Latest news with #HaithambinTarik
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Marriage support fund to be launched in Oman in June
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – Following a directive issued by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, a marriage support fund will be launched in all governorates before the end of June. The announcement was made during the first governors' meeting convened this year, chaired by Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al Busaidi, Minister of Interior, on Sunday. Busaidi underscored the importance of aligning local development plans with His Majesty the Sultan's vision to empower governorates and strengthen community participation in driving progress of wilayats. One of the main items discussed was implementation of a marriage support fund. Governors have been instructed to take the necessary executive measures to activate the Royal Directive, which will be implemented according to specific standards to be outlined by Ministry of Interior. The initiative stems from a Royal Directive issued in January to establish the marriage support fund allocating RO1mn to each of the sultanate's 11 governorates. These funds aim to provide financial assistance to citizens intending to marry. Details of application process and eligibility criteria will be announced by relevant authorities soon. The meeting also addressed several common issues affecting the governorates and reviewed progress on implementation of municipal council recommendations.
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman Vision 2040 is a blueprint for sustainable growth: World Bank
From digital corridors to investment pipelines, Oman Vision 2040 is transforming the present for a stronger future, and symbolizes yet another chapter of strategic evolution that has characterized the country from prehistoric Majan to modern Oman, said the World Bank in its blogs. "Developed through extensive consultations with citizens, Vision 2040 enshrines a diversified and resilient economy less reliant on oil while fostering a globally integrated and prosperous society. What began under the leadership of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, with the careful planning of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, is a roadmap charting how Oman can adapt to changing economic conditions, shifting culture, and disrupting technology to steer Oman toward economic diversification, sustainability, and global competitiveness. Oman's steady progress under Vision 2040 offers a model for other emerging economies navigating uncertainty through long-term planning. It further guides Oman's increased global engagement and partnership with organizations like the World Bank Group," the blog said. Oman and the World Bank Group have enjoyed an active partnership for decades. This has led to working together on a range of areas aligned to Vision 2040, from national development plans and budget system modernization to transport and fisheries. A key focus right now is strengthening the investment climate to support private sector-led growth and job creation. The World Bank is bringing global knowledge and advice on best practices in business environment reforms tailored to the Omani context. IFC, the Bank Group's private sector arm, recently announced new investments to bolster the country's sustainable finance market and empower the private sector. MIGA, home of the World Bank Group Guarantee Platform, secured $1.2 billion in commercial financing of the infrastructure works for the Duqm Special Economic Zone. Central to Oman Vision 2040 is the imperative of economic diversification and building a knowledge, technology-driven economy. In practice, this means investing in digital infrastructure, encouraging R&D, and nurturing new industries. Major regulatory reforms have been rolled out to catalyze private-sector growth and foreign investment. For example, a new Foreign Capital Investment Law took effect in 2020, removing minimum capital requirements and allowing 100% foreign ownership in many sectors. Attracting foreign direct investment and strengthening the private sector are key components of the Vision, and these reforms unlock those opportunities. Oman is also leveraging its strategic geography to become a logistics and trade hub. Positioned outside the Strait of Hormuz on major global trade routes, it has prioritized modernizing ports, free zones, and airports. The development of Duqm – a vast special economic zone with a deep-sea port – and upgrades at Salalah and Sohar ports exemplify this push. Such investments aim to streamline the flow of goods and make Oman a vital link in global supply chains. Already, early results of the economic transformation are visible: non-oil sectors like construction, manufacturing, and transport are growing quickly. Maintaining this momentum will require sustained reform, and Oman's multi-pronged approach – from startup incubators to industrial free zones – is steadily transforming the economy. Sustainable development is an overarching principle, and Oman's fisheries sector is a standout success story for this agenda. Fisheries have evolved from a traditional, artisanal industry into a technology-enabled sector that contributes to diversification. The government, with World Bank support, crafted a Fisheries and Aquaculture Vision to create a profitable world-class sector that is ecologically sustainable and a net contributor to Oman's economy. The innovation shown in the Omani sustainable fisheries sector is yielding impressive results. The sector is expanding at near double-digit rates, with a recorded 7.5 percent sectoral growth in the first three quarters of 2024. This progress reinforces the country's ambition for economic diversification by setting a high bar, with the sector aiming to reach 10 percent annual growth and contribute 2 percent to the national GDP. Developing human capital is another key element of Oman's vision. A skilled, educated populace is the bedrock of competitiveness. Educational reforms are underway to align curricula with future labor market needs and improve quality at all levels. Oman's ambition includes ranking among the top 20 countries in global education indices by 2030, and top 10 by 2040. Investments in schools and universities over the past decades have dramatically expanded access. Now the focus is on boosting outcomes in science, technology, engineering, and math to nurture a knowledge economy. Equally important, Oman is fostering a culture of research and entrepreneurship. Through its Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, new programs are funding research and the commercialization of ideas. Innovation parks and incubators have been launched in partnership with the private sector to mentor startups and turn student projects into marketable products. Aspiring young entrepreneurs receive support via financing initiatives and training programs, often co-sponsored by government and industry. Public-private partnerships are helping build this innovation ecosystem – for example, technology companies are collaborating with Omani colleges on coding academies, and energy firms are investing in technical training centers. These efforts are bearing fruit: a burgeoning startup scene is evident in Muscat, and the number of Omani tech SMEs is on the rise. In parallel, Oman has worked to make its labor market more flexible and dynamic, implementing new labor policies in 2023–24, adding more benefits for women, and encouraging private-sector hiring of Omanis. With 64% of the population under 30, all these measures aim to harness Oman's demographic dividend by equipping its youth with the skills and opportunities to innovate. To ensure the successful realization of Oman Vision 2040, a specialized entity—the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit—was established by Royal Decree 100/2020. Reporting directly to the Council of Ministers, the Unit plays a central role in monitoring the progress of the vision, facilitating coordination across sectors, addressing challenges, and providing strategic support to align efforts with the national vision. Looking forward to the next 15 years, there will be continued opportunities as well as challenges in realizing the vision. Successful implementation requires continued commitment, adaptability, and engagement with global partners. Oman's journey towards realizing its 2040 vision can serve as a valuable case study for other countries navigating uncertainties and striving for economic diversification, sustainability, and global integration.
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Iran President hails HM's role in regional peace
MUSCAT: Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressed his deep gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for his role in supporting peace efforts in the region, and his valuable efforts in mediating between Iran and the United States, with the aim of achieving a satisfactory and just agreement that is respected by both sides and meets their aspirations. In an exclusive interview with Oman News Agency and Oman TV, Dr Masoud said that bilateral relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran are old and long-standing, and that they share common bonds. He described his meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik as 'positive and constructive.' The President emphasised that his official visit to the Sultanate of Oman reviewed aspects of joint cooperation and developments in the region and the world, noting that his country's policy is based on establishing strong relations and cooperation with various neighbouring countries. He added that the visit witnessed meetings between officials from both sides, and the signing of a number of agreements, memoranda of understanding and executive programmes in various fields, including health, energy, renewable energy, economics and trade. He emphasised the need to move forward with implementing what was agreed upon on the ground. The President said: "The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Sultanate of Oman are in advanced stages of consultation and coordination at the political and economic levels on many regional and international issues through joint meetings and gatherings. They share common and convergent positions on issues of concern to the region, foremost among the Palestinian issue. There is coordination to overcome some of the challenges resulting from the sanctions imposed on Tehran and resolve them through air and maritime cooperation, and to increase the volume of trade exchange between the two friendly countries to more than $20 billion." He pointed out that the Sultanate of Oman will be a hub for the exchange and export of goods and commodities between the two friendly countries, and through them to all countries in the region, to various countries in Central Asia, and from Oman to African countries, to achieve cooperation and partnership with all. Regarding reaching a fair agreement in the nuclear talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, the President noted that international laws are the just and equitable conditions, as any country can conduct scientific and specialised research related to uranium enrichment and benefit from the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. He emphasised that his country does not seek to possess nuclear weapons at all, but rather to benefit from enrichment in the fields of medicine, energy and economy. He called on the international community to assume its responsibilities in stopping the war of extermination and massacres committed by the Israeli occupation army against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, which has been under siege for nearly two years. - ONA
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman announces Eid Al Adha holidays
Muscat: In observance of the upcoming Eid Al-Adha holiday for the Islamic year 1446 AH, Oman announced that the official holiday for employees in units of the state's administrative apparatus, other public legal entities, and workers in private sector establishments will begin on Thursday, 9 Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH (corresponding to June 5, 2025) and will continue until Monday, 13 Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH (corresponding to June 9, 2025). Official working hours will resume on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The Ministry of Labour clarified that work may be required during the mentioned holiday period if necessary, and compensation will be provided in accordance with the applicable regulations. On this blessed occasion, the Ministry extended its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, praying to Almighty Allah to preserve His Majesty, grant him good health, happiness, and a long life. The Ministry also expressed hopes that this occasion and others like it bring continued prosperity to the Omani people and the nation under His Majesty's wise leadership.
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
H M Sultan Haitham, Pezeshkian praise growing cooperation
Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian of the Islamic Republic of Iran have affirmed their support for a greater role of the private sector in both countries, expressing hope that increased commercial activity would lead to higher levels of investment and trade. The two leaders also noted the depth of political consultation and coordination between Muscat and Tehran, highlighting their alignment on several bilateral and regional matters. A joint communiqué issued following President Pezeshkian's official two-day visit to Oman underlined the historical and cultural ties between the two nations. The visit was aimed at strengthening relations and reaffirming mutual respect between their leaderships and peoples. During official talks at Al Alam Palace, the leaders reviewed prospects for cooperation in economic, investment and other fields. They expressed satisfaction with efforts and called for continued collaboration through regular meetings of joint committees. The two leaders welcomed the signing of several agreements covering investment promotion and protection, legal and judicial cooperation, a preferential trade pact, a framework for broader cooperation, and multiple memoranda of understanding. They also noted the growing collaboration between Oman Post and National Post of Iran, which has led to the release of a joint postage stamp symbolising cultural diplomacy and strong people-to-people ties. On regional issues, His Majesty the Sultan and President Pezeshkian discussed the situation in Gaza, calling for a full and permanent ceasefire. They condemned the targeting of civilians and urged an end to what they termed genocide committed by Israeli forces in Gaza and other Palestinian territories. The two leaders called on the international community to fulfil its humanitarian responsibilities by providing relief to Gaza's civilian population. They rejected any moves to displace or persecute Palestinians. The president commended Oman's diplomatic efforts in facilitating indirect talks between Iran and the United States on the nuclear file. His Majesty the Sultan expressed hope that these discussions would yield an agreement that contributes to regional security and stability. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of continuing to work together in regional and international forums to promote peace and security globally. President Pezeshkian conveyed his thanks to His Majesty the Sultan, the government and the people of Oman for their hospitality and extended an invitation for an official visit to Iran, which was accepted by His Majesty.
