Muscat – A major step towards enhancing tourism and economic development in Nizwa was taken on Wednesday, as Sheikh Hilal bin Saeed al Hajri, Governor of Dakhliyah, signed agreements worth over RO14.5mn. Central to these agreements is the highly anticipated Dakhliyah Boulevard project. A statement confirmed that Dakhliyah is making significant progress in its diverse development initiatives. The agreements, which include a mix of infrastructure, tourism and service projects, underscore the governorate’s commitment to strengthening its economic and tourism sectors. The Dakhliyah Boulevard project is set to become a key landmark in Nizwa, combining investment, tourism, culture and environmental aspects to create a vibrant and sustainable space. The project will feature a 3,985m main walkway surrounded by green spaces, a 1,650m cycle track, fountains and an 80,000sqm open area. It will feature a children’s play zone, restaurants, kiosks, retail outlets and a market supporting 60 productive families. The boulevard is...

Canberra – A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that one in 127 people globally – approximately 61.8mn individuals – are on the autism spectrum, nearly doubling previous estimates. The research, conducted by Australian institutions including the University of Queensland and University of Sydney, used 2021 data to provide updated figures. The findings highlight a significant gender disparity, with autism prevalence twice as high in men compared to women. This gap is attributed to delayed or missed diagnoses in girls, whose symptoms may present differently, as well as potential genetic factors. The study also found autism to be most common in individuals under 20 years old. The increase in prevalence from the 2019 estimate of one in 271 people is primarily due to methodological improvements, which excluded studies that likely underestimated autism rates. Researchers emphasise the need for better global epidemiological data and stress the importance of early...

Muscat – British adventurer Mitchell aka Mitch made a brief stopover in Oman recently during what he describes as  the “longest triathlon”.  At 16, Mitch became the youngest Briton to conquer Mt Kilimanjaro. Now, nearly 15 years later, he’s continuing to push the limits, embarking on a 15,000km adventure from Dover in England to the Himalayas. His recent pit stop in Muscat marked a pivotal moment in his eight-month journey – called Limitless – spanning land, sea and air. Alongside his companion Ben Cook, Mitch spent some time in Oman, captivated by the sultanate’s charm while awaiting transit to Pakistan or India. “Oman’s stunning landscapes and warm hospitality has a lasting impression. This adventure has been a lifelong ambition – not just for personal achievement but to inspire others to embrace sport. Limitless aims to motivate millions, proving that perseverance can break barriers,” Mitch said. Cycling from the UAE into...

Kuwait City, Kuwait – Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah al Ahmad al Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait welcomed  H E Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, at Bayan Palace. The meeting, held during the opening ceremony of the Omani-Kuwaiti Economic Forum and Exhibition, focused on enhancing bilateral relations between Oman and Kuwait, with a particular focus on trade and investment. The discussion was attended by senior officials from both nations, including H E Abdulaziz Dakhil al Dakhil, Head of the Prime Minister’s Court, and H E Khalifa Abdullah al Ajeel, Kuwaiti Minister of Commerce and Industry. On the Omani side, Her Excellency Ibtisam Ahmed Said al Farooji as Undersecretary for Investment Promotion in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and H E Dr. Saleh bin Amer Al Kharousi, Oman’s Ambassador to Kuwait were also present. Source link

Muscat – The Omani-Kuwaiti Economic Forum and an accompanying exhibition started on Monday in Kuwait aiming to enhance trade and investment cooperation, promote products from both countries and increase the volume of bilateral trade exchange. H E Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, emphasised the fact that the forum and joint exhibition reflect the depth of fraternal ties between Oman and Kuwait. He said the leaderships of both nations have conducted successful visits this year, underscoring the strength and importance of their relationship. These efforts pave the way for broader ambitions and aspirations in fostering collaboration and joint initiatives between the two countries. H E Yousef affirmed that Kuwait is a strategic partner of Oman, emphasising a commitment to strengthen economic relations under the directives of the leaderships of both nations. He highlighted the focus on enhancing trade and investment cooperation in priority sectors...