Tender floated for Nizwa-Bahla dual carriageway project
The ministry noted that the project includes the installation of two traffic signals near Bahla Souq (market), 10 roundabouts at various locations along the route, and several pedestrian and vehicle tunnels in commercial and high-traffic areas.
It emphasised that the design ensures functionality in all weather conditions.
The ministry stated that the project is expected to enhance traffic flow, strengthen social connectivity, reduce traffic accidents, and boost commercial, economic and tourism activity.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
6 hours ago
- Times of Oman
First local company specialising in health insurance claims management established in Oman
Muscat: The first company specializing in health insurance claims management 'Green Line Health Insurance Claims Management Company' was established on Sunday. It is the first Omani company licensed for this activity, supported by a national vision consistent with the directives of Oman Vision 2040, aiming to provide services with global standards using the latest technologies, and to enhance and empower national competencies to undertake a key role in this new field. The move comes amid accelerating growth in the health insurance sector and the increasing need for smart solutions to enhance the efficiency of medical services. Faisal Hamad Al Rashdi, Co-founder and CEO of Green Line Insurance Services, stated that, due to his long experience in the health insurance sector, he observed the operational challenges facing this sector, whether at the level of insurance companies, healthcare providers, or even policyholders. Given a clear gap in claims management, Al Rashdi decided to establish this company, especially with the Financial Services Authority (FSA) announcing the opening for applications to practice health insurance claims management as an independent and regulated activity. This presented a national opportunity to establish a specialized local company that contributes to building this vital sector. He explained that the market lacked a specialised company in health insurance claims management, with a greater reliance on foreign companies managing operations from outside Oman. This affected the speed and quality of services, in addition to the possibility of health data – which is highly sensitive – being leaked through external systems. The Financial Services Authority had taken the initiative to issue clear legislation to ensure the protection of this data within Oman. He noted that the company represents a reliable source managed by national competencies, meeting market needs through its proximity to clients, which directly reflects on work quality and the speed of transaction completion. Regarding the market's reception of this project, Faisal Al Rashdi affirmed that it is natural for any sector to face some challenges when entering a phase of change, especially when there are long-standing working relationships between the market and external parties that have managed this activity for decades. However, he stressed the necessity of redoubling efforts to build trust and confirm readiness to provide high-standard services that meet the needs and aspirations of target groups, in addition to full compliance with national regulations. As for the project's nature, he mentioned that the company offers a comprehensive package of services in health insurance claims management that meets international standards. These include accurate and prompt medical claims management, medical and administrative verification using smart systems to detect duplication and errors, as a step towards time management. It also covers medical network management, from contracting with hospitals and clinics to ensuring the quality of service provided to policyholders, in addition to data analysis and smart reporting that helps insurance companies make decisions based on accurate data. He emphasised that the company relies heavily on digital solutions and modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, for faster data analysis and the automation of routine operations using robotic process automation (RPA), which reduces manual errors and saves time and effort. Furthermore, it is fully integrated with the national platform developed by the Financial Services Authority ("Dhamani" platform), which has been approved for fully electronic operations. He clarified that the company handles data confidentially, storing client data on company-owned servers only, without relying on external servers, to ensure complete control over information security. It applies best cybersecurity standards, such as advanced data encryption during transmission and storage, firewalls, and intrusion detection and prevention systems. Additionally, access permissions are granted on a limited and well-considered basis according to the employees' job roles, along with adherence to all local and international laws and regulations related to data protection and periodic reviews to ensure continuous compliance.
Times of Oman
7 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Dhofar Khareef season sparks commercial boom across markets and tourist hubs
Muscat: Dhofar Governorate is witnessing a surge in commercial activity across markets and shopping centres during the 2025 Khareef Season, fuelled by a significant influx of visitors drawn to the region's exceptional climate and scenic beauty. This momentum is bolstering the tourism and retail sectors while providing a tangible boost to the national economy. From traditional souqs to modern malls, commercial activities are thriving. Shops offering handicrafts and local delicacies are seeing strong demand, alongside increased footfall at restaurants, cafés, hotels, and various entertainment and tourism facilities. Several small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners told the Oman News Agency that the Khareef Season offers a crucial window for growing sales and expanding operations. They also highlighted the importance of promoting and supporting locally made products to meet visitors' expectations. Nour bint Ali Al Yafei, owner of Bint Al Janoub, shared that her home-based business in incense and perfumery – with over 30 years of experience – has evolved to include women's clothing and high-quality Dhofari products made from natural ingredients. 'We opened our first branch in Salalah in 2020, and a second in the Al Hafa area in 2024 to meet growing demand, especially during the Khareef tourist season, when gifts are in high demand,' she said. Rami bin Muslim Al Kathiri, founder of Dou Chocolate and Flowers, said that his business experiences high footfall during the season due to its diverse offerings – including premium chocolates, fresh flowers, and seasonal gifts. He described the venture as a successful SME model that adapts to tourist seasons and strengthens local commerce. Aqeel bin Alawi Al Marzaa, founder of Makkah Perfumes, explained that his enterprise started with a vision of quality and heritage, drawing on Omani frankincense. Today, it operates over 15 branches across the Sultanate. 'We own a specialised factory for extracting and exporting frankincense oil. Alongside integrated perfume production lines catering to Gulf preferences, we have developed over 150 perfume products,' he noted. He added that tourists show strong interest in locally crafted perfumes for their durability, quality, and authentic aromas. On the culinary front, Tariq bin Salem Al Hosni, owner of Al Hosni Omani Sweets, said his decades-old brand has expanded to over 10 branches within Oman and several more across the GCC. He observed that tourists are eager to try and learn how to prepare traditional Omani sweets. 'Our sweets reflect true Omani hospitality and are increasingly sought-after during tourist seasons,' he said. The business was recognised by the Guinness World Records for producing the largest cake shaped like the Sultanate's map on Oman's 45th National Day. Many tourists and visitors now consider the Dhofar Khareef season a favourite destination and a key commercial hub. Hilal bin Khalaf Al Sharaqi underlined the role of emerging businesses in reviving the local market by offering products and services that align with the governorate's identity and enhance the tourist experience. He called for greater institutional support to ensure these ventures thrive. Abdullah bin Salem Al Ghaithi praised Hafa Beach Market for its seamless blend of tradition and modernity. 'Perfumes, incense, sweets, and handicrafts fill the area with a wonderful ambience. Light rain makes the shopping experience truly unique,' he said. Majid bin Abdullah Al Shariqi noted the strong demand during Khareef for seasonal clothing, tropical fruits like coconut, papaya, pomegranate, banana, and mango, as well as camping and travel gear. He described the season as a transformative period for the local economy. Abdullah bin Amer Al Eisaei, a tourist from the UAE, highlighted the quality of local products and the well-organised markets in Salalah – especially Al Hafa Beach Market – as key attractions. He praised the transparency in pricing and the presence of regulatory oversight, adding that Dhofar's moderate climate remains its most outstanding feature during this time of year.
Times of Oman
7 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Souqs, tourism sites abuzz with business activity during Khareef Dhofar 2025
Salalah: Dhofar Governorate is experiencing a boom in commercial activity in traditional markets (souqs), shopping centres and tourism sites during the 2025 Khareef Dhofar (monsoon) season. The business activity is driven by a large influx of visitors to the governorate who wish to enjoy the exceptional monsoon weather. It constitutes direct support to the national economy. Commercial activities range from shopping in traditional souqs and modern malls--with an observable rise in sales of handicrafts and local delicacies--to rising demand for restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, and tourist sites and entertainment facilities. The owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) told Oman News Agency (ONA) that Khareef Dhofar season provides a great opportunity for the growth of sales and the expansion of commercial activity. They underlined the importance of upgrading the quality of national products to meet the expectations visitors.
