Latest news with #KhamisbinSaifalJabri
Observer
05-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
‘Align media messages with Vision 2040 priorities'
MUSCAT, MAY 5 The Government Communication Centre convened its 28th coordination meeting, bringing together representatives from media institutions and government entities across the Sultanate of Oman. The session forms part of a long-standing series of engagements aimed at fostering dialogue, aligning narratives, and enhancing institutional collaboration in the field of strategic communication. The gathering comes at a time of fast-evolving media and communication technologies, offering a timely platform to discuss developments, share expertise, and explore integrated approaches to public messaging. The initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which calls for modernising communication frameworks and reinforcing the role of media in national development. Addressing the meeting, Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Head of the Implementation Follow-up Unit for Oman Vision 2040, underlined the need to tailor strategies to suit the distinct circumstances of each development phase. He noted that ongoing coordination among institutions is critical to showcasing progress and ensuring the visibility of national achievements. 'Each period comes with its own context, and we must adapt our performance monitoring and implementation efforts accordingly,' said Dr Al Jabri. 'It is essential to highlight institutional accomplishments within a broader ecosystem, as most strategic projects are deeply interlinked.' Dr Al Jabri further stressed the need for government agencies to synchronise their media content with national priorities, ensuring coherence in messaging and programme delivery under the Oman Vision 2040 framework. He also urged institutions to embed the economic dimension within their communication outputs, encouraging them to articulate their contributions to economic growth and national resilience. 'Every government entity has an economic impact — it must be made visible. Moreover, economic risks must be factored into institutional performance to sustain effectiveness and inform policy outcomes,' he noted. The Government Communication Centre's ongoing meetings serve as a vital conduit for dialogue and policy alignment in a rapidly changing media landscape. By reinforcing inter- agency partnerships and updating communication strategies, the initiative supports transparent governance, informed citizen engagement, and the unified advancement of Oman Vision 2040 objectives.
Observer
13-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
OCCI launches 14 initiatives to boost economic growth
MUSCAT: Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) has unveiled 14 strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the Sultanate's business environment, fostering economic diversification, and strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors. The initiatives were announced at the conclusion of a four-day development workshop organised in collaboration with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit. The workshop, which saw participation from over 300 representatives of 20 government and private entities, culminated in the approval of the initiatives and the signing of their executive plans. The closing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Head of the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, and Shaikh Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI's Board of Directors. The event underscored the Chamber's commitment to aligning its strategic directions with Oman Vision 2040, a national blueprint for sustainable economic development. THREE PILLARS OF STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT The 14 initiatives are structured around three core pillars: improving the business environment, enhancing economic development in governorates, and expanding the base of economic diversification. Each pillar addresses specific challenges and opportunities within Oman's economic landscape. 1. Improving the Business Environment (6 Initiatives). The first pillar focuses on creating a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Key initiatives include: - Smart Guide to Commercial and Investment Legislation: A digital platform that consolidates all relevant laws and regulations, with automatic updates to ensure accessibility and accuracy. - Technical Team for Economic Laws Review: A cross-sectoral team tasked with reviewing economic regulations and submitting recommendations to relevant authorities. - Private Sector Conference: A platform for public-private dialogue to address challenges, explore opportunities, and improve the investment climate. - Chamber's Events Guide: A comprehensive calendar of planned events with clear procedures and follow-up mechanisms. -*Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships: Regular meetings with ministers to discuss sectoral challenges and propose incentives for improving the investment environment. -*Center for Economic Research and Studies: A research hub providing specialized studies and consultations to support decision-making in both public and private sectors. 2. Partnership in Economic Development of Governorates (4 Initiatives): The second pillar aims to decentralize economic growth by empowering governorates. Initiatives under this pillar include: - Takamul Initiative: Enhancing collaboration between OCCI branches and governorate offices to promote private sector participation in local development programs. - Opportunities Initiative: Identifying investment opportunities and competitive advantages in each governorate, supported by in-depth studies and conferences. - Support and Establishment Initiative: Facilitating the establishment of companies based on local investment opportunities to drive sustainable growth. - Empowerment Initiative: Training programs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to maximize local content and increase their participation in national projects. 3. Expanding the Economic Diversification Base (4 Initiatives): The third pillar seeks to reduce Oman's reliance on oil revenues by diversifying its economy. Key initiatives include: - Mazaya Initiative: Reviewing and proposing competitive investment incentives to enhance Oman's attractiveness to foreign investors. - Delegations Initiative: Developing a regulatory framework for managing trade delegations and business forums with target markets. - Global Connection Initiative: Launching a digital platform to streamline the organization of trade delegations and events. - Omani Industries Project: Promoting Omani products in international markets through participation in global exhibitions. ALIGNING WITH OMAN VISION 2040 The initiatives reflect OCCI's commitment to supporting Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes sustainable economic development, private sector empowerment, and economic diversification. Zakaria bin Abdullah al Saadi, CEO of OCCI, highlighted the Chamber's collaborative approach, stating that the workshop's outcomes were the result of extensive dialogue and joint efforts with stakeholders from both public and private sectors. Khalfan bin Suleiman al Bahri, Director of the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Office at OCCI, emphasized the importance of continuous cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of the initiatives. He noted that the newly established office would oversee the execution of detailed plans to achieve the desired impact.
Observer
13-02-2025
- General
- Observer
Madinat Al Sultan Haitham competition winners feted
MUSCAT, FEB 12 Coinciding with the launch of Madinat Al Sultan Haitham Season, the awards ceremony for the 'Basmat' competition was held on Wednesday. The competition, organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, was held under the auspices of Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, and attended by a distinguished audience of ministers, officials and the finalists. The competition garnered widespread participation from Omani youth, with over 500 young men and women competing across five key categories to contribute to the city's development. After a rigorous evaluation process, 50 finalists advanced to the final stage. The ceremony celebrated the winners, announcing the top three in each of the following categories: Architectural Imprint, Technological Imprint, Cultural and Social Imprint, Artistic Imprint and Environmental Imprint. Jamal bin Nasser al Hadi, Media Adviser to the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, stated: 'The 'Basmat' competition is a step into the world of youth creativity and a strategic initiative aligned with the vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to empower Omani youth and strengthen their role in shaping Oman's future. This competition offers a valuable opportunity for young Omanis to turn their innovative ideas into reality, allowing them to be an integral part of building a city that reflects their vision. Their contributions will serve as a lasting legacy for future generations. 'Basmat' is more than just a competition; it is a key driver of youth participation in this national project, enhancing their skills across various fields. It represents a true partnership in building the future of Oman — from today's generation to the generations to come. As His Majesty once said during the city's inauguration: 'Congratulations to our young planners and thinkers. I hope they leave their imprints in every corner of this land.'' The competition aligns with the national strategy to empower Omani youth in developing smart and sustainable cities by encouraging innovative ideas that enhance sustainability, infrastructure development and the integration of technological and artistic solutions. Winners will have the opportunity to bring their ideas to life by collaborating with relevant authorities to integrate their innovations into the master plan of Madinat Al Sultan Haitham. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to fostering innovation and youth empowerment across various sectors. A total of over RO 6,000 in prizes was awarded to the winners, with 20 expert judges overseeing the evaluation process to ensure that the most creative and impactful ideas were selected. Participants expressed their appreciation for the competition, highlighting it as a pioneering platform that enabled them to showcase their creativity and contribute to shaping the future of Madinat Al Sultan Haitham. This initiative is part of broader efforts to achieve sustainable development, empowering youth to play a pivotal role in shaping Oman's urban, technological and artistic future. It aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which emphasises innovation and sustainability as fundamental pillars for a prosperous and progressive future.
