News

“International Day of Persons with Disabilities” Observed in South Al Batinah Governorate Al Rustaq, 4 Dec 2025 (ONA) --- The Directorate General of Social Development in South Al Batinah Governorate held a ceremony in the Wilayat of Rustaq to mark the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025”. The event was organized in cooperation with the Department of Culture, Sports and Youth in the governorate. The ceremony was attended by more than 120 persons with disabilities who are enrolled at “Al Wafa Centre for the Rehabilitation of Persons with ...

Geography Laboratory for Modern Technologies Inaugurated in A’RustaqA’Rustaq, 30 Nov 2025 (ONA) — The Geography Laboratory for Modern Technologies was inaugurated today in the Al Hazm area of the Wilayat of A’Rustaq.The facility aims to support the educational process by providing a practical environment that enables the application of geographical concepts in a realistic manner.The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Abdullah Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Education.The opening of the laboratory marks a significant step towards ...

Around 28K Monthly Visitors to Hajarat Al Sheikh Tourist Walkway in Wadi Al Maawil Wadi Al Maawil, 19 Nov 2025 (ONA) --- The Hajarat Al Sheikh Tourist Walkway in the Wilayat of Wadi Al Maawil, South Al Batinah Governorate, is witnessing increasing popularity, attracting nearly 28,000 visitors monthly, making it one of the most prominent natural and heritage tourist destinations in the Wilayat. The walkway, implemented through a partnership between the Office of the Governor of South Al Batinah and the people of the Wilayat, serves as a recreational space for visitors, combining ...

Internal Road Paving in Full Swing in Wilayats of South Al Batinah Governorate Nakhal, 12 Nov (ONA) --- The wilayats of South Al Batinah Governorate are currently carrying out an active programme of internal road paving. The programme forms part of infrastructure projects being implemented within the Governorate's annual development plans. The projects, undertaken by the Directorate General of South Al Batinah Municipality, include the paving of internal roads in residential neighbourhoods and parking areas of government departments, commercial complexes, health ...

South Al Batinah Governorate Reviews Development Projects Underway in Nakhal Nakhal, 10 Nov (ONA) – The Governorate of South Al Batinah today held a community meeting during which it reviewed the progress being made in service and development projects currently underway in the Wilayat of Nakhal. Held in the presence of South Al Batinah Governor, Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, the meeting was in pursuance of ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure, improve the quality of life and enhance tourism and economic activities in the Wilayat. Eng. Ali Hassan Al Mujaini, ...

Meeting Reviews Development Projects BarkaBarka, 28 Oct (ONA) — The South Al Batinah Governorate today reviewed a number of service and development projects currently under implementation in the Wilayat of Barka. This comes within the context of ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure, improve the quality of life, and promote urban development in Barka.The review took place during a meeting between Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah, and a number of officials in the governorate.Eng. Ali Hassan Al Mujini, Director of the Projects Department at South Al Batinah ...

South Al Batinah Municipal Council Reviews Service-Related TopicsA’Rustaq, 27 Oct (ONA) — The Municipal Council in South Al Batinah Governorate reviewed some service and developmental topics.This took place during its eighth meeting this year, held today under the chairmanship of Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah and Chairman of the Municipal Council.The meeting reviewed the executive status of the project to allocate an agricultural land plot “usufruct” for relocating the poultry breeding and marketing project in Al Mullada area in the Wilayat of Al ...

South Al Batinah Emerges as Premier Tourism Destination Through Heritage Development Barka, 19 Oct (ONA) --- South Al Batinah Governorate has demonstrated significant growth in its tourism infrastructure, with licensed tourism establishments reaching 274 by September 2025, comprising hotels, heritage lodges, and eco-friendly accommodations. The region has also seen expansion in its travel sector, with 148 registered travel agencies and tour operators currently active. The Directorate of Heritage and Tourism has been instrumental in developing the governorate's tourism ...

Agreements Inked to Localize Projects in Khazaen Economic City Worth over RO 276 MillionBarka, 15 Oct (ONA) — Khazaen Economic City in South Al Batinah Governorate signed 19 new investment agreements during the first half of 2025, to localize a number of local and foreign projects with a total value exceeding RO 276.5 million. This compares to 9 agreements valued at RO 5.4 million during the same period in 2024, achieving a 111% growth in the number of agreements and a qualitative leap in investment value.This accelerated growth reflects increasing confidence from local and international ...

Qualifying Rounds for Sultan Qaboos Quran Competition Commence in BarkaBarka, 15 Oct (ONA) — The preliminary qualifying rounds for the 33rd edition of Sultan Qaboos Quran Competition commenced today in the Wilayat of Barka, South Al Batinah Governorate, at its 20th stop.Organized by the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science at the Diwan of Royal Court, the competition features 111 male and female contestants.The competition includes seven levels: Level 1 requires full memorization of the Holy Quran; Level 2 requires memorization of 24 consecutive parts; Level 3 requires 18 ...

Oman's Ancient Copper Industry Stands as Testament to Advanced Civilization A’Rustaq, 12 Oct (ONA) --- The ancient copper industry in the Sultanate of Oman serves as compelling evidence of an advanced civilization that evolved into a leading industrial power nearly five thousand years ago. Historical records from Sumerian and Assyrian civilizations document copper exports from Oman to Mesopotamia, while numerous archaeological sites across the country reveal extensive smelting remnants that testify to the industry's remarkable scale ...

Investment Agreements Worth Over RO 9 Million Signed in South Al Batinah Muscat, 9 Oct (ONA) --- The Office of the Governor of South Al Batinah today signed 13 new investment and executive agreements with a number of private sector institutions, valued at over RO 9 million. The signing took place during the Home and Building Expo at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The agreements were signed on behalf of the Governor’s Office by Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah, and by a group of investment and executive institutions and companies representing ...

Completion Rate in Restoration Project of Al Khasfah Tower Reaches 55pcA’Rustaq, 8 Oct (ONA) — The completion rate of the restoration works for Al Khasfah historic Tower in the Wilayat of A’Rustaq, South Al Batinah Governorate, has reached approximately 55%.This effort is part of the ongoing work by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to preserve historical heritage and enhance the presence of heritage landmarks as tourist and cultural assets in the wilayat.— Ends/AH ...

Social Development Ministry Opens Complex in A’Rustaq for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities A’Rustaq, 7 Oct (ONA) --- The Ministry of Social Development today opened a building that comprises production halls at “Al Wafa Centre for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities” in A’Rustaq, South Al Batinah Governorate. The complex is aimed to train persons with disabilities and economically empower them to establish their own businesses and integrate them into the labour market. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng.Masoud Said Al ...

Precast Concrete Factory Opens in Wilayat of Nakhal Nakhal, October 5 (ONA) --- A precast concrete factory was opened today in the Wilayat of Nakhal, South Al Batinah Governorate, to enhance local content and keep pace with modern construction requirements. The project was carried out by Global Precast Industries LLC company. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Khalfan Said Al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning. Eng. Ibrahim Salim Al Siyabi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the factory, said that the unit, whose construction ...

Expanded Health Awareness Symposium Held in Al Awabi Wilayat Al Awabi, 30 (ONA) --- The Health Committee in the Wilayat of Al Awabi today organized an expanded awareness symposium titled "Genetic Blood Disorders and Pre-Marital Screening." The event was held under the auspices of Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah, with the attendance of several officials in the governorate. The symposium included three working papers: The first paper addressed genetic diseases. The second paper reviewed the details of the pre-marital screening program from a health ...

South Al Batinah Municipal Council Reviews Service-Related TopicsA’Rustaq, 29 Sep (ONA) — The Municipal Council of South Al Batinah Governorate reviewed a number of service and developmental topics within the governorate.Additionally, the General Directorate of Social Development in the governorate presented a visual presentation on the "South Al Batinah is Friendly for Persons with Disabilities" initiative.This took place during the Council's meeting today, chaired by Eng. Masoud Said Al Hashmi, Governor of South Al Batinah and Chairman of the Municipal Council.The Council also reviewed ...

MoC Signed to Provide Psychological, Rehabilitation Services A’Rustaq, 25 Sep (ONA) --- The Ministry of Social Development, represented by the Directorate General of Social Development in South Al Batinah Governorate, signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) with Al Amal International Hospital in A’Rustaq. The agreement aims to provide psychological and rehabilitation care services for senior citizens residing at the Social Care Home and for individuals enrolled at the Al Wafa Center for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons in A’Rustaq. The memorandum was signed by ...

South Al Batinah Launches Integrated E-Portal, Smartphone Application 'Mujab'Al Musanaa, 24 Sep (ONA) — The Governorate of South Al Batinah office today launched its newly upgraded e-services portal and the smartphone application 'Mujab', in a ceremony held in the Wilayat of Al Musanaa. This initiative is part of supporting Oman Vision 2040, enhancing the digital transformation journey, and ensuring the provision of distinguished government services that meet community aspirations and sustainable development requirements.The event was held under the patronage of Eng. Omar Hamdan Al Ismaili, ...

Environment Authority Eradicates More Than 12,000 Invasive Birds in South Al BatinahAl Rustaq, 15 Sep (ONA) --- Field teams from the Environment Authority (EA), in South Al Batinah Governorate, eradicated 12,597 invasive birds over the past two months.With the active participation of members of the local community, the EA teams used standard measures in their operation to ensure the safety of other wildlife organisms.The EA is conducting the second phase of a national campaign that targets invasive births, including the Myna starling and the Indian Crow. The campaign forms part of ...

National Livestock Vaccination Project Launched in South Al Batinah A’Rustaq, 3 Sep (ONA) --- The National Livestock Vaccination Campaign for the 2025-2026 season has been launched in South Al Batinah Governorate. The campaign, implemented by the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, will run for eight consecutive months across all wilayats of the governorate. The campaign aims to vaccinate various animals against priority epidemic and infectious diseases. This will contribute to prevention, reduce infection rates, and curb their spread. It is a ...

Completion Rate in Sewage Network Project in Al Musanaa Reaches 78pc Al Musanaa, 31 Aug (ONA) — The execution rate of the project to complete the sewage network, treatment plant, and irrigation pipeline in the Wilayat of Al Musanaa, South Al Batinah Governorate, has reached 78%. The total cost of the project is RO 9.877 million, covering all its facilities and components. Nama Water Services affirmed that the project sites are witnessing significant progress across various stages, in line with the company’s vision to enhance sewage treatment capacity and keep pace ...

A’Rustaq Hospital Blood Bank Records Increase in Donors During H1 of 2025 A’Rustaq, 31 Aug (ONA) — The Blood Bank at A’Rustaq Hospital in South Al Batinah Governorate recorded a notable increase in blood donors during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. The total number of donors from January to June 2025 reached 2,201, reflecting an increase of 176 donors over the same period in 2024, which recorded 2,025 donors. Statistics released by the Blood Bank indicate that male donors numbered 2,021, while female donors totaled 180 in 2025. The data ...

Nearly 170,000 Beneficiaries of Social Protection Services in South Al Batinah by Mid-2025 A’Rustaq, 17 Aug (ONA) — The Governorate of South Al Batinah is witnessing steady growth in social protection services, driven by the efforts of the Social Protection Fund to secure a dignified life for citizens, aligning with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 to build a cohesive and prosperous society. According to statistical reports issued by the Fund, the total number of beneficiaries in South Al Batinah by the end of June 2025 reached 169,998 individuals across various ...

Wakan Village in South Al Batinah Attracts Over 27,000 VisitorsNakhal, 13 Aug (ONA) – Wakan Village in Wadi Mistal, the Wilayat of Nakhal in South Al Batinah Governorate, welcomed 27,428 visitors from January to July 2025, compared to 24,093 visitors during the same period in 2024, according to official statistics. Dr. Al-Mu'tasim Nasser Al-Hilali, Director of Heritage and Tourism in South Al Batinah Governorate, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the village's diverse tourist attractions have established it as a year-round sustainable destination. He noted that summer tourism peaks due to ...

Electricity Projects in South Al Batinah Show Significant Progress in Q2 2025A’Rustaq, 13 Aug (ONA) — Developmental indicators in the electricity sector have shown notable progress in infrastructure project execution in South Al Batinah Governorate, according to the seventh index report in the "Economic and Developmental Reports – Electricity Sector Plan" for the second quarter of 2025. Nama Distribution Company stated that operational results reflect its commitment to developing electricity networks to meet growing energy demand. The company noted that "some supervised projects have ...

UTAS in Al Musannah Wins International Research Award Al Musannah, 12 Aug (ONA) --- The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Al Musannah, South Al Batinah Governorate, merited the Best Research Paper Award during the participation of a team from the university’s College of Economics and Business Administration in the International Conference on Business and Technology (ICBT Cardiff 2025). The conference, hosted by Cardiff University in the United Kingdom, was attended by a group of academics, researchers and experts from around the world. The research team ...

Rapid Urban Growth Witnessed in South Al Batinah During First Half of 2025A’Rustaq, 10 Aug (ONA) — The construction sector in South Al Batinah Governorate witnessed remarkable growth during the first half of 2025, reflecting an accelerating pace of urban development and real estate investment across the governorate’s wilayats.The total number of major building permits issued during this period reached 3,289, compared to 2,188 in the first half of 2024—marking a 50% growth rate, one of the strongest indicators of the sector’s rising activity. South Al Batinah Municipality revealed ...

Barka Business Centre Contributes to Building Knowledge, Innovation-Based EconomyBarka, 6 Aug (ONA) — The Business Centre in the Wilayat of Barka, affiliated to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Development Department in South Al Batinah Governorate, represents a significant addition to the entrepreneurship ecosystem. It plays a vital role in generating job opportunities, fostering innovation, and empowering youth in economic development, aligning with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which aims to establish a knowledge and innovation-driven economy. The SMEs Development ...

Heritage, Tourism Ministry Restores Historical Landmarks in South Al BatinahA’Rustaq, 4 Aug (ONA) — The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism emphasized that the restoration of forts and castles plays a vital role in preserving Oman’s cultural, historical, and architectural heritage, boosting tourism, revitalizing local economies, and restoring these landmarks to their original splendor—making them attractive tourist destinations and creating investment opportunities for both public and private sectors. The Department of Heritage and Tourism in South Al Batinah Governorate is currently ...