Latest news with #NationalCentreforStatisticsandInformation
Observer
6 hours ago
- Observer
Over 89,000 visitors to Jabal Al Akhdar in 1st half of 2025
Muscat: The number of visitors to the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate from January to the end of June 2025 reached 89,780, compared to 84,869 visitors during the same period in 2024, marking an increase of 5.8%, according to statistics released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information. This rise in visitors during the first half of 2025 is attributed to the organization of several events in the Wilaya, such as the "Spring of the Mountain" event, which coincided with the rose harvest season. This is one of the most prominent annual events that contributed to attracting visitors and tourists from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman. The events, organized in collaboration between the A'Dakhiliyah Governorate Office, the Department of Heritage and Tourism, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Department in the governorate, helped boost tourism and introduce visitors to the value of Omani roses, their associated agricultural practices and traditional industries, as well as highlighting the cultural and natural heritage of Al Jabal Al Akhdar. Other notable events, such as the "Rumana" event, also played a role. The data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information also showed that the number of visitors from other Arab nationalities reached 4,998, while foreign nationals accounted for the largest share of visitors at 51,710. It is worth noting that Al Jabal Al Akhdar is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Sultanate of Oman, known for its moderate summer climate. The availability of numerous hotel facilities, rest houses, and tourist lodges, along with the hosting of various events, has contributed to attracting tourists. Statistics revealed that the number of Omani visitors to Al Jabal Al Akhdar in the first half of 2025 reached 26,605, while visitors from GCC countries exceeded 6,000.
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman's non-oil exports increase 7% to RO2.7bn
By GULAM ALI KHAN Muscat – Buoyed by strong demand for Omani products in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and India, the sultanate's non-oil exports recorded a robust increase of over 7% during the first five months of 2025. According to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), Oman's total non-oil exports rose by 7.2% to RO2.701bn between January and May 2025, compared to RO2.521bn during the same period in 2024. The growth was largely driven by rising demand from key regional and global markets. Exports to the United Arab Emirates surged by nearly 23%, reaching RO485mn in the January–May period of 2025, up from RO395mn during the corresponding period last year. Shipments to Saudi Arabia climbed by 34.9% to RO451mn, compared to RO335mn a year earlier. India also emerged as a strong market for Omani products, with non-oil exports increasing by 38.9% to RO280mn in the first five months of 2025, from RO202mn in the same period of 2024. The NCSI data indicated that the recovery in non-oil exports is broad-based across nearly all of Oman's major trading partners – with the notable exception of the United States. This performance highlights the continued success of Omani exporters in expanding their reach and meeting overseas demand. However, exports to the United States fell by 17.5% to RO159mn in the first five months of this year, down from RO193mn during the same period last year. Non-oil exports to other countries also recorded modest growth of 1.5%, amounting to RO1.125bn between January and May 2025, compared to RO1.108bn in 2024. In terms of product categories, Oman's mineral product exports stood at RO716mn in the first five months of 2025, slightly lower than RO721mn during the same period last year. Exports of chemical products, however, rose by 9.2% to RO339mn, up from RO311mn. With enhanced production capacity in Oman's downstream industries, exports of plastics, rubber and related items remained relatively stable at RO394mn, compared to RO399mn in the corresponding period of 2024. Base metals and related articles contributed RO568mn in export value during the five-month period, reflecting a 1.4% increase from RO560mn last year. Meanwhile, exports of live animals and animal products rose by 9.9% to RO164mn. In contrast, Oman's re-export activity declined by 10.3% in the first five months of 2025, falling to RO623mn from RO695mn during the same period in 2024. This drop was primarily attributed to lower transshipments of transport equipment and mineral products.
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Muscat Daily
Jabal Akhdar sees 5.8% rise in tourists in first half of 2025
Jabal Akhdar – Jabal Akhdar received 89,780 visitors in 2025 between January and June, marking a 5.8% increase compared to 84,869 witnessed in the same period in 2024, according to National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The increase has been attributed to several events organised in the wilayat, most notably 'Mountain Spring', which coincided with the rose harvest season. This annual feature is a major draw for both domestic and international tourists. The events were held in coordination with Dakhliyah Governor's Office, the Heritage and Tourism Department, and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Department. These activities highlighted the value of Omani roses, traditional industries and agricultural practices, while also promoting the cultural and natural heritage of Jabal Akhdar. Among the attractions was the agri-tourism festival Rummana. The NCSI data shows that Omani nationals accounted for 26,605 visitors in the first half of the year. There were over 6,000 visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council states and 4,998 from other Arab countries. Foreign tourists represented the largest group, totalling 51,710. Jabal Akhdar is regarded as one of Oman's key mountain destinations known for its pleasant summer temperatures. The availability of hotels, guest houses and mountain lodges, coupled with a growing calendar of events, has supported steady tourism growth. The wilayat is also recognised for its potential in ecotourism and adventure travel, offering activities such as hiking, caving and mountaineering. These experiences enable visitors to engage with Jabal Akhdar's local culture and contribute to the development of tourism in surrounding villages.
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Total FDI in Oman touches RO30.6bn
Muscat – Oman recorded a 20.6% year-on-year increase in the volume of foreign direct investment by the end of the first quarter of 2025, with total FDI reaching RO30.611bn, according to preliminary data released by National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). FDI flows into the sultanate stood at RO5.225bn during Q1 2025, compared to RO4.111bn in the same period of 2024. The NCSI data showed that the oil and gas sector accounted for 81% of total FDI stock, amounting to RO24.701bn. Inflow into this sector alone stood at RO4.812bn during the first quarter. The manufacturing sector attracted foreign investments totalling RO2.749bn by the end of Q1 2025, with quarterly inflow of RO592mn. In the financial intermediation sector, FDI reached RO1.3bn, including Q1 inflow of RO217.8mn. In real estate, rental and commercial project activities sectors, FDI totalled RO653.1mn, representing a 36.8% decline compared to Q1 2024. The transportation, storage and communications sector attracted RO357.9mn in total investment, with Q1 inflow of RO3.2mn. Investments in the electricity and water sector amounted to RO292mn, a decrease of 11% year-on-year. The trade sector recorded RO262mn in total FDI, with Q1 inflow of RO14.5mn. FDI in the hotels and restaurants sector reached RO116.6mn by the end of Q1 2025, marking a slight decrease of 0.5% compared to the same period in 2024. The construction sector saw total FDI of RO88.5mn, with Q1 inflow of RO4.9mn. The UK continued to be the largest foreign investor in Oman, accounting for 50.9% of total FDI. British investments in the sultanate stood at RO15.574bn by the end of the first quarter. The United States followed with RO7.824bn, Kuwait (RO1.22bn), China (RO894mn), the UAE (RO753mn), Qatar (RO669mn), the Netherlands (RO364mn) and India (RO306mn).
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman sees a drop in expat workers from Asia, except Myanmar
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is witnessing a significant drop in the number of expatriate workforce from Bangladesh and generally from the subcontinent, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI The number of expatriate workers from Bangladesh dropped by 637,152 to 621,048 in June 2025, compared to last year, while the Sri Lankan expatriate workers in the Sultanate of Oman have dropped from 24,156 in 2024 to 22,440 during the same period. Among others, the number of Pakistani expatriates decreased from 317,296 to 312,105 and Filipinos from 44,913 to 44,438. The number of Indian expatriates increased marginally from 506,630 to 508,386. There has been a notable increase in the number of expatriate workforce from Egypt (from 45,921 to 47,613), Myanmar (from 33,110 to 36,375), Sudan (from 23,545 to 21,344), and Tanzania (from 23,530 to 26,206). It may be noted that there is a visa ban on nationals from Bangladesh from October 2023, except for family visas, visitation visas for Bangladeshi citizens residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and professionals such as physicians, engineers, nurses, teachers, accountants, and investors. The exemption also extends to all types of official visas and high-income tourists. According to sources, there have been restrictions on work visas for expatriates of some nationalities, including Pakistan.
