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Muscat Daily
20-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
Haj preparations finalised for Oman's 14,000 pilgrims
Muscat – Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) announced on Tuesday that a total of 13,944 pilgrims from the sultanate have completed formalities to perform haj this year. The remaining 56, from the country's full quota of 14,000, are currently completing procedures. The figures were released at a press conference on the 2025 haj season held on Tuesday. H E Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, MERA Undersecretary and Head of Oman Haj Mission, informed that Oman's quota includes 13,530 citizens and 470 expatriates. Allocation across governorates was based on population density of residents aged 18 and above. Muscat received the highest share at 24%, followed by North Batinah with 19%, while Musandam received less than 1%. According to H E Rashdi, eligibility was determined through an electronic registration system using mathematical models grounded in sharia and jurisprudential principles. The process also took into account social and ethical criteria. Of the total, 11,780 pilgrims (84%) are undertaking haj as an obligatory religious duty. The remaining are voluntary pilgrims – individuals performing haj on behalf of the deceased, the incapacitated or terminally ill patients. H E Ahmed bin Saleh al Rash-di, MERA Undersecretary and Head of Oman Haj Mission Thirty-nine per cent pilgrims are in the 30-45 age group, followed by those aged 45-60. Pilgrims aged over 60 account for 16%, while 5% are aged between 18 and 30. Travel preferences showed 63% pilgrims chose to travel by air, while 37% opted for land transport. The average cost by land is RO1,417, compared to RO2,063 by air. Several new initiatives have been introduced by Oman Haj Mission this year. Beit al Rabat Endowments Initiative is providing support worth more than RO150,000 to over 150 pilgrims from social security categories. To assist the elderly and disabled pilgrims, vehicles have been introduced for use during the Tawaf and Sa'i rituals, benefiting approximately 450 individuals. Electronic bracelets have also been issued to the elderly and medically vulnerable pilgrims to enhance tracking and safety.
Observer
19-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Several agreements signed at real estate conference, expo
Under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, the 20th edition of the Oman Real Estate Conference and Exhibition, along with the Design and Build Week, kicked off on Wednesday. Several major agreements were signed, including two partnership and investment deals worth over RO1.7 billion. These agreements will lead to the development of projects spanning more than 4.8 million sqm. Talaat Moustafa Group Real Estate, a prominent regional developer, is behind both initiatives. The first agreement focuses on the development of several neighborhoods in Madinat Sultan Haitham—specifically neighborhoods (7), (8), (9), (11), (12A), and (12B)—covering more than 2.6 million square meters. The project will feature a range of residential units, such as villas, apartments, and mixed-use buildings, along with fully integrated services including mosques, parks, green spaces, and a social and sports club. The second agreement involves the development of a coastal area in the Wilayat of Seeb into a distinctive tourism destination across more than 2.2 million square meters. The project will include a tourist hotel and residential units offering panoramic sea views, all connected by artificial lakes and a marina. Additionally, a terms agreement was signed for the development of districts (6C) and (6D) in Sultan Haitham City, with an investment exceeding RO150 million, in partnership with Al-Idrak Real Estate Development Company. Moreover, a site preparation tender for package (1A), valued at RO6 million, was awarded as part of efforts to advance the city's infrastructure readiness. The event is organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, in collaboration with the Oman Real Estate Association and Connect Company. This event stands as one of the leading real estate platforms in the Sultanate of Oman, attracting wide participation from major local and international investors and real estate developers, alongside a distinguished group of experts and consultants specializing in urban planning, urban development, and real estate investment. The conference provides a strategic platform to showcase major real estate projects, highlight promising investment opportunities, and foster effective partnerships between the public and private sectors in line with national efforts to enhance the business environment and ensure the sustainability of urban growth. Additionally, the accompanying exhibition offers ideal opportunities for those seeking to own a home by exploring a wide range of residential units showcased by top developers, and learning more about project details
