Latest news with #AlBalushi
Observer
a day ago
- Business
- Observer
Al Buraimi Industrial City investment surpasses RO 274 million
MUSCAT: Al Buraimi Industrial City, operated by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), has recorded strong growth in 2024, with cumulative investments now exceeding RO 274 million. According to Saeed bin Abdullah al Balushi, Director General of Al Buraimi Industrial City, the city signed 16 investment contracts this year alone, totalling around RO 7.97 million. These contracts cover over 165,000 square metres and span various sectors, including motor oil production, paper and cardboard manufacturing, food and water processing, and cosmetics. Al Balushi attributed this performance to Madayn's continued efforts to build a competitive, business-friendly environment that supports job creation, empowers small and medium enterprises, and promotes sustainable industrial development in line with Oman Vision 2040. He also noted the strategic importance of the ongoing Mahdha–Buraimi Road Dualisation Project, being implemented in coordination with Madayn. This major infrastructure upgrade will connect both phases of the industrial city and facilitate smoother traffic flow, easing movement for investors and improving access to key sites. Saeed bin Abdullah al Balushi, Director General of Al Buraimi Industrial City. In a move to bridge academia and industry, Al Buraimi Industrial City recently signed a cooperation agreement with Al Buraimi University College. The agreement aims to promote knowledge exchange, organise scientific and cultural events, provide student training, and support research and innovation across industrial and academic domains. Covering a total area of over 14.4 million square metres—of which more than 4.2 million have been developed—Al Buraimi Industrial City spans two distinct phases and is strategically located along the Sultanate of Oman's border with the United Arab Emirates. This proximity offers easy access to the UAE and broader GCC markets, along with logistical advantages via nearby highways and major Omani ports such as Sohar. The city hosts a diverse array of industries, including food production, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and the chemical and plastics sectors. — ONA
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE's young farmers, green heritage shine at Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition
30 May 2025 00:07 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)While the inaugural Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition aims to shape the future of farming, the diverse participation — from seasoned farmers and young innovators to sustainability-focused entrepreneurs — reflects a nation rooted in a rich agricultural heritage, evolving with the farmer Musleh Alaryani, for example, started his journey in agriculture when he just three years old. It all began on his grandmother's land, he told Aletihad.'I used to go to my grandmother's farm to see how she was planting. I learnt from her,' he said during the event held from May 28 to 31 at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. Encouraged by his father, who gave him a piece of land to cultivate, Musleh grew over 15 kinds of vegetables, watermelon, roses, and Indian dates. He eventually learnt how to produce cotton and even make artificial flowers, inspired by exhibitions and the teachings of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. 'Give me agriculture, and I will give you civilisation,' Musleh said, reciting the words of Sheikh Zayed by heart. Theyab Alketbi, a student at the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine of the UAE University, is also taking part in the exhibition with his passion for aquaponics. This system integrates fish farming with agriculture. 'We use the fertilisers from the fish to nourish the plants without chemicals. It's a complete cycle,' Alketbi told Aletihad. 'The water is reused, saving both cost and resources.'Sustainable farming is a key focus of the exhibition, which has provided a collaborative space for knowledge exchange. Eco-friendly agricultural technologies are showcased, too, as the event reinforced the role of the community in driving agricultural Al Balushi, who represented Mustadama Farms, shared insights on how their company embraced sustainable farming. 'We grow and sell our products simultaneously. We've built net houses and greenhouses,' Al Balushi said. The company currently produces tomatoes, cucumbers, and other crops. 'Despite challenges, we succeeded in delivering a range of organic products in less than a year. We are in the middle of the season, and the results are promising.' The conference focused on strengthening public-private partnerships, encouraging agricultural investment, and boosting local production from national farms. It highlighted how innovation, collaboration, and sustainability can come together to secure a brighter future for farming. With voices from every corner of the industry—young and old, academic and practical—the event offered a hopeful glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture.
Observer
5 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
Emad wins Bronze at Sharjah chess masters
MUSCAT: The Oman national chess team player Emad bin Said al Balushi has achieved a new milestone for Oman chess by winning the bronze medal in C category (allocated for players rated under 1900) of the Sharjah Masters International Chess Championship. The tournament was organised recently by the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club. The event saw broad international participation, with 111 male and female players from 26 countries, representing some of the most promising names in the sport. The competition was held over nine rounds using the Swiss system. Al Balushi managed to secure third place on the podium among a competitive field of players from top-tier chess schools. The Oman Chess Committee stated that this achievement reflects the growing level of Omani players on the international stage and aligns with its goals to refine young talents through international exposure, helping improve international rankings and strengthen Oman's presence in global chess tournaments. Emad al Balushi during the competition Emad al Balushi expressed great joy at his accomplishment, saying "It was a very tough tournament, and I faced players from countries with long-standing chess traditions. There was a lot of pressure in the final rounds, but I focused on each match individually, stayed calm, and i was able to achieve positive results. This medal means a lot to me, and I consider it an important step in my sports career." Al Balushi added "I thank the Oman Chess Committee for their continuous support. I hope we get more opportunities to participate in international tournaments, as they help us grow and gain new experiences. My next ambition is to reach a 2000 international rating and compete for medals in even stronger tournaments." The Oman Chess Committee continues to support national talents through ongoing development plans, which include training camps, technical programs in cooperation with international coaches, and participation in both local and international rated tournaments. These efforts aim to prepare a new generation capable of representing the Sultanate in major competitions, in line with the goals of Oman's Vision 2040 for sports development.
Observer
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Karwa Motors launches new multi-purpose transport vehicle
DUQM: Karwa Motors has unveiled a new multi-purpose vehicle designed for logistics, military, and public transport applications, further advancing Oman's ambitions to become a regional hub for automotive manufacturing. The launch took place at the company's state-of-the-art facility in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZD). Developed through a strategic partnership with Impel and technical collaboration with MAN, the new vehicle is tailored to meet the evolving demands of local, regional, and international markets. It showcases Karwa Motors' commitment to innovation, industrial excellence, and the localisation of vehicle manufacturing in the Sultanate of Oman. Equipped with advanced safety features and high efficiency standards, the vehicle is suitable for long-distance travel and remote area transportation, offering a robust solution for both government and private sector needs. The launch also included a showcase of Karwa's diverse vehicle portfolio, underlining the company's growing role in supporting Oman's transportation infrastructure. Karwa Motors further announced the continuation of its partnership with the Armored Group to develop and customise vehicles for specialised and security-related uses. This collaboration is set to expand the company's specialised product range, addressing the needs of vital sectors across the region. Dr Ibrahim bin Ali al Balushi, CEO of Karwa Motors, said the new vehicle underscores the company's broader mission to contribute to Oman's industrial growth, meet local demand, and export high-quality products abroad. 'This new launch enhances the global visibility of Omani-made vehicles and supports the national strategy for economic diversification,' Dr. Al Balushi said in a statement to the Oman News Agency. 'It also represents a milestone in our journey towards industrial and technological advancement, positioning the Sultanate of Oman as a key centre for specialised vehicle manufacturing.' Karwa Motors is a joint venture between the Oman Investment Authority and Mwasalat Qatar, the national transport company of the State of Qatar. The factory in Duqm stands as a flagship project under Oman's push to create value-added industries and bolster the country's manufacturing base. — ONA
Observer
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Rashid named FIA safety official in Saudi rally
MUSCAT: The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has appointed Oman's Rashid al Balushi as the FIA's rally safety representative for the Saudi International Rally, the third round of the Middle East Rally Championship. This event is being held for the first time in Saudi Arabia as part of the Middle East Rally Championship calendar, where Saudi Arabia will join the 2025 World Rally Championship at the end of this year. Rashid al Balushi has extensive experience in the world of rallying, both as a driver in the Oman Rally Championship and as a safety supervisor in local rallies. He joined the FIA team in 2020 as a rally safety representative, overseeing the safety of competitors and spectators, as well as implementing FIA regulations to ensure everyone's safety and the safe completion of the rally. Rashid al Balushi has previously participated as a rally safety representative in several regional rallies, including the Acropolis Rally in Greece, Middle East rallies under the supervision of the International Automobile Federation, and in Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon and Cyprus rallies, in addition to the Sultanate of Oman's rallies, the last of which was this year in Suhar and in Qatar also. Al Balushi's task will be to ensure that safety procedures are implemented in the Saudi Rally before the entering of rally cars to the rally stages.
