MUSCAT: Gold prices slipped in early trading today as investor appetite weakened amid signs of easing global trade tensions and a stronger U.S. dollar. The precious metal, which often benefits from geopolitical uncertainty and currency instability, saw its safe-haven appeal diminish as markets responded positively to developments suggesting smoother international negotiations. Traders noted that the…

MUSCAT: Oman Airports reported a 2 percent year-on-year rise in passenger numbers for June 2025, with total travelers exceeding 1.13 million across all facilities. Muscat International Airport handled the majority of this traffic, reflecting its role as the primary gateway for both international and domestic flights. Salalah Airport and Khasab Airport also contributed to the…

DENVER: A tense situation unfolded at Denver International Airport when an American Airlines flight preparing for takeoff had to be abruptly evacuated due to reports of smoke in the cabin. The incident occurred during the final stages of boarding, prompting immediate action from the flight crew to prioritize passenger safety. All individuals on board were…

MUSCAT: The Earthquake Monitoring Center at Sultan Qaboos University has reported a moderate earthquake that occurred early this morning in Southern Iran. The seismic event was detected by the university’s advanced monitoring systems, which are part of a regional network that tracks tectonic activity across the Middle East. Initial data indicates that the earthquake had…

MUSCAT: The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) in Suwaiq Wilayat has successfully facilitated the recovery of RO 4,070 for a consumer who had purchased a vehicle through a social media platform. The case came to light when the buyer discovered that the vehicle did not meet the specifications agreed upon at the time of purchase. Upon…

GHANA: Health authorities in Ghana have reported the first confirmed death from Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), amid a concerning increase in new infections across the country. The deceased individual reportedly presented severe symptoms and complications related to the viral disease, underscoring growing public health concerns. The Ministry of Health is working closely with the…

MUSCAT: The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) has successfully executed a medical evacuation operation to assist a citizen in urgent need of specialised medical care. The evacuation took place in coordination with medical authorities to ensure the individual received immediate attention at a healthcare facility equipped to handle critical cases. The mission demonstrates RAFO’s…

MUSCAT: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have recorded a 1.5 percent increase in nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reaching $587.8 billion by the end of the fourth quarter of 2024. This marks a rise from $579 billion reported at the end of the same period in 2023, according to official regional economic data. The…

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth has officially launched the ‘Barmajan’ Digital Transformation Hackathon, drawing the participation of 105 individuals divided into 28 competing teams. The event is designed to accelerate innovation in digital solutions by bringing together developers, programmers, UI/UX designers, and business analysts under one collaborative platform. Held in line with…