MUSCAT: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) held the draw for the fourth round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Oman’s national football team has been placed in Group 1 alongside regional rivals Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Matches for this group will be hosted by Qatar,…

IRAQ: A devastating fire tore through a newly opened five-storey commercial complex in Kut city, eastern Iraq, on Wednesday night, leaving at least 61 people dead and several others unaccounted for. The building, which housed a hypermarket, restaurant, and various shops, had only been operational for a week. According to Iraq’s Interior Ministry, the fire…

JORDAN: The Jordan Armed Forces have successfully completed the evacuation of the seventh group of ill children from the Gaza Strip as part of the ongoing Jordanian Medical Corridor initiative. According to a military statement released on Wednesday, the latest evacuation included 35 children in need of urgent medical care, accompanied by 72 family members….

MUSCAT: Her Highness begins by expressing heartfelt pride and joy in the achievements of the distinguished students who have excelled in the General Education Diploma. She warmly addresses her “dear sons and daughters,” celebrating not only their success but also the bright future that awaits them as they secure their places in higher education institutions…

MUSCAT: The Primary Court in Sohar has ruled against a service provider who failed to deliver contracted construction services in a timely and proper manner. The court sentenced the contractor to one month in prison and imposed a fine of RO 500. This ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to enforcing contractual obligations and ensuring accountability…

MUSCAT: Muscat Municipality has recently completed the installation of solar-powered street lighting in the Omq Al Rabakh area as part of its ongoing initiatives to improve urban infrastructure and promote sustainability. This project reflects the municipality’s commitment to adopting renewable energy solutions that contribute to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the quality of life for…

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued Royal Decree No. 60/2025, which introduces amendments to specific provisions of Royal Decree No. 52/2023 related to the Social Protection Law. This legislative update reflects the Sultanate’s continued commitment to refining and enhancing the national social protection framework to ensure its alignment with current economic realities…

MUSCAT: A recently issued Royal Decree has officially postponed the implementation date of the savings system for expatriate workers in Oman. Initially scheduled to begin in 2026, the program will now take effect on July 19, 2027. This change reflects the government’s intention to provide ample time for all stakeholders, including employers and regulatory authorities,…

MUSCAT: The Omani media continues to uphold its responsibility in portraying the Sultanate as a progressive, peaceful, and strategically positioned nation. This task is carried out through a well-articulated media strategy that reflects the country’s core values, cultural identity, and long-term national aspirations. Anchored in Oman Vision 2040, this media approach is not only about…