Latest news with #SayyidSaudbinHilalalBusaidy
Observer
30-06-2025
- Health
- Observer
Taafi Centre to offer services for addicts
Muscat, June 30 The Ministry of Health celebrated the inauguration of the Muscat Taafi Centre, the main specialised facility in Oman to provide treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals recovering from addiction, in the Wilayat of Al Amerat, under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat, and in the presence of Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, and Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development. The centre is the first government institution in the Sultanate of Oman dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of addicts. It was established in collaboration with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and Al Jisr Foundation for Charitable Work, as part of a national vision to address the growing addiction issue and to provide comprehensive care in a safe and integrated environment. Dr Said bin Harib al Lamki, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs, explained that the centre includes 170 beds — 40 for recovery and 130 for detoxification and medical and psychological rehabilitation. This reflects the scale of the project and the importance of its services. He pointed out that over 495 addiction cases were recorded in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for specialised centres like this one, which is designed to cover all stages of treatment: from detoxification to psychological rehabilitation, and finally to recovery and community support. Dr Al Lamki added that what distinguishes the centre is its integrative approach, bringing together the efforts of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Development, and the Royal Oman Police to provide comprehensive treatment under one roof — addressing the previous gap in psychological and rehabilitative services, which were formerly scattered among Al Masarra Hospital and other institutions. Dr Yousuf bin Mohammed al Farsi, Director-General of Health Services in Muscat Governorate, noted that the centre goes beyond medical treatment. It follows modern methods based on psychological and social rehabilitation in an interactive environment that includes artistic and skill-building activities such as drawing, reading and writing, as well as a private library and creative spaces. Dr Mahmood bin Zaher al Abri, Secretary of the National Committee for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, stated that Oman records an average of 480 addiction cases annually, with 52 per cent of them concentrated in Muscat Governorate, followed by Al Batinah North and Al Batinah South. He noted a worrying rise in the abuse of "shabu" (methamphetamine) since the Covid-19 pandemic, which causes psychotic symptoms and violent behaviours that may lead to suicide attempts. He also mentioned plans to develop an electronic system to document cases and ensure confidentiality, along with follow-up programmes in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development. Aseela al Zaabi, Head of Muscat Taafi Centre, emphasised that the opening of the centre marks a qualitative leap in the provision of addiction treatment services in Oman. She pointed out that the services previously offered at Al Masarra Hospital have now been transferred to the new centre in Al Amerat, enhanced with more comprehensive and advanced facilities. It is worth noting that the total cost of the project amounted to RO 3.4 million — RO 2.5 million from PDO and RO 900,000 from Al Jisr Foundation. According to Dr Al Abri, the second phase of the centre will include an expansion to 300 beds, in addition to other centres under construction in Suhar and Dhofar. The opening of the centre represents a major step forward in building a comprehensive mental and physical health infrastructure in Oman and embodies an effective partnership between the public and private sectors to tackle one of the most serious health and social challenges of modern times.
Observer
24-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Muscat Municipal Council reviews employment initiatives
MUSCAT: The Muscat Governorate Municipal Council held a meeting under the chairmanship of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat, on Tuesday. During the meeting, the council reviewed a statement from Khazaen Economic City regarding the used car market. In its statement, Khazaen Economic City affirmed that the used car market is a practical solution to the problem of random distribution of showrooms, noting that the project will regulate the market thus enabling entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises to function within a conducive commercial environment. The project will also reduce the costs for sellers and consumers, provide qualitative benefits to consumers, improve operational efficiency and attract local and international investments. The Muscat Municipal Council also reviewed the statement of the National Employment Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at providing job opportunities for citizens. The council approved the minutes of its previous meeting and the recommendations regarding the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning's statement on the Greater Muscat Structure Plan. The council stressed the importance of ongoing institutional partnerships between relevant entities in the implementation of major strategic projects particularly those related to smart and sustainable city objectives. The council reviewed the Social Affairs Committee's recommendations regarding the Oman Down Syndrome Association. The council emphasised the importance of continuing integrated institutional work, providing supportive facilities to ensure the stability of services provided and coordinating with relevant authorities to enhance the effectiveness of current programmes and reduce operational burdens that may hamper the continuation of specialised community activities.
Observer
24-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Khazaen's new hub to reshape used car market in Oman
Muscat: The Muscat Governorate Municipal Council held a meeting under the chairmanship of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat, on Tuesday. During the meeting the council reviewed a statement from Khazaen Economic City regarding the used car market. In its statement, Khazaen Economic City affirmed that the used car market is a practical solution to the problem of random distribution of showrooms, noting that the project will regulate the market thus enabling entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises to function within a conducive commercial environment. The project will also reduce the costs for sellers and consumers, provide qualitative benefits to consumers, improve operational efficiency and attract local and international investments. The Muscat Municipal Council also reviewed the statement of the National Employment Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at providing job opportunities for citizens. The council approved the minutes of its previous meeting and the recommendations regarding the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning's statement on the master plan for the Greater Muscat Project. The council stressed the importance of ongoing institutional partnerships between relevant entities in the implementation of major strategic projects particularly those related to smart and sustainable city objectives. The council reviewed the Social Affairs Committee's recommendations regarding the Oman Down Syndrome Association. The council emphasized the importance of continuing integrated institutional work, providing supportive facilities to ensure the stability of services provided, and coordinating with relevant authorities to enhance the effectiveness of current programmes and reduce operational burdens that may hamper the continuation of specialized community activities. The council also reviewed a number of letters from relevant authorities on topics related to planning and regulatory aspects. These included proposals to create new urban uses and regulate service activities in commercial centres as well as reviewing the regulations governing lease contracts for shops located within residential buildings, in an effort to achieve urban harmony that responds to changing realities and enhances the quality of urban planning in the governorate.
Observer
22-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Muscat wraps up nationwide 'All Oman' initiative
MUSCAT: Muscat Governorate on Sunday hosted the final round of 'All Oman' initiative, which aims to enhance community partnership and embody the national trend of decentralisation. The event was held under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat. The final round of the three-day initiative, held at Oman Convention and Exhibition Center, aims to enhance direct communication between Omani governorates and the parties entrusted with implementing Oman Vision 2040. It seeks to enlighten and empower the local community through meetings, visits and workshops to unify efforts for devising an integrated approach. The Governor of Muscat said that 'All Oman' initiative represents a real opportunity to convert the goals of Oman Vision 2040 into tangible reality through open dialogue and joint action aimed to accommodate local initiatives in all governorates of Oman, leveraging the competitive advantages of the governorates in terms of investment, economic potential, social and cultural factors that set them apart. Muscat wraps up nationwide 'All Oman' initiative He added that the realisation of development goals and the implementation of strategic plans can only be achieved through meetings that reflect the common government-private sector approach and thinking linked to the needs of the local community. For his part, Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Head of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, underscored the efforts made to ensure the success of 'All Oman' initiative, which toured all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. He also lauded the advanced level of cooperation shown by the local community and official institutions. Al Jabri pointed out that the initiative embodies the spirit of community partnership, focusing on empowering local communities and enhancing the role of governorates in development. The 'All Oman' Initiative was held under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat The initiative's activities included specialised, knowledge-transfer-oriented workshops aimed to build the capacity of the governorate's employees and target audience from various sectors, like planning, project management and the Vision's follow-up offices. In Muscat Governorate, 'All Oman' initiative included a youth meeting that showcased inspiring experiences and success stories of how young people overcame challenges and how they made tangible impacts in their respective fields through innovation. The youth meeting served as a platform for dialogue among young people and contributed to their role as active partners in implementing the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 by introducing development initiatives and projects and by engaging various segments of society. — ONA
Observer
18-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
'Ayadi' volunteer platform to promote culture of giving
Muscat, June 18 In a significant move to institutionalise volunteer work in the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), in partnership with Al Hosni International Group, officially launched the 'Ayadi' digital platform for volunteerism on Wednesday. The event was held under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat and attended by ministers, dignitaries and representatives from government entities, private sector organisations and civil society. 'Ayadi' is the first official digital platform in Oman dedicated to organising and enhancing volunteer efforts across the country. The initiative reflects the goals of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in the area of social welfare and protection, by creating a supportive environment for social responsibility and volunteer contributions. Hamood al Shibibi, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Social Development, stated: 'The Ministry is proud to launch 'Ayadi', Oman's first official digital platform for volunteerism. It aims to unify and streamline voluntary efforts and initiatives across the Sultanate of Oman. The platform will attract volunteers from government, private and non-profit sectors, as well as individuals, making it easier to register and match skilled participants with relevant opportunities.' He added: 'Each volunteer will have a personalised profile, a volunteering certificate and a digital record, which can be utilised as a formal reference for future opportunities across various sectors.' The platform is designed to elevate the culture of volunteerism in Oman, ensuring professional management of volunteering activities through a centralised, data-driven approach. It enables the creation of a unified database and provides detailed statistics about volunteers and their contributions, helping shape future national initiatives. Three key volunteer initiatives were announced during the launch: 'Baharna Mas'ooliyatna' (Our Sea, Our Responsibility), 'Oman Design Week' and 'Sawaa'id Al Khair' (Hands of Goodness). 'Ayadi' integrates volunteer teams, NGOs, public and private entities; and individual volunteers under a single digital umbrella. It provides access to opportunities across fields such as healthcare, education, environment, emergency relief and other developmental sectors. Built with community input gathered through online consultations, the platform was shaped according to the aspirations of the Omani people for a modern, accessible and efficient volunteer ecosystem. The mobile app is now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, offering users an easy and flexible experience. Volunteers can register, choose initiatives that align with their interests and expertise, receive training and gain formal recognition for their contributions. Institutions, in turn, can launch initiatives, manage volunteer relationships, track progress and generate customised reports — ensuring transparency, accountability and maximum impact.
