Oman's waste recycling sector expands to 83 firms
Taking part in a panel discussion on Day 1 of the Advantage Oman Forum, he said the proliferation of commercially-driven recycling activities is a testament to the enactment of effective policies and regulations that have fostered the growth of this sector.
'Four years ago, new policies were introduced to encourage internal recycling within the Sultanate. Some facilities were also made available to investors. In the past four years, we have seen the successful establishment of 83 recycling plants, focusing on various materials including iron scrap, aluminum scrap, plastic, car parts, cardboard, paper, tyres, and others,' Dr Al Amri stated.
Fuelled by the growth of this sector, around 43 per cent of municipal solid waste is now being recycled, according to the official. 'So we are on the right track! We expect to reach 60 per cent by 2030 and more than 90 per cent by 2040.'
Sharing his thoughts on the growth of the country's circular economy, fellow panelist Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, said the Oil & Gas sector is also getting its act together and dealing with oilfield waste in an environmentally responsible manner. Scrap steel and waste oil, for example, are now being recycled and processed in a sustainably approved way.
'With support from the Environment Authority and the Ministry of Commerce, we are now collecting all of that waste for reprocessing within the country, thereby supporting not only environmentally friendly processes, but also creating opportunities for new industry, new jobs, and so on,' he said.
From the standpoint of decarbonisation, the Oil & Gas industry is also actively working to start collecting carbon emissions, notably from hard-to-abate industries, for sequestering in suitable locations. So CO2 capture and CO2 sequestration are now part of the circular economy,' Al Aufi added.
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
06-08-2025
- Zawya
Oman, UN step up cooperation to bolster disaster, climate resilience
Muscat – Environment Authority (EA) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) have agreed to strengthen cooperation to enhance national preparedness for environmental disasters and climate-related risks. In a joint meeting held in Muscat on Monday, the two sides discussed Oman's ongoing efforts to integrate disaster risk reduction into environmental and urban planning, and to build resilience across key sectors. The talks focused on developing strategic partnerships and joint action plans that reinforce the ability of environmental, social and economic systems to respond to future climate challenges. 'The meeting reaffirmed the importance of building national capacity and preparedness in the face of increasing environmental hazards,' EA said in a statement, noting that climate change remains a major concern for countries across the region. On Tuesday, the UNDRR team met officials of the National Emergency Management Centre and were briefed on the emergency management system in Oman and the role of the centre. The sultanate has taken several steps in recent months to improve disaster risk management, including signing an agreement in May to establish three new emergency centres in Suwaiq, Suhar and Sur — areas historically vulnerable to extreme weather. The centres will serve as safe shelters for people displaced by natural disasters and other emergencies, providing them humanitarian support and essential services. In June, authorities launched a new electronic platform aimed at enhancing the country's emergency response capabilities. The digital system is designed to coordinate efforts of multiple government bodies during crises, from early warning to recovery. The platform links key entities such as the Ministry of Health, Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority and Royal Oman Police, enabling real-time data sharing and faster decision-making. It also connects governorate-level emergency subcommittees and operational centres to streamline national and local coordination. The UNDRR delegation's visit reflects Oman's ongoing efforts to expand international cooperation in disaster risk reduction and environmental sustainability, aligning with goals of Oman Vision 2040. Both parties committed to continue sharing technical expertise and best practices as Oman works to increase its resilience against future climate shocks and environmental hazards. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
05-08-2025
- Zawya
Oman suspends shark trading amid population concerns
Muscat – Environment Authority (EA) has extended the ban on issuing permits for export, import and re-export of all types of sharks and derivatives of these for three months, effective August 3, 2025. The move follows a similar three-month suspension introduced from April 24 this year and is aimed at facilitating a comprehensive assessment of shark populations in Oman's seas. In a statement issued on Monday, the authority said the decision was taken for 'environmental considerations related to the assessment of the status of sharks in the seas of the Sultanate of Oman'. The renewed ban underscores growing concern over shark populations following increased fishing activity in recent years. According to official statistics, artisanal fishermen landed 7,602 tonnes of sharks in 2024, up from 5,268 tonnes in 2023 and 4,774 tonnes in 2022. The highest volume of landings last year was recorded in Dhofar (2,088 tonnes), followed closely by South Sharqiyah (2,083 tonnes). While shark fishing is permitted in Oman, the practice of finning – removing shark fins and discarding the rest of the body – is prohibited. Sharks must be landed and sold whole. Oman has been a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since 2008. Under CITES regulations, the trade of threatened species, including the great hammerhead and whale shark, is subject to strict controls. EA has stated that it will continue monitoring shark populations during the suspension period and that further regulatory measures may be introduced based on the outcome of ongoing assessments. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
31-07-2025
- Zawya
Oman: N. Sharqiyah introduces 'plastic-free market' initiative to promote environmental sustainability
N. Sharqiyah – The Environment Authority in North Sharqiyah governorate has launched a new initiative titled 'Plastic-Free Market' under the slogan 'Towards a Clean and Sustainable Environment in North Sharqiyah Markets.' The campaign aims to reduce plastic consumption and raise environmental awareness in cooperation with various government and private entities. Mohammed bin Amer al Hajri, Director of the Environment Authority in North Sharqiyah, stated that the initiative is part of the authority's ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability and reduce reliance on plastic bags. It seeks to instill a culture of using environmentally friendly alternatives by focusing on commercial markets and shopping centers. As part of the campaign, the authority distributed 250 reusable bags, 45 awareness brochures, and 200 multilingual leaflets in Arabic, English, and Urdu to ensure broad community engagement. Al Hajri emphasized that the initiative not only supports the implementation of the ministerial decision to ban plastic bags but also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The campaign activities will continue through the end of the year, aiming to encourage behavioral change among both businesses and consumers in support of environmental protection. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
