Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has identified wedding tourism as a promising sector offering an opportunity to showcase Oman’s rich culture and natural diversity. The ministry aims to promote the sultanate as a prime destination for foreign weddings by organising tours for guests to explore Oman’s unique tourist attractions. This push for Oman as a wedding destination is seen as a way to strengthen the local economy and position the sultanate as a top destination for various forms of tourism, including recreational, cultural and business travel. MHT is also offering incentives to attract major companies specialising in organising destination weddings in a bid to generate significant economic returns. In 2023, Oman hosted six destination weddings from India, while the first half of 2024 saw four. By the end of the year, three more are expected to take place. Each event typically attracts between 400 and 800 guests...

Muscat – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion has issued a warning to the public, highlighting an increase in fraudulent activities involving fake websites that impersonate legitimate Chinese companies. This caution comes in response to a growing number of reports of deceptive online platforms claiming to represent Chinese businesses. The Ministry strongly advises citizens and residents who are planning to engage in business dealings with companies based in China to verify the authenticity of their information through official channels. Specifically, they recommend the use of the Tian Yan Cha mobile application or visiting the government-sanctioned website www.gsxt.gov.cn. These platforms allow users to ensure that a company is properly registered with the relevant authorities in the People’s Republic of China. It is important to note that both the Tian Yan Cha app and the gsxt.gov.cn website are available exclusively in Chinese. To navigate these platforms effectively, the Ministry recommends...

Muscat – Oman national football team coach Rashid Jaber has expressed confidence as his side prepares to face Jordan in a crucial match on Tuesday. The game, part of the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, will be played at Amman International Stadium at 8pm (Oman time). Currently placed fourth in Group 2 with three points, Oman is aiming for a much-needed victory to bring its total to six. The team has had a mixed run in the qualifiers so far, with a win against Kuwait but losses to Iraq and group leaders South Korea, who sit at the top with seven points. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Jaber stressed the significance of the match, describing it as “crucial and challenging”. He said, “We continue our preparations for this important match against a well-organised team with strong defence skills and talented players. We hope...

Muscat – In light of information received from the National Centre for Early Warning of Multiple Hazards regarding heavy rain expected to begin this evening, Monday, October 14, 2024, the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation has announced the suspension of studies and the transition to remote learning in several governorates. The affected areas include Muscat, North Sharqiyah, South Sharqiyah, Central Oman, South Batinah, North Batinah, Buraimi, and the mountainous regions of Dakhiliyah and Dhahirah. As a result, studies in educational institutions in these governorates will be suspended, and remote learning will be implemented tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The Ministry emphasises the importance of safety during this severe weather event and encourages everyone to stay informed. The Ministry also advises students and educators to take necessary precautions and ensure their safety during the anticipated heavy rainfall. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops, and all...

Muscat – The inaugural edition of the Pakistan-Oman Business Forum commenced at the InterCity Hotel on Sunday, featuring over 65 exhibitors. Organised by the Embassy of Pakistan in Oman, the two-day event attracted community members and dignitaries, who joined gala event to showcase a variety of products from Pakistan, including paint, juice, cotton textiles and bed linens. Giving some information about the forum, H E Imran Ali, Ambassador of Pakistan to Oman, said that the forum is focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as commerce, health, and entrepreneurship. “The participation of numerous business leaders and officials raised expectations for potential joint projects and investment ventures between Oman and Pakistan.” A key presentation was delivered by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), which outlined various investment opportunities and incentives available to foreign investors in Oman’s special economic zones. The presentation highlighted the advantages...

Muscat – The weight of students’ backpacks has been a growing concern among parents, teachers and students alike. Heavy school bags can lead to physical strain, discomfort and long-term health issues. We asked Muscat Daily readers for their suggestions for how schools can address this problem and reduce the burden on students. Here’s what they said – Asma al Harthi, Homemaker I believe that schools should focus more on digital learning to reduce the number of books students carry. Providing tablets with all the study materials can significantly lessen the physical burden on students, allowing them to focus more on their learning instead of lugging heavy bags. Asish Menon, Dance teacher I believe schools need to reassess their curriculum to focus on the essentials. Too many textbooks are often unnecessary, and much of the study material could be streamlined. Offering students e-books or access to digital resources will help lighten...

Muscat – Ministry of Education and Oman Cables Industry SAOG, signed the agreements on implementing the ‘Kids in STEM’ program, an initiative between the Ministry and the Company, aiming to develop science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills of Basic Education Students (grade 1-4), encouraging them to research and innovate.Signed by H E Dr. Abdullah bin Khamis Ambosaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education, and Erkan Aydogdu the CEO of Oman Cables Industry SAOG, in presence of Dr. Maya al Azri, Advisor to the Minister for Innovation and Science, Khudham al Harthy, Human Resource Organisation Director, and Danelle Aychouh, Marketing and Communication Director. The signing of the agreement took place at the Ministry’s General Diwan. The agreement aims on spreading the innovation culture and scientific explorations through experiments and practice, by presenting unique informational technology in an enriched manner, as well as exhibiting unusual entertaining devices through practicality. Students...

Muscat – A groundbreaking desalination technology developed in Oman is offering a promising solution to the region’s water scarcity. Dr Mohammed Said al Saidi, Assistant Professor at University of Technology and Applied Sciences, has introduced a novel method that utilises waste heat from industrial processes to turn seawater into fresh, potable water. This innovation offers a sustainable alternative to conventional desalination techniques, such as reverse osmosis, which are energy-intensive and susceptible to operational issues. In an interview with Muscat Daily, Saidi explained how his project, titled ‘From Waste Heat to Clean Water’, emerged from the need to manage excess heat at  industrial hub Sohar Port. The waste heat, instead of being lost, is now being used to power this new desalination process, which could have widespread applications in other water-scarce regions. The project is a collaborative effort between the university and Majis Industrial Service Company. Highlighting its significant contribution to...

Muscat – In alignment with the executive programme for Sur – Arab Tourism Capital 2024, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has organised two training courses focused on rescue skills in still and open waters in collaboration with Muscat Yachts. These courses are being conducted in Sur from October 6 to 10. The initiative is part of a broader capacity-building programme aimed at empowering the local community within the tourism sector and enhancing the skills of workers in various tourism facilities. The two training courses accommodate 20 participants from Sur, with ten young trainees focusing on rescue techniques in Wadi Shab. This course is designed to equip them with essential knowledge and skills to help reduce drowning incidents in still waters. The second course specifically targets rescue skills in open waters, also involving ten young Omani trainees. This session focuses on how to navigate and respond to open waters and...

Muscat – Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) launched several initiatives and contests during the second day of the Urban October Conference and Home & Building Expo on Tuesday. The conference highlighted successful urban renewal projects in Buraimi, Dhofar and South Batinah, while also showcasing civil initiatives in Dakhliyah. Among the notable activities, the ‘Basmat’ – or Fingerprints – competition was launched as part of the Sultan Haitham City project. This initiative aims to engage young people in generating innovative ideas in various fields – architecture, art, technology, environment, culture and social – ensuring that Sultan Haitham City becomes a vibrant and inclusive space for all. Additionally, the conference introduced a competition called ‘Elevator Pitch’ focused on empowering small and medium enterprises within integrated residential neighbourhood projects. Participants are encouraged to present viable development ideas. Thirteen 13 SMEs will be selected to compete after a thorough screening process involving...