Omani firms explore new markets at Saudi Food Show
By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Muscat – Represented by the Supervisory Team for Promotion of Omani Products (OPEX), the sultanate is participating in the third edition of Saudi Food Show, which opened on Monday in Riyadh and will run till May 15.
The event features exhibitors from 104 countries, including over 1,300 global brands.
This year, Oman is participating with 15 government and private entities, including Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Authority for SME Development.
Khalid al Salehi, Director General of Marketing and Commercial Affairs at Madayn, said Oman's participation aligns with a broader plan to promote national products and attract foreign investment. 'The OPEX team has developed a strategic plan for 2025 aimed at exploring new markets, promoting Omani products and facilitating global partnerships,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
an hour ago
- Observer
Iran-Israel conflict raises energy security concerns
MUSCAT, JUNE 16 Hostilities between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel have intensified in recent days, drawing heightened international attention to the potential implications for regional stability, energy security, and global economic performance. While diplomatic efforts are ongoing, economic experts and regional analysts continue to monitor developments with caution. At the centre of international concern is the Strait of Hormuz — a critical maritime passage through which nearly 20 per cent of the world's crude oil and 25 per cent of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) are transported daily. A prolonged disruption to the Strait would pose significant risks to energy markets and the economies that depend on secure and stable trade routes. However, analysts say the likelihood of a full closure remains limited. 'A complete shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz would not only have a profound effect on global markets but would also harm Iran's own economy,' said Azzah al Habsi, a prominent Omani economist, in a post. 'The majority of Iran's essential goods — including food, medicine, and other imports — pass through the Strait. Any disruption would come at great cost to all sides involved.' NUCLEAR RISK RAISES ALARM While maritime stability remains a central focus, experts are also warning of the far-reaching consequences that could result from a potential military strike targeting nuclear facilities. Though such an event remains hypothetical, its implications would be severe — both from a humanitarian and environmental standpoint. 'Nuclear sites are not constructed to endure direct military attacks,' Al Habsi noted. 'A strike of this nature could lead to the leakage of radioactive material, creating long-term health hazards across the region.' She pointed to historical precedents such as the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, where radioactive particles reached countries thousands of kilometres away, including Türkiye and the United Kingdom. In the Gulf context, radiation fallout from such an incident could affect neighbouring countries, disrupt agricultural systems, harm ecosystems, and lead to lasting economic dislocation. ECONOMIC IMPACT In her analysis, Al Habsi outlined four possible scenarios based on current regional dynamics, each with distinct implications for oil markets, investor sentiment, and economic stability: First, a de-escalation scenario remains the most desirable outcome. This would involve the resumption of diplomatic dialogue and nuclear negotiations, allowing tensions to subside. In this case, global oil prices are expected to stabilise between $65 and $75 per barrel, and regional markets would likely benefit from reduced risk premiums and improved investor confidence. Second, a contained conflict scenario envisions limited military exchanges without wider regional involvement. Under this condition, oil prices are likely to remain elevated in the $80 to $90 range. While energy flows may continue uninterrupted, sectors such as tourism, aviation, and logistics could experience short-term disruptions due to heightened security measures. Third, a wider escalation scenario could emerge if regional actors become directly involved or if threats to maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz materialise. This would likely drive oil prices above $100 per barrel, trigger global market volatility, and impact supply chains beyond the energy sector. Fourth, the most severe and unlikely scenario involves a direct strike on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. Such an escalation could result in radiation leaks, posing health and environmental risks across borders. Oil markets would respond with extreme volatility, and regional economies could experience large-scale asset repricing. This scenario would also lead to shifts in global energy partnerships and long-term realignments in investment flows. Each of these scenarios reinforces the critical need for restraint, dialogue, and adherence to international law. Ensuring the stability of strategic maritime routes and the safety of populations throughout the region remains a shared responsibility. OMAN REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR DIALOGUE As a nation committed to regional peace, neutrality, and constructive diplomacy, the Sultanate of Oman continues to support efforts that promote de-escalation and mutual understanding between all parties. Oman has long advocated for the peaceful resolution of disputes and the preservation of maritime and environmental security in accordance with international norms. 'The preferred outcome is, without question, a peaceful resolution through dialogue,' Al Habsi concluded. 'Avoiding further escalation is in the interest of all countries in the region and beyond.'
Observer
an hour ago
- Observer
Rise in complaints amidst growth in e-commerce
MUSCAT, JUNE 16 As e-commerce gains traction in Oman, the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has reported a rise in complaints from consumers in the Sultanate of Oman. Speaking to the Observer during a recent e-commerce conference, the Director of Market Regulation and Monitoring Department at the CPA, Khalid bin Salem al Siyabi, shared the following, 'Over the past few years, we've seen a significant increase in consumer complaints. In 2022, we received 29 complaints. In 2023, that jumped to 493 complaints, and RO 5,272 was recovered for consumers. In 2024, complaints quadrupled to 1,845. In just the first quarter of 2025, we received 2,208 complaints, and recovered RO 31,249 for consumers. This is a major increase compared to 2024 — and it's only the first quarter. The annual increase is significant, reflecting a strong shift toward e-commerce in Oman.' According to Al Siyabi, the surge is due to shifts in consumer behaviour as more consumers resort to online shopping. 'This reflects broader global trends. Consumer habits have shifted — people no longer drive to stores as often; instead, they rely on online platforms. While this has made shopping more convenient, it has also opened the door to new challenges, such as fraud, unverified sellers, and misleading advertising,' he said. The official added that unclear and inaccurate production descriptions are amongst the frequent issues reported. 'Many consumers receive products that don't match what was promised. That's a major issue — consumers often complain about differences in color, size, or features. In many cases, the product descriptions on e-commerce sites are vague or unclear, which causes confusion and leads to disputes or complaints,' he said. Moreover, the Director shared that the Authority has detected various cases of electronic fraud, in which case the Authority directs consumers to file reports to the Public Prosecution or the ROP directly. Urging consumers to take several precautions before making purchases, he stressed: 'Our main advice is to stay informed and cautious before making any online purchases. Consumers should ensure that the platform they're using is properly licensed. For websites, they should look for secure connections — that means URLs beginning with 'https' and a visible padlock symbol. These are signs that the website is legitimate and less likely to be involved in fraud.' he said. The Consumer Protection Authority is a key stakeholder in the country's E-Commerce programme, which was launched in 2023, and falls under the Digital Economy Programme umbrella. Last year, the Under-Secretary for Commerce & Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, unveiled that the value of the Omani e-commerce market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.8 per cent from 2023 to 2027 to reach a market size of $3.27 billion.
Observer
an hour ago
- Observer
RO 2.59 billion invested in tourism projects
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has confirmed that land usufruct agreements signed across various governorates are playing a key role in advancing Oman's tourism sector and enriching visitor experiences. These efforts are part of the national strategy to enhance tourism investments and support sustainable development. Operating under the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), the Ministry aims to attract RO 3 billion in private tourism investment. So far, RO 2.59 billion has been secured, with a strong focus on integrating small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into tourism-related value chains. From early 2024 to the end of May 2025, 45 land usufruct contracts were signed — 14 of them this year — to implement various tourism projects across Oman. These include eco-friendly luxury camps, hotels, and resorts catering to different market segments. Ameera bint Iqbal al Lawati, Director General of Tourism Development at the Ministry, said the goal is to diversify Oman's tourism offerings both geographically and functionally. 'These projects go beyond traditional accommodation and aim to deliver integrated tourism experiences that enhance destination appeal while supporting local communities through job creation and economic activity,' she said. Ameera bint Iqbal al Lawati, Director General of Tourism Development at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. She added that the Ministry seeks to balance supply and demand by expanding services in ecotourism, mountain tourism, and adventure tourism, all while maintaining Omani identity and environmental values. Al Lawati underscored the importance of private sector collaboration and ensuring that citizens see tangible benefits from these investments in their communities. — ONA
