Latest news with #Sohar
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Pact signed to develop natural hydrogen value chain
MUSCAT - Sohar Port and Freezone has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HYNAT SA, a pioneering Swiss company specialised in the research, exploration, and exploitation of hydrogen, to advance the development of a comprehensive natural hydrogen value chain in the Sultanate of Oman. This partnership marks a significant step toward establishing a robust hydrogen ecosystem in SOHAR, with a focus on natural hydrogen as an emerging low-carbon energy source. The collaboration will focus on the identification and assessment of natural hydrogen production areas, development of logistics corridors, and the creation of dedicated storage and processing infrastructure. It will also encompass demand mapping across industry, mobility, and logistics, while exploring export potential for this low-carbon energy source. The agreement builds on an earlier MoU signed between HYNAT and the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) in February 2025, which granted HYNAT the rights to conduct feasibility studies. The joint roadmap includes defined operational targets, and a development timeline aligned with Oman's broader clean energy transition strategy. Emile Hoogsteden, CEO of SOHAR Port, commented: 'This agreement reinforces SOHAR Port and Freezone's commitment to advancing Oman's clean energy vision by supporting the exploration and development of natural hydrogen. Through this partnership with HYNAT SA, we are laying the foundation for a future hydrogen economy, positioning SOHAR as a key gateway for low-carbon solutions and sustainable industrial growth. Stéphane Aver, Chairman of HYNAT SA, said: 'The signing of this agreement demonstrates our commitment to further developing natural hydrogen as a renewable and low-carbon resource. Together with SOHAR Port and Freezone, we aim to accelerate the energy transition and unlock a new pillar of economic value and sustainability.' SOHAR Port and Freezone continues to play a leading role in supporting Oman's Vision 2040 by promoting investments in renewable energy, industrial decarbonisation, and sustainable logistics. With HYNAT SA's advanced geological expertise and cutting-edge AI-powered detection technologies, this partnership is set to explore the untapped potential of natural hydrogen as a critical component of the global energy mix. 2025 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
‘Future Pioneers' camp kicks off in North Al Batinah
Sohar — The activities of the third edition of the "Future Pioneers" camp commenced today at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Sohar, targeting 50 students from the Directorate General of Education in North Al Batinah Governorate. The five-day camp is part of national efforts to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation among students, equipping them with early exposure to technical projects and startups. This initiative aims to build a generation capable of meeting the demands of the knowledge economy and providing innovative solutions to developmental challenges. The camp seeks to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets among participants, equipping them with fundamental skills in entrepreneurship and the establishment of technical projects, while also enhancing their creative and innovative thinking abilities. The program includes practical workshops and theoretical lectures focusing on key themes such as innovation concepts, investment, early-stage business establishment, and specialized training in small and medium enterprise (SME) development. Additionally, students will be encouraged to design entrepreneurial projects that serve the community and align with economic priorities. Throughout the camp, participants will explore Oman's institutional ecosystem supporting entrepreneurship, including funding entities, accelerators, and incubators, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application. This approach aims to enhance opportunities for transforming ideas into viable and sustainable projects. The camp—organized by some startups in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority—will conclude by honoring the top three student startup companies. Financial rewards have been allocated to incentivize excellence and creativity, recognizing the efforts made in developing value-added projects.
Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Times of Oman
Student team develops AI-powered platform to translate sign language
Sohar: A student team from Sohar University in North Al Batinah Governorate has successfully developed an electronic platform project to translate sign language for individuals with hearing impairments using artificial intelligence technologies. This platform leverages AI to provide direct and instant communication, unlike traditional methods that rely heavily on human interpreters or limited resources. The platform provides a digital bridge between sign language users and people who communicate orally. Its system offers real-time translation tools, including sign language recognition, speech-to-text, and text-to-speech, making it a flexible tool for use in workplaces, schools, healthcare centers, and daily life.
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman takes leading role in regional gas sector growth: GECF
MUSCAT: Oman is emerging as a regional leader in natural gas development, with expansion activities underway across the entire value chain—upstream, midstream, and export—according to the latest Global Gas Outlook report by the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). Headquartered in Doha, the GECF is committed to making 'natural gas the pivotal resource for inclusive and sustainable development' and aiming 'to shape the energy future as a global advocate of natural gas and a platform for cooperation and dialogue.' The 2025 edition of the report highlights Oman's growing prominence as a gas producer and exporter in the Middle East, particularly as it expands its liquefaction capacity. While liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are set to remain the mainstay of gas trade, the country's role in the sector is becoming increasingly strategic. 'In 2023, Oman exported 12 million tonnes (Mt) of LNG, with over 90 per cent of shipments directed to the Asia Pacific region. These exports are projected to remain steady at 10 Mt by 2030, gradually declining to 8 Mt by 2040, and further decreasing to 6 Mt by 2050,' the report noted. Oman's liquefaction complex at Qalhat recently completed a multi-year upgrade that boosted nameplate capacity from 10.4 Mtpa to 11.5 Mtpa. Actual production climbed to a record 11.98 Mtpa in 2024, pushing LNG revenues to historic highs. Further expansion is planned with the addition of a 1 Mtpa LNG bunkering facility at Sohar. 'In early 2024, the country, in partnership with TotalEnergies, reached a Final Investment Decision (FID) to develop the Marsa LNG project. Set to commence operations in 2028, it will become the Middle East's first LNG bunkering hub—positioning LNG as a cleaner marine fuel and supporting decarbonisation in the shipping sector,' the report explained. Notably, the report omits reference to a planned fourth LNG train at Qalhat, announced by the Omani government in July 2023. The proposed 3.8 Mtpa train would raise the complex's total capacity to approximately 15.2 Mtpa. However, a final investment decision is pending the availability of uncommitted gas feedstock and long-term offtake agreements. On the upstream side, Oman's natural gas production has also seen robust growth. Output rose to 39 billion cubic metres (bcm) in 2023, up from 33 bcm in 2020. This growth was driven largely by the Khazzan-Makarem field, which accounted for 33 per cent of total production in 2023, as well as upstream development linked to the Marsa LNG project, the report stated. All of Oman's gas production currently comes from onshore fields, positioning the country as a key contributor to regional onshore output growth. Exploration activity is also accelerating. In 2023, Oman awarded three new onshore blocks in the southern Rub al Khali Basin, near Block 6, covering more than 20,000 square kilometres. The government has since launched a direct award initiative offering six additional blocks—43A, 43B, 66, 73, 75, and 76—for exploration. The report noted that further investments will target smaller greenfield projects and optimise production from brownfield sites, aiming to enhance recovery rates and operational efficiency. Oman's strategy focuses on balancing domestic demand with export ambitions—particularly to Asia—while integrating decarbonisation technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) to meet global sustainability goals. An investor-friendly regulatory environment further supports this vision, the report added. Looking ahead, the report concludes: 'Oman is expected to sustain its gas production through the forecast period, reaching 43 bcm by 2050. Achieving this target will require successful exploration, with Yet-to-Find (YTF) resources projected to contribute 60 per cent of total production by mid-century.' 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
22-07-2025
- Times of Oman
Expats arrested for possessing large quantities of alcoholic beverages in North Al Batinah
Muscat: Two expats were arrested for possessing more than 15,380 bottles and cans of alcoholic beverages after Oman Customs raided a house for expatriate workers in the Wilayat of Sohar, North Al Batinah Governorate. Oman Customs said in a statement :"The Compliance and Risk Assessment Department raided a house for expatriate workers in Sohar, which was being used to store large quantities of alcoholic beverages. Two Indian nationals were arrested in possession of more than 15,380 bottles and cans of alcoholic beverages."
