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Observer
a day ago
- Business
- Observer
Gulf Green Transport Forum in Dhofar from August 31
Salalah --- The Gulf Green Transport Forum will kick off in Salalah on August 31, with the participation of specialists and experts from various Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The forum aims to enhance environmental sustainability in the transport sector and encourage the use of clean and alternative means of transport. The forum, organized by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, aims to exchange experiences and expertise among Gulf countries in the fields of sustainable transportation and environmentally friendly technologies, in addition to highlighting the policies and initiatives that contribute to achieving net-zero goals and reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector. The forum's activities began with a virtual Gulf workshop organized by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the GCC, with the participation of representatives from the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, and the State of Kuwait. Dhofar Governorate will host sports and awareness activities for children on August 15 and 16, including a marathon and a dedicated cycling track. The activities will be held in a safe environment and under the supervision of specialists. The aim is to instill a culture of green transportation from an early age and raise awareness of healthy and sustainable lifestyles. The main forum will be preceded by a series of specialized workshops, most notably the "Gulf Youth Leading Change" workshop, held at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, and the "Green Corridors for Gulf Ports" workshop. Several agreements will also be signed, paving the way for strategic partnerships in the field of green transportation.


Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
KP to spend Rs18bn on youth's digital skill development: SACM
ISLAMABAD: The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be spending Rs18 billion in 2025-26 on the provision and promotion of science and information technology in the province aiming to empower youth with digital skills. This was stated by the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Science, Technology, and Information Technology (SACM), Dr Shafqat Ayaz, while addressing the Metrix Pakistan Youth Summit Seventh Edition as the chief guest. He said that Haripur Digital City project will soon be completedcosting Rs8 billion. The initiative is expected to be fully operational by 2026, generating over 4,000 high-tech jobs with an export potential of $25-$50 million per year, nurturing startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the IT sector. Highlighting the key features of revolutionary initiative 'Digital Skills, Dignified Livelihood, Skills, Certification, and Employment', Ayaz said that 27,450 youth will receive completely free digital skills training, whereas, 2,888 scholarships will be awarded for international standard certifications to the students of the province. Practical training will be provided by industry experts and freelancing and career support will be offered after completion of training. He added that full access to a modern Learning Management System (LMS) will enable remote learning. He said that the provincial government was fully committed in equipping youth with modern technology, IT expertise, and new skills to enable them to excel at both national and international levels. Dr Ayaz said that several Citizen Facilitation Centres, Digital Connect projects, and IT Parks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are providing the province's youth with unprecedented opportunities for employment, technical training, and entrepreneurship. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Observer
07-08-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Oman invites name suggestions for a unified app for EVs
To promote sustainable mobility in the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) has launched a public survey to select the name of the unified national application for charging electric vehicles. The application will be a unified national platform that includes all electric vehicle charging operators in the Sultanate, under the supervision of the Ministry. Its goals are to facilitate users' access to all charging services in the Sultanate through a single application. Integrate all operators under one umbrella for a seamless and unified experience. As the first hydrogen station in Oman was launched this year, MTCIT plans to replace government vehicles with electric ones. There are also plans to implement a green corridors project for trucks powered by hydrogen. Future expansion of the application will include Gulf countries within the framework of cooperation in the field of green mobility. The suggested names for the application are EVNet OM - (Electric Vehicle Network Oman), a technical and professional name that reflects the national identity and the unified charging network. NEVO - (National Electric Vehicles Oman) An official and abbreviated name that carries a national and electric connotation, EV-Go OM - (Electric Vehicle Go Oman) - a direct marketing name that reflects readiness and mobility, ECO - (Electric Charges Oman) - a combination of environmental and functional meanings and EV Connect OM - (Electric Vehicle Connect Oman) A name that expresses the connection between users and stations within a single network. The participants in the survey can give another name suggestion for an app, apart from indicating plans, whether they own an electric vehicle or have any plans to purchase one within the next year. It may be noted that MTCIT has launched and implemented initiatives and projects towards net-zero emissions in areas such as legislation, governance, investment, and pilot projects. Achievements have been made in the use of biofuels in public transport, enhancing the infrastructure for electric vehicle chargers with more than 150 chargers installed by the end of 2024, implementing smart systems to reduce emissions, launching pilot hydrogen-powered vehicles, and converting port equipment to electric power. The number of registered electric vehicles exceeded 1,500 in the Sultanate in 2024.


Muscat Daily
02-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Novel Muscat International Signs 15-Year Agreement to Develop Oman's National Port Community System
Muscat – Novel Muscat International has signed a 15-year concession agreement with the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology in the Sultanate of Oman to implement and operate the National Port Community System (NPCS). This landmark project will streamline logistics and trade operations across all ports, airports, free zones, and border crossings in Oman, aligning closely with His Majesty the Sultan's Vision 2040. The system aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and integration within the national logistics ecosystem. Implementation will begin immediately, with a phased rollout across Oman's major trade gateways. Novel Muscat International reiterates its commitment to driving innovation and operational excellence in support of Oman's long-term development goals. As a leading investment company and provider of advanced logistics and technology solutions, Novel Muscat International is dedicated to transforming trade and transport ecosystems through cutting-edge digital platforms.


Observer
21-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
MTCIT to intensify efforts to get street taxis to join apps
Muscat: With its efforts to get Orange and White Street taxis to join licensed app-based companies, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) intends to launch a public awareness campaign to educate drivers on the importance of joining the application with the help of specialized international and regional companies. According to the sources in the industry, despite repeated deadlines, getting everyone on board has been challenging, even though thousands of drivers are already operating under app-based companies. MTCIT has been stressing that taxi apps are essential to ensure transparency by setting fixed prices before the trip, and security by tracking and monitoring the route. The licensed companies will guarantee drivers that services are available quickly. The clear pricing and payment systems will benefit both drivers and customers, apart from the ease of use and privacy of the user's data. MTCIT wanted all Orange and White taxis should be part of the licensed companies from April 1, 2025, but efforts are yet to yield results. But several owners are reluctant to adapt to the new system, including the conditions and fares set by the companies and the ministry. Individual taxi operators can join OTaxi, Tasleem, Marhaba, Oman Taxi, Hala, and Taxi Muscat, which operate via mobile applications. The government said it has determined to improve and raise the level of taxi services in the country. As of January 2025, there are 28,241 registered taxis in the Sultanate of Oman, and several of them operate under companies. Speaking to the Observer, Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, said, 'We focus a lot on streamlining taxi services as part of our plans to improve public transport and the main objective is to ensure that all taxis should be metered (even orange and white street taxis ) through applications.' He said that there have been challenges, but progress has been made on that front. 'Today, we have eight app-based taxi companies operating in the country.'