
Omani-Bahraini Bazaar Exhibition kicks off in Muscat
Its organisation comes within the framework of achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040 and Bahrain Vision 2030, by strengthening the role of small and medium enterprises in economic development. The exhibition features 30 exhibitors, including 17 Omanis and 13 Bahrainis, offering a diverse range of products, including fashion, perfumes, incense, Omani frankincense, traditional sweets, accessories, handicrafts, heritage products, and household items.
The exhibition, which runs until Wednesday, March 26, aims to strengthen the historical relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain, support entrepreneurs, create new investment opportunities, and increase trade exchange.
His Excellency Dr. Juma bin Ahmed Al Kaabi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Sultanate of Oman, emphasized that organising this edition of the exhibition underscores the government's interest and support for entrepreneurs in developing their businesses and increasing their production, which contributes to increasing their contribution to the gross domestic product.
Al Kaabi pointed out that organising this exhibition reflects the strength and solidity of Bahraini-Omani relations, praising the development of these relations and their growth in all fields, particularly in trade and partnerships in small and medium enterprises.
His Excellency expressed his hope and anticipation that the next phase will witness more events between the two brotherly countries in all fields, to achieve the desired rapprochement and integration in all development areas.
For her part, Rudaina bint Amer Al Hajri, Chairwoman of the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Society, indicated that this exhibition is the result of cooperation and coordination between the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Sultanate of Oman and the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Society.
The Chairwoman of the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association emphasized that organising exhibitions is one of the main priorities of the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association. These events are part of various activities and represent an added value to the economies of both brotherly countries by supporting entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium enterprises, with the aim of creating economic and commercial activity between the two brotherly countries.
Al Hajri explained that the Omani-Bahraini Bazaar Exhibition in Muscat is the fourth event of the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association, following the success of the Products Exhibition held last January in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.
She noted that there is a package of upcoming events—including exhibitions, seminars, and conferences—that will take place this year, 2025, and are organized by the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association in cooperation with the embassies of both countries.
The event was attended by His Excellency Dr. Juma bin Ahmed Al Kaabi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Sultanate of Oman, Rudaina bint Amer Al Hajri, President of the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association, along with a number of officials, heads of diplomatic missions, and representatives of civil society and the media. The event was organized by the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the Sultanate of Oman.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Muscat Daily
3 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Creative industries seen as bridge between Oman's past and future
Muscat – Creative and cultural industries are emerging as a key driver of Oman's economic diversification, with potential to link heritage with innovation and support the goals of Oman Vision 2040. Dr Salim bin Mohammed al Hinai, Assistant Professor at the College of Arts and Sciences, University of Nizwa, while giving a background, underlined that creative industries encompass sectors that 'rely on innovation and individual talent, and contribute to transforming ideas into products and services with an economic dimension'. These range from traditional crafts and fine arts to literature, publishing, music, cinema, design and digital media. Dr Salim bin Mohammed al Hinai 'I have witnessed significant development in the Omani dagger industry, silver jewellery and traditional weaving, particularly in the wilayats of Nizwa and Suhar,' Dr Hinai said. 'There is also strong growth in graphic design, digital content production and the Omani film industry, as well as cultural events like the Muscat International Book Fair and Muscat International Film Festival. This sector supports Omani identity and the local economy.' He added that the sector creates jobs in design, crafts and digital content while linking heritage with modern products to enhance cultural tourism. 'It offers high added value at relatively low investment costs and opens the door to global partnerships that showcase Omani culture.' For Badriya bint Mohammed al Fouriya, Director of the Entrepreneurship Department at the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Riyada), the creative sector is also a platform for entrepreneurship. 'Riyada works to empower owners of creative ideas through training, technical guidance, incubation programmes and financing facilities,' she said. 'We also partner with cultural, educational and community institutions to invest in Omani intellectual heritage and produce renewed cultural content.' She stressed that the sector can increase competitiveness, generate income and create jobs if supported by the right legislative framework and skilled national talent. Murtadha bin Abdul Khaliq al Lawati, Director General of the Place and People Museum, underlined the cultural value of traditional crafts. 'Omani traditional industries go beyond function to become visual and cultural expressions of identity,' he said, adding that they have gained international admiration for their craftsmanship. While welcoming innovation, he warned against altering heritage products in ways that compromise authenticity. 'Industries linked to heritage symbols, such as the Omani dagger, should be preserved in their original form,' he said. In Nizwa, entrepreneur Khalid bin Sulaiman Ambusaidi's 'Nuzul al Manazel' project restores heritage houses using traditional materials and designs. 'We kept the original structure intact, highlighting the moral and cultural value of the place,' he said. 'Such projects promote Oman abroad as a country that values and protects its heritage.' Ambusaidi believes the creative sector can thrive if restoration specialists highlight the stories behind heritage sites and use modern technologies for documentation and promotion. 'Creative industries can connect past and present, strengthen cultural identity, and turn heritage into a sustainable cultural and economic resource,' he said.


Observer
4 hours ago
- Observer
Olive sector grows to 20,000 trees, 83 tonnes in annual yield
MUSCAT: Across the mountains, particularly in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and the Western Hajar range, olive trees thrive in a revitalised agricultural landscape that reflects the nation's ambitious vision for food security and diversified income. The journey began in the 1990s with the introduction of 10,000 saplings from various cultivars. Some varieties quickly adapted to local conditions, laying the groundwork for olive farming as a promising sector. Today, success is not only in cultivation but also in production. In 2022, Oman produced over 83 tonnes of olives and 10,000 litres of olive oil. Yet, demand far outstrips supply, with more than 24,000 tonnes of olives imported between 2020 and 2022 — underscoring the need to boost local output. Prof Rashid bin Abdullah al Yahyai Government bodies and institutions have supported farmers through free sapling distribution, training programmes and modern olive mills, increasing the number of trees to 20,000. Omani olive oil is now gaining regional and international recognition for its high quality and distinctive flavour. Sustainable growth, however, demands overcoming challenges — a mission championed by Prof Rashid bin Abdullah al Yahyai of the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences. His project identifies optimal cultivation areas based on climate and water resources, introduces high-yielding varieties, and promotes best practices in pruning, irrigation and fertilisation. Innovation is also driving the sector forward. By-products such as olive leaves and pomace, often discarded, are being explored for transformation into value-added nutritional and functional products. Research aims to enhance processing efficiency and create sustainable economic solutions for operational hurdles. These efforts form a clear road map — not just towards self-sufficiency, but towards positioning Oman as a significant player in the regional olive market. In doing so, Oman enhances food security and bolsters its economy by fostering an innovative and sustainable agricultural sector.


Observer
4 hours ago
- Observer
Omani-Bahraini expo feature 53 exhibitors
SALALAH: The fifth edition of the Omani-Bahraini Products Exhibition opened on Sunday in Salalah. The exhibition is organised by the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association in cooperation with the embassy of Bahrain in Oman and the Dhofar branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI). The exhibition will continue for ten days. The exhibition aims to provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs from small and medium enterprises and productive families to showcase their products and improve their quality. 53 exhibitors from Oman and Bahrain are participating at the Salalah Gardens Mall as part of the Khareef Dhofar Season. The exhibition features a wide range of exhibits, including handicrafts, pottery and traditional costumes. Dr Juma bin Ahmed al Kaabi, Ambassador of Bahrain to Oman, emphasised that organising the fifth edition of the exhibition reflects the successes achieved by previous editions. He praised the growth and development of Omani-Bahraini relations in various fields, noting the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in opening new markets and promoting economic development. Radina al Hajri, Chairwoman of the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Society, said: 'The exhibition is part of a series of events and exhibitions aimed at strengthening trade and investment relations between the two brotherly countries, and providing a platform for exchanging expertise and establishing partnerships between owners of small and medium-sized enterprises.' Naif bin Hamed Fadhel, Chairman of the Dhofar Branch, OCCI, explained that the exhibition embodies a pioneering model of economic and commercial cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain, contributing to enhancing trade and investment exchange, thus adding qualitative value to bilateral relations. It's worth noting that the exhibition is an economic and cultural platform that reflects the depth of fraternal relations between Oman and Bahrain, embodying the spirit of cooperation and partnership between them, contributing to supporting the development process and enhancing opportunities for integration in various fields. - ONA