Latest news with #Musandam
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Musandam wins WSIS award for smart street lighting
Muscat – Musandam has been recognised at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum in Geneva for its smart street lighting project that uses Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Organised by International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the forum honoured the project as one of the best entries for its sustainability and practical application. The supervisory committee of the WSIS competition described the project as a replicable model for urban areas, highlighting its technical innovation and alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Amna bint Mohammed al Shehhi, Director of Information Technology Department in Musandam, said the system is built on a network of smart sensors installed on lighting poles. These sensors gather real-time data on natural light, movement of vehicles and pedestrians, weather conditions, and the operational status of the infrastructure. The data is transmitted to a central platform, which analyses it and makes automated decisions to optimise lighting operations, including adjusting brightness or switching lights on and off based on need. She said the platform supports continuous monitoring, early fault detection and instant maintenance alerts, which improve service quality and reduce response times. The system also generates analytical reports to support infrastructure planning and policy decisions. According to Amna, Musandam's street lighting project marks a significant shift in urban management. Technically, it reduces electricity consumption by up to 40% compared to conventional lighting systems and prolongs the lifespan of fixtures. Environmentally, it cuts emissions and contributes to Oman's shift towards green development and smart cities. Administratively, it improves resource efficiency while reducing operational and maintenance costs. She said the recognition was a national achievement reflecting Musandam's progress in leveraging technology for public benefit while aligning with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises digital transformation and sustainability. One of the leading global platforms for ICT developments, WSIS is hosted under the United Nations umbrella and coordinated by ITU with support from other UN agencies. The annual summit encourages digital innovation aligned with SDGs and includes the WSIS Prizes, a global competition attracting entries from governments, academia, civil society and private sector entities. The awards span 18 categories including digital infrastructure, smart cities, e-governance and environmental innovation.
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Innovative project of Musanadam govt honoured
Organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for its innovative project that develops smart street lighting systems using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, it was recognised as one of the most outstanding in terms of sustainability and applicability. The project caught the attention of the WSIS competition committee, with experts describing it as a practical model that can be replicated across urban environments, due to its technical innovation and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Amina bint Mohammed Al-Shehhi, Director of the Information Technology Department at Musandam's General Directorate of Administrative and Financial Affairs, explained that the project relies on an integrated tech infrastructure. Smart sensors are installed on lighting poles to collect data on natural light intensity, pedestrian and vehicle movement, weather conditions, and the status of the devices themselves. This data is sent to a centralised operations platform that analyses it and makes automated decisions to turn lights on or off or adjust brightness levels, aiming for maximum operational efficiency. She noted that the system allows real-time monitoring of the lighting network, enabling early fault detection and immediate alerts to maintenance teams. This improves response time and service quality for residents and visitors. The platform also generates analytical reports to support infrastructure planning and decision-making. The project represents a major leap on several fronts. It reduces electricity consumption by up to 40% compared to traditional systems and extends lamp life through need-based operation and helps lower the carbon footprint and supports Oman's transition to green development and smart cities, and improves resource management and cuts long-term operational and maintenance costs. Al-Shehhi emphasised that this recognition marks a national achievement, solidifying Musandam's status as a leading governorate in leveraging technology for public service and sustainable development. It also reflects its commitment to Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises digital transformation and environmental sustainability. The WSIS, backed by the United Nations and managed by the ITU in collaboration with several international organizations, stands as one of the foremost global initiatives in ICT for development. The summit encourages digital innovation and fosters tech projects aimed at achieving the SDGs. Each year, WSIS hosts the WSIS Prizes competition, celebrating the most innovative and sustainable tech projects from across the globe. Entries come from governments, the private sector, civil society, and academic institutions. The awards span 18 key categories, including digital infrastructure, smart cities and environment, e-government, risk and disaster management, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Times of Oman
09-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Details of inaugural Musandam International Diving Festival unveiled
Khasab: The Musandam Governor's Office unveiled details on Wednesday at a press conference in Khasab for the inaugural Musandam International Diving Festival, set to take place during 25-28 August 2025. The event aims to promote eco-tourism and marine tourism in the governorate through a sustainable gathering that will attract divers, tourists, and investors from various world countries. The festival will feature a range of activities and competitions across Khasab, with additional events in Kumzar and Dibba. They include: Deep-sea cleanup campaign; Free Diving Champion challenge; underwater photography competition; Kayak race (traditional Omani Qadah-Bassah) and best marine life video contest. Accompanying events will include: Exhibition of photos and videos from Musandam's depths; Group diving trips to key sites; Short film screenings on marine life; Maritime souq (market) selling diving gear, local seafood, and handicrafts, as well as diving conference aimed at establishing an Omani Diving Federation. The festival will also host specialised workshops and seminars, such as coral reef conservation session, 'the Future of Diving in the Gulf" symposium, PADI-certified training workshop, introductory sessions on diving tourism investment opportunities and beginner diving lessons. Sayyid Ibrahim Said Al Busaidi, Governor of Musandam emphasised that the festival—organised in collaboration with Musandam Exploration Diving Centre—will serve as a global platform for professional divers, enthusiasts, adventure seekers, marine sports athletes, media personalities, diving companies, equipment suppliers, eco-tourists, and local visitors. He noted that the festival aims to position Musandam as a premier diving destination, highlight the governorate's unique marine biodiversity, support local tourism centers and diving projects, besides generating economic opportunities for communities. He highlighted that Musandam's waters—where the Arabian Gulf meets the Indian Ocean—boast a rich marine ecosystem, making it an ideal diving spot for all skill levels. He added that diving tourism will drive economic growth by attracting high-end tourists seeking unique nature experiences, boost infrastructure development, including dive centres, hotels, restaurants, and transport services, as well as generating jobs in diving instruction, boat operations, hospitality, and marine conservation.
Times of Oman
06-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman records 0.81% average inflation rate in first five months of 2025
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman witnessed an average inflation rate of 0.81 percent during the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to the Consumer Price Index data released by the Ministry of Economy. The report indicated a 1.3 percent increase in the general import price index and a 4.1 percent rise in the producer price index by the end of the first quarter of 2025 compared to the corresponding period in 2024. Geographical distribution showed varying inflation rates across governorates, with South Al Batinah recording a marginal decline of 0.04 percent, while Al Dakhiliyah registered the highest rate at 1.58 percent, followed by Musandam at 1.51 percent and South Al Sharqiyah at 1.24 percent. More moderate increases were seen in North Al Sharqiyah (0.21 percent) and North Al Batinah (0.42 percent), with other governorates remaining below one percent. Dr. Salim Abdullah Al-Sheikh, official spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, stated that the moderation in consumer price inflation was driven by declining prices in the food and non-alcoholic beverages category alongside stable housing, water, electricity, gas, and fuel prices. These two categories account for over half of the consumer price index weight in Oman. He pointed out that detailed inflation data revealed a 0.17% decrease in food and beverage prices between January-May 2025 compared to the same period last year. Significant price reductions were recorded for vegetables (-4.63%), seafood (-3.69%), meat (-0.13%), non-alcoholic beverages (-0.11%), and bread/cereals (-0.01%). Conversely, sugar/jam/honey/sweets rose 3.13%, dairy/eggs increased 2.88%, fruits grew 1.05%, oils/fats climbed 1.28%, and other food items jumped 3.40%. He added that the miscellaneous goods/services category showed the highest inflation at 6.04%, followed by healthcare (2.71%), transport (2.68%), and restaurants/hotels (1.08%). Tobacco and communications prices remained stable with minimal increases in other CPI components. Al-Sheikh attributed food price stability to moderated global commodity trends and sustained government subsidies on essentials, coinciding with progress in Oman's Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) food security strategy. This strategy enhances domestic food production, processing, and marketing systems to boost agricultural/fishery output, increase self-sufficiency, and reduce food imports. He pointed out that the agriculture and fisheries sectors grew 2.8% in 2024, contributing OMR987 million to GDP at constant prices, with growth accelerating to 7.6% (OMR273.6 million) in Q1 2025. To strengthen food security, Oman has developed over 80 markets, slaughterhouses, and kiosks since 2021 under its governorates development program, he explained. He said that current projects include the Slaughterhouse in Shaleem & Halaniyat Islands, Sinaw Resources Market, Dhofar's Agricultural Products Hub, and Duqm's Food/Fishery Industrial Complex with cold chain facilities. The "Silal" Central Market in Barka in South Al Batinah, operational since 2024, serves as advanced distribution channel for local farm produce. Meanwhile, the FAO Food Price Index recorded a year-on-year increase of 7.2 points (6.0%) in May 2025 compared to the same month last year. On a monthly basis, the index averaged 127.7 points in May 2025, reflecting a slight decline of 1.0 point (0.8%) from April 2025. This movement was driven by rising prices in dairy and meat products, while cereals, sugar, and vegetable oils experienced price declines. Economic observers have expressed growing concerns about potential resurgence in inflation should trade protectionism policies intensify. Such developments could undermine the efforts of central banks that have successfully achieved significant inflation reduction since last year. The US Federal Reserve expected that tariff increases implemented in April might lead to price hikes later this year, though the full impact has not yet materialised in inflation figures. While US inflation has declined substantially from its 2022 peak, it remains above the Fed's 2% target. At its June meeting, the Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark interest rate at 4.25-4.5%, unchanged since December 2024, while signaling potential for two rate cuts in 2025. It simultaneously revised its inflation forecast upward to 3% for 2025 and lowered its U.S. GDP growth projection to 1.4%. Within the same context, the International Monetary Fund, in its April 2025 World Economic Outlook report, adjusted its global inflation projections upward to 4.3% for 2025 and 3.6% for 2026. The report anticipates stronger inflationary pressures in advanced economies, contrasting with expected moderation in some emerging markets and developing economies.
Times of Oman
06-07-2025
- Times of Oman
Three arrested for possessing large quantities of alcoholic beverages
Muscat: The Royal Oman Police (ROP), has arrested three foreigners found to be in possession of large quantities of alcoholic beverages. ROP said in a statement: "The Coast Guard Police at Musandam Governorate Police Command arrested three Iranian nationals on board a boat in Omani territorial waters in possession of large quantities of alcoholic beverages intended for trade. Legal procedures are being completed."
