Latest news with #RO
Observer
21 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
Duqm Airport - Ras Markaz dual carriageway project launched
MUSCAT: The Special Economic Zone at Duqm has inaugurated traffic on the dual-carriageway project linking Duqm Airport roundabout with the crude oil storage tanks of Oman Tank Terminal Company in Ras Markaz. The 51km project constitutes a vital new artery that strengthens Duqm's position as a global hub for investment and logistics. The dual-carriageway extends 42.9 kilometers with two lanes in each direction, supported by a secondary road network measuring 11.5 kilometers, including side roundabout entrances and airport access roads. The project connects the oil tanks in Ras Markaz with Duqm Airport, running alongside the Green Industries Zone and several major projects under development. It also links to the road leading to Dhahr village and the strategic road to Salalah. This integration enhances the connectivity of vital facilities and serves various strategic projects in the southern part of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. Eng Abdullah bin Salem Al-Hakamani, Director of the Technical Affairs Department at the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, said the opening of the RO 57.6 million project represents a qualitative leap in Duqm's infrastructure development, as it facilitates movement between key facilities, connects the airport with energy and industrial projects, and enhances the zone's attractiveness to investors. Al-Hakamani noted that the dual-carriageway will contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm regionally and internationally, thanks to infrastructure capable of accommodating rapid investment growth and supporting logistics supply chains, which are a cornerstone for attracting investments in the energy, petrochemical, and support service sectors. Meanwhile, Eng. Saif bin Saeed Al-Amri, Project Engineer at Oman Company for the Development of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Tatweer), stated that the project scope included the installation of a modern lighting network equipped with an intelligent control and management system, connected to advanced electrical grids. It also involved constructing culverts for rainwater drainage along the road, ensuring the sustainability of the infrastructure and the safety of traffic under various weather conditions. A portion of the project's value was also allocated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhancing the participation of national companies in major projects, and supporting the local economy, in addition to creating direct and indirect job opportunities for national talent. Thus, the project is not merely strategic infrastructure but also a developmental driver contributing to advancing economic and social development.
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman Flour Mills advances insect meal project for animal feed
MUSCAT, AUG 15 Oman Flour Mills (OFM), one of the Sultanate of Oman's largest food processing enterprises, has announced further progress towards its goal of investing in insect farming as a source of protein for animal feed production. The initiative, first unveiled three years ago, is currently in the preliminary assessment stage, the publicly traded company revealed in its Board of Directors' report for the six months ended June 30, 2025. 'A desktop feasibility study has been completed for an insect meal manufacturing facility. The project aims to produce alternative protein from organic and poultry waste for use in animal feed', said Ahmed bin Ali bin Sulaiman al Bulushi, Chairman of the Board of Directors. Insect meal contains 40–70 per cent protein, depending on species and processing; and is rich in essential amino acids, beneficial fats, vitamins and minerals. It is a sustainable feed option, as insects can be reared on organic waste, reducing landfill use and emissions, while requiring far less land, water and feed than traditional livestock. With rapid growth cycles and compatibility with circular economy and low-carbon agriculture models, it offers an efficient, eco-friendly protein source. Earlier, at an investment roadshow hosted by the Muscat Stock Exchange, OFM officials revealed that the company is exploring the farming of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) for the manufacture of protein meal for animal feed. BSFL — the most common ingredient in insect meal production globally — contains up to 50 per cent crude protein, up to 35 per cent lipids and an amino acid profile comparable to fishmeal. Insect meal from this species is widely used as an alternative protein source in poultry, aquaculture (farmed fish and shrimp) and other livestock feeds. OFM, one of the country's largest animal feed producers, generates roughly half of its total revenue from feed sales. Revenue from the Feed Mills division totalled around RO 36.20 million for the first half of 2025, accounting for 50.8 per cent of the company's total revenue for the period. Globally, the insect protein market is projected to exceed $4–5 billion by 2030, driven by rising protein demand and sustainability pressures on fishmeal and soy. The proposed insect meal project is one of several greenfield initiatives under consideration by OFM. Notably, a health bar manufacturing facility is envisaged to start as a small-scale operation within existing premises before being relocated to a dedicated food cluster. An investment decision is expected by Q4 2025, with production slated to commence following a 10-month lead time for equipment procurement and installation. Additionally, OFM is exploring opportunities in the functional foods segment, focusing on high-value nutritional products aligned with global health and wellness trends. Plans for a baby food manufacturing project in Uzbekistan are also under review, with a preliminary feasibility study completed. The project targets the growing demand in Central Asia. Partly state-owned OFM — part of Oman Food Investment Holding Company (Nitaj) — has operations spanning flour milling, bakery and confectionery products, dairy and poultry products, meat, animal feed and laboratory services. OFM Group revenue grew by 3.2 per cent year-on-year to RO 67.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, supported by sustained demand. Gross profit rose by 13.5 per cent to RO 14.8 million, with the gross margin improving from 19.9 per cent to 21.9 per cent, reflecting better cost efficiency at the production level. Net profit after tax increased by 22.4 per cent to RO 4.32 million, the company added.
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
800 Omanis employed in water projects
MUSCAT, AUG 14 Nama Water Services announced the completion of recruiting 800 Omanis for new job opportunities in the projects sector. This step comes within the framework of the company's commitment to enhancing the participation of national talent in the implementation of vital projects and supporting Omanisation efforts in advanced technical and administrative specialties within supporting companies. The initiative was part of strategic projects with a total value exceeding RO 1 billion, covering various governorates. These projects include the construction and expansion of water transmission and distribution networks. It also reflects the Omanisation efforts being made within supporting companies in advanced technical and administrative specialties, including health and safety, project management, surveying, and engineering in various branches. Qais bin Saud al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services, stated that this batch of job opportunities aligns with the company's strategic direction to strengthen national human capital, support partner companies, and directly link employment to the needs of ongoing projects in the water and sanitation sector. He added, "We at Nama Water Services are pleased to welcome our new colleagues in this sector to work with the supporting companies implementing water projects. We have seen their competence and desire, which indicates outstanding job performance that will be reflected in the quality and efficiency of project implementation. The provision of more than 800 new job opportunities by contractors and consultants implementing Nama Water Services projects is a qualitative step towards supporting efforts to accommodate job-seekers and opening broader horizons for Omani youth to develop their skills and utilise their energies in vital projects that serve the various governorates." Eng Abdullah bin Salem al Rasbi, CEO of Development Projects, emphasised that the new jobs represent direct support for the projects sector by providing it with Omani competencies capable of integrating into the fieldwork environment from day one. "The recruitment of these national talents brings real added value, not only by filling job needs, but also by providing employees with practical experience and advanced technical skills acquired through on-the-job experience, and by transferring knowledge from current work teams to younger cadres. This ensures continued outstanding performance and enhances the sector's ability to keep pace with development requirements and future projects," Al Rasbi said. Care was taken to attract both new graduates and experienced individuals to achieve intergenerational integration and enhance the exchange of expertise. The positions covered a range of technical and administrative fields, most notably project management, engineering across various specialisations, health and safety engineering, quantity surveying, consulting services, human resources, public relations and logistics support. The number of Omani employees reached 16 in Senior Management positions, 248 in Engineering positions, 105 in HSE positions and 150 in administration. Meanwhile, 338 were hired in various positions. The initiative embodies the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which places people at the heart of development. These positions will support strategic projects, including the expansion of water transmission networks and pipelines, the construction of new water and sewage networks, and the development of smart monitoring and control systems. The meeting also addressed ongoing projects, including water transmission lines, water distribution networks, distribution tanks, and other facilities related to the water system in various governorates. Nama Water's existing projects in various governorates are valued at RO 960 million. Muscat Governorate has 37 contracts at a cost of RO 266 million, employing 288 Omanis. Al Sharqiyah Governorate has 13 contracts at a cost of RO 40 million, employing 47 Omanis. Al Wusta Governorate has two contracts at a cost of RO 0.8 million. Al Dakhiliyah Governorate has 10 contracts at a cost of RO 293 million, employing 200 Omanis. Al Dhahirah Governorate has 10 contracts at a cost of RO 271 million, employing 129 Omanis. Al Buraimi Governorate has three contracts at a cost of RO 3.2 million. Musandam Governorate has two contracts valued at RO 3.1 million. Al Batinah Governorate has 29 contracts at a cost of RO 83 million, employing 193 Omanis. Eng Ismail al Maskari, who recently joined as a project manager at one of the supporting companies implementing one of these strategic projects, said, "I am proud to have been offered this position and to participate in managing the implementation of strategic projects in the water sector serving various governorates. This opportunity allows me to work within specialised teams, gain direct practical experience in the field and share my previous work experience. I also feel that I am contributing to a national project that serves the community." Meanwhile, Eng Atheer al Humaidi, a recent health and safety graduate who joined this programme, expressed her gratitude for starting her career in a stimulating work environment, saying, "Joining this position is an important start to my career path and an opportunity to apply what I learned at university in real life. Working in a vital sector like water gives me a sense of pride and motivates me to put in more effort to gain experience and develop my skills." The initiative embodies the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which places people at the heart of development and emphasises building a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
BFI polls: RO rejects Rajesh Bhandari's candidature for presidency
New Delhi: In a major fillip to Ajay Singh's bid for a third term as Boxing Federation of India (BFI) president, the Returning Officer Justice (retd) Rajesh Tandon on Thursday rejected the candidature of Rajesh Bhandari for 'violating the provision of the Model Election Guidelines.' Representational image of boxing gloves. (HT) Bhandari had filed his nomination for the posts of secretary-general, vice-president and president which was objected to by Narender Kumar Nirwan. Vice-president of the north-west zone in the earlier BFI dispensation, Nirwan is once again running for the post of VP. The model election guidelines of the 2011 code, Nirwan contended, allowed only two nominations by a candidate. Bhandari argued that the fact that elections will be held as per the 2011 sports code was not notified and therefore his candidature should stand. The RO, however, didn't see merit in Bhandari's defence and found his nomination in violation of Article 6(3) of Model Election Guidelines of the Sports Code that states 'each candidate shall be entitled to be nominated by not more than two nomination papers.' The RO noted that the election notification issued by the Interim Committee had stated that the polls will be held in accordance with the new BFI constitution that's been approved by World Boxing. 'Article 31(6) of BFI Constitution categorically states that election procedure shall be in accordance with the Model Election Guidelines of the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011,' Justice Tandon said. Bhandari's nomination for presidency was the 'last in point of time to be received' and hence the same was rejected while his other two nominations stand valid. The development means BFI presidency will be a contest between Ajay Singh and Sikkim unit's Jaslal Pradhan. Further, the RO rejected Bhandari and Delhi Amateur Boxing Association's (DABA) objection to Ajay Singh's nomination. Citing a 2022 judgment in the case of Rahul Mehra vs Union of India and Others, Bhandari had argued that Singh ought to go into a mandatory cooling off period. The RO, however, went by Article 31(6) of BFI Constitution and rejected Bhandari and DABA's objection. The nomination of Kerala unit's Sooraj NK for the post of Treasurer was also rejected for the same reason as Bhandari's. His bid for the posts of secretary general and vice-president, however, stand.
Observer
6 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Counting screens enhance transparency of projects
Siham al Saidi Suhar, Aug 13 At construction sites across the Al Batinah North Governorate, a quiet but powerful change is catching the public's eye with large digital screens counting down the days until a project's completion. These are not just timers. In fact, they are bold statements of accountability, turning every passerby into a stakeholder. In a first-of-its-kind government initiative in the region, digital counters at all major public projects were introduced, following the direct vision and instructions of the Governor. The goal is to make progress visible, deadlines undeniable and safety measurable. Engineer Waleed al Nabhani, the Director of the Projects Department at Al Batinah North Municipaliaty, explained that each display is divided into two distinct sections. "The first shows a live countdown to the expected completion date. When the timer hits zero, the project's status is revealed instantly. If the work is finished on time, the counter confirms success but if not, the display turns red, signalling a missed deadline", he said. Engineer Waleed al Nabhani 'This is an honest mirror for us as project managers. It challenges our teams to deliver on time while giving the public the right to hold us accountable. It's about credibility, trust and a shared commitment to results", he added. The first project to feature this technology is the Liwa Entrance Project, a landmark development valued at RO 2.1 million. It includes landscaped green areas, pedestrian and cycling paths, parking spaces and distinctive architectural landmarks, serving as both a gateway and a welcoming statement for the wilayat. The second section of the display highlights safety performance by showing the number of hours worked without a Lost Time Injury (LTI). This internationally recognised metric underscores the project's compliance with occupational safety standards and its commitment to worker welfare. The dual display concept blends transparency with quality assurance. It allows citizens to see, not just hear about how well projects are advancing, while also reinforcing a safety first culture. As these screens light up construction sites across the governorate, they are more than digital devices which stands as symbols of a new era in public works management, one where transparency isn't promised but it's displayed.
