Latest news with #AlMaamari
Observer
11-08-2025
- Business
- Observer
New rules boost Omani capital market growth
MUSCAT: The introduction of the Promising Companies Market Regulations marks a significant step in the Financial Services Authority's (FSA) incentive programme to develop the capital market, in line with Oman Vision 2040's goals for economic diversification and a strong investment climate, said Ahmed bin Ali al Maamari, FSA Deputy CEO. The new rules offer a flexible regulatory framework enabling private, family-owned, emerging, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access alternative financing in a transparent environment. This opens diverse funding options for corporate growth and expansion. The incentive programme has three main pillars, including establishing the Promising Companies Market as a sub-market on the Muscat Stock Exchange. Combined with the new regulations, it offers easier access to finance and helps companies advance towards greater institutional maturity and sustainable growth. The regulations outline clear listing requirements, including annual growth targets, minimum shareholder numbers, and fixed fees, reducing entry barriers and improving corporate transformation. Al Maamari urged eligible private firms to explore these opportunities. Haitham bin Salem al Salmi, CEO of the Muscat Stock Exchange, said the new market is a structural milestone, providing a specialised financing channel for SMEs, family businesses, and private firms. It follows phased regulatory controls, enabling a smooth transition to the main market. He added that the exchange will provide an integrated trading environment with advanced infrastructure, flexible disclosure models, and governance standards tailored to growth-stage companies, boosting investor confidence and market liquidity. The initiative supports the exchange's strategy to broaden the investor base, diversify investment tools, and raise institutional maturity, strengthening Oman's competitiveness and private sector development. — ONA
Observer
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman fall to Qatar in West Asia volleyball championship
MUSCAT: Oman's national men's volleyball team lost to Qatar 3 sets to 1 in their second match of the West Asia Championship, held at the Isa Bin Rashid Hall in Riffa, Kingdom of Bahrain. The match featured clear technical fluctuations, with Oman shining in the third set before Qatar sealed the win with more consistent performance. The Red Warriors started the match energetically, taking an early 4-0 lead thanks to strong performances from Al Juradi and Al Maamari. However, Qatar quickly regained balance, capitalising on defensive errors and poor reception to win the first set 25-19. In the second set, the Qatari team fully dictated the pace. They appeared more organised and composed, while Oman struggled with focus and accuracy in passes and spikes, despite individual efforts from Ismail al Hidi and Saud al Maamari. Oman dropped the set 25-16. The third set saw Oman's best performance of the match. The players entered with determination, showing clear intent to mount a comeback. Ismail al Hidi stood out with several powerful spikes, while Younis al Amri and Saud al Maamari's movements helped establish a 23-21 lead. At the crucial point, Al Hidi returned to seal the set for Oman at 25-23, reviving hopes for a comeback. Despite a promising start to the fourth set, with Mahmoud al Saadi scoring the opening point followed by a strong shot from Al Maamari, individual errors re-emerged, especially in reception and backcourt coverage. This gave the Qataris the edge to regain control. As Oman lost focus midway through the set, Qatar widened the gap and closed the set 25-14, winning the match 3-1. Statistically, Oman scored a total of 79 points, committed 23 unforced errors, missed 6 serves, and registered 7 blocks. The standout performer for Oman was Ismail Al-Hidi, who scored 26 points (24 attack, 1 serve, 1 block) and was named Best Player of the Match despite the defeat. The players entered with determination, showing clear intent to mount a comeback After the match, Ismail al Hidi, a player for the national team, confirmed that the team had played an ideal third half and had come close to a comeback, but that the physical decline and lack of concentration in the fourth half had a significant impact. He added that he had tried to give the team a morale boost through his offensive performance, while also emphasising that the team still had much to offer in the tournament Mohammed al Muqbali acknowledged Qatar's strength, saying, We faced a very organised team. Small details made the difference. We must move past this loss and prepare for what's next. Younis al Amri noted the team's improvement in the third set but admitted the loss of focus afterwards. The tournament is still in its early stages. We'll correct our mistakes and come back better. Despite the loss, Oman still has a chance to recover in upcoming matches. The technical staff and players have pledged to work hard to fix their mistakes and return to winning ways, relying on their fighting spirit and the promising young talents who showed great potential during the match.
Observer
20-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Wadi Darbat: A hub for youth projects during the khareef
Wadi Darbat in Dhofar Governorate witnesses a surge in youth activity during Khareef (monsoon) season, marked by a series of Omani projects and initiatives that reflect the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship among young people. This takes place in an environment rich in natural beauty, attracting visitors from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman. These projects span a variety of sectors, including recreational activities, water boats, restaurants, mobile kiosks, handicrafts, and handmade products, alongside environmental and awareness initiatives aimed at preserving the wadi's cleanliness and aesthetic appeal. Their success lies in meeting local market demands and enhancing the tourism experience. These initiatives receive direct support from relevant government entities as part of efforts to empower Omani youth to invest in the tourism potential of the Khareef season, particularly in high-traffic areas like Wadi Darbat, which has become a prime destination for pioneering projects that bolster sustainable local development. The natural features of Wadi Darbat during Khareef have also enhanced entrepreneurial opportunities by providing an enabling environment to showcase products, develop business skills, attract tourists, and expand local economic activity. Mohammed Mohsen Al-Maamari, owner of Darbat Park Boats, stated that the project officially launched in 2008 after a modest start the previous year, when the wadi suffered from low visitor numbers and inadequate services. He explained that the project began with just three boats and a team of four employees but has since expanded to include over 85 boats, with a workforce of 33 Omani employees and 15 expatriates. Al Maamari noted that improvements included upgrading infrastructure and hospitality facilities, such as establishing a modern-style café. He emphasized that high demand prompted expansion efforts to reduce wait times, contributing to the revitalization of tourism in the wadi. On his turn, Salim Mohammed Al Maashani, owner of Darbat Rural Retreat, explained that his project embodies Omani rural identity in a prime location at the wadi's entrance. The project offers an authentic rural lodging experience using natural materials like wood and clay, alongside local products such as ghee, honey, and pottery. He pointed out that increasing demand has prompted plans for future expansion, stressing that such heritage projects help promote community-based tourism and support the income of local producers and artisans. Meanwhile, Said Mahad Al Maashani, owner of Darbat Huts, shared that his project started four years ago with three huts and has since expanded to nine huts in two different designs. The project provides hospitality services in a breathtaking natural setting, with options for bookings and hosting visitors from Oman and GCC countries. In the adventure tourism sector, Eng. Abdulhakim Amer Al Maashani, co-founder of Dhofar Tourism and Investment Company, discussed the Zipline project, launched in Wadi Darbat in 2022, with a 120-meter line. He noted rapid development, including dual lines for round trips and two experience sites, creating around 60 temporary job opportunities for Omani youth. This year's plan includes constructing a main zipline with four outgoing and four return lines, which could employ approximately 140 job seekers. He emphasized the project's goal to develop adventure tourism and train Omani personnel to take on operational and managerial roles. In the food and beverage sector, Mohammed Khalid Jaaboub, owner of Café Fog London, explained that his project was inspired by a love for nature and a desire to blend modern taste with scenic beauty. Located overlooking Wadi Darbat, the café offers a menu of beverages, desserts, and light meals in an elegant setting with indoor and outdoor seating. Jaaboub affirmed the project's popularity among visitors seeking tranquility amid fog and greenery, reflecting Wadi Darbat's readiness to host high-quality projects that enrich the tourist experience.
Dubai Eye
02-07-2025
- Dubai Eye
Dubai Police bust gang promoting drug-laced sweets online
In a major anti-narcotics bust, Dubai Police have arrested a gang of 15 people for promoting drug-laced sweets on social media. Ten men and five women were caught in an operation dubbed "Drugs Flavour," which also led to the seizure of 48 kg of narcotic substances and over 1,100 pills, altogether valued at more than AED 2.4 million. The arrests were announced during a press conference at the Anti-Drug Awareness Exhibition at Festival City Mall. Brigadier Dr. Abdul Rahman Sharif Al Maamari, Director of the International Hemaya Centre, said the gang had been using social media platforms to sell sweets and chewing gum infused with narcotic and psychoactive substances. He credited the success of the operation to advanced surveillance, artificial intelligence tools and the dedication of Dubai Police's specialized anti-narcotics team. Al Maamari added that the group was part of an international network trying to infiltrate the UAE market with disguised drugs. A task force was quickly formed, leading to the arrests after round-the-clock monitoring. The suspects have now been referred to the Public Prosecution. Manal Ibrahim from Dubai Police's Security Media Department urged the public to stay vigilant, especially on social media, and warned against interacting with unknown messages or buying unverified products online. She reminded the public to report suspicious activity through the e-Crime platform or the 'Police Eye' feature on the Dubai Police app and website. Brigadier Abdul Rahman Al Maamari concluded the press conference by urging the public to exercise caution when purchasing certain types of sweets via social media platforms. He explained that some products may contain narcotic substances that are legal in other countries but are… — Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) July 2, 2025
TAG 91.1
02-07-2025
- TAG 91.1
Dubai Police bust gang promoting drug-laced sweets online
In a major anti-narcotics bust, Dubai Police have arrested a gang of 15 people for promoting drug-laced sweets on social media. Ten men and five women were caught in an operation dubbed "Drugs Flavour," which also led to the seizure of 48 kg of narcotic substances and over 1,100 pills, altogether valued at more than AED 2.4 million. The arrests were announced during a press conference at the Anti-Drug Awareness Exhibition at Festival City Mall. Brigadier Dr. Abdul Rahman Sharif Al Maamari, Director of the International Hemaya Centre, said the gang had been using social media platforms to sell sweets and chewing gum infused with narcotic and psychoactive substances. He credited the success of the operation to advanced surveillance, artificial intelligence tools and the dedication of Dubai Police's specialized anti-narcotics team. Al Maamari added that the group was part of an international network trying to infiltrate the UAE market with disguised drugs. A task force was quickly formed, leading to the arrests after round-the-clock monitoring. The suspects have now been referred to the Public Prosecution. Manal Ibrahim from Dubai Police's Security Media Department urged the public to stay vigilant, especially on social media, and warned against interacting with unknown messages or buying unverified products online. She reminded the public to report suspicious activity through the e-Crime platform or the 'Police Eye' feature on the Dubai Police app and website. Brigadier Abdul Rahman Al Maamari concluded the press conference by urging the public to exercise caution when purchasing certain types of sweets via social media platforms. He explained that some products may contain narcotic substances that are legal in other countries but are… — Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) July 2, 2025
