Latest news with #SultanbinSalimalHabsi
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman, Kazakhstan strengthen economic ties with new cooperation agreement
Muscat – Oman and the Republic of Kazakhstan have forged stronger economic, financial and investment ties, following high-level discussions held during an official visit by an Omani delegation to Astana from May 29 to 30. The delegation, led by Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Minister of Finance, included senior representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the Tax Authority, and the Oman Investment Authority. The visit aimed to deepen bilateral cooperation and explore mutually beneficial opportunities across several strategic sectors. Habsi met with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and conveyed greetings from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, along with his best wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the Kazakh leadership and people. A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a bilateral agreement to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion on income and capital. The agreement is expected to enhance transparency and create a more attractive environment for investors from both nations. The talks also focused on expanding cooperation in logistics, mining, and food security – areas identified as having strong potential for joint investment. Opportunities in the financial and oil sectors were also on the agenda, as both countries seek to strengthen their economic frameworks and diversify sources of revenue. Officials noted that the visit reflects the commitment of both nations to deepen economic engagement and lay the groundwork for long-term partnerships in priority sectors.
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
HM's greetings conveyed to President of Kazakhstan
ALMATY: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan, received Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Minister of Finance and his accompanying delegation, as part of his official visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan. During the meeting, the minister conveyed the greetings of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik along with his best wishes to the president and further progress and prosperity for Kazakh people. During the visit, an agreement was signed on double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and capital between the two sides. Investment opportunities were also discussed to increase trade volume in the fields of logistics, mining and food security. Aspects of cooperation in the financial sector were also discussed, as well as investment cooperation related to the oil sector with the Kazakh side. This visit comes within the framework of enhancing cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the aim of fostering bilateral relations in the economic, financial and investment fields. The minister of finance accompanied a delegation comprising several officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the Tax Authority and the Oman Investment Authority, to discuss areas of cooperation and enhance relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Kazakhstan. — ONA
Observer
17-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
155 youngsters successfully complete Ruwaad programme
155 young Omanis celebrated the graduation of the 2024 group from the Oman Scholars Enrichment Programme, Ruwaad under the auspices of Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Minister of Finance. This extensive initiative under Takatuf Oman lasted 14 months, starting the previous summer. During this time, these participants successfully went through several phases, including a summer residency, a self-guided learning period, a winter workshop problem-solving and skill development as part of Oman Vision 2040 which enables moulding future workforce. More than 1,000 people applied for the programme and nearly 800 were selected and out of these, 45 graduates were selected for an international scholarship lasting six years — beginning with two years at a boarding school and continuing with four years at a prestigious global university. The ceremony kicked off with a video displaying the winter workshop, where students reflected on their experiences in the enrichment programme. Furthermore, parents shared their views on how the programme influenced their children. The event wrapped up with presentations from alumni of Oman Scholars Programme cohorts, who conveyed their journeys and shared messages with the 2024 group. Speaking to the Observer, Mahmoud bin Abdullah al Owaini, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance, stressed that the Ruwaad programme goes beyond academic achievement; it is an investment in human capital, forming the bedrock of sustainable development in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. He pointed out the students' ability to overcome challenges throughout the programme, showcasing their potential to thrive at top universities worldwide and return to Oman with invaluable expertise and insights. 'The future of Oman is shaped by its people, and initiatives like Ruwaad, the Oman Scholars Programme are crucial in realising this vision, as they come back with state-of-the-art knowledge, leadership skills and innovative ideas that contribute to the growth of the national economy,' he added. The Oman Scholars Programme aims to prepare young Omanis for leadership and professional roles in both public and private sectors.
Muscat Daily
05-05-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
SQU awards Royal Grant to 10 strategic research projects
Muscat – Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) marked the 25th anniversary of the University Day with the announcement of the 2025 Royal Grant for Strategic Research Projects. The event, held under the patronage of H E Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Minister of Finance, honoured ten research initiatives spanning artificial intelligence, renewable energy, healthcare, and cultural studies. Among the recipients were Prof Dr Aisha bint Salem al Harthi, recognised for her work on social innovation in Omani learning cities; Dr Jalila bint Saeed al Shukaili, who is developing newborn screening for immunological disorders; and Prof Dr Tasneem Pervez, focused on solar cells using locally sourced polymers. Other researchers awarded include Dr Malik bin Mohammed al Wardi for an AI-driven drought prediction model, Dr Rashid bin Salem al Hajri for green hydrogen production and Dr Amira bint Khamis al Amri for her study on the socioeconomic costs of road traffic accidents. Projects on carbon capture, digital archiving of Omani heritage, and national identity also received the grant. Speaking at the event, Dr Amer bin Saif al Hinai, Vice Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research, said, 'We wanted this to be more than a celebration – a chance to consolidate SQU's research achievements that have strengthened Oman's regional and international presence in science and innovation.' Dr Ghazi bin Ali al Rawas, Dean of Scientific Research, noted that the Royal Grant has supported nearly 4,500 projects with over RO78mn in funding. He credited the continued support of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for driving Oman's research-led development. The anniversary also included the International Conference on Scientific Research and Sustainability, which focused on sustainable funding and partnerships. An exhibition showcased SQU's research milestones and tools supporting scientific publishing and sustainability.
Observer
05-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
SQU announces Royal Grant winners
MUSCAT: Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) on Monday announced the top 10 winners of the 2025 Royal Grant for Strategic Research Projects. The announcement was made during a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of University Day. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Minister of Finance. University Day celebration coincided with the convening of the International Research Management Conference themed "Scholarly Research and Sustainability: A Vision for Change." The conference seeks to explore ways to ensure the sustainability of research at institutional, national and international levels. It lays emphasis on upgrading sustainable funding strategies, strengthening research partnerships (between academic, industrial, and governmental institutions), building research capacities and using modern technology to update research methodologies and effective research dissemination norms. The ceremony included three documentaries that featured the Royal Grant for Strategic Research, the University Day and the achievements of the SQU in scholarly research and postgraduate studies. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Al Habsi and attendees toured an exhibition accompanying the University Day. The exhibition showcased two platforms: one on the 'Research Management System' and the other on the 'Publishing and Journals Management System'. It also included stands on innovation and technology transfer, postgraduate studies and sustainability in research. — ONA
