Latest news with #TenthFive-YearPlan
Observer
17-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Road projects with RO 920 million underway across Oman
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has invested more than RO 920 million in road development projects across the Sultanate of Oman since the beginning of the Tenth Five-Year Plan in 2021. These efforts reflect the government's commitment to enhancing connectivity, supporting regional development, and improving infrastructure throughout the country. According to Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary for Transport, the Ministry is currently implementing a number of dual carriageway and other road projects in various stages—some under execution, others in the bidding phase or under design. One of the most significant recent completions is the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road, a 400-kilometre-long dual carriageway, now the longest in the Sultanate. Following the completion of national roads linking major governorates, the Ministry is now focusing on regional projects and urban connections. Among the most prominent projects in progress is the dual carriageway in the Wilayat of Ibra in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, which is currently in the design phase. This road will link Sultan Turki bin Said Road, pass through Al Mudhaibi, and extend to Sinaw. In Al Dhahirah Governorate, the Ministry is working on the first phase of the Rub al Khali Road, which involves dualising an 11-kilometre section from Al Buraimi to Mahdha. Additionally, the remaining segment of the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road from Adam to Haima is being completed. Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary for Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. In Dhofar Governorate, several road infrastructure projects are underway. These include the dual carriageway from Raysut to Al Mughsail, the construction of the Mughsail Bridge and Itin Tunnel, the dualisation of Al Farouq and Sultan Taimur Streets, and the development of an asphalt road network in the Wilayat of Maqshan. The Ministry is also advancing the Jabal Shams Road and the dual carriageway connecting Izki and Nizwa via Qarut South, Barakat Al Mouz, and Farq in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. In South Al Sharqiyah, the dual carriageway linking Al Kamil, Jalan Bani Bu Hassan, and Jalan Bani Bu Ali is under evaluation, based on a final scope agreed upon with relevant authorities. Meanwhile, the Al Kamil–Sur Road project has reached more than 46 per cent completion, and the Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road project has surpassed 44 per cent completion. Al Shammakhi revealed that road projects awarded in 2024 are valued at over RO 450 million, and the total value of projects this year is expected to exceed RO 600 million. Since the start of the Tenth Five-Year Plan, the cumulative value of road projects awarded by the Ministry has surpassed RO 920 million. He also noted that the Ministry is working to implement key internal highway connections based on annual priorities and approvals from relevant authorities. These include a connection from the Musannah (Shuaiba) Roundabout and the Sohar link to the Batinah Expressway, which is expected to be tendered this year. Additional connections and works are also underway along Sultan Turki bin Said Road and the Batinah Expressway. The Ministry is simultaneously supervising maintenance work on asphalt roads in various governorates. A key project includes the rehabilitation of Sultan Thuwaini bin Said Road, which runs from the Wilayat of Bidbid to Nizwa. Currently, the Ministry oversees a road network that spans over 33,000 kilometres, including approximately 16,000 kilometres of asphalt roads and 17,000 kilometres of dirt roads. — ONA
Observer
30-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Development projects in Al Dakhiliyah under way
The Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah is witnessing the implementation of several development and investment projects, including the Al Dakhiliyah Square (Al Dakhiliyah Boulevard), the integrated public transport station, Nizwa Public Park, and the development of the entrance to the Wilayat of Nizwa, in addition to development and tourism projects in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar. As part of the Ministry of Economy's efforts to promote sustainable economic development across various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, Dr Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy, and Eng Badr bin Salim al Maamari, Secretary-General of the Tender Board, conducted a field visit to Al Dakhiliyah Governorate to follow up the progress of vital projects. Shaikh Hilal bin Said al Hajri, Governor of Al Dakhiliyah, emphasised that the visit aligns with ongoing efforts to assess the implementation of development projects under the Tenth Five-Year Plan and the Governorate Development Programme. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between relevant entities to enhance project efficiency and achieve high performance and competitiveness indicators. He noted that Al Dakhiliyah Governorate boasts natural and cultural assets that position it as a promising investment destination. Stressing the need to leverage these resources, he underscored their role in stimulating the local economy, meeting citizens' aspirations and supporting local development efforts in line with national goals - particularly in education, health, tourism and agriculture. The visit included several visual presentations. Said bin Rashid al Qatabi, Director-General of Social Sectors at the Ministry of Economy, reviewed the governorate's economic and social aspects, along with key strategic projects aimed at infrastructure development and investment promotion, such as 'Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Front' project and heritage tourism initiatives. Al Qatabi highlighted Al Dakhiliyah's potential as a prominent economic and tourism hub, noting a 15.5-per cent increase in heritage site visitors in 2023. — ONA
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GCC Accreditation Centre opens first branch in Oman
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion officially launched the first regional branch of the GCC Accreditation Centre (GAC) in Muscat on Sunday, April 27, 2025. The launch was followed by the unveiling of the logo of the Omani Accreditation Centre. The ceremony, which took place at the JW Marriott Hotel, was presided over by Jasem Mohamed al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and attended by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, and senior public and private sector officials. This move is consistent with Oman Vision 2040 and will further enhance the Sultanate's accreditation and quality systems. The new office will provide internationally recognized accreditation services, promote product and service conformity, and enhance regional trade integration. Eng Mut'ib bin Saeed al Mizani, Director General of the GCC Accreditation Center, said: "In a move which reinforces its steadfast commitment towards enhancing Gulf cooperation, the Sultanate of Oman has formally inaugurated a branch of the Gulf Accreditation Center in Muscat. The establishment of this center is a testament to Oman's central contribution and strong support for common Gulf endeavours.' Eng Al Mizani added, "The center will oversee the issuance of accreditation certificates to all types of goods to ensure they meet regional and international standards. The drive is expected to establish a strong foundation to increase the quality and competitiveness of Omani products and create a proper environment for the goods to enter regional and international markets." He added. Emad bin Khamis al Shukaili, Director General for Standards and Metrology of Oman's Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, commented: "We are celebrating today the official inauguration of the first branch of the Gulf Accreditation Center at the regional level of GCC countries in the Sultanate of Oman. This parallels the launching of our temporary programme, supplementing the Tenth Five-Year Plan by introducing the Omani Accreditation Center." "The importance of operating both the Gulf and Omani centers simultaneously is to achieve two primary objectives: First, to provide accreditation services, which have not been available in the Omani market for a very long time; Second, to enable the Omani National Accreditation Center to obtain international acceptance during this period and the future period, God willing," he further noted. The Ministry further initiated the "Omani Competencies Programme," which is designed to train a new generation of quality and accreditation professionals, thus furthering the nation's quest for a knowledge-based economy. The ceremony concluded with the signing of a second agreement of cooperation between the Ministry and GAC, paving the way for more accreditation services and eventual international recognition for the Omani Accreditation Centre. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
28-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
GCC Accreditation Centre opens first branch in Oman
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion officially launched the first regional branch of the GCC Accreditation Centre (GAC) in Muscat on Sunday, April 27, 2025. The launch was followed by the unveiling of the logo of the Omani Accreditation Centre. The ceremony, which took place at the JW Marriott Hotel, was presided over by Jasem Mohamed al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and attended by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, and senior public and private sector officials. This move is consistent with Oman Vision 2040 and will further enhance the Sultanate's accreditation and quality systems. The new office will provide internationally recognized accreditation services, promote product and service conformity, and enhance regional trade integration. Eng Mut'ib bin Saeed al Mizani, Director General of the GCC Accreditation Center, said: "In a move which reinforces its steadfast commitment towards enhancing Gulf cooperation, the Sultanate of Oman has formally inaugurated a branch of the Gulf Accreditation Center in Muscat. The establishment of this center is a testament to Oman's central contribution and strong support for common Gulf endeavours.' Eng Al Mizani added, "The center will oversee the issuance of accreditation certificates to all types of goods to ensure they meet regional and international standards. The drive is expected to establish a strong foundation to increase the quality and competitiveness of Omani products and create a proper environment for the goods to enter regional and international markets." He added. Emad bin Khamis al Shukaili, Director General for Standards and Metrology of Oman's Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, commented: "We are celebrating today the official inauguration of the first branch of the Gulf Accreditation Center at the regional level of GCC countries in the Sultanate of Oman. This parallels the launching of our temporary programme, supplementing the Tenth Five-Year Plan by introducing the Omani Accreditation Center." "The importance of operating both the Gulf and Omani centers simultaneously is to achieve two primary objectives: First, to provide accreditation services, which have not been available in the Omani market for a very long time; Second, to enable the Omani National Accreditation Center to obtain international acceptance during this period and the future period, God willing," he further noted. The Ministry further initiated the "Omani Competencies Programme," which is designed to train a new generation of quality and accreditation professionals, thus furthering the nation's quest for a knowledge-based economy. The ceremony concluded with the signing of a second agreement of cooperation between the Ministry and GAC, paving the way for more accreditation services and eventual international recognition for the Omani Accreditation Centre.
Observer
21-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Shura meeting reviews housing, urban initiatives
MUSCAT, APRIL 21 On Monday, the Majlis Ash'shura hosted Dr Khalfan bin Said al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, during the ninth regular session of the second regular session of the tenth term. The session focused on the ministry's statement, which covered several key initiatives aimed at shaping the future of Oman's urban and housing landscape. Dr Al Shueili presented the ministry's ongoing projects and highlighted five key areas in the statement: the National Urban Development Strategy, the programmes of the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), legislation and laws regulating the urban and housing planning sector, digital transformation and simplified procedures, and addressing future challenges and opportunities in developing sustainable cities and integrated urban neighbourhoods. In his speech, Dr Al Shueili emphasised that the ministry is working in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the National Strategy for Sustainable Development. The urban strategy is being integrated with the directives of the five-year plans, ensuring that urban growth and development meet the aspirations of Oman's future. He stressed the ministry's commitment to achieving balanced urban growth while promoting environmental sustainability and the diversification of the economy. Badr al Jabri, a member of Majlis Ash'shura, noted that housing is one of the most critical issues affecting citizens' daily lives. He highlighted that providing adequate and diverse housing options for citizens is a core mission of the ministry. The ministry aims to ensure that all segments of society have access to suitable housing through various programmes, such as 'Choose Your Land', 'Buy Your Land', and integrated residential neighbourhoods. A significant part of the ministry's efforts involves fostering effective partnerships between the public and private sectors. The ministry has successfully registered 90 developers for real estate development projects and granted 20 licences for such projects between 2022 and 2024. These initiatives have led to an investment value of RO 500 million for integrated residential and neighbourhood projects. The ministry's efforts in this area aim to ensure sustainable urban growth while strengthening the economy. In line with its focus on innovation and efficiency, the ministry has made substantial progress in its digital transformation. As of 2024, approximately 85 automated services have been introduced, facilitating citizens' access to essential services through electronic platforms. This transformation has seen a leap in the ministry's performance, with a rating increase from 58 per cent in 2022 to 80 per cent in 2024. The ministry's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its push to develop smart cities that align with the latest sustainability standards. Dr Al Shueili explained that the ministry is working to ensure that future cities are built on advanced technology and integrated residential neighbourhoods, which will enhance the ability of governorates to accommodate population growth in a modern and sustainable manner. To ensure efficient land use, the ministry has planned and prepared 49,018 plots for various uses, including residential, commercial and industrial purposes. Between 2021 and 2024, 69,963 plots of land and residential units were distributed under the Housing Options Programme, benefiting thousands of citizens. The ministry has allocated 216 housing units within integrated residential neighbourhoods and plans to allocate an additional 1,000 units in the Sultan Haitham City. This extensive distribution of residential options aims to support family stability and social cohesion. The ministry has also focused on maximising the role of the real estate market by facilitating transparent and competitive land use services. Between 2022 and 2025, 2,189 plots of land for commercial, residential, industrial and agricultural use will be offered, further stimulating economic activity and attracting investment. The ministry has already processed 375,132 transactions, amounting to over RO 10 billion in value between 2021 and 2024. The ministry's efforts are pivotal in creating a modern, sustainable and efficient urban landscape for Oman. Through its strategic focus on urban development, digital transformation and public-private partnerships, the ministry is working to provide Omani citizens with diverse housing options, ensure economic growth and promote sustainability, all while aligning with Oman Vision 2040.
