Latest news with #Omanis
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
China offers visa-free entry for Omanis. What are the other options?
Muscat: The summer outbound travel season begins in the Sultanate of Oman, but citizens are required to take note of the distinct visa requirements of each destination. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a new visa-free entry policy for citizens of four Gulf countries: Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, allowing ordinary passport holders from the four countries to enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The Foreign Ministry has said that Omanis that the mutual visa exemption agreement between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation will be effective upon completion of the necessary procedures by both parties. According to options include visiting without a prior visa, visa-on-arrival countries, and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) countries. Oman passport holders can travel without a visa to the following countries that include Albania, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Botswana, Brunei, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Cook Islands, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Georgia, Haiti, Hong Kong, Iran, Kazakhstan, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyztan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, and the Grenadines, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, the UAE, Uzebkistan and Türkiye and Zambia among others. Omani nationals are eligible for a visa on arrival in the following 34 countries, including which include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iraq, Maldives, Nepal, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Yemen. As per upon arrival at the immigration checkpoint in the destination country, travelers may need to complete the requisite paperwork, provide any necessary documentation, and pay the visa fee. In most cases, a visa can be obtained at the airport or border crossing point upon arrival. Fees, validity, and allowed duration of stay may vary. Upon arrival at the immigration checkpoint in the destination country, travelers may need to complete the requisite paperwork, provide any necessary documentation, and pay the relevant visa fee. The immigration officer will subsequently issue the visa, granting the visitor authorization to enter and remain in the country for the specified duration and purpose. Oman passport holders are eligible to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before visiting the following 3 countries (Kenya, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom). An eTA is a digital travel document required for eligible travelers who are visa-exempt for a specific country, and it can be obtained online before travel. Omanis are required to apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) before traveling to 32 countries, including Bhutan, India, South Africa, Taiwan, Uganda, and Vietnam. Oman passport holders need to apply for a regular visa before traveling to around 113 countries, including those in the Schengen area. "Visa processing times, fees, and required documents vary by the traveler's nationality and the destination country. To obtain a visa, travelers generally need to apply at the destination country's embassy or consulate in their country of origin or country of residence, providing required documents such as a passport, photographs, itinerary, proof of financial means, and other relevant information. It is important to check the specific visa requirements for your destination country before planning your trip to ensure that you have the appropriate documents and permissions for your visit," said. Marita Bachhav, regional head of VFS Global, which processes visa documents and collects applications for most countries, told the Observer that Europe remains a popular destination for travellers from Oman and demand for visas, especially during peak travel seasons like summer holidays, is higher than other times of the year. "Travellers can apply for Schengen visas up to six months before the intended date of travel, and we urge applicants to plan and apply for their visas well in advance to avoid any delays," she said. According to GCC or Oman residents can travel without a visa or with a visa on arrival to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Indonesia, Jordan, Maldives, Nepal, Seychelles, Tanzania, and Zanzibar, apart from countries within the GCC.
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
What if climate solution was also our most overlooked?
I often find that the most powerful ideas are the ones we overlook. We get caught up in chasing innovation, in launching megaprojects, in building the future as if it is something far away. But sometimes, the real transformation is already here. Quiet. Practical. Waiting for us to notice. That is how I have come to think about energy efficiency. When I first started the Oman Climate Dialogues a couple of years ago, I wanted to create a space for conversations that were missing. Not panels filled with prepared statements. Not technical deep dives that left no room for reflection. But dialogue that connects policy with practice and intention with action. At the time, I felt that too many of our climate conversations were happening behind closed doors, framed around technology and finance, but missing the human pulse. We needed to open the space. This latest conversation focused on energy efficiency. And it revealed a strange contradiction. Across Oman, there is clear evidence of momentum. SOHAR Port and Freezone is implementing both pilot initiatives and large-scale optimisation projects. OQ is embedding efficiency into its operations as part of how it measures performance. The Oman Net Zero Centre is preparing to announce the results of its first public tender for government building retrofits. The Central Bank of Oman, perhaps unexpectedly, now holds the title of the most energy-efficient public building in the country. These are not small wins. They are proof that change is under way. And yet, how often do we hear about these successes? These efforts are happening, but they are not being shared. We are doing the work, but we are not telling the story. That silence has consequences. When projects remain tucked inside internal reports or procurement files, we lose momentum. When institutions act alone, we duplicate effort. When something that saves money, reduces emissions and builds local capability is barely mentioned in public discourse, we are missing the point. Oman has already put the right tools in place. Energy efficiency codes are now mandatory for all new buildings. Every air conditioner sold in the market must meet national performance standards. These policies matter. But what about the buildings constructed before these codes existed? What about the legacy infrastructure still consuming excessive power across ministries, malls and homes? The current strategy rightly focuses on large-scale public and commercial buildings first. Residential retrofits will follow. But we should be honest. These early efforts cannot succeed in isolation. They need to be visible. They need to be understood. They need to inspire others. Because energy efficiency is not just a climate tool. It is an economic strategy. It creates jobs in engineering, retrofitting and auditing. It strengthens energy security. It contributes directly to maximising local value. And it opens space for young Omanis and SMEs to lead in a field that is only growing. So why, with all of this in place, does energy efficiency still feel like an afterthought? Maybe because we still think of it as a side project. Something technical. Something someone else is doing. But it is not. It is national infrastructure. It is industrial strategy. And above all, it is common sense. The good news is that we do not need to invent anything new. We need to look again at what is already working and ask why we are not learning from it. We need to talk to each other more openly. Not to impress. Not to compete. But to align. Sometimes, the only thing standing between the overlooked and the obvious is the courage to start the right conversation. Rumaitha al Busaidi The writer is environmental strategist and advocate for sustainable development
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman ramps up investment in smart utility systems
MUSCAT: Oman's transition towards smart energy and water infrastructure is gathering pace, with leading public and private sector voices calling for stronger investments in digitalisation, AI and data-driven decision-making. These technologies, experts agree, are no longer optional — they are essential to meet the country's growing demand and sustainability goals. These insights were shared during Session 2: 'How to Fund the Next-Generation Smart Energy & Water Systems?' at the EU-Oman Energy & Water Collaboration Forum, held at Crowne Plaza OCEC on May 20–21, 2025. The forum, sponsored by Nama Group and the EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition Project, was moderated by Said al Kamyani, Sustainability Specialist. Speaking at the session, Jamie Hoyzer, CEO of Siemens Oman, stressed that digital transformation is key to enabling Oman's energy transition. 'Oman's energy demand is expected to triple by 2050. Smart grids, AI and predictive systems aren't luxuries — they're critical infrastructure,' he said. He highlighted a successful local project in which Siemens used AI to optimise a chilled water plant's operations, achieving a guaranteed 36% reduction in energy use — validated through performance guarantees from a local bank. Bringing in a European perspective, Moisés Blanco Maceiras, Adviser to the Secretary-General for EU Funds at Spain's Ministry of Finance, explained how Spain has effectively deployed smart infrastructure at scale. 'We've rolled out more than 27 million smart electric metres and supported AI-enabled irrigation and citizen-centric utility platforms through layered financing — EU grants, public-private partnerships and national co-funding,' he noted. Blanco encouraged Oman to consider similar multi-source funding models to accelerate its smart infrastructure deployment. From the utility side, Issam al Ismaili, Chief Commercial Officer of Nama Water Services, shared how digital tools are already making an impact in Oman. 'We've deployed over 700,000 smart metres and reduced non-revenue water from over 40% to 37.1%, with a target of 33% by the end of this year,' he said. Smart metres are not only cutting losses, but also giving customers access to real-time consumption data, helping to promote conservation and engagement. Complementing this, Fahad al Harrasi, General Manager of ICT at Nama Water Services, emphasised the importance of enabling technologies and local talent. 'Smart infrastructure is more than hardware — it's a data ecosystem that supports long-term sustainability and creates jobs for Omanis,' he stated. He also noted Nama's successful public-private partnerships under a build-operate-transfer model, which are driving digital transformation in the sector. Speakers agreed that to sustain momentum, Oman must continue aligning its policies, financing tools and human capital strategies. AI integration, workforce development and stronger public-private collaboration emerged as the top priorities for scaling demand-side innovation in utilities.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Menstrual Hygiene Day: 10 must-have period products for a stain and stress-free cycle
As the crescent moon ushers in a sacred chapter in the Islamic calendar, Omanis can officially begin preparing for a long and meaningful holiday for Eid-ul-Adha (also known as Bakra Eid, Bakrid, Bakhreid, Eid-ul-Zuha, Eid al-Adha, Eid Qurban, Qurban Bayarami or the Feast of Sacrifice). Based on precise astronomical predictions, Eid-ul-Adha 2025 in Oman will begin on Friday, June 6, giving the Sultanate's residents a generous long weekend to celebrate and reconnect with family and friends.
Tourism Breaking News
5 days ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Oman signs RO 56 million in tourism development for major projects across the Sultanate
Post Views: 56 The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has signed three usufruct contracts valued at over RO 56 million to develop major tourism projects aimed at boosting Oman's hospitality and adventure tourism sectors. The contracts cover the development of integrated tourism complexes in the Wilayats of Khasab and Nakhl, and the transformation of Wadi Al Shab in Sur into a premier adventure tourism destination. The agreements were signed under the patronage of H.E. Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. The first project focuses on the enhancement of Wadi Al Shab, a prominent natural attraction in the Wilayat of Sur, South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. The initiative includes the construction of an adventure park featuring zip lines, mountain climbing trails, suspension bridges, swimming areas for both adults and children, as well as restaurants and cafés. The project is designed to attract both local and international tourists year-round while promoting environmental sustainability. The second contract was signed with Khasab Development and Investment Company for the establishment of the 'Sandan – Khasab Pearl' integrated tourism complex. Spanning 43,658 square meters in the Wilayat of Khasab, the project will feature a 4-star hotel with 200 rooms and 450 residential units available for ownership by Omanis and foreign nationals. The third project, 'Hamyan Village,' will be developed by Hamyan Investment and Project Development Company on a 201,031 square meter plot in Halban, Wilayat of Nakhl, South Al Batinah Governorate. Represented by Saud Hamad Al Ta'ei, the company will build a 4-star hotel with 156 rooms, 535 residential units including apartments and villas, and a variety of amenities such as a market, restaurants, water park, and other recreational services.
