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Observer
an hour ago
- Business
- Observer
Women in Oman import handbags worth RO 9.5m in 2024
Muscat: Women in Oman imported handbags worth RO 9.5 million in 2024, marking a 37 per cent rise compared to the same period in 2023. The National Center for Statistics and Information said Oman has witnessed a notable diversification in the types of imported handbags ranging from materials to designs to international brands thus catering to the different ages and tastes. Part of this increase is attributed to the growing online stores that have become key players in selling women's goods. These platforms have helped provide diverse options, competitive prices and convenient shipping across Oman. Maryam al Muqbali, owner of one of the online stores, said that the demand for online handbag purchases has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, especially during festivals. "We've noticed that women are increasingly relying on online shopping because it offers attractive deals and prices, as well as multiple payment options and fast delivery services, all of which have significantly boosted sales. We always strive to import high-quality handbags that keep up with the latest fashion trends to meet the needs of women of all ages." Khadija al Balushi, one of the consumers, said, "I love buying handbags, whether from stores or online. In Oman, there's a wide variety of handbag stores, both in large shopping centres and small local markets, and each store offers different collections to suit all tastes. I often look for handbags that suit my daily needs in terms of quality and durability. Sometimes, I resort to online stores if I want new designs or special offers. But at the same time, I love shopping in person because I can touch and see the product up close before buying, which is important to me to ensure the product is genuine, as some online accounts might sell counterfeit items." She said sometimes she hesitate before buying, "because I'm not sure about the product's quality, so I focus on reading reviews and others' experiences before making a purchase. Nevertheless, online shopping has made many things easier for us, especially when time is tight." She said she has both original and imitation handbags, noting that she prefers the originals. She explained that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between original and fakes. She believes that the genuine product is worth the price. This increase comes within the context of the continuous growth of the Omani consumer market, especially during holidays, vacations and social occasions, which are periods that typically see increased demand for such products.
Times of Oman
03-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman first in West Asia and ninth globally in open data
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has secured the top position in West Asia and ranked ninth globally in the field of open data, according to a report issued by the Open Data Observatory , an independent entity recognized by the United Nations Statistical Commission. The report highlighted Oman's significant progress, advancing ten places in 2024 compared to 2022. Oman ranked ninth out of 197 countries worldwide, compared to 19th out of 195 countries in 2022, achieving 84 points in 2024, up from 74 points in 2022. Oman also ranked third globally in data openness. The 2024 Open Data Inventory Report assessed Oman's open data across three key sectors: social, economic, and environmental , covering 22 topics in total. The report showcased Oman's excellence in several statistical domains, with a perfect score of 100 points in population and vital statistics, healthcare infrastructure, foreign trade, monetary and banking data, and openness indicators such as machine-readable data formats, non-proprietary formats, and open licenses. Additionally, Oman's economic statistics coverage improved significantly, rising from 65 points in 2022 to 77 points in 2024. This progress was driven by enhancements in monetary and banking databases, foreign trade, and balance of payments, all of which scored 100 points in coverage. Price indices also saw a notable increase from 50 to 88 points. The report further highlighted Oman's economic statistics improvement, with scores rising from 76 points in 2022 to 89 points in 2024, primarily due to advancements in monetary and banking statistics, which jumped from 75 points in 2022 to 100 points in 2024. Price index databases also improved from 72 points in 2022 to 94 points in 2024. Other key statistics included foreign trade (100 points), balance of payments (94 points), and labor force (90 points). Oman has successfully increased data openness and coverage across most statistical sectors available to users via its data portal. The report noted significant progress in the accessibility of social statistics, with the overall score rising to 83 points in 2024 , compared to 74 points in 2022. This improvement was driven by population and vital statistics databases , as well as health infrastructure statistics, both of which achieved a perfect score of 100 points. Oman was classified among the top 80% of countries that demonstrated performance improvements, as the global index recorded its highest growth rate since its inception, at 12.5% . The Sultanate has emerged as a leading regional model in developing and publishing official data in line with best international practices. The National Center for Statistics and Information reaffirmed its commitment to supporting open data policies, enhancing data readines for research and planning purposes, and contributing to evidence-based decision-making to support Oman's ongoing development.
Times of Oman
03-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman ranks first in West Asia, ninth globally in open data
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has secured the top position in West Asia and ranked ninth globally in the field of open data, according to a report issued by the Open Data Observatory , an independent entity recognized by the United Nations Statistical Commission. The report highlighted Oman's significant progress, advancing ten places in 2024 compared to 2022. Oman ranked ninth out of 197 countries worldwide, compared to 19th out of 195 countries in 2022, achieving 84 points in 2024, up from 74 points in 2022. Oman also ranked third globally in data openness. The 2024 Open Data Inventory Report assessed Oman's open data across three key sectors: social, economic, and environmental , covering 22 topics in total. The report showcased Oman's excellence in several statistical domains, with a perfect score of 100 points in population and vital statistics, healthcare infrastructure, foreign trade, monetary and banking data, and openness indicators such as machine-readable data formats, non-proprietary formats, and open licenses. Additionally, Oman's economic statistics coverage improved significantly, rising from 65 points in 2022 to 77 points in 2024. This progress was driven by enhancements in monetary and banking databases, foreign trade, and balance of payments, all of which scored 100 points in coverage. Price indices also saw a notable increase from 50 to 88 points. The report further highlighted Oman's economic statistics improvement, with scores rising from 76 points in 2022 to 89 points in 2024, primarily due to advancements in monetary and banking statistics, which jumped from 75 points in 2022 to 100 points in 2024. Price index databases also improved from 72 points in 2022 to 94 points in 2024. Other key statistics included foreign trade (100 points), balance of payments (94 points), and labor force (90 points). Oman has successfully increased data openness and coverage across most statistical sectors available to users via its data portal. The report noted significant progress in the accessibility of social statistics, with the overall score rising to 83 points in 2024 , compared to 74 points in 2022. This improvement was driven by population and vital statistics databases , as well as health infrastructure statistics, both of which achieved a perfect score of 100 points. Oman was classified among the top 80% of countries that demonstrated performance improvements, as the global index recorded its highest growth rate since its inception, at 12.5% . The Sultanate has emerged as a leading regional model in developing and publishing official data in line with best international practices. The National Center for Statistics and Information reaffirmed its commitment to supporting open data policies, enhancing data readines for research and planning purposes, and contributing to evidence-based decision-making to support Oman's ongoing development.
Observer
20-04-2025
- General
- Observer
Castle and forts in Oman get around 700,000 visitors in 2024
Muscat: The number of archaeological and historical sites in the Sultanate of Oman is 39,655 as of 2024, according to what the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The number of visitors to castles and forts in the Sultanate of Oman was 670,875, and the number of restored heritage and historical sites and landmarks in the governorates reached is 370, while the number of registered sites is 3,655. The International Day for Monuments and Sites also known as World Heritage Day is an international observance held on 18 April each year around the world with different types of activities, including visits to monuments and heritage sites, conferences and round tables. Each year the International Council on Monuments and sites elects a theme, for example sustainable tourism in 2017 and rural andscapes in 2019.
Arab News
02-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Oman's FDI jumps 17.6% over five years, reaching $69.3bn by Q3 2024
RIYADH: Oman's foreign direct investment inflows rose by over 17.6 percent over the past five years, reaching 26.6 billion Omani rials ($69.3 billion) by the third quarter of 2024. As reported by the Oman News Agency, this significant growth highlights the country's success in solidifying its position as a key global investment hub. The rise has been fueled by strategic initiatives, a conducive capital environment, and advanced infrastructure. This increase in Oman's FDI aligns with a global rise of 11 percent in FDI flows in 2024, which reached $1.4 trillion. However, developing Asia saw a 7 percent decline in its FDI inflows, according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development. According to the National Center for Statistics and Information, the UK led the way with investments totaling 13.6 billion rials, followed by the US with 5.2 billion rials. The UAE contributed 836.5 million rials, while Kuwait invested 833.5 million rials. China invested 817.8 million rials, and Switzerland added 551.9 million rials. Qatar's investments in Oman reached 488.3 million rials by the end of the third quarter, with Bahrain contributing 375.7 million rials. Investments from the Netherlands and India amounted to 359.1 million rials and 286.1 million rials, respectively. Oman's Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammed Al-Yousef highlighted that high-level directives aimed at improving the capital climate have played a key role in building a promising economic future. He emphasized that positive indicators in the investment sector reflect the success of Oman's policies and initiatives in creating a robust environment for attracting projects, as reported by the state-run news agency. Al-Yousef further noted that efforts to establish the Investment and Commercial Court highlight the government's commitment to fostering a stable legal framework that encourages foreign investment. The ministry is also focused on offering competitive incentives and streamlining business operations within a dynamic market. He concluded by emphasizing that improving the investment and business environment remains a top priority for promoting sustainable development. The ministry is actively working on initiatives aimed at diversifying the national economy and generating job opportunities across various sectors. Ibtisam Ahmed Said Al-Farooji, undersecretary at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, stated that Oman's investment sector is actively reviewing and evaluating its investment policies, laws, and incentives. She further explained that investment opportunities undergo comprehensive feasibility studies before being presented to investors. This thorough evaluation helps drive capital into targeted sectors, enhances economic diversification, and boosts non-oil revenues, thereby strengthening investor confidence and improving Oman's competitiveness. The government is focusing on key sectors aligned with the Oman Vision 2040 strategy. These sectors include transportation and logistics, renewable energy, information technology, food security, tourism, mining, and manufacturing. Supportive industries such as the circular economy, healthcare, and education are also part of the focus. Al-Farooji highlighted that the manufacturing sector attracted 2.13 billion rials in FDI, followed by financial intermediation with 1.36 billion rials, and real estate activities with 969.1 million rials. The ministry has organized investment opportunities through the 'Invest in Oman' platform, showcasing 20 opportunities in sectors such as tourism, real estate development, aviation, logistics, and manufacturing. Industrial lands have been allocated in collaboration with the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates, which has sparked investor interest in the industrial cities of Rusayl, Sohar, and Samail. In 2024, the ministry promoted Oman on the international stage at 21 events, welcomed delegations from 23 countries, hosted eight local promotional forums, and targeted six G20 countries and four markets in collaboration with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Kindi, CEO of Invest in Oman, explained that the 'Invest in Oman' lounge brings together government institutions under one roof, streamlining the investor journey. The lounge is designed to attract high-capital investors to strategic sectors and serves as a digital gateway to promote Oman's investment environment and present new opportunities. He also noted that 59 investment projects worth 3.2 billion rials are currently under review, with 29 initiatives valued at 1.2 billion rials already localized. India, China, and Egypt are the top investing countries in Oman, with the industrial sector leading the way in attracting investments, followed by renewable energy and healthcare.
