MUSCAT: The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has announced that beginning Tuesday, July 1, 2025, all cross-border transactions initiated from Oman must be processed using the International Bank Account Number (IBAN). This directive aims to align Oman’s banking practices with international financial standards, ensuring smoother, faster, and more secure global money transfers. Banks and financial…
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Education has officially launched its 2025 summer programme for school students in various wilayats across the North Al Batinah Governorate. The initiative is part of a broader national strategy to engage students in meaningful educational and recreational activities during the summer break. The programme includes a wide range of workshops, creative…
MUSCAT: The Muscat Governorate Police Command has apprehended an Omani citizen accused of orchestrating a rental scam that targeted several unsuspecting victims. According to the Royal Oman Police, the individual had advertised fake rental properties on digital platforms, collecting advance payments from interested tenants before disappearing without fulfilling any rental agreement. This fraudulent activity caused…
MUSCAT: Oman Air has officially launched its inaugural direct route between Muscat and Amsterdam, marking a key milestone in enhancing the Sultanate’s global air connectivity. The new service, operating four times weekly, is the first direct link between Oman and the Netherlands, reinforcing efforts to position Oman as a premier destination for tourism and trade….
MUSCAT: The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has confirmed the arrest of two Bangladeshi nationals in the Wilayat of Seeb for their involvement in aiding and abetting infiltrators attempting to enter Oman illegally. The arrests come as part of ROP’s intensified operations targeting networks and individuals facilitating unauthorized border crossings and violating national immigration laws. The…
MUSCAT: The Central Blood Bank has issued a specific and urgent appeal for O-positive (O+) blood donors, highlighting a critical shortage of this common yet life-saving blood type. The call comes amid increasing demands from hospitals and medical centers handling trauma cases, surgeries, and patients with chronic illnesses that require consistent transfusions. O+ is widely…
MUSCAT: The Central Blood Bank in Bausher has issued an urgent public call for blood and platelet donations, citing a concerning drop in donor turnout during the ongoing summer period. Officials noted that the seasonal decline, often attributed to travel, heat, and altered routines, has significantly impacted the availability of critical blood supplies. As a…
MUSCAT: Oil prices declined by 1 percent in early Asian trading today, as investor concerns over geopolitical tensions in the Middle East began to ease. The market reacted to signs of de-escalation in regional conflicts, which had previously driven up risk premiums on crude. With reduced fears of potential supply disruptions, traders adjusted their positions,…
MUSCAT: Oman has officially entered the third phase of its nationwide plastic shopping bag ban, marking a critical step in the country’s effort to reduce environmental pollution and promote sustainability. Effective from Tuesday, the new phase mandates stricter compliance across commercial sectors, pushing both consumers and retailers to seek eco-friendly alternatives. This initiative reflects Oman’s…
MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik has sent a written message to Rumen Radev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria, highlighting Oman’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The message focused on enhancing cooperation across political, economic, and cultural domains, emphasizing the mutual benefits of closer diplomatic engagement. The message was…
