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  Oman's national football team, known as the Red Warriors, boosted their hopes of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a narrow yet decisive 1-0 triumph over Kuwait at Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium on Tuesday. This victory cements Oman’s fourth-place standing in Group B with 10 points from eight matches, maintaining their edge in the qualification race. Guided by coach Rasheed Jaber, Oman extended their lead over Kuwait to five points, setting the stage for pivotal clashes against Jordan and Palestine in June. South Korea continues to top Group B with 16 points, trailed by Jordan (13) and Iraq (12). The top two teams will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the third and fourth-ranked teams will advance to the next qualifying round. Kuwait started the match aggressively, creating an early scare in the 7th minute when Omani goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini misjudged a play, nearly allowing an opening goal. However, Khaled Hajiah’s shot was deflected over the g...

  In a strategic move to enhance financial liquidity, the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has issued Government Treasury Bills valued at RO 15.30 million. Treasury Bills, known for their security and short-term nature, are key financial instruments issued by the Ministry of Finance and overseen by the CBO. These instruments enable licensed commercial banks to efficiently allocate surplus funds while benefiting from liquidity options such as discounting and repurchase (Repo) facilities. The issuance, dated 24 March 2025, features a Repo rate operations interest rate of 5.00% and a Treasury Bills Discounting Facility rate of 5.50%. This initiative underscores Oman’s dedication to fostering financial market stability and ensuring the effective regulation of liquidity through well-planned monetary strategies.

  Sultan Haitham, the proclamational ruler of Oman, has left Muscat for a two-day state visit to the  UAE . He and Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed are expected to discuss the country’s deep-rooted, historical, and fraternal relations. The leaders aim to maintain security and stability in the region and promote cooperation in various mutual interest fields. The visit aims to boost bilateral relations on various topics, including economic relations. Dr. Sayyid Al Busaidi, the Oman ambassador to the UAE, believes the visit will accelerate cooperation, integration, and partnership, ensuring more joint investment cooperation. Oman’s investment in the UAE includes financial activities, manufacturing industries, professional and technical activities, real estate, and information and communications. The most important  UAE  investments in Oman include industrial, financial, banking, tourism, real estate activities, power generation, retail trade sectors, and const...

  Oman, a prominent oil exporter, is gaining momentum as a global hub for green hydrogen exports. The Gulf state is developing large green hydrogen projects to decarbonize its industries and produce the necessary gas through electrolysis.  Green hydrogen  is produced through water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity from clean sources. Oman’s extensive experience in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) sector makes it a competent region to efficiently manage green hydrogen. Oman  plans to produce at least a million tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually by 2030, increasing capacity to 3.75 million tonnes by 2040 and 8.5 million tonnes by 2050. The International Energy Agency (IEA) expects Oman to become the sixth-largest exporter of hydrogen across the globe and the largest in the Middle East by the end of the decade. In 2018, Oman’s hydrogen sector received a substantial boost when state-run Hydrom inked six notable agreements worth $51 billion, involving...

  The Sultanate of Oman offers a diverse landscape, friendly culture, and one of the safest places on the planet. To make the most of your Oman trip, follow local regulations and cultural norms. Omanis are amiable people, and it's essential to show respect, remain polite, and avoid offensive language. Dress modestly, keeping your shoulders covered and wearing clothes that go below knee length, regardless of gender. Top 5 unique things to do in Oman include hiking along Wadi Nakhr, the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia', exploring the 4 km-long Balcony Hike, snorkeling and diving in Oman's thousands-mile coastline, and exploring the rolling dunes of Sharqiyah Sands , home to nomadic Bedouin tribes. Stargazing in Oman is an experience in itself, and wadi hopping in Oman is a great way to enjoy the natural pools that transform into natural pools during winter rains. Traditional Omani cuisine is unique, influenced by hundreds of years of trade, with excellent seafood from the long an...

  Oman’s Sultan and Prime Minister, His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, has left Singapore for a three-day state visit to India, marking a key moment in the diplomatic relations between the two countries. The visit follows an invitation from India’s President, Droupadi Murmu. On December 16, His Majesty will be received by President Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he will hold bilateral discussions and host a luncheon in his honor. The trip is expected to provide an opportunity to explore avenues for future collaboration for regional stability, progress, and prosperity. He will also be called on the  External Affairs Minister of India , S Jaishankar. The relationship between India and Oman has a long history of friendship and cooperation, with diplomatic ties established in 1955 and upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2008. Oman is home to a large Indian expatriate community, which plays a significant role in the country’s economic development...

India and Oman are reportedly in discussions to establish a  free trade agreement , mirroring the UAE model. The negotiations aim to strengthen trade in identified sectors, marking a strategic move in India’s economic diplomacy. As of April-September 2023/24, India’s exports to Oman reached $2 billion, while imports stood at $2.1 billion. The talks are expected to result in a comprehensive free trade agreement, reflecting the shared interests of India and Oman in fostering stronger economic ties. The Indian government has identified specific sectors with high potential for increased trade between the two nations, such as petroleum products, gems and jewellery, engineering products, pharmaceuticals, cement and ceramic products, ready-made textiles, and footwear. As of April-September 2023/24, India’s exports to Oman have reached $2 billion, while imports stand at $2.1 billion. These negotiations aim to further bolster these figures through a mutually beneficial trade agreement. The ...

  Oman's government has teamed up with London-based firm Yepic AI to pioneer the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time transmission of election results, marking a significant advancement for democratic processes. The Ministry of Interior's efforts to improve the visually appealing and captivating communication of the results of the Shura election have advanced significantly with this partnership with Yepic AI, a company renowned for its state-of-the-art generative AI technology. The cutting-edge API developed by Yepic AI, a tool that makes it possible to quickly produce excellent movies in a variety of languages, was instrumental in transforming the conventional method of reporting election results. By using just one image, the AI created unique avatars that visually appealingly conveyed Oman's diverse community and the election results in real time to the public. AI was fully integrated, starting with online voting that was validated using AI-powered...

Oman, known for its breathtaking scenery, is implementing carbon capture projects as a bold move to fight climate change. The Sultanate's action demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability and is in line with international efforts to address the issues posed by climate change. Understanding how using fossil fuels affects the environment, Oman is deliberately pursuing carbon capture technologies to cut greenhouse gas emissions. This change in approach is indicative of a progressive outlook for a future that is ecologically mindful and green. The projects being considered seek to mitigate global climate change by capturing carbon dioxide emissions from energy- and industry-related activities. Modern technology will be used in Oman's carbon capture projects to absorb and store CO2 emissions, limiting their escape into the environment. In addition to addressing environmental issues, this shift to a low-carbon economy offers business prospects. Oman's economic an...

  Muscat will host an annual celebration honoring people with disabilities in observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is being organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth. This year's festival, which runs from November 27 to December 3, is the fourth iteration of the event with the main goal of advancing equality and inclusivity. The festival seeks to develop athletic talent, find suitable athletes for the national Paralympic squad, and empower professionals who work with people with disabilities. In keeping with Oman Vision 2040's objective of boosting competitiveness in national and international sporting events, it also aims to improve awareness of the difficulties faced by disabled people and facilitate their inclusion into society. The festival offers a varied program that includes educational seminars, public awareness initiatives, sporting and cultural events, entertainment, and trips to nearby tourist destinations. A symposium...

  The Oman-Etihad Rail Network, a transformative transportation endeavor linking Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is currently undergoing a thorough evaluation to shape its future. This ambitious railway network, designed to enhance connectivity, promote trade, and stimulate regional economic growth, is now at a pivotal stage in its development. Significant advancements and future plans were reviewed in a high-level meeting of the boards of directors of Oman-Etihad Rail and Etihad Rail, the project's developer and operator in Oman and the UAE. Construction innovations, operational effectiveness, freight and passenger services, the influence on the economy, and solutions to problems faced are some of the important topics that are being closely examined. The Oman-Etihad Rail Network is a great opportunity to support the region's sustainable development and economic diversification objectives by facilitating trade, promoting economic growth, improving the environment, and ...