Latest news with #Environmental
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Omran earns RO25.2mn profit; RO156mn FDI in 2024
Muscat – Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group) has reported net profit of RO25.2mn and revenues exceeding RO58.3mn for 2024, driven by increased operational efficiency and investment activity. The figures reflect the group's growing impact on Oman's tourism sector and its broader contribution to economic diversification. The performance update was shared during a recent Board of Directors meeting, where members reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Omran's role as a leading force in tourism investment and development. Omran secured over RO156mn in foreign direct investment (FDI) last year, underscoring its ability to attract strategic global partnerships. The inflow of capital supports national efforts to increase the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP, a press release stated. A total of 820,365 guests stayed across Omran's hotel portfolio in 2024 – a 6% increase from the previous year. The average occupancy rate reached 45%, up by 2.6 percentage points year-on-year. A key milestone was the official opening of JW Marriott Muscat, adding to the sultanate's luxury hotel offerings. The group announced several new projects to strengthen Oman's position in high-end tourism. These include the Middle East's first Club Med Resort in Musandam and a partnership with Santani Wellness Resorts to develop wellness tourism in Dakhliyah. Omran also reported a 40% In-Country Value Index in 2024, with RO19mn directed towards small and medium enterprises. SME spending accounted for 34.7% of total procurement. Additionally, the group created 370 new jobs for Omani nationals. As part of its corporate governance goals, Omran introduced an Environmental, Social and Governance Framework to align with international sustainability standards and improve transparency across its operations. 'Omran's results underline its role as a key driver of tourism and investment in Oman. Through strategic partnerships, large-scale projects and a focus on sustainability, the group continues to position itself at the centre of the sultanate's economic diversification strategy,' the press release added.
Arabian Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
CUHK Faculty of Law: Pioneering Legal Education with Global Impact and Research Excellence
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 May 2025 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Law ( CUHK LAW ) continues to strengthen its position as a leading international legal education institution, offering innovative programmes and conducting impactful research that shapes the future of legal practice across Asia and beyond. Distinguished Academic Excellence Since its establishment in 2004, CUHK LAW has emerged as a truly international faculty, with academic staff from over 20 jurisdictions. The Faculty's research excellence has been consistently recognised, leading Hong Kong's law domain in the UGC's Research Assessment Exercises of 2014 and 2020. Its global standing was further cemented in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, achieving the 48th position worldwide. ADVERTISEMENT Innovative Programme Portfolio The Faculty offers a comprehensive range of postgraduate programmes, including the specialised Master of Laws (LLM) degrees that respond to evolving global legal challenges. The LLM in Energy and Environmental Law (LEL), launched in 2018-2019, stands as Hong Kong's pioneer programme in energy security and sustainability law. The newest addition, the LLM in Legal History (LLH), introduced in 2022-2023, represents as one of the few global programmes dedicated to transnational legal history research. Research Impact and Global Collaboration The Faculty's commitment to research excellence is exemplified through its specialised research centres. The Centre for Comparative and Transnational Law (CCTL) supports collaborative research through eight specialised clusters, while the Centre for Legal Innovation and Digital Society (CLINDS) drives innovative research in law and technology. The Faculty's global reach extends to prestigious partnerships, including dual programmes with The Dickson Poon School of Law, King's College London, offering students the opportunity to earn two degrees from world-class institutions in four years. Nurturing Global Legal Talent The Faculty's international outlook is reflected in its diverse student body, representing over 60 countries and regions. It also offers students valuable opportunities and resources to collaborate with scholars across various fields, deepening their understanding and opening new avenues for their work. PhD candidate Tajra Smajic, a Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) awardee from Bosnia and Herzegovina, expressed her appreciation for her experience at CUHK Faculty of Law: 'CUHK's dynamic research environment and HKPFS support have enriched my academic journey immensely. The programme enables global engagement through international conferences and summer schools, fostering valuable professional connections.' Tajra is currently interning at the United Nations Legal Office, Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), applying her knowledge in real-world contexts. Tajra's postgraduate student life at CUHK has been remarkable: (left) participating in summer school in Genova, (centre) graduating with a Master of Laws in International Economic Law, and (right) having a summer internship at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea Faculty experts like Professor Anatole Boute continue to shape global legal discourse. Professor Boute, specialising in energy, environmental, and investment law, received the prestigious Richard Macrory Prize for Best Article 2021 from the Journal of Environmental Law, Oxford University Press. His research has provided national energy authorities evidence-based suggestions which contributed to shape better energy market regulation in Central Asia while improving the cost of clean energy supply. Professor Anatole Boute's research has greatly contributed to the energy market regulation in Central Asia Looking ahead, CUHK LAW remains committed to advancing legal education and research while fostering global partnerships that prepare the next generation of legal professionals for an increasingly interconnected world. For more information about CUHK LAW's postgraduate programmes, visit: Hashtag: #CUHK The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About CUHK Founded in 1963, CUHK combines tradition with innovation in teaching and research, maintaining strong global partnerships to address real-world challenges.
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Omran Group pulls in RO 156m in FDI in 2024
The Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group) has announced strong financial and operational results, underscoring the Group's sustained efforts and corporate excellence in advancing tourism development and supporting sustainable economic growth in the Sultanate of Oman, in close collaboration with key stakeholders. In 2024, the Group recorded a net profit of RO 25.2 million and total revenues exceeding RO 58.3 million, reflecting operational efficiency and the high standards of excellence embraced across its business operations. These achievements were presented during the Group's recent Board of Directors meeting, where the Board reaffirmed its continued commitment to reinforcing the Group's role in advancing economic diversification and amplifying its impact as a key catalyst for tourism development and investment in the Sultanate. Demonstrating its ability to attract high-quality investments, Omran Group secured over RO 156 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during 2024. This achievement aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the national efforts to boost FDI inflows and enhance the contribution of various economic sectors to the GDP. In the hospitality sector, the Group continued to demonstrate operational excellence, welcoming 820,365 guests across its hotel portfolio in 2024 — a 6 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The portfolio achieved an average occupancy rate of 45 per cent, marking a 2.6 per cent increase year-on-year. A major milestone was achieved with the official opening of JW Marriott Muscat, further enriching the luxury hospitality landscape in the Sultanate of Oman. As part of its efforts to position Oman as a premier luxury tourism destination on the global map and to attract the world's leading hospitality brands, Omran Group announced several strategic projects, most notably the Middle East's first Club Med Resort that will be developed in Musandam, and the signing of a strategic partnership with Santani Wellness Resorts to introduce wellness tourism in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and local value creation, the Group achieved a 40 per cent In-Country Value Index in 2024, with total spending exceeding RO 19 million in support of SMEs, which accounted for 34.7% of overall procurement spending. Furthermore, the Group created 370 new job opportunities for local talents, achieving an Omanisation rate of 94% within Oman Tourism Development Company SAOC and 53 per cent across the Group, highlighting its dedication to empowering national talent and supporting the local economy. In line with its vision to enhance corporate governance practices, Omran Group launched its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework during the year, reinforcing its commitment to global sustainability standards, transparency, and excellence across all its operations and projects. The positive results achieved by Omran Group in 2024 reaffirm its leading role as a catalyst for tourism development in the Sultanate of Oman. Through pioneering projects, strategic partnerships, and innovative initiatives, the Group continues to strengthen its position and contribute to Oman's journey towards a diversified and sustainable economy
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
OMRAN Group achieves robust 2024 results, reinforcing its role in tourism development
Muscat: The Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has announced strong financial and operational results, underscoring the Group's sustained efforts and corporate excellence in advancing tourism development and supporting sustainable economic growth in the Sultanate of Oman, in close collaboration with key stakeholders. In 2024, the Group recorded a net profit of RO 25.2 million and total revenues exceeding RO 58.3 million, reflecting operational efficiency and the high standards of excellence embraced across its business operations. These achievements were presented during the Group's recent Board of Directors meeting, where the Board reaffirmed its continued commitment to reinforcing the Group's role in advancing economic diversification and amplifying its impact as a key catalyst for tourism development and investment in the Sultanate. Demonstrating its ability to attract high-quality investments, OMRAN Group secured over RO 156 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during 2024. This achievement aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the national efforts to boost FDI inflows and enhance the contribution of various economic sectors to the GDP. In the hospitality sector, the Group continued to demonstrate operational excellence, welcoming 820,365 guests across its hotel portfolio in 2024 — a 6% increase compared to the previous year. The portfolio achieved an average occupancy rate of 45%, marking a 2.6% increase year-on-year. A major milestone was achieved with the official opening of JW Marriott Muscat, further enriching the luxury hospitality landscape in the Sultanate of Oman. As part of its efforts to position Oman as a premier luxury tourism destination on the global map and to attract the world's leading hospitality brands, OMRAN Group announced several strategic projects, most notably the Middle East's first Club Med Resort that will be developed in Musandam, and the signing of a strategic partnership with Santani Wellness Resorts to introduce wellness tourism in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and local value creation, the Group achieved a 40% In-Country Value Index in 2024, with total spending exceeding RO 19 million in support of SMEs, which accounted for 34.7% of overall procurement spending. Furthermore, the Group created 370 new job opportunities for local talents, achieving an Omanisation rate of 94% within Oman Tourism Development Company SAOC and 53% across the Group, highlighting its dedication to empowering national talent and supporting the local economy. In line with its vision to enhance corporate governance practices, OMRAN Group launched its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework during the year, reinforcing its commitment to global sustainability standards, transparency, and excellence across all its operations and projects. The positive results achieved by OMRAN Group in 2024 reaffirm its leading role as a catalyst for tourism development in the Sultanate of Oman. Through pioneering projects, strategic partnerships, and innovative initiatives, the Group continues to strengthen its position and contribute to Oman's journey towards a diversified and sustainable economy.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Cork employees raise €20,000 for cancer research charity
The impressive sum of money was raised by Ask Acorn employees through the annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programme. Ask Acorn are a nationwide financial intermediary and distributor of life protection products who have offices on the Airport Road in Cork city. The funds will directly support research into poorer prognosis cancers, with a five-year survival of less than 25% and currently very limited treatment options. Currently, nearly half (45%) of all cancer deaths in Ireland come from seven low survival cancers, and these are the cancers Breakthrough Cancer Research is currently targeting their research towards. Breakthrough was selected through a company-wide nomination process, with employees putting forward causes that hold personal meaning. The strong support for Breakthrough Cancer Research reflects the fact that one in two people in Ireland will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime — a reality that has touched many within the Ask Acorn team. Breakthrough Cancer Research is dedicated to funding scientific research that targets the most urgent gaps in cancer treatment, particularly where options are limited and outcomes remain poor. Their work helps drive progress in cancers that are currently under-funded, offering hope where it's needed most. Orla Dolan CEO of Breakthrough Cancer Research said the donation will go directly towards cutting-edge research into the lowest survival cancers which urgently need more investment. 'Every donation brings us closer to a future free from cancer, where no one ever hears the words, 'There's nothing left to try.' The organisation supports cutting-edge, patient-focused research across Ireland, including projects at the University College Cork, Cork University Hospital, Bon Secours Cork and MTU. These include advances in overcoming treatment resistance, earlier detection through identification new biomarkers, next-gen immunotherapy and personalised medicine through initiatives like Precision Oncology Ireland. 'At Ask Acorn, protection is at the core of what we do,' said Vivian O Callaghan and Jim Landy, Branch Managers in Cork City for Ask Acorn. 'Many of us have experienced the impact of cancer up close and we're proud to help fund research that offers real hope to patients and families across the country.' Monies raised for Breakthrough Cancer directly fund new treatment discoveries, clinical trials, and innovations that could dramatically improve outcomes for people diagnosed with difficult-to-treat cancers. The charity has a bold vision: 100% survival for 100% of cancers. To find out more or to support Breakthrough Cancer Research see or @breakthrocancer on social media.
