Dhofar officials discuss challenges to plastic bag ban with manufacturers
Salalah – The Department of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Dhofar held a joint meeting with owners of plastic manufacturing factories in cooperation with Environment Authority (EA) and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Dhofar branch to address challenges surrounding the national ban on single-use plastic shopping bags.
The meeting aimed to open direct dialogue with industry stakeholders, assess the current impact of the ban and explore sustainable alternatives that align with Oman's environmental goals, while supporting the continuity and adaptability of the local industrial sector.
EA had announced implementation of the third phase of a national initiative to ban single-use plastic shopping bags from July 1, 2025. The latest stage broadens the scope of the ban to include additional segments of the retail and food sectors. Shops selling fruits and vegetables, packaging units, grocery stores, sweet sho-ps, candy factories, bakeries, gift shops and outlets selling bread, pastries and confectionery will be required to stop providing single-use plastic bags and switch to sustainable alternatives such as reusable cloth or paper bags.
In January 2024, Decision No 8/2024 set out a phased approach to ban all single-use plastic shopping bags by 2027. The phased rollout is designed to help businesses and consumers adapt gradually, EA stated.
The first phase, which began on July 1, 2024, targeted pharmacies, hospitals and clinics. The second phase, effective from January 1, 2025, covered textiles and fabric stores, clothing outlets, tailors, eyewear shops, mobile phone vendors and repair services, watch shops, furniture retailers and household goods suppliers.
Businesses found violating the ban face fines between RO50 and RO1,000. Repeat offences within a month result in doubled penalties.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
9 hours ago
- Times of Oman
'Nova' event in Ittin Plain boosts tourism during Khareef Dhofar Season
Salalah: Khareef Dhofar (monsoon) season provides vital opportunities to empower young talents, showcase their projects, develop their entrepreneurial skills and encourage them to enter the private business market. An event known as "Nova" event is being held at Ittin Plain in Salalah as part of the activities of Khareef Dhofar Season 2025. The event attracts visitors through a range of entertainment performances that will continue until 31 August 2025. Youth entrepreneurship initiatives contribute to enriching Dhofar Governorate's tourism potential by offering innovative experiences that enhance the attractiveness of the tourism season and provide sustainable economic and social opportunities. Such projects underscore the growing role of Omani youth in boosting tourism and enhancing the presence of entrepreneurship in the local landscape, in line with the Sultanate of Oman's comprehensive development aspirations.
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Muscat Daily
Dhofar officials discuss challenges to plastic bag ban with manufacturers
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Salalah – The Department of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Dhofar held a joint meeting with owners of plastic manufacturing factories in cooperation with Environment Authority (EA) and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Dhofar branch to address challenges surrounding the national ban on single-use plastic shopping bags. The meeting aimed to open direct dialogue with industry stakeholders, assess the current impact of the ban and explore sustainable alternatives that align with Oman's environmental goals, while supporting the continuity and adaptability of the local industrial sector. EA had announced implementation of the third phase of a national initiative to ban single-use plastic shopping bags from July 1, 2025. The latest stage broadens the scope of the ban to include additional segments of the retail and food sectors. Shops selling fruits and vegetables, packaging units, grocery stores, sweet sho-ps, candy factories, bakeries, gift shops and outlets selling bread, pastries and confectionery will be required to stop providing single-use plastic bags and switch to sustainable alternatives such as reusable cloth or paper bags. In January 2024, Decision No 8/2024 set out a phased approach to ban all single-use plastic shopping bags by 2027. The phased rollout is designed to help businesses and consumers adapt gradually, EA stated. The first phase, which began on July 1, 2024, targeted pharmacies, hospitals and clinics. The second phase, effective from January 1, 2025, covered textiles and fabric stores, clothing outlets, tailors, eyewear shops, mobile phone vendors and repair services, watch shops, furniture retailers and household goods suppliers. Businesses found violating the ban face fines between RO50 and RO1,000. Repeat offences within a month result in doubled penalties.
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
Design thinking conference explores use of AI in developing innovative solutions
Salalah: A two-day design thinking conference, which kicked off in Salalah on Tuesday, explored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in developing innovative solutions and enhancing design operations. Dr. Ahmed Mohsen Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, was the chief guest at the opening of the conference, themed "Redesigning the Future: Design Thinking to Solve Contemporary Challenges". The conference, organised by the Ministry of Labour, offers an opportunity for leaders from public and private sector establishments to meet with experts in the fields of design, innovation and public administration. The event will address strategies for supporting cultural and social change, the role of innovation in bringing about positive transition and the importance of innovative thinking in addressing challenges. The conference also deals with audience analysis measures, converting ideas into feasible projects, global successful business models and the impact of sustainable design and innovative marketing on improving the quality of services and products.
