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Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- 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.'
Muscat Daily
21-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman backs 55 tech startups under Nomu programme
Muscat – Fifty-five technology startups have been accepted into the second edition of the Nomu Programme, an initiative by Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) aimed at accelerating the growth of promising early-stage companies. At an introductory meeting held by the ministry on Wednesday, participating startups were briefed on the programme's services, including workshops, one-on-one consultations, marketing support, and business development opportunities. Representatives from key partner organisations – including the 'Madar' platform and the Capital Market Incentive Programme – gave presentations outlining the tools and resources available to participants. The event also featured dialogue sessions with startups from the first edition of the programme, offering an opportunity to share experiences and insights. Ministry officials said the initiative is designed to build an ecosystem where startups in the initial and accelerated growth stages can thrive. 'The programme provides participating companies with the necessary knowledge and skills to grow and expand, both locally and regionally,' a ministry official said. Nomu targets startups with a functioning prototype and a proven user base, as well as those that have secured early-stage funding.
Observer
15-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
New mountain road (Arqut - Sarfait) launched to enhance Dhofar's road network
Salalah: The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology on Thursday inaugurated the new Arqut-Sarfait mountain road in Dhalkout, Dhofar Governorate, as part of efforts to upgrade road networks across the Sultanate of Oman. Eng Said Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, stated that the road will improve connectivity to Dhalkout and the Sarfait border crossing with Yemen, designed to withstand all weather conditions. The project involved rerouting 13.5 km through rugged terrain to avoid landslide-prone areas, with infrastructure including box culverts, retaining walls, drainage channels, and safety signage. A local Omani firm executed the project, aligning with national capacity-building goals. Concurrently, the Ministry has begun constructing the 33 km dual-carriageway Raysut-Mughsail road in Salalah, while the Mughsail Bridge project (11% complete) will feature a 12-meter-high concrete bridge with 19 columns and six decorative arches. These projects reflect the Ministry's commitment to developing safe, modern road infrastructure that supports economic growth and traffic efficiency nationwide.
Observer
30-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
RO 100 million worth pacts to boost logistics
MUSCAT, APRIL 30 Oman marked Logistics Day 2025 with the signing of eighteen major investment agreements exceeding RO 100 million in total value. The event, held at Al Bustan Palace Hotel under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, highlighted the Sultanate's strategic focus on the logistics sector under the theme 'Logistics Technologies and Investment.' During the ceremony, Eng. Abdullah bin Ali al Busaidi, Acting Head of Oman Logistics Center at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, emphasized the critical role of the logistics sector in supporting and diversifying the national economy. He stated that the logistics sector is a vast and integrated system encompassing road networks, ports, land border crossings, airports, logistics zones, transport activities, and storage infrastructure. It plays a pivotal role in facilitating economic and service-related activities across the nation. He further noted that the ministry aims for logistics to become the second-largest contributor to the national GDP, positioning it as a key pillar in achieving Oman Vision 2040. The sector contributed approximately RO 2.25 billion to the GDP in 2024, representing 5.9 per cent of the total. Investments in the logistics sector reached around RO 2.3 billion in 2024, with forecasts indicating a projected contribution of RO 36 billion by 2040. Eng Al Busaidi outlined the four main pillars of the Logistics Sector Strategy 2040: Market Development, Trade Facilitation, Employment and Omanisation, and Logistics Technology. The Market Development pillar focuses on achieving targeted shares in land, sea, and air transport markets. The Trade Facilitation pillar aims to revolutionize customs and shipping procedures across all entry points and improve supply chain efficiency. The Employment and Omanisation pillar centers on regulatory reforms, training programs, and localization of jobs. The Logistics Technology pillar seeks to encourage companies to adopt advanced technologies to increase competitiveness and align with regional market demands. Among the notable investment deals signed were infrastructure developments at Sohar Port, including the establishment of a dedicated LNG jetty by Six Construct LLC Oman Branch and dredging operations led by Boskalis International Oman Branch. WSP Global – Oman branch will provide project management and site supervision for the LNG bunkering terminal. Muscat International Airport's logistics gateway also attracted significant foreign investment. Rakesh Pandey Gold LLC will develop a world-class gold refinery, while Tharwat Al Khaleej International will establish an innovation-driven drone research and training center. Additional agreements cover bonded warehouse development, advanced manufacturing, and the operation of the airport hotel for twelve years by Zahara Airport Services LLC. In Suhar, Lonestar Alpha Laboratories and Al Alami Laboratories will expand lab capacity at the logistics hub to enhance food and product safety services. Meanwhile, Al Madina Logistics and Global Integrated Equipment Company will invest in a modern truck fleet in Duqm to serve the energy sector, specifically for PDO, with an emphasis on fuel efficiency and safety. Other agreements included a new integrated public transport station in Liwa, North Al Batinah, a digital logistics platform (Darbi) to support truck drivers, and a ship refueling service at Sultan Qaboos Port. Financing partnerships with Oman's Development Bank and SME-focused initiatives were also launched to bolster emerging logistics ventures. These investments underscore Oman's commitment to building a world-class logistics ecosystem. By aligning infrastructure development with advanced technologies and sustainable practices, the Sultanate is positioning itself as a competitive player in regional and global supply chains.
