Latest news with #AbdullahalWahaibi
Muscat Daily
10-08-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
ROP amends validity, fees for Omani ID and expat resident cards
Muscat – Royal Oman Police (ROP) has issued Decision No 78/2025 amending provisions of the Executive Regulation of the Civil Status Law, extending the validity period and revising fees for personal identity cards of Omani citizens and resident cards for expatriates. Under the new rules, personal identity cards for Omanis will now be valid for ten years from the date of issue or renewal, as opposed to five years earlier. Issuing, renewing or replacing a lost or damaged card will cost RO10. Resident cards of expatriates will be valid for a maximum of three years. The fee for issuing or renewing a resident card of one-year validity is RO5, RO10 for two years and RO15 for three years. Replacement of a lost or stolen resident card will cost RO20. Issued by Lt Gen Hassan bin Mohsen al Shuraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, the amendments replace Article 21 of the regulation. The changes were made in line with the Civil Status Law (Royal Decree No 99/66), its Executive Regulation (Decision No 40/2007), with approval of Ministry of Finance. The decision was published in Official Gazette Issue 1608 and takes effect from August 7, 2025. The move was welcomed by citizens and residents. 'Royal Oman Police is one of the most active government agencies in terms of innovation and development, especially in the services it provides, which are easy to access and quick to complete through advanced systems. Thank you,' Abdullah al Wahaibi posted on X. Hamad al Awisi, also on X, commented, 'We thank the Lt Gen for this step that facilitates citizens and reduces renewal procedures. However, over time, the card remains vulnerable to damage or loss, especially with daily use. Since the fee for issuing a replacement for a lost or damaged card is the same as the renewal fee, it may be worth reviewing in the future.' Ramesh Iyer, an Indian expatriate in Salalah, said, 'Earlier, we had to renew our resident cards every two years, which meant more paperwork and time off work. With the option of a three-year validity, we save both time and money. For families with schoolchildren, it reduces the stress of renewals every two years.' Salim Akthar, a Pakistani resident in Muscat, added, 'Paying once for three years makes life easier and more organised. It's also helpful for frequent travellers as it eliminates the risk of expiry while abroad. The flexibility shows ROP is considering residents' needs.'
Observer
23-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Nama Electricity Distribution to host major regional energy conference in October
Nama Electricity Distribution to host major regional energy conference in October Muscat: Nama Electricity Distribution has announced that it will host the 4th edition of IEEE PowerTalks 2025, the region's premier power and energy conference, from October 13–15 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat. Organised in partnership with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and supported by the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR), the conference will convene global experts, policymakers, technologists and energy leaders to discuss sustainable energy development and support Oman Vision 2040 objectives. Held under the theme 'Accelerating energy transition in Oman', the event will serve as a key platform for advancing innovation in the power sector. It aims to foster international collaboration, enable knowledge transfer, and encourage the adoption of clean technologies in alignment with national energy transition goals. IEEE PowerTalks 2025 will spotlight Oman's growing role in the regional energy transformation, particularly as the Sultanate targets 30% renewable energy by 2030 and increased investment in green hydrogen and emissions reduction. More than 2,000 participants and 100 speakers from over 30 countries are expected to attend. The conference will feature technical sessions, interactive panels, and an exhibition showcasing smart grid solutions, renewable technologies, AI-powered systems and energy storage. Eng. Ala Mosa, CEO of Nama Electricity Distribution, said: 'Hosting IEEE PowerTalks 2025 reflects our commitment to enabling energy innovation and supporting the national transition agenda. This platform strengthens international collaboration and promotes practical solutions to energy challenges.' Eng. Abdullah al Wahaibi, Chair of the IEEE Power & Energy Society in Oman, added: 'This event is a catalyst for transformative thinking and aligns with our mission to advance technology for the benefit of humanity. Oman's energy shift presents both technical challenges and promising opportunities.' IEEE's involvement ensures the highest standards of technical integrity and international credibility for the conference. Registration, abstract submission and sponsorship details are available at The event is open to professionals, students and all stakeholders invested in the future of energy.
