Latest news with #AlKharousi
Observer
06-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Nizwa Industrial City attracts RO 28 million in new investments
NIZWA: Nizwa Industrial City, part of the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), has localised 19 new investment projects in 2024 with a combined value of RO 28 million, spanning over 131,000 square metres. These additions bring the total number of active projects in the industrial zone to 186, with cumulative investments surpassing RO 504 million. The city currently employs over 6,100 workers, with an Omanisation rate of 45%. Engineer Ishaq bin Ibrahim Al Kharousi, Acting Director General of Nizwa Industrial City, said the Madayn Pioneer Complex — a dedicated SME development initiative — is 60% complete. The RO 1.2 million project will offer 10 ready-built workshops for small and medium enterprises. Al Kharousi also noted that consultancy work has begun on a new residential project to support the growing workforce, while general maintenance upgrades are being prepared. Additionally, the master plan for Phase 5 — a 4 million square metre expansion — has been completed. On the sustainability front, the industrial city has planted over 1,700 trees, with plans to add 600 more. In cooperation with the Environment Authority, 670 trees have been planted and 200 distributed to companies. Several tenants are exploring solar energy solutions and recycling initiatives, especially in aluminium and copper sectors. — ONA
Zawya
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Omani car trading app hits 1 million-user milestone
MUSCAT: In a rapidly evolving digital landscape where innovation and competition go hand in hand, 'Sooq Cars' has emerged as one of the most inspiring stories in Omani entrepreneurship. The app has achieved an extraordinary milestone by surpassing one million subscribers within the Sultanate of Oman, solidifying its position as the largest digital platform specialising in car sales and related services in Oman and among the leading automotive platforms in the Gulf region. What began as an ambitious idea by a group of visionary Omani youth has quickly transformed into a fully integrated digital platform that serves hundreds of thousands of users every day. Sooq Cars has distinguished itself as an innovative and intelligent platform that has successfully built a digital bridge between sellers and buyers, reshaping the vehicle trading experience with a modern approach rooted in speed, reliability and ease of use. Among the platform's key services: Buying and selling new and used vehicles of all types; Accurate and professional vehicle valuation services prior to sale or purchase; Dedicated listings for buying and selling premium licence plate numbers; A comprehensive spare parts and accessories section, providing users with easy access to both original and alternative parts at the click of a button; Home and workshop delivery of spare parts; and A verified directory of workshops and certified service centres, making the app a go-to reference for vehicle owners across Oman. Speaking on the occasion, Abdulrahman al Kharousi, CEO of Sooq Cars, commented: 'Crossing the one million-user threshold is not merely a number — it is a living testament to the trust Omanis place in a locally developed product, created with Omani hands and driven by pure creative ambition. We do not see this milestone as a peak, but rather as a launchpad towards broader horizons. Our goal is to transform Sooq Cars into a regional and global platform that redefines digital automotive commerce.' Al Kharousi further emphasised that surpassing globally recognised apps in the Omani market is a result of the platform's commitment to understanding user needs and delivering smart, innovative solutions aligned with modern expectations. He noted that the team has already integrated artificial intelligence technologies to enhance the user experience, while expanding service coverage both within Oman and beyond its borders. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Omani car trading app hits 1 million-user milestone
MUSCAT: In a rapidly evolving digital landscape where innovation and competition go hand in hand, 'Sooq Cars' has emerged as one of the most inspiring stories in Omani entrepreneurship. The app has achieved an extraordinary milestone by surpassing one million subscribers within the Sultanate of Oman, solidifying its position as the largest digital platform specialising in car sales and related services in Oman and among the leading automotive platforms in the Gulf region. What began as an ambitious idea by a group of visionary Omani youth has quickly transformed into a fully integrated digital platform that serves hundreds of thousands of users every day. Sooq Cars has distinguished itself as an innovative and intelligent platform that has successfully built a digital bridge between sellers and buyers, reshaping the vehicle trading experience with a modern approach rooted in speed, reliability and ease of use. Among the platform's key services: Buying and selling new and used vehicles of all types; Accurate and professional vehicle valuation services prior to sale or purchase; Dedicated listings for buying and selling premium licence plate numbers; A comprehensive spare parts and accessories section, providing users with easy access to both original and alternative parts at the click of a button; Home and workshop delivery of spare parts; and A verified directory of workshops and certified service centres, making the app a go-to reference for vehicle owners across Oman. Speaking on the occasion, Abdulrahman al Kharousi, CEO of Sooq Cars, commented: 'Crossing the one million-user threshold is not merely a number — it is a living testament to the trust Omanis place in a locally developed product, created with Omani hands and driven by pure creative ambition. We do not see this milestone as a peak, but rather as a launchpad towards broader horizons. Our goal is to transform Sooq Cars into a regional and global platform that redefines digital automotive commerce.' Al Kharousi further emphasised that surpassing globally recognised apps in the Omani market is a result of the platform's commitment to understanding user needs and delivering smart, innovative solutions aligned with modern expectations. He noted that the team has already integrated artificial intelligence technologies to enhance the user experience, while expanding service coverage both within Oman and beyond its borders.
Gulf Business
29-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
New rule for businesses in Oman: Here's what you need to know
Image credit: Getty Images The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion ( Mandatory social insurance registration As reported by Read- Council of ministers' decision supports foreign investment This regulation follows a Council of Ministers' decision to reduce commercial registration fees for foreign investors and treat them similarly to Omani investors—provided they meet the requirement of hiring at least one Omani employee. Fee reductions and digital alerts On June 18, 2023, MoCIIP announced the fee reductions for foreign investment companies via its digital platforms. Eng. Ammar bin Sulaiman Al Kharousi, Director General of the Investment Services Centre at MoCIIP, noted that the commercial register now includes an alert informing investors of the employment condition one year after registration. Improving the investment environment Al Kharousi also highlighted ongoing efforts to make Oman more attractive to investors by addressing challenges faced by both local and foreign businesses. Hiring Omani nationals is expected to contribute to local economic development and improve the labor market. Enforcement through Oman Business Platform As of April 1, 2024, MoCIIP has implemented administrative restrictions on transactions through the Oman Business Platform for foreign investors who fail to meet the employment obligation within a year of registration. A grace period of 30 days—subject to extension—is granted for companies to rectify non-compliance. If the employed Omani is later dismissed, the obligation is automatically re-applied electronically, enabling MoCIIP and the Ministry of Labour to monitor compliance more effectively. Simplified investment procedures Oman's investment sector has recently undergone several reforms, allowing foreign investors to own 100 per cent of their businesses and invest in over 1,700 commercial and industrial activities. The government has also streamlined procedures by reducing, canceling, or merging 836 services.
