Latest news with #OmanSustainabilityWeek
Observer
21-05-2025
- General
- Observer
Carbon credits in a thirsty land
It was sunset in Muttrah and the sky over the corniche was brushed with hues of apricot and rose. The scent of frankincense drifted through the air as I sat at Bait Al Luban with a visiting friend, a carbon markets expert who had spent the week navigating Oman Sustainability Week. Between sips of coffee and luban-infused water; and bites of golden sambusa, our conversation turned, as it often does in my circles, to climate. 'Everyone here wants to do mangroves because they live in harsh weather,' he said. It was a passing remark, but one that stayed with me. Mangroves have become an environmental emblem in the Gulf: tough, rooted, enduring. But increasingly, I wonder if we are asking them to do more than they were meant to. Oman is moving fast on climate ambition. We have committed to net-zero by 2050. A national carbon credit system, complete with a registry, verification protocols and crediting frameworks, is being designed. Projects are taking shape. And nature-based solutions, especially mangrove restoration, are at the centre of it all. But in this moment of momentum, we need to pause and ask: are we clear about what success looks like? Take mangroves. In Oman, they are vital. They protect our coastlines, provide nurseries for fisheries, support biodiversity and hold deep cultural value. Their restoration has tangible benefits for local communities and resilience. But scientifically, they are limited in what they can deliver as carbon sinks. Avicennia marina, the dominant species here, is highly salt-tolerant but slow-growing. Research in Muscat's Al Qurum Reserve shows that annual sequestration rates rarely exceed 0.5 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare. Compare that with tropical mangroves in Indonesia or Malaysia, which can exceed six tonnes per hectare annually. This does not make our mangroves any less worthy. It simply means they should not be asked to deliver what they cannot. The carbon market is not built on symbolism. It is built on measurable, verifiable impact. If we expect high-return credits from low-sequestration ecosystems, we set ourselves up for disappointment and diminished credibility. This is where Oman's climate leadership will be tested. The systems are being built. The opportunities are real. But the real challenge lies with policymakers, project developers and private investors alike: to ensure every project is designed to deliver what it promises. If mangroves are planted, let it be for resilience. If carbon credits are pursued, let them come from ecosystems or technologies that can meet the metrics. We have other options too, including inland native tree planting, salt marsh rehabilitation, seagrass restoration and industrial abatement. Nature is not a single solution. It is a portfolio. And markets will reward those who treat it as such. That evening, as the call to prayer echoed through Muttrah's narrow streets, I thought about how often climate action stumbles not from lack of will, but from lack of clarity. We do not need to lower our ambition. But we must align it with ecological and market realities. That is how we build trust. That is how we unlock real impact. Because in a thirsty land like ours, it is not enough to plant what survives. We must invest in what works and credit what delivers.
Observer
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
A Future Warning Comes to Life at Oman Sustainability Week
During Oman Sustainability Week, a powerful scene unfolded at the OQ8 pavilion that captured everyone's attention. It all began when a man stepped out from behind a curtain, dressed in black, with an oxygen mask over his face—appearing as a figure from a bleak future. His appearance, affected by what seemed to be environmental damage, signalled that he was more than just a visitor; he was a messenger from tomorrow. A small crowd gathered towards a makeshift stage, eager to see what was about to happen. Children leaned forward with curiosity, elders sat silently, and visitors paused their conversations, drawn by the seriousness of the moment. What followed was a short but impactful play titled 'Ahmed... A Message from Tomorrow.' In this performance, Ahmed arrives from the year 2097, using a fictional time machine created by scientists desperate to warn humanity. But his message isn't about flying cars or high-tech robots; it's about what we stand to lose—our curiosity, compassion, and the environment we depend on. With a trembling voice, Ahmed described a future where the air is unbreathable, skies are filled with toxic clouds, and green plants are replaced by faded images in old books. Children, he says, have never felt grass under their feet. Humanity now lives inside domes, with existence reduced to simple survival—an existence disconnected from nature and human warmth. He quietly asks the audience, 'When was the last time you asked a real question?' The silence that followed felt heavier than any words spoken. It was a moment of reflection. The story, brought to life by local actor Yazeed Al Balushi, turned a dystopian future into a mirror of today's reality. Through raw emotion and thoughtful interactions, Yazeed became more than just an actor—he became a messenger. Each pause after his questions left a lasting impression. How did the audience react? Did they feel the urgency? Ahmed confesses, 'I couldn't stay in the future and watch it fall apart. So I came back—not to scare you, but to wake you up.' This short performance is designed to resonate with children, youth, and visitors from all backgrounds. Using minimal set design and subtle visual effects, the focus is firmly on the message: The future depends on what we do today. Our actions now will determine the world our children will inherit. Yazeed Al Balushi explained that the goal was to evoke emotion and inspire thought: 'We wanted something that would make people feel and reflect. That's exactly what happened.' Why Oman Sustainability Week Matters Globally This performance took place during Oman Sustainability Week, a vital event dedicated to raising awareness about environmental challenges and encouraging sustainable practices. Such initiatives are crucial—not just within Oman, but across the world. Climate change, pollution, and resource depletion are universal issues that threaten future generations everywhere. Oman, like many nations, faces specific environmental challenges—from water scarcity to preserving its rich biodiversity. However, the importance of global cooperation cannot be overstated. Events like this week serve as a reminder that sustainability is a shared responsibility requiring collective action. It's about uniting diverse communities, governments, and organisations to commit to lasting change. In the context of the world, climate crises and environmental degradation are accelerating at an alarming rate. Countries need to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and implement innovative solutions. Oman's focus on sustainability and environmental education is part of this vital global effort. Each community's effort, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement to protect the planet. This celebration also underscores the need to educate future generations. The play's emphasis on questions and awareness encourages young minds to think critically about their environment, understanding that their choices today influence a world they will someday inherit. A Global Call to Action As the play drew to a close and Ahmed's question echoed in the audience's minds—Will we act now before it's too late?—it became apparent this was more than a theatrical performance. It was a clarion call. The urgency is clear: climate action cannot be delayed. The message from the future was simple yet profound. If humanity continues on its current path, the world depicted in Ahmed's vision could become a reality. But there is still hope. By changing behaviours, adopting sustainable practices, and fostering environmental awareness, we can steer towards a healthier, more resilient planet. Yazeed Al Balushi expressed his hope that the performance would inspire action: 'It's about making people take responsibility. We wanted to stir people's emotions—make them reflect, think, and hopefully, act. That's what this is all about.' As the audience dispersed, the lingering questions and powerful visuals served as a stark reminder: Our future is in our hands. The choices we make today—whether to prioritize sustainability, reduce waste, or simply ask how we can contribute—will shape the world of tomorrow.
Muscat Daily
18-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Abraj concludes high-impact participation at OPES & OSW 2025
Major contracts, award recognition, and strategic engagements underscore industry leadership Muscat – Abraj Energy Services, Oman's leading provider of oil and gas services, concluded a high-impact presence at the 13th Oman Petroleum & Energy Show (OPES) and Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) 2025. As an Official Sponsor, Abraj reinforced its market leadership through operational achievements, sustainability leadership, and strategic stakeholder engagement. During the event, Abraj signed two significant contracts that reflect its expanding local footprint and trusted operational capabilities. These included a drilling unit agreement with bp Oman for Block 61, a rig services contract with ARA Petroleum for Block 44, and the signing of a new contract for a third 3000 HP rig at the WJO field in Kuwait—a major milestone in Abraj's international expansion strategy and a testament to its growing presence in key regional markets. 'This year's participation reflects our unwavering commitment to performance, partnership, and progress,' said Eng. Saif al Hamhami, CEO of Abraj Energy Services. 'From securing landmark contracts to driving dialogue on innovation and sustainability, we continue to lead with purpose and deliver impact aligned with Oman Vision 2040.' As part of its OPES presence, Abraj hosted the Abraj Knowledge Exchange, a high-impact two-day mini-conference that brought together industry leaders and technical experts to explore critical themes shaping the energy future. Sessions focused on operational excellence, HSE leadership—highlighting Abraj's outstanding safety performance—drilling automation, and sustainability practices aligned with Oman Vision 2040. The event reinforced Abraj's role as a thought leader and catalyst for industry knowledge exchange. In line with its commitment to local economic development, Abraj's Supply Chain Team organized a Business Opportunity Session targeting local suppliers, service providers, and SMEs. The session introduced upcoming procurement opportunities and Abraj's supplier registration process, while also fostering meaningful dialogue to strengthen collaboration and maximize local content. The initiative drew strong participation and reaffirmed Abraj's support for national ICV objectives. During OSW 2025, Abraj was honored with the Majd Award for Best Local Content Program, recognizing its impactful contributions to Oman's local supply chain ecosystem and SME empowerment. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and transparency, Abraj also launched its 2024 Sustainability Report, outlining key achievements in environmental, social, and governance performance. At its exhibition booth, Abraj showcased digital oilfield solutions, rig automation advancements, and energy-efficient technologies, attracting strong engagement from stakeholders and partners invested in the sustainable energy transition. Abraj's strong presence at OPES and OSW 2025 highlights its continued evolution as a future-ready, regionally trusted partner driving excellence in the energy sector.
Muscat Daily
18-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Jindal Renewables and OQAE sign JDA to advance integrated renewable power projects
Muscat – In a landmark move to accelerate Oman's transition to clean energy, Jindal Renewables, part of the $25 billion India-based Jindal Group, and OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE), the Sultanate's designated national champion for renewable energy, have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to collaborate on the development, ownership, and operation of large-scale renewable energy assets in the country. The agreement was formally signed by Harssha Shetty, CEO of Jindal Oman, and Najla Zuhair al Jamali, CEO of OQ Alternative Energy, at a ceremony held in Muscat during Oman Sustainability Week. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in supporting the goals of Oman Vision 2040, the national roadmap for economic diversification, sustainability, and green industrialisation. Both companies expressed their deep gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for his visionary leadership in guiding Oman's transition toward a knowledge-based, low-carbon economy. The partnership reaffirms their commitment to contributing meaningfully to His Majesty's vision of a more sustainable and prosperous Oman. Under the JDA, both companies will co-develop Integrated Energy Valleys (IEVs) — a flagship configuration pioneered by Jindal Renewables — to deliver 24×7 firm, dispatchable renewable power by combining solar, wind, and advanced energy storage technologies. As part of its future roadmap, Jindal Renewables plans to develop the first Integrated Energy Valley (IEV) in Oman to deliver renewable power to a 5 MTPA green steel plant proposed by Jindal Steel Duqm, a sister concern of Jindal Renewables. Additionally, a separate IEV is planned to supply 300 MW of continuous clean power to the operational 2.4 MTPA Jindal steel plant in Sohar, enabling the decarbonisation of Jindal's existing industrial footprint in the Sultanate. Harssha Shetty, CEO of Jindal Oman, said, 'This agreement is a powerful endorsement of our shared commitment to decarbonising heavy industries and creating scalable, resilient clean energy ecosystems. Together with OQAE, we aim to make Oman a leading player in the global green energy value chain.' Najla Zuhair al Jamali, Chief Executive, OQ Alternative Energy, commented, 'This agreement underscores OQAE's commitment to accelerating investable, utility-scale renewable energy projects that align with Oman's long-term decarbonisation agenda. By enabling clean power for strategic industries, we are not only supporting economic diversification under Vision 2040, but also creating tangible opportunities for sustainable investment and value creation in the region's energy transition.' Jindal Renewables is committed to fostering diversity, inclusivity, and in-country value, and brings deep capabilities in project development, finance, execution, and asset management to the partnership.
Muscat Daily
17-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Jindal Renewables, OQAE sign deal for large-scale renewable projects in Oman
Muscat – Jindal Renewables, part of the $25bn India-based Jindal Group, and OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE), the sultanate's designated national champion for renewable energy, have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to collaborate on the development, ownership, and operation of large-scale renewable energy assets in Oman. The agreement was formally signed by Harssha Shetty, CEO of Jindal Oman, and Najla Zuhair al Jamali, CEO of OQ Alternative Energy, at a ceremony held in Muscat during Oman Sustainability Week. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in supporting the goals of Oman Vision 2040, the national roadmap for economic diversification, sustainability, and green industrialisation. In a press statement, both companies expressed their deep gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for his visionary leadership in guiding Oman's transition toward a knowledge-based, low-carbon economy. The partnership reaffirms their commitment to contributing meaningfully to His Majesty's vision of a more sustainable and prosperous Oman. Under the JDA, both companies will co-develop Integrated Energy Valleys (IEVs) – a flagship configuration pioneered by Jindal Renewables – to deliver 24×7 firm, dispatchable renewable power by combining solar, wind, and advanced energy storage technologies. As part of its future roadmap, Jindal Renewables plans to develop the first Integrated Energy Valley (IEV) in Oman to deliver renewable power to a 5 MTPA green steel plant proposed by Jindal Steel Duqm, a sister concern of Jindal Renewables. Additionally, a separate IEV is planned to supply 300 MW of continuous clean power to the operational 2.4 MTPA Jindal Steel plant in Sohar, enabling the decarbonisation of Jindal's existing industrial footprint in the dultanate. Harssha Shetty said, 'This agreement is a powerful endorsement of our shared commitment to decarbonising heavy industries and creating scalable, resilient clean energy ecosystems. Together with OQAE, we aim to make Oman a leading player in the global green energy value chain.' Najla Zuhair al Jamali said, 'This agreement underscores OQAE's commitment to accelerating investable, utility-scale renewable energy projects that align with Oman's long-term decarbonisation agenda. By enabling clean power for strategic industries, we are not only supporting economic diversification under Vision 2040, but also creating tangible opportunities for sustainable investment and value creation in the region's energy transition.' Formerly known as Vulcan Green Energy, Jindal Renewables is the clean energy arm of the Jindal Steel. It is focused on developing utility-scale renewable energy projects to power green manufacturing and support industrial decarbonisation, with special emphasis on energy storage and integrated solutions like the IEV.
