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Observer
16-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Investing the Omani way: Steady and sustainable
As investors around the world adapt to a changing landscape marked by uncertainty, rising costs and shifting priorities, the search for stability has become paramount. In this context, Oman's measured and values-driven approach is drawing increasing interest. The Sultanate of Oman is positioning itself not only as an attractive investment destination — but as a country offering clarity, consistency and long-term value. Quiet Growth, Strong Fundamentals In a region shaped by rapid transformation, Oman stands out for its intentional and grounded approach. Rather than competing for visibility, the country has focused on building trust and resilience — appealing to investors looking beyond short-term gains. According to official data, foreign direct investment (FDI) into Oman rose by 16.2 per cent year-on-year, reaching RO 26.68 billion by Q3 2024, up from RO 22.96 billion during the same period the year before. Strategic Institutions and Projects Oman's investment environment is strengthened by the role of key institutions such as the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), Invest Oman, and the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ). These bodies provide structured support, policy clarity and investor facilitation across sectors. Recent developments include: a $30-billion green hydrogen programme, with major projects underway in Duqm and Salalah; the launch of 15 new public-private partnership (PPP) projects in 2024; and continued industrial and logistics expansion in Suhar, Khazaen and Salalah. These are not isolated announcements — they are part of a coherent national strategy linking diversification with long-term resilience. Institutions such OIA, Invest Oman, and OPAZ provide structured support, policy clarity and investor facilitation across sectors Sustainability with Local Roots Environmental stewardship in Oman is not driven by trend but by tradition. From water conservation practices to mountain ecosystems, sustainability has long been embedded in Omani life. In policy terms, the country jumped from 149th to 50th in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) — a major rise backed by reforms in pollution control, ecosystem protection and renewable energy policy. Oman has also committed to Net-Zero carbon emissions by 2050, with guidance from the Oman Sustainability Centre. This alignment between vision and values is increasingly important to ESG-driven investors. Innovation That Respects Identity Oman is embracing innovation — but doing so on its own terms. The National Digital Economy Strategy targets a 10-per cent contribution to GDP by 2040, led by growth in fintech, e-government and smart logistics. In parallel, eco-tourism grew by 46 per cent in 2023, reflecting the rising appeal of cultural authenticity, coastal nature and heritage-based travel. In both technology and tourism, Oman is innovating in ways that preserve identity and add long-term value. A Culture of Genuine Partnership What distinguishes Oman is not only what it builds — but how it builds it. Investors frequently note the accessibility of decision-makers, the responsiveness of institutions and the emphasis on listening. This culture of engagement is not simply hospitable; it is strategic. Oman recognises that lasting investment requires more than incentives — it requires trust. Key Strategic Takeaways • Oman is delivering consistent FDI growth despite global uncertainty. • Green hydrogen, PPPs and digital economy projects are key drivers of diversification. • Sustainability is backed by cultural heritage and bold climate policy. • Innovation is pursued with local identity and long-term impact in mind. • The investment climate is shaped by transparency, humility and strategic intent. A Model for Uncertain Times While some economies move fast to attract attention, Oman is moving deliberately to build resilience. Its approach may be quieter, but it is also smarter — especially for investors who value depth over spectacle and coherence over volatility. In a world of distractions, Oman's steady, strategic and sustainable model stands out — and investors are taking notice.
Newsweek
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Sadhguru Pinpoints America's Drinking Water Problems
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Despite being one of the richest nations on Earth, the United States is struggling to provide all its citizens with clean drinking water—a situation that Indian yogi and mystic Sadhguru calls not just an oversight, but "a crime." "The United States of America is the place in the world which should never have any issue about drinking water," he said. "But there are issues with water because we have learned to contaminate everything." In an interview with Newsweek, Sadhguru, who has become known for his large-scale environmental campaigns, challenged the country to rethink its approach to providing this most basic of human needs. Earlier this year, the American Society of Civil Engineers released its Report Card for America's Infrastructure, giving drinking water a grade of C- and wastewater infrastructure a D+, grades that have not changed since 2021. "Access to safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water is not a given for all Americans," John Griffith, incoming CEO of the water and wastewater utility company American Water, wrote for Newsweek in May. The U.S. is 15th in Yale University's Environmental Performance Index, lagging behind the United Kingdom, Finland, Switzerland and Germany, which ranked joint first. This is despite the fact that the U.S. ranks among the top five countries globally in terms of total renewable freshwater resources, with 9,500 cubic meters of renewable water per capita. For comparison, India, which has a population of 1.2 billion, has just 1.5 thousand cubic meters of renewable water per capita, according to World Atlas records. "Water quality in United United States not being good is a crime," Sadhguru said. "Because for 330 million people they have more water than most nations can ever imagine." Sadhguru went on to blame "industrialization and the overuse of fertilization and pesticides" for the problems. He told a story from when he embarked on a 10,000-mile motorcycle journey across the U.S. to delve into the spiritual heritage of Native American cultures and raise awareness with his Isha Foundation. Sadhguru spoke about how when he would stop to drink water from a river or a stream we warned not to, with people telling him that "it's all poison, there is lead in it, there is mercury in it." "Flowing water—why is it poisonous?" he asked. "Even if I put poison, it should go away, unless I am continuously putting poison into it." Sadhguru speaking during an interview with Newsweek at the Taj Hotel in London, on July 3. Sadhguru speaking during an interview with Newsweek at the Taj Hotel in London, on July 3. Isha Foundation PFAS (Forever Chemicals) In recent years, particular attention among public health campaigners has focused on PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) chemicals, otherwise known as "forever chemicals," which can lead to cancers, ulcerative colitis, and other serious health conditions such as hormone disruption and impaired immune systems. Last spring, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under former President Joe Biden introduced new federal limits on six of these "forever chemicals," added to everyday products to repel oil and water. Public water systems are expected to monitor these chemicals for three years and be fully compliant by 2029. The American Chemistry Council and the National Association of Manufacturers have filed a court order challenging these levels, arguing that it "significantly underestimates nationwide costs, does not take into account the latest PFAS data, and will add to affordability challenges for many households." The Biden administration put $9 billion into his Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dedicated to address PFAS and other contaminants in drinking water but critics have questioned who will fund the treatments required to meet these new containment levels. The American Water Works Association, a nonprofit working to improve water quality and supply, predicted in June 2024 it will cost about $40 billion (between $2.5 and $3.5 billion a year) to operate and maintain water treatment systems. "The whole world is talking economy," Sadhguru said. "When all of us are asking our elected governments—the only thing that matters is how much money I have, naturally they will think of marketing and whatever the market forces will decide." "We have to reframe the life value itself," he added. "What is most valuable for human beings? Now I'm saying, you being joyful, loving, ecstatic is more important." "Over 70 percent of your body is water," Sadhguru later continued. "If you don't keep your waters happy and sweet you will not be sweet either." Agriculture Sadhguru went on to warn about the agriculture industry. "The fertilizer that I put in my land goes into the river water or the lake or whatever—it is contaminated seriously," he said. "That part of it can only be handled if you have enough vegetation, that is tree-based vegetation," he added. "If you don't have enough strong vegetation it will not absorb, it will naturally go to groundwater and river water." "Groundwater will be worse," Sadhguru said, "if river water is so contaminated, you can imagine what the well water will be." Many environmental campaigners have long called for stricter restrictions on pesticides used in farming, but this, like many other environmental debates in America, often leads to a desire for environmental action competing with a desire to reduce regulatory burdens and promote agricultural productivity. For example, a highly anticipated report from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Make America Health Again (MAHA) Commission is expected to be released soon, looking at the ramifications of the American lifestyle, including the medications prescribed to people and the food served to children at school. Some farmers and Republicans are worried about what this report might say about glyphosate, the ingredient commonly used in pesticides sprayed on crops. "I hope there is nothing in the MAHA report that jeopardizes the food supply or the livelihood of farmers," Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley told the Senate in May, saying multiple farmers had reached out to him to voice their concerns. The month before, a group of 79 Republicans made a similar plea to Kennedy in a letter, arguing that without glyphosate, agricultural "yields and quantity are negatively impacted." "There's a reason why we still use it: It works," Missouri farmer Blake Hurst said at the time. Kennedy has denied that the report will harm farming, saying: "There's not a single word in them that should worry the American farmer. We are not going to do anything to jeopardize that business model." When asked what Sadhguru would say to Americans nervous about environmental restrictions, he said: "The thing is that with every administration the whole thinking shifts as if the facts have shifted." "Facts have not shifted," he said, "but politics will shift according to one's needs, the narratives keep changing." "A few facts have to be ascertained," Sadhguru continued, "which I don't think has happened in a very conclusive way. It needs to happen, though." "It's very important a few facts are established," he said, "other opinions we can have about it—fundamental facts must be established without doubt, then people will respond to it in a more positive way." Sadhguru went on: "Right now, I don't think that's been done in the United States, mainly because the population and land equation is very good for them. They can afford to deny a whole lot of things." Sadhguru's Message to Americans In the simplest terms, Sadhguru's ultimate message to Americans is to "fix vegetation, it'll fix the soil," which he says will in turn fix the quality of water. He cited one of New York City's initiatives as an example. The city avoided building a water filtration plant, which would have lost more than $8 billion, by investing $1.5 billion into forests surrounding New York City's Catskill, Delaware, and Croton reservoirs that drain into their water supply systems. "There is no better filtration system then the soil itself," said Sadhguru, who also runs a global organization called Save the Soil. Guru Sadhguru speaks at an event as part of the "Save the Soil" campaign in North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne, in 2022. Guru Sadhguru speaks at an event as part of the "Save the Soil" campaign in North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne, in 2022. AP "But the soil is capable of doing it only if it is organically rich," he added. "It can only be organically rich if there is a substantial amount of tree litter and animal litter." "Organisms thrive on this organic material," he continued, "if they are there, they are doing a million are doing a million things in terms of soil chemistry which purifies the water, leaves the richer part of many, many things—minerals and bacteria, many things which are good for us."
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman achieves remarkable progress in several global indices
Muscat: The National Competitiveness Office has released the third annual report on Oman Competitiveness 2024, highlighting the Sultanate's performance in various global indicators. The report reveals that Oman has achieved remarkable progress in several global indices. The most notable leap was in the Environmental Performance Index, where Oman climbed 94 places, securing the 55th rank out of 180 countries. Additionally, Oman has been ranked first globally in several sub-indicators, including marine protection stringency, growth rate of black carbon emissions, and bottom-trawl fishing within the exclusive economic zone. Oman also advanced 39 spots in the Heritage Foundation's Economic Freedom Index, reaching the 56th rank globally. The country's economy is now classified as 'moderately free,' compared to its previous status as 'mostly unfree.' This improvement is reflected in higher scores in key sub-indicators such as government spending (rising from 59.4 to 70.8 out of 100), investment freedom (from 60 to 70 out of 100), and financial freedom (from 50 to 60 out of 100). Among the most notable advancements is the Network Readiness Index, where Oman moved up four positions, ranking 50th globally. The country excels in sub-indicators such as government promotion of investment in emerging technologies (ranked 9th globally), gender gap in internet usage (ranked 11th globally), and ICT skills in education (ranked 23rd globally). According to the Future Growth Index, Oman scored 50.59 out of 100, surpassing the global average. Furthermore, Oman ranked first globally in sub-indicators such as ICT capital (in US dollars) and electricity access in rural areas. In Global Governance Indicators, Oman made progress in most categories, particularly those aligned with Oman Vision 2040. The country recorded 70.2 out of 100 in the Rule of Law Index, 66.5 in Regulatory Quality, and 62.2 in Government Effectiveness. Dr. Salim bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, emphasised that the National Competitiveness Office continues to monitor Oman's position in key international rankings. He noted that these indicators receive global attention from thousands of individuals and organisations. Speaking to Oman News Agency, Dr. Al Sheikh stated: "The office is actively working with national teams to strengthen Oman's position in global indices through various programs and initiatives, while addressing challenges that may arise." Oman's continued efforts in improving competitiveness reflect its commitment to achieving sustainable economic and developmental progress on a global scale. The report aims to increase awareness among the local community about international rankings, serving as a reference for government and private institutions, as well as researchers interested in Oman's positioning compared to other nations. It also identifies the most advanced countries in specific indicators to guide efforts in enhancing Oman's competitiveness. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
31-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman achieves remarkable progress in global indices
MUSCAT: The National Competitiveness Office has released the third annual report on Oman Competitiveness 2024, highlighting the Oman's performance in various global indicators. The report reveals that Oman has achieved remarkable progress in several global indices. The most notable leap was in the Environmental Performance Index, where Oman climbed 94 places, securing the 55th rank out of 180 countries. Oman has also been ranked first globally in several sub-indicators, including marine protection stringency, growth rate of black carbon emissions and bottom-trawl fishing within the exclusive economic zone. Oman also advanced 39 spots in the Heritage Foundation's Economic Freedom Index, reaching the 56th rank globally. The country's economy is now classified as 'moderately free,' compared to its previous status as 'mostly unfree.' This improvement is reflected in higher scores in key sub-indicators such as government spending (rising from 59.4 to 70.8 out of 100), investment freedom (from 60 to 70 out of 100), and financial freedom (from 50 to 60 out of 100). Among the most notable advancements is the Network Readiness Index, where Oman moved up four positions, ranking 50th globally. The country excels in sub-indicators such as government promotion of investment in emerging technologies (ranked 9th globally), gender gap in Internet usage (ranked 11th globally), and ICT skills in education (ranked 23rd globally). According to the Future Growth Index, Oman scored 50.59 out of 100, surpassing the global average. Furthermore, Oman ranked first globally in sub-indicators such as ICT capital (in US dollars) and electricity access in rural areas. Dr Salim bin Abdullah al Shaikh In Global Governance Indicators, Oman made progress in most categories, particularly those aligned with Oman Vision 2040. The country recorded 70.2 out of 100 in the Rule of Law Index, 66.5 in Regulatory Quality, and 62.2 in Government Effectiveness. Dr Salim bin Abdullah al Shaikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, emphasised that the National Competitiveness Office continues to monitor Oman's position in key international rankings. He noted that these indicators receive global attention from thousands of individuals and organisations. Speaking to Oman News Agency, Dr Al Sheikh stated: "The office is actively working with national teams to strengthen Oman's position in global indices through various programmes and initiatives while addressing challenges that may arise." Oman's continued efforts in improving competitiveness reflect its commitment to achieving sustainable economic and developmental progress on a global scale. The report aims to increase awareness among the local community about international rankings, serving as a reference for government and private institutions, as well as researchers interested in Oman's positioning compared to other nations. It also identifies the most advanced countries in specific indicators to guide efforts in enhancing Oman's competitiveness. — ONA
Times of Oman
31-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman achieves remarkable progress in several global indices.
Muscat: The National Competitiveness Office has released the third annual report on Oman Competitiveness 2024, highlighting the Sultanate's performance in various global indicators. The report reveals that Oman has achieved remarkable progress in several global indices. The most notable leap was in the Environmental Performance Index, where Oman climbed 94 places, securing the 55th rank out of 180 countries. Additionally, Oman has been ranked first globally in several sub-indicators, including marine protection stringency, growth rate of black carbon emissions, and bottom-trawl fishing within the exclusive economic zone. Oman also advanced 39 spots in the Heritage Foundation's Economic Freedom Index, reaching the 56th rank globally. The country's economy is now classified as 'moderately free,' compared to its previous status as 'mostly unfree.' This improvement is reflected in higher scores in key sub-indicators such as government spending (rising from 59.4 to 70.8 out of 100), investment freedom (from 60 to 70 out of 100), and financial freedom (from 50 to 60 out of 100). Among the most notable advancements is the Network Readiness Index, where Oman moved up four positions, ranking 50th globally. The country excels in sub-indicators such as government promotion of investment in emerging technologies (ranked 9th globally), gender gap in internet usage (ranked 11th globally), and ICT skills in education (ranked 23rd globally). According to the Future Growth Index, Oman scored 50.59 out of 100, surpassing the global average. Furthermore, Oman ranked first globally in sub-indicators such as ICT capital (in US dollars) and electricity access in rural areas. In Global Governance Indicators, Oman made progress in most categories, particularly those aligned with Oman Vision 2040. The country recorded 70.2 out of 100 in the Rule of Law Index, 66.5 in Regulatory Quality, and 62.2 in Government Effectiveness. Dr. Salim bin Abdullah Al Sheikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, emphasised that the National Competitiveness Office continues to monitor Oman's position in key international rankings. He noted that these indicators receive global attention from thousands of individuals and organisations. Speaking to Oman News Agency, Dr. Al Sheikh stated: "The office is actively working with national teams to strengthen Oman's position in global indices through various programs and initiatives, while addressing challenges that may arise." Oman's continued efforts in improving competitiveness reflect its commitment to achieving sustainable economic and developmental progress on a global scale. The report aims to increase awareness among the local community about international rankings, serving as a reference for government and private institutions, as well as researchers interested in Oman's positioning compared to other nations. It also identifies the most advanced countries in specific indicators to guide efforts in enhancing Oman's competitiveness.
