAir's broader strategy to expand its regional network and enhance air connectivity across the Middle East and beyond. The reintroduction of Beirut marks a key milestone in the airline's continued growth and commitment to offering affordable, flexible and various travel options to its customers. Beirut is a cultural and historical gem offering stunning Mediterranean coastlines, world-class cuisine, and a rich blend of ancient and modern heritage. The city attracts tourists year-round, and its significance as a regional hub for business and leisure makes it a highly desirable destination for travelers from Oman and beyond. Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir, commented: 'Bringing Beirut back to our network reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening air connectivity and enhancing travel options for our guests. There is a significant Lebanese population in Oman, and currently, there are no direct flights between the two countries. Our new service aims to fill that gap, offering greater convenience and supporting increased tourism, trade, and business opportunities. This move also aligns with the broader objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in advancing the tourism and logistics sectors and driving economic diversification. As always, we continue to expand with competitive Lite Fares and easy add-ons to ensure real value for our guests.' H E Albert Samaha, Ambassador of Lebanon to Oman, welcomed the resumption, stating: 'These long-awaited flights serve as a vital link for the Lebanese community residing in Oman and facilitate easier access to their homeland. It also paves the way for enhanced tourism, cultural interaction, and bilateral cooperation between our two nations. We sincerely thank the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman and SalamAir for realizing this shared vision.' This addition affirms SalamAir`s role as one of the region's fastest-growing low-cost carriers and a key contributor to Oman's Vision 2040 goals of enhancing tourism, connectivity, and economic diversification. Passengers can book their tickets via SalamAir's website and the mobile app.
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Governorates work on aligning urban strategies with Vision 2040
Haima – Authorities in Al Wusta and Dhahirah have launched a series of planning workshops aimed at advancing local development strategies and aligning these with Oman Vision 2040 and national development plans. In Haima, a workshop was held on Monday to assess progress of the urban strategy for Al Wusta. The session was organised jointly by the Governor's Office and Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. It focused on monitoring implementation of strategic goals, project classification and data management. Participants agreed on a joint working mechanism between the Governor's Office and Directorate of Housing to coordinate development efforts. The workshop also addressed key challenges in data updates and reviewed possible solutions. Officials stressed the need for effective communication among relevant bodies to ensure integration across sectors. The workshop was attended by Sheikh Mohammed Ali al Ghafaili, Wali of Haima, and several local officials. In Ibri, a workshop was held on Sunday themed 'Defining the Strategic Goal of Dhahirah'. It brought together representatives of government bodies, the private sector and local community. Discussions centred on the governorate's strategic vision, drawing on its comparative advantages to guide future planning. The workshop was part of the first phase of the Dhahirah Strategy Development Project, which seeks to position the governorate as a gateway linking Oman with neighbouring countries. The project follows a participatory approach and aims to develop an inclusive roadmap with clear implementation steps. Both workshops reflect the sultanate's broader decentralisation efforts and the growing role of governorates in shaping local development agendas.
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
EZAD: Anchoring investments for a diversified future
Oman's economic landscape is undergoing a profound transformation guided by Vision 2040, the Sultanate of Oman's strategic roadmap towards a diversified, knowledge-driven economy. Central to this vision is the Al Dhahirah Economic Zone (EZAD), a flagship initiative that reflects Oman's commitment to redefining its economic narrative and deepening regional integration within the GCC. EZAD is more than just an economic zone; it is a symbol of visionary policy, geographic advantage, and sustainable development. Situated in the Al Dhahirah Governorate, just 20 kilometers from the Rub Al Khali border crossing with Saudi Arabia, EZAD strategically positions Oman as a gateway to the $1.6 trillion GCC market. This proximity enables seamless overland trade, substantially reducing transportation costs and delivery times for businesses accessing the Saudi market and beyond. The newly established direct Oman-Saudi road has already driven a remarkable 350% increase in bilateral trade between 2022 and 2024, reaching nearly RO 2.18 billion. This momentum underscores the immense potential EZAD holds in enhancing trade flows and industrial collaboration across borders. The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) plays a pivotal role in steering the development of EZAD. The zone encompasses a total area of 388 km², with OPAZ currently focused on Phase 1A, which spans 7.5 km² as part of the initial urgent development stage. This phase includes essential facilities such as the dry port and a dedicated veterinary quarantine centre. Through a robust regulatory framework and a streamlined 'one-stop shop' service, OPAZ ensures a highly investor-friendly environment. Investors benefit from a suite of competitive incentives including 100% foreign ownership, tax holidays of up to 30 years, duty exemptions on equipment and raw materials, and full repatriation of profits. These advantages firmly position EZAD as a leading investment destination within the Middle East. Aligned with Oman's economic diversification objectives, EZAD is purposefully designed to cultivate sectors beyond hydrocarbons. Key industries targeted include clean and renewable energy, high-precision manufacturing, logistics, and advanced manufacturing that demand sophisticated infrastructure and specialised facilities. EZAD is poised to emerge as a regional logistics hub, featuring a 4 km² dry port managed by Asyad Group on behalf of the Omani government. The first phase of the dry port development covers 1 km² and will include customs facilities, bonded warehouses, and container handling infrastructure. Smart city innovations, such as solar-powered lighting and intelligent traffic management systems, underline the zone's commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency. To support this expansive vision, RO 122 million has been secured for comprehensive infrastructure development, encompassing roads, drainage systems, and connectivity enhancements. Specifically, RO 22.3 million has been allocated for Phase 1, ensuring the foundational infrastructure is in place to catalyse growth and investor confidence. The zone's commitment to empowering local businesses is clear. Contracts stipulate significant subcontracting opportunities for Omani SMEs, with over RO 10 million earmarked for local enterprises. This strategy not only fosters job creation and skill development but also embeds SMEs into regional supply chains, contributing to Oman's broader economic objectives. EZAD exemplifies Oman-Saudi collaboration. A joint executive committee oversees the zone's development, fostering mutual investments, regulatory alignment, and business facilitation. Discussions on establishing a joint Saudi-Omani operating company further solidify this bilateral partnership, reducing investor risks and enhancing regional cooperation. While the zone's primary focus is regional, it actively seeks investments from Asia—particularly China and India—as well as Europe. Oman's stable investment climate, strategic logistics positioning, and connectivity to Gulf and African markets present compelling advantages for international investors. The zone is an ideal base for distribution centres, cold storage facilities, and third-party logistics operations. Diverse investment opportunities await both local and international players. Agro-processing units can leverage Al Dhahirah's agricultural potential, while the veterinary quarantine centre opens pathways in livestock trade. Mining and mineral processing offer prospects to capitalise on Oman's rich natural resources. Financial institutions like Sohar International Bank stand ready to support these ventures through joint ventures and PPP models. To maximise EZAD's potential, strategic enhancements are essential. Improving customs protocols with Saudi Arabia, adopting single-window systems, and integrating digital documentation will streamline cross-border trade. Utility infrastructure, including reliable energy, water, and telecommunications, must be fortified to support industrial activity. OPAZ has also tendered projects for an administrative and commercial complex featuring a hotel, clinic, administration building, business centre and mall. Promotion of EZAD should leverage its unique Oman-Saudi identity. Establishing an annual Al Dhahirah Economic Forum could serve as a dynamic platform to showcase investment opportunities. Additionally, academic and vocational training partnerships will be pivotal in cultivating a skilled workforce tailored to the zone's specialised industries. Facilitating technology transfers and fostering innovation clusters will further elevate EZAD's global competitiveness. In conclusion, the Al Dhahirah Economic Zone stands as a strategic nexus for Oman's economic diversification, regional integration, and global engagement. Its strategic location, investor-friendly policies, comprehensive infrastructure, and deep-rooted Oman-Saudi collaboration make it a beacon of sustainable growth and investment. As Oman advances toward its Vision 2040 goals, EZAD is poised to play a transformative role in shaping a resilient, diversified, and globally competitive economy. Its success will not only benefit Oman but also serve as a testament to the power of visionary leadership, collaborative governance, and shared prosperity. Dr Yousuf Hamed al Balushi The writer is founder and CEO - Smart Investment Gateway, economists, board adviser & business transformation mentor.
