Latest news with #OmanNewsAgency
Observer
7 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
Balad Sayt village: A hub for tourism, adventure
Al RUSTAQ: Nestled amid lush oases and towering mountain peaks, Balad Sayt village in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq in Al Batinah South Governorate has emerged as a premier destination for adventure tourism. The village captivates international thrill-seekers due to its location along Wadi Bani Auf. It also serves as a gateway to an ancient mountain pathway officially recognised among Oman's mountain trails, linking Balad Sayt to the Wilayat of Al Hamra. Dr Al Mutasim bin Nasser al Hilali, Director of Heritage and Tourism in Al Batinah South, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the village boasts five tourist facilities with 42 rooms, attracting numerous daily visitors. Its natural and heritage diversity, coupled with unique experiences, makes it particularly popular in winter (September to April) when temperatures drop and tourism peaks. Summer tourism (May to August) also thrives due to the village's moderate climate. Balad Sayt lies along an active tourist route promoted by travel companies for its historical landmarks, natural springs and traditional markets. These attractions complement the adventure offerings of Wadi Bani Auf and extend towards Al Hamra in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. The canyon, a dramatic rock fissure in Wadi Bani Auf, earns its name from its serpentine twists. Adventurers can tackle three rappelling points — the highest at 23 metres — and navigate 13 natural water pools across a 3-kilometre stretch. A shorter trail, "Baseer Al Zama," features a 4-metre rappel and opportunities for swimming and cliff-jumping amid striking rock formations. Balad Sayt's origins are deeply rooted in history, with landmarks like the fortified "Al Manie Tower," the ancient "Al Madiq Mosque," and the 400-year-old "Great Falaj" irrigation system, now a Unesco-listed architectural heritage site. The village also preserves intangible heritage, including traditional crafts like basket-weaving, rope-making and palm-frond handicrafts. Funded by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources and Al Zubair Institution, the "Agri-Ecotourism in Aflaj Systems" project aims to revitalise rural areas. As Oman's first such initiative, it seeks to bolster economic sustainability and local community development. - ONA
Arab News
a day ago
- Business
- Arab News
Oman's electrical machinery exports surge 141% in Q1 as industrial policy drives growth
RIYADH: Exports of electrical machinery and equipment from Oman surged by 141 percent in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 128 million Omani rials ($332.8 million) compared to 53 million rials in the same period of 2024, according to official data. The strong performance of the sector highlights its growing importance to the country's industrial base and export competitiveness, the National Center for Statistics and Information revealed. Officials have linked the sharp rise to rising demand across domestic and regional markets, driven by ongoing infrastructure expansion and increased investment in renewable energy projects. In figures released in May, the Oman News Agency revealed that the country's non-oil exports rose by 8.6 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 1.618 billion rials. Commenting on the latest release, Khalid Al-Qassabi, director general of Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, stated that the positive results reflect the resilience and diversity of Oman's industrial base, according to a report by the ONA. 'He noted that the ministry continues to implement integrated industrial policies aimed at enhancing the position of national products in regional and international markets and driving industrial exports to higher levels,' the news agency added. Al-Qasabi said that growth in the electrical equipment sector is being supported by major infrastructure developments, such as the expansion of electricity networks, utilities, and new cities. He also pointed to rising interest in renewable energy technologies, which is boosting demand for domestically manufactured components. The sector is considered a strategic priority under Oman's Industrial Strategy 2040, with the potential to enhance supply chains, increase national value-added, foster entrepreneurship, and support the localization of advanced technologies. Jasim Al-Jadeedi, technical director in the Office of the Undersecretary for Commerce and Industry, reiterated the ministry's focus on expanding the global presence of Omani industrial goods. He said this is a central objective of the country's industrial strategy and a key component of its economic diversification agenda under Oman Vision 2040. Al-Jadheedi explained that several initiatives are underway to improve product quality and competitiveness, including support for manufacturers in meeting international technical standards. He added that the government is working with relevant stakeholders to unlock new export markets through trade agreements, international exhibitions, and trade missions, while offering targeted incentives to local exporters. The technical director also emphasized the importance of adopting advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 tools, to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and achieve sustainable industrial growth. This sectoral expansion comes amid broader momentum in the industrial economy. Total credit extended by Oman's banking sector increased by 9 percent year-on-year to 33.6 billion rials by the end of April, indicating continued strength in financing for the private sector and industrial enterprises. Non-oil industrial exports overall rose by 8.6 percent during the first quarter to 1.618 billion rials, up from 1.49 billion rials a year earlier. Industrial goods accounted for 28 percent of total exports during the period, led by electrical machinery and mineral products, the latter of which recorded a 14.1 percent rise in exports to 462 million rials.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Bald Sayt village: A hub for tourism, adventure enthusiasts
A'Rustaq: Nestled amid lush oases and towering mountain peaks, Bald Sayt village in the Wilayat of A'Rustaq in South Al Batinah Governorate, has emerged as a premier destination for adventure tourism. The village captivates international thrill-seekers due to its location along the famed Wadi (valley) of Bani Auf trail, known as 'Snake Canyon' for its challenging terrain. It also serves as a gateway to an ancient mountain pathway officially recognized among Oman's mountain trails, linking Bald Sayt to the Wilayat of Al Hamra. Dr. Al-Mu'tasim Nasser Al Hilali, Director of Heritage and Tourism in South Al Batinah, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the village boasts five tourist facilities with 42 rooms, attracting numerous daily visitors. Its natural and heritage diversity, coupled with unique experiences, makes it particularly popular in winter (September to April) when temperatures drop and tourism peaks. Summer tourism (May to August) also thrives due to the village's moderate climate. Bald Sayt lies along an active tourist route promoted by travel companies for its historical landmarks, natural springs, and traditional markets. T These attractions complement the adventure offerings of Wadi Bani Auf and extend toward Al Hamra in A'Dakhiliyah Governorate. The canyon, a dramatic rock fissure in Bani Auf Valley, earns its name from its serpentine twists. Adventurers can tackle three rappelling points—the highest at 23 meters—and navigate 13 natural water pools across a 3-kilometre stretch. A shorter trail, 'Baseer Al-Zama,' features a 4-meter rappel and opportunities for swimming and cliff-jumping amid striking rock formations. Bald Sayt's origins are deeply rooted in history, with landmarks like the fortified 'Al-Manie Tower,' the ancient 'Al-Madiq Mosque,' and the 400-year-old 'Great Falaj' irrigation system, now a UNESCO-listed architectural heritage site. The village also preserves intangible heritage, including traditional crafts like basket-weaving, rope-making, and palm-frond handicrafts. Funded by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources and Al Zubair Institution, the 'Agri-Ecotourism in Aflaj Systems' project aims to revitalise rural areas. As Oman's first such initiative, it seeks to bolster economic sustainability and local community development.
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Iran President hails HM's role in regional peace
MUSCAT: Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressed his deep gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for his role in supporting peace efforts in the region, and his valuable efforts in mediating between Iran and the United States, with the aim of achieving a satisfactory and just agreement that is respected by both sides and meets their aspirations. In an exclusive interview with Oman News Agency and Oman TV, Dr Masoud said that bilateral relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran are old and long-standing, and that they share common bonds. He described his meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik as 'positive and constructive.' The President emphasised that his official visit to the Sultanate of Oman reviewed aspects of joint cooperation and developments in the region and the world, noting that his country's policy is based on establishing strong relations and cooperation with various neighbouring countries. He added that the visit witnessed meetings between officials from both sides, and the signing of a number of agreements, memoranda of understanding and executive programmes in various fields, including health, energy, renewable energy, economics and trade. He emphasised the need to move forward with implementing what was agreed upon on the ground. The President said: "The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Sultanate of Oman are in advanced stages of consultation and coordination at the political and economic levels on many regional and international issues through joint meetings and gatherings. They share common and convergent positions on issues of concern to the region, foremost among the Palestinian issue. There is coordination to overcome some of the challenges resulting from the sanctions imposed on Tehran and resolve them through air and maritime cooperation, and to increase the volume of trade exchange between the two friendly countries to more than $20 billion." He pointed out that the Sultanate of Oman will be a hub for the exchange and export of goods and commodities between the two friendly countries, and through them to all countries in the region, to various countries in Central Asia, and from Oman to African countries, to achieve cooperation and partnership with all. Regarding reaching a fair agreement in the nuclear talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, the President noted that international laws are the just and equitable conditions, as any country can conduct scientific and specialised research related to uranium enrichment and benefit from the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. He emphasised that his country does not seek to possess nuclear weapons at all, but rather to benefit from enrichment in the fields of medicine, energy and economy. He called on the international community to assume its responsibilities in stopping the war of extermination and massacres committed by the Israeli occupation army against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, which has been under siege for nearly two years. - ONA
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman records budget deficit in Q1
An increase in spending allied with lower revenues to create a deficit in Oman's budget in the first quarter of 2025, official data showed on Wednesday. The shortfall is in contrast with a large fiscal surplus recorded by the Gulf nation in the past two years mainly due to high oil prices. Finance Ministry figures showed the budget recorded a deficit of around 136 million Omani rials ($354 million) in the first quarter of this year compared with a surplus of OMR 162 million ($421 million) in the first quarter of 2024. Revenues declined by around seven percent to OMR 2.6 billion ($6.7 billion) in the first quarter of 2025 while expenditure grew by nearly four percent to around OMR 2.77 billion ($7.2 billion) in the same period. The report, published by the official Oman News Agency, showed the decline in total revenues was a result of a fall of about 13 percent in oil export earnings to nearly OMR1.47 billion ($3.8 billion) in the first quarter of 2025. Gas revenues also edged down by around two percent to nearly OMR436 million ($1.13 billion) in the same period. Figures by Oman's Oil Ministry showed the decline in oil revenues was caused by a drop in average oil prices to around $76 a barrel in the first quarter from $80 in the same period of last year. Oman's oil production also receded to nearly 986,000 barrels per day (bpd) from 997,000 bpd during that period. Oman, which is not an OPEC member but coordinates with grouping on output and price policies, recorded an actual budget surplus of OMR 830 million ($2.2 billion) in 2024 and about OMR 520 million ($1.35 billion) in the first 10 months of 2024. (Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
