Launched on October 10, 2009, Muscat Daily is now the largest selling broadsheet newspaper in the Sultanate of Oman with 33,500 daily copies and 28,000 subscribers.. Muscat Daily provides unrivalled national news coverage from Oman, the region and internationally. Source link

Muscat – The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced the licensing of the ‘Serb’ platform, a groundbreaking system for registering and managing drone traffic in Oman. This development marks a significant achievement, reflecting the nation’s commitment to aligning technological innovation with youth aspirations while prioritizing safety in air navigation, public welfare, and environmental protection. Launch Date and Public Access The ‘Serb’ platform will officially launch and become accessible to the public on the evening of January 28, 2025. This user-friendly system will enable drone enthusiasts to register their devices and obtain the necessary authorisations for recreational drone operations. Registration and Compliance The CAA has urged all individuals interested in recreational drone flying to accurately register their information on the platform. Authorized flights will be restricted to safe green zones, designated in coordination with military and security agencies to ensure public safety and security. Adherence to Regulations The authority has issued...

Muscat – The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has commended Oman for its strong commitment to international standards in tackling money laundering and terrorist financing, placing it among the top performers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In its 2024 mutual evaluation report, FATF highlighted Oman’s significant reforms in its legal, legislative, and supervisory frameworks, demonstrating a robust system for investigating and addressing financial crimes. The report noted that Omani authorities are well-equipped with resources and quick access to financial and other critical information necessary for effective investigations. This achievement bolsters Oman’s financial integrity, economic stability, and global reputation, enhancing confidence in the nation’s banking and financial sectors while supporting economic growth. Oman’s membership in FATF, through the Gulf Cooperation Council’s Secretariat, and its role as a founding member of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), underline its commitment to global efforts...

Muscat – In a move to create a sustainable environment and improve public health, Muscat Municipality has introduced ‘Rifq,’ a pioneering service dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of stray animals. This initiative underscores the municipality’s commitment to international best practices in animal welfare, biodiversity preservation, and fostering a compassionate community. The Rifq Services initiative aims to responsibly manage and rehabilitate stray and loose animals, including cats, dogs, and other species, ensuring their wellbeing while addressing public health concerns. Key Objectives of Rifq Services Public Health and Safety – Minimising risks associated with stray animals to protect the community. Sustainability – Adopting humane practices in animal care to promote long-term environmental balance. Biodiversity Support – Implementing programmes to maintain ecological harmony. The programme also encourages the public to report stray animals, promising swift responses from designated authorities. Programme Goals Handling Reports and Complaints – Addressing citizen and resident concerns about...

Muscat – The Italian Embassy in Muscat has announced a visit of the Amerigo Vespucci, an iconic sailing and training ship of the Italian Navy. Renowned globally as a symbol of Italy’s maritime heritage, the ship will make its first-ever visit to Oman, docking at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat from January 8 to 12, 2025. This marks the 32nd stage of Amerigo Vespucci’s two-year world tour, which began on July 1, 2023 in Genoa, Italy. The ship is visiting 36 ports in 32 countries showcasing Italy’s rich naval traditions and promoting ‘Made in Italy’ products. Supported by Italian Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, the Vespucci World Tour combines officer cadet training with promotion of Italy’s cultural, historical and technological achievements. A crew of around 270 sailors participates in most sailings, continuing the ship’s legacy as a floating ambassador of Italy. The Amerigo Vespucci, a full-rigged masterpiece launched in 1931...

The North Batinah Police Command has apprehended four individuals who were attempting to smuggle 38 kilograms of crystal meth into Oman. The suspects were arrested during a well-coordinated operation aimed at curbing drug trafficking in the region. Authorities have confirmed that legal procedures are currently underway against the detainees, who are facing charges related to the illegal possession and smuggling of narcotics. In an official statement, the police have praised the swift response of their officers in preventing the drugs from reaching the streets, further emphasising the importance of continuous vigilance in the fight against drug-related crimes. Source link

Muscat – The mercury continues to drop across Oman with the lowest recorded temperature in the last 24 hours reaching 0.5°C, according to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In a statement, CAA said the lowest temperature of 0.5°C was recorded in Saiq. Other areas experiencing significant dips in temperature include Al Mazyouna (7°C), Muqshin (8.3°C), Thumrait (9.1°C), Qairoon Hiriti (10.2°C), Marmul (10.9°C), Yanqul (11.4°C), Haima (11.5°C) and Thumrait (12.9°C). According to the CAA statement, Oman is set to experience active northwesterly winds starting the morning of Wednesday, December 18 and continuing for several days. These winds will affect most governorates across the sultanate, causing rising sea waves along the coasts of western Musandam and the Arabian Sea, with waves rising up to 2.5m. Dust and dirt are expected to be lifted in desert areas, which may reduce horizontal visibility. Accompanying the winds, temperatures are forecast to continue to drop in the...

Muscat – Three Omanis have completed a 2,000km trek across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries aiming to revive the traditions of their ancestors while spreading a message of peace and love. The three included Abdul Rahim Abdullah al Rawahi and Abdullah Salim al Rawahi from Mudhaibi, North Sharqiyah and Salim Abdullah al Saidi from Saham, North Batinah. Speaking to Muscat Daily from Kuwait, Abdul Rahim informed that the 56-day trek began on October 21, 2024 in South Batinah. The three reached Buraimi after eight days, where they were warmly received by the Buraimi Travellers Team, who joined them for a 15km stretch. Their journey continued into the United Arab Emirates, lasting 13 days, where they connected with locals and visited sites like the Legends Sports Academy in Bani Yas. From there, they crossed into Saudi Arabia, traversing its vast desert in three days before arriving in Qatar. In Qatar, the...

Suhar- President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus visited Sohar Port in North Batinah governorate during his official visit to Oman. He and his delegation were briefed on the port’s competitive advantages and investment incentives. Sohar Port, the largest in Oman and one of the region’s fastest-growing, offers a wide range of services through the ASYAD Group, including ports, free zones, maritime transport, and integrated logistics solutions. The delegation also learned about the latest expansion projects and the ASYAD Group’s efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Oman’s ports. President Lukashenko’s visit also included a tour of the OQ Refineries and Petroleum Industries headquarters, where he was briefed on the OQ Polymer Complex, one of Oman’s largest petrochemical facilities, which produces significant quantities of polyethylene and polypropylene. The visit highlighted the importance of OQ Group’s contributions to Oman’s energy sector and its global export reach. The President was accompanied by Abdul Salam bin...

Muscat – Tibiaan Real Estate Company officially unveiled a neighbourhood called Al Nuha in Sultan Haitham City, a landmark project with an investment value of RO13.4mn, on Monday. The launch ceremony was held under the patronage of H H Dr Sayyid Kamil Fahad al Said, Secretary-General of Council of Ministers, in the presence of officials from Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, private sector representatives and investors. Jamal Nasser al Hadi, representative of Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, highlighted the project as a prime example of collaboration between the public and private sectors in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. He stated that  Al Nuha neighbourhood combines efficiency in implementation with exceptional design quality, supporting the ministry’s goals for sustainable urban development and fostering economic and social value through local and international investments. Al Nuha spans over 58,000sqm and includes 113 residential units and 35 commercial showrooms. It integrates traditional...