Latest news with #RO500
Muscat Daily
03-06-2025
- Muscat Daily
Nakhal court jails expat business owner over failure to fulfil contract
Nakhal – The Primary Court in Nakhal has sentenced the owner of a commercial establishment to one year in prison and ordered his deportation after convicting him of failing to fulfil a furniture installation contract. The case began when the Consumer Protection Department in Barka received a complaint from a customer who had contracted the establishment to customise and instal sofas for his home. The agreed cost was RO600, with a completion deadline of three months. However, the establishment failed to deliver the items within the stipulated period, despite repeated assurances. With no resolution in sight, the consumer escalated the matter to authorities. After attempts to reach an amicable settlement failed, the case was referred to the Public Prosecution, which launched an investigation and forwarded it to the court. During the trial, the court found the defendant guilty of a commercial misdemeanour and handed down a one-year jail sentence. It also ordered the deportation of the business owner following the completion of the prison term. Additionally, the court directed the defendant to pay RO500 in civil compensation to the complainant. The Consumer Protection Authority has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and taking strict legal action against violators of the law.
Observer
19-05-2025
- Observer
MoL tells firms to follow Midday break rules
Muscat: The Ministry of Labour has stated it is prohibited to employ workers in construction sites or exposed areas with high temperatures during the afternoon from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm during June, July, and August. The ministry called upon all private sector establishments to cooperate and comply with this procedure, which comes within the efforts to enhance a safe work environment and reduce injuries associated with high temperatures. Article 16 of the Ministry of Labour decision 286/2008 bars outdoor workers from working in high temperatures for three months, with working hours usually split between two shifts. The Ministry of Labour has mandated all construction sites and open areas to suspend work during midday hours to ensure the protection of workers. A campaign is underway in all governorates by officials of the ministry to raise awareness among workers and employers about the dangers of heat stress during the summer, and the necessity of taking preventive measures to maintain the health and safety of workers, especially in open work sites exposed to direct sunlight. The special provisions for workers include the provision of air-conditioned rest areas, rescheduling of physically demanding tasks to cooler hours, and implementing a rotational system where employees work for 45 minutes followed by a 15-minute break. The ministry is actively engaged in community awareness campaigns to discourage refuelling during the midday period unless necessary. Violations may incur fines of up to RO500 and a maximum imprisonment period of one month or a combination of both penalties. Reports on non-compliant establishments can be submitted via phone or through the ministry's websites, and the specialised team properly verifies the claims and undertakes the requisite actions.
Muscat Daily
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Muscat Daily
Nakhal court slaps RO3,000 fine on car dealer for contract breach
Muscat – The Primary Court in Nakhal has fined a commercial establishment RO3,000 and terminated a vehicle purchase contract following a consumer complaint over a delayed and defective car delivery. In a complaint filed by a woman with the Consumer Protection Department in Barka, she stated that she purchased a 2022 model year used vehicle from a dealer for RO14,450 with delivery scheduled for January 25, 2025. However, the dealer not only failed to deliver the vehicle on time but supplied a different model with multiple defects despite the delay. Following the complaint, the matter was referred to the Public Prosecution and then to the court, which found three defendants guilty of two misdemeanours – failing to provide the agreed service and failing to disclose the vehicle's condition in the contract or invoice. Each defendant was fined RO500 for each offence, resulting in a total fine of RO3,000. The court also ordered the dealer to refund the full amount paid by the consumer (RO14,450), compensate the customer an additional RO500 and cover all legal expenses. Consumer Protection Authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumer rights and warned that it would continue to take strict legal action against violators. It also urged all commercial establishments to adhere to applicable laws and regulations to avoid similar legal action.
Observer
21-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Minister of Housing: 70,000 plots distributed in 4 years
Muscat: The Majlis A'Shura will host Dr. Khalfan bin Saeed Al-Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, on Monday. The session's agenda includes discussions on the statement to be issued by the minister. The statement will include 5 segments based on the national strategy for urban development, legislation and laws regulating the housing sector, digital transformation, simplifying procedures, and future challenges and opportunities for sustainable cities and integrated residential neighborhoods. Highlights: The Ministry seeks to establish a sustainable institutional approach to the housing and urban planning sector, in cooperation with partners in the public and private sectors. Plans to enhance family and investment stability by facilitating procedures, providing diverse housing options, and expediting licensing and ownership processes. The Ministry is focusing on five future cities - Sultan Haitham City, Thuraya City, Sohar Future City, Salalah Future City, and Nizwa Future City, covering a total area of 39 million square meters, and 22 projects for integrated neighborhoods and residential plans. In the past four years, around 70,000 plots of land were distributed. The Ministry granted 20 licenses for real estate development projects during the period 2022-2024, with an investment value of RO500 million, including neighborhood projects and integrated residential plans. The Minister of Housing and Urban Planning confirmed that the Social Housing Program benefited 4,923 families during the period (2021-2024), as 216 units were allocated within the integrated residential neighborhood projects to support housing assistance, in addition to allocating around 1,000 units in Sultan Haitham City (SHC). The idea of moving the Mabela Industrial City will entail huge financial costs. National plans needed to relocate industrial areas and challenges include weak infrastructure, truck congestion, car showrooms in residential areas, in addition to the housing for expatriate workers. The Greater Muscat Master Plan has received His Majesty's blessing, and the Ministry has already begun work on its implementation. He noted that it includes a clear vision for housing, land, and space requirements. The Ministry welcomes all investors in the Al Khuwair Downtown Project, noting that there were more than 30 applications expressing interest in investing, at least 30% of which came from Omani investors, and the Ministry is was open to foreign investments.
Zawya
18-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: MSX to launch Promising Companies Market in 2025
Muscat: The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) is planning to launch a submarket, the 'Promising Companies Market,' this year to attract private and family-owned companies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and startups with a market capitalisation of no less than RO500,000 to list on the exchange. The establishment of the Promising Companies Market was decreed by Royal Decree No. 18/2025, issued in February. This reflects the royal vision to support the private sector and SMEs, enhance the business environment, and ensure the growth and sustainability of entrepreneurial companies, contributing to the diversification of the national economy. In a statement to Oman News Agency, Haitham bin Salim al Salmi, CEO of the Muscat Stock Exchange, said the Promising Companies Market is expected to launch this year following the issuance of the executive regulations by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). 'The Muscat Stock Exchange has recently held meetings with more than 10 companies, and it is hoped that a number of them will be listed in conjunction with the market's launch,' Salmi said. He explained that the new submarket aims to attract private companies and franchisees that meet the requirements for direct listing. Salmi added that the market will enable companies to benefit from the services available on the Muscat Stock Exchange, whether through subscriptions to finance their projects or exits, in addition to being listed directly on the stock exchange. The Muscat Stock Exchange CEO pointed out that this market will be available to qualified investors and will feature several flexible incentives and requirements compared to the main market of the stock exchange. This will allow private companies and SMEs to list securities, raise capital, or issue debt instruments such as bonds and sukuks. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
