MUSCAT: Recent data from the GCC Statistical Centre highlights a notable shift in the regional economic landscape, with non-oil activities now comprising 70.6% of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s gross domestic product at constant prices by the conclusion of the fourth quarter of 2024. This substantial proportion reflects a broader commitment across GCC member states to…
MUSCAT: Oman has long been celebrated for its warm hospitality and welcoming nature, setting it apart as one of the friendliest countries in the Middle East. This reputation is deeply rooted in Omani culture, where generosity and kindness are core values passed down through generations. Visitors to Oman often remark on the genuine friendliness of…
MUSCAT: Oman’s history stretches back thousands of years, making it one of the oldest continuously independent states in the world. Its strategic location on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula allowed it to become a significant center for trade and cultural exchange between Asia, Africa, and Europe. The country’s rich heritage is reflected in…
MUSCAT: Oman is rapidly embracing contemporary agricultural technologies as part of its national strategy to enhance food security and sustainability. Across various governorates, farmers are adopting protected farming techniques such as greenhouses and net houses, which shield crops from harsh environmental conditions while enabling them to grow high-value vegetables and fruits. These controlled environments help…
RUSSIA: For the first time in six centuries, Russia’s Krasheninnikov volcano has erupted following a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked the Kamchatka Peninsula. The sudden awakening of the long-dormant stratovolcano has captured the attention of scientists and emergency agencies, who are now closely monitoring seismic and volcanic activity in the region. Satellite images and…
MUSCAT: In 2024, the Sultanate of Oman witnessed a total of 1,854 road accidents resulting in 586 fatalities and 1,936 injuries, according to the annual report released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). These figures highlight the ongoing challenges faced by road safety authorities despite Oman’s reputation for having one of the…
MUSCAT: Emergency responders from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) in North Al Batinah acted swiftly after receiving a distress call reporting that a woman had fallen into a well on private residential property in Sohar Wilayat. Upon arrival, rescue teams assessed the depth, structure, and stability of the well to plan a safe…
MUSCAT: Oman’s Financial Services Authority (FSA) has clarified that no insurance company has been authorised to raise premiums on mandatory third-party vehicle insurance, following reports of price hikes by certain providers. In its latest public statement, the regulator firmly reiterated its position that any adjustments to compulsory insurance charges must receive explicit prior approval from…
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), has announced the launch of recruitment for several positions targeted at male applicants for the 2025 intake of pilot officer cadets and university air force cadets. This initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to attract highly motivated Omani youth to…
MUSCAT: Oman continues to demonstrate a robust commitment to securing its energy future by balancing oil and gas production with effective reserve replacement strategies, according to Dr. Saleh bin Ali Al Anbouri, Director General of Exploration and Production at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. Averaging 993,000 barrels of crude oil and condensates per day…
