Latest news with #SayyidSaudbinHilalalBusaidi
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Oman national strategy to tackle hazardous chemicals unveiled
Muscat – A national strategy was launched on Wednesday to ensure safe and integrated management of hazardous chemicals, marking a significant step towards achieving sustainable development goals under Oman Vision 2040. The strategy was unveiled at an international workshop – Safe Management of Hazardous Chemicals – held in Muscat organised by Environment Authority (EA) in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme and Global Environment Facility. The two-day event was inaugurated by Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat. 'The national strategy aims to promote the sound management of chemicals at all stages by effectively utilising global practices, the results of studies and research, and supporting the efforts of the international community to control the circulation of chemicals,' said Mohammed bin Majid al Kasbi, Director of Chemicals and Waste Management Department at EA. He said the strategy is designed to balance economic growth, social welfare and environmental protection – the three pillars of sustainable development. The strategy outlines a framework for managing chemicals throughout their lifecycle, from production and handling to transport, storage, processing and disposal. It also addresses environmental and health risks associated with pollution and emissions to protect both people and ecosystems. Beyond regulation, the strategy focuses on building national capacity, enhancing emergency preparedness and strengthening international cooperation. It calls for a unified chemical management system backed by clear policies, legal instruments and enforcement mechanisms. The workshop has brought together experts from various sectors to explore chemical safety as a core component of environmental sustainability. A total of 18 working papers will be presented, covering areas such as mercury management, hazardous waste treatment technologies, the link between plastics and persistent organic pollutants, and the role of customs in monitoring chemical imports. Participants will also review emergency response protocols and the environmental impact of mercury use in agriculture. Dr Mohammed bin Saif al Kalbani, Director General of Environmental Affairs at EA, said the event aligns with ongoing efforts to foster collaboration among public and private sectors and international partners. 'This workshop complements the efforts of the authority in promoting and developing the sound management of hazardous chemicals through the exchange of expertise between relevant entities in the public and private sectors, as well as the international community, to preserve human health and the environment,' Kalbani said. He added that the sultanate has launched the Comprehensive Initial Assessment Report on Mercury and its Compounds in Oman after joining the Minamata Convention, a global agreement to reduce mercury pollution. The report tracks mercury across its lifecycle and helps the country meet international obligations.
Muscat Daily
07-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
Muscat reviews heritage conservation, urban integration
Muscat – Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday with H E Eng Ibrahim bin Said al Kharousi, Undersecretary for Heritage Affairs in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, to advance heritage conservation efforts in the Muscat governorate. The meeting, attended by senior officials, focused on strengthening cooperation to preserve Oman's cultural and historical legacy, promote tourism, and integrate heritage conservation into urban development plans. Officials reviewed the latest data on archaeological sites and monuments across Oman, which currently has 3,025 registered monuments. In Muscat, Quriyat leads with 80 monuments and 287 archaeological sites, followed by Bausher with 37 monuments and 62 sites, Muttrah with 46 monuments and 23 sites, Seeb with 23 monuments and 31 sites, and Amerat with 20 monuments and 26 sites. The Directorate General of Antiquities provided updates on ongoing restoration efforts for key landmarks in Muscat and outlined priority heritage conservation projects aimed at safeguarding Oman's cultural heritage as a cornerstone of national identity. Innovative projects to revive traditional Omani crafts, including sarooj (lime mortar), green cotton, and leather production, were also highlighted, along with awareness campaigns to promote craft heritage. The Directorate General of Museums presented updates on geological heritage initiatives, including geological parks, meteorite restoration, and a proposal to relocate the Natural History Museum to the Oman Botanic Garden. The meeting concluded with a review of the work of the Historic Landmarks Linkage Committee, which focuses on integrating historical sites into the urban fabric of Muscat and Muttrah, reflecting the governorate's commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage.
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman logistics sector gets $259mln push
Muscat – Eighteen investment agreements worth over RO100mn were signed on Wednesday as part of efforts to expand Oman's logistics sector and position the sultanate as a regional trade hub. The deals were announced during Logistics Day 2025 celebrations held under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, and attended by H E Saeed bin Hamood al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. Organised by Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the event focused on the theme 'Logistics Technologies and Investment' highlighting the growing role of advanced technologies in improving sectoral efficiency and competitiveness. Agreements signed span ports, airports, transportation and warehousing, with several projects integrating smart technology. Among the key agreements were deals with Sohar Port for LNG infrastructure, with Oman Airports to set up a gold refinery and drone research academy, and with Oman SATS to provide discounts on logistics services worth up to 50% until December 31, 2025 supporting export and re-export of perishables. On the occasion, Abdullah bin Ali al Busaidi, Acting Head of Oman Logistics Centre, said, 'We aim for the logistics sector to become the second-largest contributor to Oman's GDP.' In 2024, the logistics sector generated RO2.25bn, accounting for 5.9% of Oman's GDP. The target is to increase its contribution to RO36bn by 2040 under the Logistics Sector Strategy 2040, which focuses on market development, trade facilitation, operational efficiency, Omanisation and logistics technologies. A major announcement during the event was the signing of a framework agreement for the National Port Community System, aimed at digitalising logistics operations, linking stakeholder platforms, and improving transparency and efficiency at ports and border checkpoints. An initiative to promote e-bicycles and shared mobility was launched to improve first- and last-mile connectivity to Muscat and Salalah university campuses. Other investments include LNG berth construction, dredging and supervision at Sohar Port, and development of a drone R&D centre, tech hub and customs warehouse at Muscat airport. Oman Airports signed a 12-year deal with Zahara Airport Services to manage the Muscat airport hotel. Al Madina Logistics will expand Sohar Logistics Station and create a dedicated transport fleet for the energy sector. A new integrated bus station will be developed in Liwa in partnership with Mwasalat and the Governorate of North Batinah. Darb Investment will launch a national freight management platform to streamline trucking and last-mile delivery, while Asyad Ports, in collaboration with O Bunkering, will introduce ship-fuelling at Port Sultan Qaboos. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
30-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
RO 100 million worth pacts to boost logistics
MUSCAT, APRIL 30 Oman marked Logistics Day 2025 with the signing of eighteen major investment agreements exceeding RO 100 million in total value. The event, held at Al Bustan Palace Hotel under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, highlighted the Sultanate's strategic focus on the logistics sector under the theme 'Logistics Technologies and Investment.' During the ceremony, Eng. Abdullah bin Ali al Busaidi, Acting Head of Oman Logistics Center at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, emphasized the critical role of the logistics sector in supporting and diversifying the national economy. He stated that the logistics sector is a vast and integrated system encompassing road networks, ports, land border crossings, airports, logistics zones, transport activities, and storage infrastructure. It plays a pivotal role in facilitating economic and service-related activities across the nation. He further noted that the ministry aims for logistics to become the second-largest contributor to the national GDP, positioning it as a key pillar in achieving Oman Vision 2040. The sector contributed approximately RO 2.25 billion to the GDP in 2024, representing 5.9 per cent of the total. Investments in the logistics sector reached around RO 2.3 billion in 2024, with forecasts indicating a projected contribution of RO 36 billion by 2040. Eng Al Busaidi outlined the four main pillars of the Logistics Sector Strategy 2040: Market Development, Trade Facilitation, Employment and Omanisation, and Logistics Technology. The Market Development pillar focuses on achieving targeted shares in land, sea, and air transport markets. The Trade Facilitation pillar aims to revolutionize customs and shipping procedures across all entry points and improve supply chain efficiency. The Employment and Omanisation pillar centers on regulatory reforms, training programs, and localization of jobs. The Logistics Technology pillar seeks to encourage companies to adopt advanced technologies to increase competitiveness and align with regional market demands. Among the notable investment deals signed were infrastructure developments at Sohar Port, including the establishment of a dedicated LNG jetty by Six Construct LLC Oman Branch and dredging operations led by Boskalis International Oman Branch. WSP Global – Oman branch will provide project management and site supervision for the LNG bunkering terminal. Muscat International Airport's logistics gateway also attracted significant foreign investment. Rakesh Pandey Gold LLC will develop a world-class gold refinery, while Tharwat Al Khaleej International will establish an innovation-driven drone research and training center. Additional agreements cover bonded warehouse development, advanced manufacturing, and the operation of the airport hotel for twelve years by Zahara Airport Services LLC. In Suhar, Lonestar Alpha Laboratories and Al Alami Laboratories will expand lab capacity at the logistics hub to enhance food and product safety services. Meanwhile, Al Madina Logistics and Global Integrated Equipment Company will invest in a modern truck fleet in Duqm to serve the energy sector, specifically for PDO, with an emphasis on fuel efficiency and safety. Other agreements included a new integrated public transport station in Liwa, North Al Batinah, a digital logistics platform (Darbi) to support truck drivers, and a ship refueling service at Sultan Qaboos Port. Financing partnerships with Oman's Development Bank and SME-focused initiatives were also launched to bolster emerging logistics ventures. These investments underscore Oman's commitment to building a world-class logistics ecosystem. By aligning infrastructure development with advanced technologies and sustainable practices, the Sultanate is positioning itself as a competitive player in regional and global supply chains.
Muscat Daily
30-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman logistics sector gets RO100mn push
Muscat – Eighteen investment agreements worth over RO100mn were signed on Wednesday as part of efforts to expand Oman's logistics sector and position the sultanate as a regional trade hub. The deals were announced during Logistics Day 2025 celebrations held under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, and attended by H E Saeed bin Hamood al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. Organised by Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the event focused on the theme 'Logistics Technologies and Investment' highlighting the growing role of advanced technologies in improving sectoral efficiency and competitiveness. Agreements signed span ports, airports, transportation and warehousing, with several projects integrating smart technology. Among the key agreements were deals with Sohar Port for LNG infrastructure, with Oman Airports to set up a gold refinery and drone research academy, and with Oman SATS to provide discounts on logistics services worth up to 50% until December 31, 2025 supporting export and re-export of perishables. On the occasion, Abdullah bin Ali al Busaidi, Acting Head of Oman Logistics Centre, said, 'We aim for the logistics sector to become the second-largest contributor to Oman's GDP.' In 2024, the logistics sector generated RO2.25bn, accounting for 5.9% of Oman's GDP. The target is to increase its contribution to RO36bn by 2040 under the Logistics Sector Strategy 2040, which focuses on market development, trade facilitation, operational efficiency, Omanisation and logistics technologies. A major announcement during the event was the signing of a framework agreement for the National Port Community System, aimed at digitalising logistics operations, linking stakeholder platforms, and improving transparency and efficiency at ports and border checkpoints. An initiative to promote e-bicycles and shared mobility was launched to improve first- and last-mile connectivity to Muscat and Salalah university campuses. Other investments include LNG berth construction, dredging and supervision at Sohar Port, and development of a drone R&D centre, tech hub and customs warehouse at Muscat airport. Oman Airports signed a 12-year deal with Zahara Airport Services to manage the Muscat airport hotel. Al Madina Logistics will expand Sohar Logistics Station and create a dedicated transport fleet for the energy sector. A new integrated bus station will be developed in Liwa in partnership with Mwasalat and the Governorate of North Batinah. Darb Investment will launch a national freight management platform to streamline trucking and last-mile delivery, while Asyad Ports, in collaboration with O Bunkering, will introduce ship-fuelling at Port Sultan Qaboos.
