Latest news with #RoyalDirective
Muscat Daily
09-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Tourism master plan for Jabal Abyad begins
Muscat – A major tourism development initiative is in the pipeline for Jabal Abyad, or White Mountain, in Al Hamra, as the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism seeks to unlock the area's untapped potential for sustainable, cultural and nature-based tourism. Spanish consulting firm THR Strategic Tourism Advisors announced that it has begun working on a comprehensive tourism master plan for the region. The firm has been advising tourism-focused organisations worldwide for over four decades. 'We are excited to share that we've officially launched a project to develop a tourism master plan for Jabal Abyad,' the firm posted on LinkedIn. Located in the Dakhliyah governorate, Jabal Abyad lies less than a two-hour drive from Muscat and is known for its dramatic landscapes, rich archaeological heritage, and welcoming communities. As part of the initial fieldwork, the THR team – comprising Javier Gonzalez-Garcia and Maria Vilaplana – visited the site with officials from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and local experts. The visit was aimed at assessing the area's assets and identifying development opportunities in line with sustainable tourism goals. 'Jabal Abyad holds remarkable potential for nature-based and cultural tourism, with its stunning wadis, rich archaeological sites, awe-inspiring caves, and above all, the warm hospitality of its people,' the consultants stated. They emphasised that the visit was a critical first step in shaping a plan that respects both the environment and the local culture. The initiative follows Royal Directive issued by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik last year to accelerate the development of Jabal Abyad and Wakan Village. The directive called for the provision of essential infrastructure and supportive conditions to transform these areas into key tourism destinations, particularly for outdoor, camping and adventure travel. The move aligns with Oman's strategy to increase the tourism sector's contribution to GDP, generate local economic value, and create employment opportunities for citizens. The tourism masterplan is expected to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth in the area, ensuring long-term benefits.
Muscat Daily
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Marriage support fund to be launched in Oman in June
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – Following a directive issued by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, a marriage support fund will be launched in all governorates before the end of June. The announcement was made during the first governors' meeting convened this year, chaired by Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al Busaidi, Minister of Interior, on Sunday. Busaidi underscored the importance of aligning local development plans with His Majesty the Sultan's vision to empower governorates and strengthen community participation in driving progress of wilayats. One of the main items discussed was implementation of a marriage support fund. Governors have been instructed to take the necessary executive measures to activate the Royal Directive, which will be implemented according to specific standards to be outlined by Ministry of Interior. The initiative stems from a Royal Directive issued in January to establish the marriage support fund allocating RO1mn to each of the sultanate's 11 governorates. These funds aim to provide financial assistance to citizens intending to marry. Details of application process and eligibility criteria will be announced by relevant authorities soon. The meeting also addressed several common issues affecting the governorates and reviewed progress on implementation of municipal council recommendations.
