Latest news with #Balushi
Muscat Daily
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Over 1,000 human rights cases handled in Oman in 2024: OHRC
Muscat – Oman Human Rights Commission received and handled 1,006 human rights cases in 2024, covering civil, political, economic, social, cultural and developmental rights, according to Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of OHRC. Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Balushi said the commission's mandate under Royal Decree No 57/2022 is to protect and promote human rights in line with Oman's Basic Statute and international treaties. 'OHRC continues its national role by receiving complaints, conducting field visits, organising awareness lectures and engaging with international reports on Oman's human rights situation,' he said. OHRC reviewed 47 complaints and monitored 22 cases while providing legal support in 937 cases. It conducted field visits to the central prison and detention centres to assess inmates' conditions and ensure compliance with national and international standards. Visits also covered social, health and educational institutions. Balushi noted the commission's satisfaction with Royal Oman Police's efforts to respect human dignity in prisons, citing improvements in healthcare, education, legal aid, sports and recreation for inmates. Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of Oman Human Rights Commission In the context of freedom of expression, Oman advanced 18 places in the 2024 Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, which assesses political, legal, economic, socio-cultural and safety factors in 180 countries. The commission has actively promoted awareness through lectures targeting schools, universities, public and private employees, and security personnel. Topics covered included children's rights, women's rights, workers' rights, freedom of expression and complaint mechanisms. Balushi stressed the importance of aligning these efforts with Oman Vision 2040 to foster citizenship and respect for rights within society. On disability rights, the commission conducted a studied 'Warning signs for the Blind in Public Places' and submitted findings to Muscat Municipality and Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. Both committed to incorporating standards in urban development plans and building codes. A major ongoing project is the development of National Human Rights Strategy in coordination with Oman Vision 2040 authorities. The strategy includes legislative reforms, awareness campaigns, partnerships, protection mechanisms and use of technology. Workshops involving local and international experts are reviewing various rights and priority groups, such as women, children, elderly and persons with disabilities. OHRC also responded to rights reports from Amnesty International, the US State Department and Special Rapporteurs. Balushi said the commission verified observations and provided responses based on Oman's laws and international standards.
Muscat Daily
25-06-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Omani researcher feted at Unesco AI ethics forum in Bangkok
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – Ayoub bin Mohammed al Balushi, a lecturer at University of Technology and Applied Sciences, has been awarded an honorary prize at the Unesco International Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence 2025, currently taking place in Bangkok. Running till June 27, the forum serves as a high-level international platform to discuss ethical governance frameworks for emerging AI technologies. The accolade was granted in recognition of Balushi's research paper which was selected as one of the top contributions to the forum's accompanying scientific seminar hosted by Burapha University. Commended for its academic originality and forward-thinking perspective, the paper highlights key principles for promoting ethical practices in the field of AI. The award reflects Oman's active engagement in the global discourse on the future of AI and underscores the commitment of Omani academic institutions to responsible, internationally aligned scientific research. The forum highlights achievements in AI ethics since Unesco's 2021 recommendation statement on the ethics of AI.
Muscat Daily
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Muscat Daily
Karwa unveils vehicle line-up for defence, logistics sectors
Muscat – Karwa Motors has launched a new range of vehicles in a strategic partnership with Impel and technical cooperation with MAN designed for logistics, military and public transport at its factory in Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). Developed to meet needs of local, regional and international markets, the vehicles highlight Karwa Motors' efforts to align with modern transport technologies. The project supports both government and private sector requirements, while reinforcing the company's focus on enhancing local automotive manufacturing in the sultanate. The company is currently producing a variety of vehicles developed to meet high safety and efficiency standards, targeting transport needs across cities and remote areas. The line-up underscores Karwa's contribution to Oman's transport infrastructure. Karwa Motors also confirmed its continued collaboration with Oman-based Armored Group to produce armoured vehicles for special applications. The partnership aims to expand the company's product portfolio to serve key sectors requiring specialised transport solutions. Ibrahim bin Ali al Balushi, CEO of Karwa Motors, said the new vehicles launched reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen the automotive industry in Oman. 'The goal is to serve domestic markets and expand exports to regional and global destinations, while supporting industrial self-sufficiency.' He added that such vehicle manufacturing developments enhance the presence of Omani industries in wider markets and support national economic diversification objectives. 'Production of these vehicles represents a major step in our industrial and technological expansion,' Balushi said. 'It consolidates Oman's position as a centre for specialised vehicle manufacturing, leveraging the infrastructure available at SEZAD.'
Muscat Daily
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Oman joins Islamic Human Rights meet in Iran
Tehran, Iran – The Oman Human Rights Commission, led by its Chair, Professor Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, participated in the First International Conference on Human Rights from an Eastern Perspective, held in Tehran and Qom, in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The conference was organised by Baqir al Olum University in collaboration with the Islamic Culture and Relations Organisation under Iran's Ministry of Culture. It brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from national human rights institutions, regional and international bodies, as well as academics and researchers specialising in human rights. Aimed at presenting a comprehensive Eastern perspective on human rights, the conference drew upon the deep cultural and civilisational traditions of Islamic and Eastern societies. It sought to promote values and principles rooted in Eastern civilisations as an alternative to dominant Western human rights frameworks. Discussions centred on the need for an Eastern approach to human rights, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing global challenges, including the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. The event also examined historical and cultural experiences across various countries, prospects for regional cooperation, and the philosophical, cultural, and social foundations of Eastern human rights concepts. Professor Balushi presented a scholarly paper highlighting the importance of hosting such a conference from an Eastern standpoint, especially in light of current global issues. He also shed light on Oman's historical and cultural contributions to the field of human rights. The Commission's delegation also included Plenipotentiary Minister Aqil bin Alawi Ba Omar, a Commission member, and Hassan bin Ahmed al Ajmi from the Commission's Technical Secretariat.
Muscat Daily
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Muscat Daily
Karwa Motors eyes expansion in EVs, new export markets
Muscat – Karwa Motors is exploring opportunities to expand into the electric vehicle (EV) segment and green hydrogen applications in transportation, in collaboration with its international partners, according to the company's CEO. In an interview featured in the latest edition of Duqm Economist , a quarterly publication by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), Dr Ibrahim bin Ali al Balushi, CEO of Karwa Motors, revealed that the company is moving ahead with ambitious strategic plans for the next five years. These plans aim to strengthen Karwa's presence in existing markets and facilitate expansion into new ones across the region. Dr Balushi highlighted that the company is actively exploring EV and green hydrogen applications opportunities through partnerships with international collaborators. 'The demand for electric buses has increased in recent years, and we anticipate further growth as Oman continues to implement its Oman Vision 2040 strategy,' he said. 'We are ready to expand in this sector, provided there is substantial market demand.' He added that Karwa Motors is also targeting new markets and developing advanced transport solutions to meet the evolving needs of different regions. The company has devised a strategic plan to boost its exports to GCC countries, wider Arab markets, and international destinations. Dr Balushi noted that the United States is a key target market, alongside Africa, which presents considerable growth potential. 'Karwa Motors seeks to build strategic partnerships with technology and energy firms to create innovative and sustainable solutions. At the same time, we are placing strong emphasis on localisation within the automotive industry, investing in national talent development and maintaining our commitment to social and environmental responsibility,' he said. He further explained that Karwa Motors is dedicated to delivering comprehensive transport solutions that address diverse customer needs. The company is focusing on developing new bus models aligned with market demands to enhance its competitiveness both regionally and globally. Dr Balushi emphasised that Karwa Motors has established a robust production infrastructure, incorporating advanced technologies and adhering to international quality standards – enhancing its ability to meet growing demand. The company has also invested in training Omani talent, resulting in a highly skilled national workforce in the field of bus manufacturing. 'At Karwa Motors, innovation and sustainability are at the heart of our operations. We have adopted advanced manufacturing techniques and sustainable materials. Our partnerships with international firms have enabled the transfer of technical expertise and support the development of production processes in line with global benchmarks,' he said. Dr Balushi informed that the company is preparing to launch its first Omani-designed and fully Omani-manufactured bus in the coming months. He reiterated that Karwa Motors is continuously expanding its production capacity, including a commitment to manufacture 1,000 school buses annually for the Ministry of Education. The company is also producing Hajj transport buses, worker transport buses, and small to medium-sized models. He further reaffirmed Karwa Motors' focus on developing innovative transport solutions, particularly by enhancing AI-driven bus systems, exploring clean energy technologies, and improving manufacturing efficiency to align with global market demands. 'We are dedicated to transforming the transport sector by prioritising innovation, quality, and sustainability,' he said. 'This commitment reinforces Karwa Motors' position as a leading provider of integrated transport solutions.'
