Latest news with #Oman
Gulf Business
2 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Yasmina is now in Oman: What is this human-like AI assistant capable of?
Image credit: Supplied Yango Group has officially introduced Yasmina, a bilingual human-like AI assistant, to the Omani market. Fluent in both Arabic and English, Yasmina is integrated into Yango's range of smart speakers — Midi, Mini, and Lite, offering users a natural, intelligent voice interaction experience. The assistant's conversational abilities are powered by an upgraded large language model, a key part of YangoAI, the company's advanced artificial intelligence platform designed specifically for the GCC region. Localised features that reflect Omani culture Unlike conventional AI assistants, Yasmina provides features uniquely tailored to the needs of Omani users. Beyond common functionalities such as music streaming and smart home control, Yasmina offers localised content including accurate prayer times for Muscat, traditional recipe recommendations like the beloved Omani Shuwa, and helpful tips for planning family trips to regional landmarks such as Wadi Shab. Read- Faith-based functions are a core part of Yasmina's offerings. Users can listen to Surahs, set Adhans, and receive precise dates based on the Hijri calendar, supporting cultural and religious practices with convenience and respect. Enhancing education and language skills Yasmina is designed to foster curiosity and learning for all ages. It simplifies complex topics, supports language development, and provides interactive storytelling, making it a valuable tool not just at home but also in classrooms and on the move. Its bilingual capabilities enable seamless translation between Arabic and English, which benefits bilingual users, language learners, educators, and content creators alike. Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Group Middle East, emphasized the transformative role of AI in everyday life: 'AI technology is transforming how people live, learn, and connect, and we believe it should be accessible to everyone, everywhere. The Sultanate of Oman has shown strong momentum in embracing AI as a key part of its national digital strategy. We are proud that our ecosystem is expanding with increasingly advanced services designed to enhance the lives of Omani citizens. Through Yasmina and our broader portfolio, we remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that support Oman's vision for technological sovereignty.' Echoing this sentiment, the ITHCA Group, the technology investment arm of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), praised Yango Group's contribution to the country's digital ecosystem. 'The Yasmina smart speakers will help families, students, and individuals discover the capabilities of AI in ways that feel familiar and practical. We believe that such innovations are well aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040,' the group said. Step forward in regional digital innovation The introduction of Yasmina in Oman underscores Yango Group's dedication to advancing digital innovation across the Gulf region. By bridging cutting-edge AI technologies with local culture and user needs, Yango Group continues its mission to connect communities with tools that enhance everyday living. Yasmina-enabled smart speakers, Midi, Mini, and Lite, are now available for purchase at various retail and online outlets throughout Oman. To access the full suite of Yasmina's features, users are required to have an active Yango Play subscription. This AI-powered entertainment super app is currently available across multiple GCC countries and may involve fees and specific terms.
Times of Oman
2 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Perfume factory inaugurated in Raysut Industrial City
Salalah: Al-Khanjar Perfumes and Incense Factory was inaugurated on Wednesday in Raysut Industrial City in the Wilayat of Salalah, Dhofar Governorate, with an investment exceeding OMR3 million. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of HH Sayyid Marwan Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, in the presence of Dr. Saleh Said Masan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, along with a number of officials, stakeholders, and entrepreneurs. Mohammed Said Jaddad, CEO of Al-Khanjar Perfumes and Incense Factory, stated that the factory was established on an area of 6,000 square metres and equipped with the latest industrial technologies and machinery. It features an advanced production infrastructure comprising four high-capacity production lines. In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), he explained that the factory includes a liquid perfume production line with a daily capacity of 15,000 bottles, an incense production line with a capacity of 6,000 packages per day, a dedicated line for traditional aromatic products with a capacity of 5,000 packages daily, and a concentrated fragrance compounds production line with a capacity of 10,000 bottles per day. This will efficiently meet the demands of the local and Gulf markets with high competitiveness and quality. The ceremony featured a visual presentation highlighting the factory's Omani identity and its establishment phases, followed by a field tour of the production lines. Attendees observed the perfume and incense manufacturing processes and met with the factory's workforce. The establishment of the factory aims to strengthen the presence of Omani products in local and regional markets by producing a diverse range of high-quality perfumes and incense. This contributes to supporting the national economy and achieving economic diversification goals. The project is a qualitative addition to Dhofar Governorate's industrial investment ecosystem and one of the initiatives supporting job creation for citizens while revitalizing the industrial sector as part of the national strategy for sustainable economic growth.
Times of Oman
2 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman Airports sets milestone in integrated logistics economy
Muscat: Oman Airports company on Wednesday signed an agreement to lease an investment plot of land for establishing a workshop specialised in aircraft tyre-and-brake repair. The investment plot forms part of the 2nd phase of the Air Cargo Gateway of the logistics zone at Muscat International Airport. The agreement was by Ahmed bin Said Al Amri, CEO of Oman Airports and Hussein Abdullah Al Haddad, CEO of EPIC, the company undertaking the project. The project, to be established on an area of 7,274 square metres, has an investment cost of OMR5 million. Mach Aerospace International will provide inspection, repair and restoration services for wheels and brakes of Airbus 320 and Boeing 787 aircraft in accordance with the highest technical and operational standards approved in this field. The project will contribute to enhancing the efficiency and safety of operational services at the airport. Al Amri said that the agreement marks the start of investment in lands on the area surrounding Muscat International Airport. The company announced investment in the area as part of its drive to explore opportunities for development and investment within the Muscat International Airport area. Al Amri said in a statement to the Oman News Agency (ONA) that Oman Airports has developed an integrated master plan to maximise benefits from lands within the boundaries of Muscat International Airport in a manner that realises the development of quality projects that keep pace with the future vision for the area. He added that Oman Airports seeks to enhance the airport's commercial aspects by expanding its facilities of hospitality, entertainment and interactive experiences. This approach, he explained, will raise the investment value of the lands, increase returns from direct and joint projects and contribute to maximising the income generated by investments in the real estate development sector. Al Amri pointed out that the agreement fits with the comprehensive strategy implemented by Oman Airports to convert airport cities into active economic and logistic platforms that support economic diversification and consolidate the Sultanate of Oman's position as an integrated regional hub for the aviation sector and support services. Hussein Abdullah Al Haddad, Chairman of the Board of Directors of EPIC, said that the agreement constitutes an important step towards achieving a strategic partnership between the government and the private sector, in terms of investment opportunities available in Muscat International Airport City. In a statement to ONA, Al Haddad said that the establishment of a workshop to repair aircraft tyres and brakes was in response to a real and growing need, notably amid the steady growth in the number of flights and passengers passing via Muscat International Airport. Al Haddad added that the presence of such workshops within the airport's premises saves the time and effort of airlines when dealing with emergency technical malfunctions, thereby diminishing the scope of delays and ensuring the smooth flow of flight operations.
Times of Oman
3 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Al Dakhiliyah Governorate awards over OMR3mn in development projects
Nizwa: The Internal Tenders Committee at the Al Dakhiliyah Governor's Office, during its recent meeting, approved the awarding of several tenders related to municipal development projects, with a total cost exceeding OMR3 million. This move is part of the governorate's continuous efforts to enhance infrastructure and improve the efficiency of municipal services across its various wilayats. The approved projects include the implementation of the first phase of the Jebel Shams tourist waterfront development project in Al Hamra Wilayat. This initiative is considered a qualitative step aimed at strengthening the tourism infrastructure in one of Oman's most prominent natural destinations. Additionally, the committee approved the project for designing and implementing internal roads in Al Qabidhiya area of Bahla Wilayat, with the goal of improving the internal road network and facilitating movement within residential areas. Another approved project is the supply and installation of lighting poles at the Izki Commercial Market in Izki Wilayat, which aims to enhance public safety, improve the commercial environment, and support local economic activity.
Times of Oman
3 hours ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Seventh edition of 'Dhofar Holy Quran Forum' concludes in Salalah
Salalah: The 7th edition of 'Dhofar Holy Quran Forum' concluded on Wednesday at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah. The forum was organised by the Directorate General of Endowments and Religious Affairs in Dhofar Governorate. The closing ceremony was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, in the presence of Dr. Mohammed bin Said Al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, and senior government officials. The ceremony included a visual presentation about the development of Quranic teaching from traditional methods to modern digital technologies, in addition to a religious chanting programme. The ceremony also saw the felicitation of 24 winners in the Quran Competition and 40 local women who completed the memorisation of the Holy Quran. The forum's activities included working papers that discussed intellectual and educational issues, including the methodology of understanding the Holy Quran, as well as the Holy Book's approach in addressing intellectual challenges and building a sound value system.
