North Shariqyah – Royal Oman Police (ROP) has successfully arrested twelve individuals of African nationality for illegal entry into the Sultanate. Alongside the infiltrators, authorities apprehended a facilitator who was found to be transporting the group and aiding their unlawful entry using a private vehicle. Following the successful joint operation, the ROP confirmed that formal legal proceedings are currently being completed against all those involved in the incident. Source link

Muscat – Muscat Municipality has inaugurated a dedicated food truck site in Al Mawaleh under the Masar project, marking a step towards regulating street vending while expanding support for small and medium-sized enterprises. The initiative aims to provide an organised and fully serviced location for mobile food businesses, as part of broader efforts to enhance urban planning, improve public amenities and create sustainable economic opportunities for Omani entrepreneurs. Covering an area of more than 16,000sqm, the Masar al Mawaleh site can accommodate 25 food trucks. It includes seating areas, landscaped open spaces, lighting across the facility and restroom services. A total of 158 parking spaces have been allocated to ensure convenient access for visitors and families. Officials said the project offers a structured alternative to unregulated street vending, contributing to improved public order and higher food safety standards, while supporting the growth of the food truck sector within a regulated...

Muscat – The Consumer Protection Authority, in coordination with the Environment Authority, has launched a joint inspection campaign across shopping malls and retail outlets in Muscat governorate to monitor compliance with Decision No 8/2024 on the use of single-use plastic shopping bags. Phase 4 of the single-use plastic shopping bags ban commences on January 1, 2026 covering shops selling building and construction material, utensils, fodder, grain, agricultural materials and pesticides, ice cream, corn, sweets, nuts, juice, mishkak, honey, dates, irrigation systems, pet foods, nurseries selling plants and agricultural supplies, water filters, water pumps and car pumps. In January 2024, Decision No 8/2024 set out a phased approach to ban all single-use plastic shopping bags by 2027. Phase 3 of the national initiative to ban single-use plastic shopping bags has been in effect since July 1, 2025. The first phase, which began on July 1, 2024 targeted pharmacies, hospitals and clinics....

Muscat – General Department of Criminal Investigations and Research has successfully arrested 3 individuals following a targeted robbery at the residence of an expatriate. The suspects reportedly gained entry to the premises by falsely claiming to be police officers. Once inside, they demanded the victim’s personal identification documents before forcibly seizing a sum of money in his possession. The Royal Oman Police confirmed that the perpetrators were taken into custody shortly after the incident, and formal legal proceedings are currently being finalised against them to ensure they face the full weight of the law. Source link

Muscat – As digital platforms increasingly shape public opinion alongside traditional media, experts have stressed that integrity, objectivity and honesty are no longer optional virtues but essential safeguards of public trust. Responsible and informed engagement with societal issues, they say, plays a decisive role in narrowing gaps, countering misinformation and supporting constructive solutions at a time when the influence of words has never been greater. Against this backdrop, the recent emphasis by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, during his meeting with the Chairman and members of the State Council Office, on the importance of engaging thoughtfully with societal issues and existing challenges, and delivering accurate and appropriate messages through media and digital platforms, reflects a clear national approach. This approach is rooted in promoting transparency, strengthening effective communication, and clarifying the efforts undertaken and achievements realised – reinforcing balanced and credible public discourse. Specialists noted that adherence to these...

Muscat – A specialised medical team at Khoula Hospital has successfully performed a highly complex surgical procedure to resect a splenic artery aneurysm using advanced laparoscopic techniques. This achievement marks the first documented operation of its kind in the Middle East, highlighting a significant leap in regional vascular surgery. The patient had presented with severe abdominal pain, and subsequent diagnostic imaging revealed an aneurysm measuring approximately 2.8 cm. Given that such conditions carry a life-threatening risk of rupture in over 80 per cent of cases, the surgical team opted for a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach. This method was selected to ensure a faster recovery and fewer complications compared to traditional open surgery, which was particularly vital as the patient is a nursing mother. The successful intervention demonstrates the advanced clinical capabilities and interdisciplinary coordination within Oman’s healthcare sector. Source link

Muscat – The Wadi Bani Khalid–Aqaba road project in North Sharqiyah has reached 50% completion. Stretching 9km, the project is being implemented at a cost exceeding RO13mn. The project, executed by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), starts from the Manakh area near the Wadi Bani Khalid Police Station and extends to the village of Muzayri i’ in the wilayat centre. Project manager Abdullah bin Amer al Khinjari, Civil Engineer in MTCIT, said in a statement to Oman News Agency that actual progress surpasses the planned schedule by more than 20%. He added that the road is expected to be opened to traffic in the third quarter of 2026. He noted that the project is an alternative road for Wadi Bani Khalid Wilayat and one of the ministry’s most important development projects in the area. Once completed, it will serve as a vital artery boosting logistical movement...

Muscat – Tourism and economic experts have welcomed the reciprocal visa exemption agreement between Oman and Türkiye, saying the move is expected to strengthen bilateral economic ties and boost tourism flows between the two countries. Speaking to Muscat Daily, economic analyst Nasser al Hosni said the agreement would deliver a tangible boost to economic cooperation, particularly in trade, investment and services. “Facilitating movement between the two countries will encourage business travel, open new opportunities for joint ventures and strengthen private sector partnerships,” he said, adding that the decision aligns with Oman’s broader strategy to attract foreign investment and diversify non-oil revenues. Hosni added that the visa exemption would also improve links between small and medium enterprises in the two countries, enabling faster market entry and stronger commercial networks. He said sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, construction, tourism services and food industries stand to benefit from easier mobility and reduced travel...

Muscat – The Hadatha Hackathon has produced high-quality, practical cybersecurity solutions and demonstrated the growing maturity of national talent, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. Speaking to Muscat Daily, Badr Ali al Salhi, Director General of Oman National CERT  at the ministry, said the initiative stood out for its clear focus on the telecommunications sector, one of the most sensitive and vital components of the digital economy. “The outcomes were characterised by quality and a strong focus on developing practical, applicable prototypes,” Salehi said. “What distinguished this hackathon was its sector-specific approach, where challenges were identified based on real needs within the telecommunications market.” He explained that the involvement of regulatory bodies and telecom companies helped guide participants towards solutions that could be built upon and deployed in real operating environments, enhancing the sector’s overall cybersecurity readiness. The hackathon attracted 142 participants...

Muscat – Royal Oman Police (ROP) has confirmed the arrest of several individuals of Asian nationality following the widespread circulation of a video on social media platforms. The footage depicted the group engaging in blatant violations of traffic regulations and performing stunts that compromised public safety. Authorities stated that the individuals also committed acts deemed disruptive to public order and general morals. Legal proceedings are currently being finalised to ensure those involved are held accountable under the Sultanate’s judicial framework. Source link