Latest news with #Qaboos
Observer
15-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
OCCI opens trade office in Washington to boost bilateral business ties
The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) inaugurated the Oman Trade Office in the United States (OTOUS) during a ceremony held at the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center in Washington, D.C. The event was held under the patronage of Talal bin Sulaiman al Rahbi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the United States, and attended by Sheikh Saud bin Ahmad al Nahari, OCCI Board Member and Head of the Chamber's delegation, along with several OCCI officials and representatives from both the Omani and American public and private sectors. The establishment of OTOUS marks a significant step towards strengthening economic and trade relations between Oman and the U.S. The office aims to support the export of Omani products to the American market, promote the import of high-quality U.S. goods, attract American investments to Oman, and facilitate the expansion of Omani businesses into the U.S. OTOUS will also play a vital role in coordinating trade delegations, organising business meetings, and offering guidance on maximizing the benefits of the Oman-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. In addition, the office will provide economic reports to support decision-making in export development and mutual investments.
Muscat Daily
14-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman opens trade office in US
Washington, US – The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) inaugurated the Omani Commercial Office in the United States during a ceremony held at the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center in Washington, DC. The event was held under the patronage of H E Talal bin Sulaiman al Rahbi, the sultanate's ambassador to the US. The Omani Commercial Office in the US aims to support Omani exports to the American market, promote the import of high-quality US goods, attract American investments into Oman, and enable Omani companies to expand into US markets and strengthen bilateral trade partnerships. The office will also play a pivotal role in coordinating trade delegations, organising business meetings, and providing advice and consultations on how to leverage the Free Trade Agreement between Oman and the US. Additionally, it will issue economic reports to support decision-making in export development and mutual investment. H E Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI, said that the opening of the trade office in the United States is a significant strategic step towards empowering the Omani private sector and enhancing its presence in global markets. He noted that it aligns with OCCI's broader efforts to expand trade and investment opportunities and to establish direct communication channels with major global economies. 'We hope that the trade office will contribute to supporting Omani exports, attracting quality investments, and providing an effective platform for enhancing trade exchange between the business communities of both countries. It will also facilitate the exchange of information on regulatory procedures for Omani products entering the US market, which will positively impact the growth of the Omani private sector and its contribution to achieving sustainable economic development,' said H E Rawas. For her part, Ibtisam bint Ahmed al Farooji, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Investment Promotion, explained that the launch of the Omani Commercial Office in the United States falls within Oman's strategic objective to increase the flow of foreign direct investment and its contribution to the national economy. She indicated that this move aims to offer broader opportunities for American companies to enter the Omani market and benefit from the competitive business environment the sultanate offers. She emphasised that the establishment of the office is part of a wider plan to expand Oman's foreign representative offices in key international markets, in order to bolster its global presence and intensify investment and trade promotion efforts. 'The US market is one of the most important commercial partners for Oman, particularly in light of the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries, which paves the way for greater trade facilitation and qualitative investment opportunities. This office will enhance access to commercial data and opportunities,' Farooji added. H E Talal bin Sulaiman al Rahbi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the United States, described the office as a new milestone in the commercial relations between the two nations. 'This office is not merely a commercial representation designed to support Omani companies in the US market, but also an effective platform for direct engagement between the business communities of both countries. It serves as a gateway to broader cooperation and trade exchange, particularly in key sectors such as industry, technology, and clean energy,' he said. Amy Han, Director of the Omani Commercial Office in the United States, explained that the office offers specialised services and strategic support to investors and exporters from both nations. 'It aims to build effective trade links, support bilateral business growth, and facilitate market access by organising economic events, providing professional consultations, and promoting Omani products that meet the standards and requirements of the US market.' She also noted that the office's digital platform will serve as an integrated information hub, offering analytical insights, reliable data, and quality resources tailored to various business sectors. This will support decision-making for companies and investors, while providing an interactive environment that fosters growth and expansion.
Observer
24-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Opinion- Oman's political maturity
Global political experiences, with their strengths and shortcomings, affirm that stability — in all its forms — is an essential aspiration societies must never compromise. Among the deepest and most mature examples in the region is the Omani political experience, spanning centuries. However, its contemporary chapter notably began in 1970 when a political crisis was peacefully resolved, thanks to the wisdom of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. When I asked my father, who actively participated in those historical events, about the crisis, he responded with a powerful statement that still resonates with me: "That political experience taught me that Oman can only prosper through unity and unity requires a foundation built on societal harmony, absolute loyalty to the homeland and allegiance to His Majesty the Sultan". Since the dawn of the Omani renaissance in 1970, the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos consistently emphasised cooperation, unity and avoiding division or conflict that could harm national spirit and future. This approach allowed Oman's renaissance to advance steadily despite numerous political and economic challenges. Consequently, Oman's political experience has proven successful, giving birth to a modern, politically matured Oman that has become an international mediator in complex political negotiations, including recent tensions between the US and Iran. Like many nations, Oman has faced economic challenges since 2014 due to falling oil prices. The government resorted to borrowing to address the resulting economic stagnation affecting oil-exporting countries. With the renewed renaissance in 2020 under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman embraced a fresh economic vision, focusing on essential fiscal and economic reforms, such as reducing and eventually eliminating public debt. Despite tough economic conditions intensified by the Covid-19 pandemic, some governmental measures, though initially uncomfortable, are crucial for long-term sustainable economic health. It is important to comprehend and accept these temporary measures as necessary steps towards future economic recovery. Nevertheless, this understanding does not imply neglecting other significant issues, such as unemployment, layoffs, individual income growth and tax relief. These concerns remain governmental priorities and any attentive observer can recognise ongoing efforts, expected to yield positive outcomes soon. Therefore, it would be unfair and contrary to authentic Omani values to pursue solutions that might lead to unintended security disruptions, exploited by external political agendas, potentially escalating beyond peaceful intentions to unrest and chaos. Oman's historical and contemporary political lessons strongly emphasise national unity and warn against allowing seemingly simple political movements to evolve into complex scenarios threatening national stability, as observed in various Arab countries. Initially peaceful movements have occasionally been manipulated, escalating into conflict and fragmentation, much to the benefit of external interests. Reflecting again on the 1970 political experience, historical records reveal how intertwined political objectives, national reforms and external interference impacted Oman's stability. While genuine, patriotic reform efforts certainly existed and must be objectively acknowledged, external interventions harmed critical national interests, destabilising unity. Many involved in that historical experience, including my father, concluded that genuine national reforms, if overtaken by external influences or executed through violence and political extremism, derail and push nations into uncertain futures filled with escalating conflicts. Thus, when addressing today's issues, optimal solutions lie in adopting a unified national approach, merging governmental initiatives with individual contributions. Oman has already demonstrated successful examples through national dialogues contributing directly to the national vision, strongly supported by His Majesty the Sultan. This strategy underscores Oman's continuous determination to foster inclusive growth and national renewal involving all sectors and individuals equally. Everyone is encouraged to participate actively in this democratic experience, leveraging collective success to resolve existing societal issues. Additionally, guided by Royal directives, the Omani government introduced the 'Tajawob' platform, a space open to all citizens to express opinions, observations and suggestions respectfully and constructively aligned with Oman's balanced and mature approach. By adopting such civilised methods, Oman can create homegrown solutions without resorting to disruptive methods that cause more harm than good, thus reflecting our advanced political maturity.
Observer
23-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's political maturity
Global political experiences, with their strengths and shortcomings, affirm that stability — in all its forms — is an essential aspiration societies must never compromise. Among the deepest and most mature examples in the region is the Omani political experience, spanning centuries. However, its contemporary chapter notably began in 1970 when a political crisis was peacefully resolved, thanks to the wisdom of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. When I asked my father, who actively participated in those historical events, about the crisis, he responded with a powerful statement that still resonates with me: "That political experience taught me that Oman can only prosper through unity and unity requires a foundation built on societal harmony, absolute loyalty to the homeland and allegiance to His Majesty the Sultan". Since the dawn of the Omani renaissance in 1970, the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos consistently emphasised cooperation, unity and avoiding division or conflict that could harm national spirit and future. This approach allowed Oman's renaissance to advance steadily despite numerous political and economic challenges. Consequently, Oman's political experience has proven successful, giving birth to a modern, politically matured Oman that has become an international mediator in complex political negotiations, including recent tensions between the US and Iran. Like many nations, Oman has faced economic challenges since 2014 due to falling oil prices. The government resorted to borrowing to address the resulting economic stagnation affecting oil-exporting countries. With the renewed renaissance in 2020 under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman embraced a fresh economic vision, focusing on essential fiscal and economic reforms, such as reducing and eventually eliminating public debt. Despite tough economic conditions intensified by the Covid-19 pandemic, some governmental measures, though initially uncomfortable, are crucial for long-term sustainable economic health. It is important to comprehend and accept these temporary measures as necessary steps towards future economic recovery. Nevertheless, this understanding does not imply neglecting other significant issues, such as unemployment, layoffs, individual income growth and tax relief. These concerns remain governmental priorities and any attentive observer can recognise ongoing efforts, expected to yield positive outcomes soon. Therefore, it would be unfair and contrary to authentic Omani values to pursue solutions that might lead to unintended security disruptions, exploited by external political agendas, potentially escalating beyond peaceful intentions to unrest and chaos. Oman's historical and contemporary political lessons strongly emphasise national unity and warn against allowing seemingly simple political movements to evolve into complex scenarios threatening national stability, as observed in various Arab countries. Initially peaceful movements have occasionally been manipulated, escalating into conflict and fragmentation, much to the benefit of external interests. Reflecting again on the 1970 political experience, historical records reveal how intertwined political objectives, national reforms and external interference impacted Oman's stability. While genuine, patriotic reform efforts certainly existed and must be objectively acknowledged, external interventions harmed critical national interests, destabilising unity. Many involved in that historical experience, including my father, concluded that genuine national reforms, if overtaken by external influences or executed through violence and political extremism, derail and push nations into uncertain futures filled with escalating conflicts. Thus, when addressing today's issues, optimal solutions lie in adopting a unified national approach, merging governmental initiatives with individual contributions. Oman has already demonstrated successful examples through national dialogues contributing directly to the national vision, strongly supported by His Majesty the Sultan. This strategy underscores Oman's continuous determination to foster inclusive growth and national renewal involving all sectors and individuals equally. Everyone is encouraged to participate actively in this democratic experience, leveraging collective success to resolve existing societal issues. Additionally, guided by Royal directives, the Omani government introduced the 'Tajawob' platform, a space open to all citizens to express opinions, observations and suggestions respectfully and constructively aligned with Oman's balanced and mature approach. By adopting such civilised methods, Oman can create homegrown solutions without resorting to disruptive methods that cause more harm than good, thus reflecting our advanced political maturity.
Observer
25-03-2025
- General
- Observer
Embracing the Sacred Nights of Ramadhan
As the holy month of Ramadhan unfolds, a profound spiritual energy envelops the hearts of Muslims worldwide. This month is particularly significant, but it is the final ten nights that hold the deepest reverence, believed to encompass Laylat al-Qadr—the Night of Decree—which is more rewarding than a thousand months. During these cherished nights, Muslims intensify their acts of worship, dedicating themselves to prayer, recitation of the Quran, and remembrance of Allah (dhikr). This sacred atmosphere emanates from the heart of each Muslim to the tranquil corners of the mosque, which is meticulously prepared to welcome worshippers seeking spiritual fulfilment. Across Oman, mosques transform into welcoming sanctuaries where believers—each in their unique way—experience a profound sense of devotion and community. In Oman, mosques throughout the country are thoughtfully arranged to embrace the worshippers during these blessed nights, creating an environment of compassion and spiritual grounding. Late-Night Tahajjud Tahajjud, a voluntary prayer observed in the late hours following Isha and before Fajr, offers an intimate connection to Allah. During the last ten nights of Ramadhan, mosques across Oman frequently organise special Tahajjud sessions, featuring extended recitations from the Quran, striving to complete the entirety of the Quran by the end of this significant period. As opposed to the quieter times of the year when Tahajjud is often performed individually, these nights witness mosques bustling with fervent worshippers—young and old—standing shoulder to shoulder in a powerful display of unity. The atmosphere is charged with the collective yearning for forgiveness, guidance, and mercy, as individuals share their innermost desires with Allah in hushed whispers. I'tikaf: A Spiritual Retreat I'tikaf is a practice wherein worshippers take refuge in the mosque for concentrated devotion, prayer, and reflection. This practice involves disconnecting from the distractions of daily life to focus solely on faith and worship. During the last ten days of Ramadhan, mosques across the nation prepare spaces for I'tikaf, from the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat to modest community mosques, each becoming a sanctuary for spiritual retreat. Certain mosques designate specific areas to ensure a tranquil environment, as the tradition of I'tikaf during these sacred days is deeply ingrained in Oman's rich Islamic heritage. The serene ambience, resonating with the recitation of the Quran, heartfelt supplications (du'a), and an overarching sense of peace and purpose, enables worshippers to engage in I'tikaf—whether for the entirety of the last ten days, a day, or more. This practice transcends mere ritual; it serves as a vital spiritual reset—an invaluable opportunity to fortify their connection with Allah. The final nights of Ramadhan present an extraordinary chance for deep spiritual introspection and a closer bond with Allah. The concerted efforts made to accommodate and facilitate these sacred nights reflect the dedication of Omanis, ensuring that this period is observed with devotion, serenity, and a profound sense of unity within the community.
