News

Social Development Ministry, Oman Sail Sign MuU Muscat, 16 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Social Development and Oman Sail signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MuU) designed to empower Omani youth through a specialised life skills training programme which will lean on the lessons of sailing to inspire personal skills development, communication and teamwork. The agreement was signed by Dr. Khamis Salim Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail and Sayyida Maani Abdullah Al Busaidi, Director General of Family Development at the Ministry of Social Development. This partnership underscores a ...

State Council Discusses Draft Urban Planning Law Muscat, 16 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The State Council today discussed the "Draft Urban Planning Law" during its 6th session of the third regular annual sitting of the 8th term. The session was held under the chairmanship of Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council. In his opening speech, the Chairman of the State Council stated that the session includes the discussion of several topics, foremost of which is the "Draft Urban Planning Law" and the report of the Economic and Financial Committee concerning ...

Education Ministry Organizes Symposium on Future of Research Chairs in Oman Muscat, 16 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Education today organized a national symposium titled “Engineering the Future of Research Chairs in the Sultanate of Oman”. The symposium was held under the auspices of Dr. Jokha Abdullah Al Shukaili, Chairperson of Oman Authority for Quality Assurance of Education. The symposium aimed to discuss the role of research chairs as platforms for generating knowledge, guiding innovation and supporting sustainable development in line with the objectives ...

RAM Concludes Cultural, Creative Industries Leadership Programme Muscat, 16 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Royal Academy of Management (RAM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, concluded the “Leadership in Cultural and Creative Industries Programme.” The concluding ceremony was held under the auspices of Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture. The programme targeted a select group of leaders from Oman’s cultural and creative sector, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and ...

Social Development Minister Outlines Comprehensive Empowerment Strategy Before Shura Council Muscat, 15 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Shura Council convened its tenth regular session today, hosting Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, for an extensive deliberation on the Ministry's statement across six principal themes addressing family development, emerging social phenomena, strategic programs for women's empowerment, the rehabilitation and integration of persons with disabilities, and the advancement of legislative frameworks governing the social ...

Crown Prince of Bahrain Leaves OmanMuscat, 15 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain left Muscat today, following a short private visit to the Sultanate of Oman.He was seen off at the Royal Airport by His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and some officials. --- Ends/AH ...

Shura Council Office Reviews Reports of Standing Committees Muscat, 15 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Office of the Shura Council held its ninth regular meeting of the third annual sitting of the tenth term (2023-2027) today, under the chairmanship of Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Council. The meeting reviewed several reports from the Economic and Financial Committee, including a report on the expressed desire to support national factories and highlight the importance of the industrial sector as a key driver for achieving national economic transformation, ensuring ...

Continuous Growth in Endowments Assets, Zakat Revenues in 2025: Ministry Affirms Muscat, 15 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs today, during its media briefing in Muscat, reviewed its achievements for 2025 and its targets for the current year 2026, focusing on key pillars, namely the sustainable development, enhancing community partnership, investing religious resources, and consolidating the values of moderation and citizenship. Dr. Mohammed Said Al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, affirmed that the Ministry adopted ten ...

Healthcare Sector in GCC Countries Sees Rapid Expansion Muscat, 15 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The health sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is witnessing a significant expansion, reflecting the volume of government investment and the development of health infrastructure in recent years. Data from the GCC Statistical Centre indicates clear growth in health facilities and services provided to all segments of society. By the end of 2024, the total number of hospitals reached approximately 882, an increase of 176 hospitals during the 2014–2024 period, driven by both ...

UNESCO Report Results Launched to Establish National Reference for AI Governance in Oman Muscat, 15 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology celebrated the official launch of the UNESCO Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) report results regarding the assessment of the Sultanate of Oman’s readiness to expand ethical, inclusive, and human rights-based Artificial Intelligence governance. The ceremony witnessed the announcement of the RAM report results as the national reference for Artificial ...

Crown Prince of Bahrain Leaves OmanMuscat, 15 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain left Muscat today, following a short private visit to the Sultanate of Oman.He was seen off at the Royal Airport by His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and some officials. --- Ends/AH ...

Health Ministry Reveals Results of NCDs National Survey Muscat, 15 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Health today announced the results of the 2025 National Survey on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and their associated risk factors. The event was held under the auspices of Sayyid Dr. Sultan Yaarub Al Busaidi, Advisor at the Private Office. The ceremony’s program included a welcoming speech by Dr. Ahmed Salim Al Mandhari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Planning and Regulation, in which he emphasized that the survey was conducted in response to a ...

Chairman of Academy for Strategic, Defense Studies Receives US Delegation Muscat, 15 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Maj. Gen Hamid Ahmed Sakroon, Chairman of the Academy for Strategic and Defense Studies, received in his office at Bait Al Falaj Camp today a delegation from the CAPSTONE course at the U.S. National Defense University, headed by retired Vice Admiral Kurt W. Tidd. During the meeting, the two sides discussed several topics, particularly in academic fields. ---Ends/AG ...

Crown Prince of Bahrain Arrives in Oman Muscat, 15 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, arrived in Muscat today on a private visit to the Sultanate of Oman. His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, was at the forefront of those welcoming the guest and his accompanying delegation. When the jet touched ground at the Royal Airport, His Highness Sayyid Theyazin met the guest at the foot of the ramp, welcoming him and wishing him and his ...

Foreign Minister Welcomes Belgium's Decision to Open Embassy in OmanMuscat, 12 Feb 2026 (ONA) – A telephone conversation was held today between Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister of Foreign and Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium.The call took place within the framework of the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries.During the call, Sayyid Badr welcomed the Belgian government's decision to open an embassy for the Kingdom of Belgium in the Sultanate ...

Shura Council Participates in Arab Parliamentary Diplomatic Committee’s Meeting in Cairo Cairo, 12 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Shura Council today took part in a meeting of the temporary Parliamentary Diplomatic Committee in Cairo. The meeting, which saw the participation of representatives of Arab parliaments, aimed to boost joint Arab parliamentary action and coordinate positions vis-à-vis current regional and international levels. The meeting discussed ways to enhance Arab presence in international parliamentary conferences and to develop measures of coordination and ...

Workshop on Satellite Applications for Middle East, North Africa Concludes in Muscat Muscat, 12 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The 12th Workshop on Satellite Applications for the Middle East and North Africa regions concluded today at the headquarters of the Civil Aviation Authority. Hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Civil Aviation Authority “Centre of Excellence for Satellite Applications,” the five-day event brought together participants from across the region. The workshop, which included 24 trainees representing 11 countries from the Middle East and North Africa, ...

Royal Office Minister Receives Ambassador of Yemen Muscat, 12 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Gen. Sultan Mohammed Al Nu'amani, Minister of the Royal Office, received today at his office Dr. Khaled Saleh Shoteif, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen accredited to the Sultanate of Oman. The meeting reviewed bilateral relations and the bonds of friendship and partnership uniting the two countries. It also touched on developments in Yemen and the ongoing efforts aimed at resolving the situation in a manner that achieves security and stability for the Yemeni people. --- Ends/AH ...

Oman Participates in Closing Ceremony of 'Kuwait: Capital of Arab Culture and Media 2025' Kuwait, 12 Feb 2026 (ONA) — The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, took part in the closing ceremony of "Kuwait: Capital of Arab Culture and Media 2025", held at the Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre under the patronage of Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait. The Sultanate of Oman’s delegation was headed by Sayyid Saud Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth. The participation ...

Information Ministry of Organizes Panel Discussion Marking World Radio Day Muscat, 12 Feb 2026 (ONA) – The Ministry of Information, represented by the Directorate General of Radio, today organized a panel discussion titled "Radio and Artificial Intelligence" in celebration of World Radio Day, observed annually on 13 February. The event took place at the Ministry of Information Theatre. The panel brought together a distinguished group of academics, experts in media and technology, and media professionals from the Sultanate of Oman. In his address, Yousuf Humaid Al ...

HH Sayyid Theyazin Graces Kuwait Embassy's Celebration Muscat, 11 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Embassy of the State of Kuwait today held a reception on the occasion of Kuwait's 65th National Day and 35th Anniversary of Liberation Day. The ceremony was attended by HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, some Royal Family members, ministers, members of the State Council, undersecretaries, members of the Shura Council, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the Sultanate of Oman and Foreign Ministry’s officials. --- ...

Oman Participates in UN Tourism Regional Commission for Middle East in Kuwait Kuwait, 11 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman took part in the fifty-second meeting of the Regional Commission for the Middle East of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, convened in the State of Kuwait. The engagement reflects Oman's ongoing commitment to strengthening regional coordination and shaping future strategic directions for the tourism sector across the region. The meeting is attended by Ministers of Tourism, senior officials, and delegates representing member ...

Fisheries Resources Survey Project in Arabian Sea and Sea of Oman to Commence Friday Muscat, 11 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources will begin conducting the Fisheries Resources Survey Project in the Arabian Sea and Sea of Oman this Friday, under a cooperation agreement signed with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This initiative forms part of the Sultanate of Oman's efforts to enhance the sustainability of its marine resources and support the food security system in line with the objectives of Oman Vision ...

Sultan Qaboos Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers Concludes 60th Course Manah, 11 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Sultan Qaboos Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers in the Wilayat of Manah, A’Dakhiliyah Governorate, today celebrated the conclusion of its 60th intensive course. The seven-week programme provided students with an immersive curriculum in Arabic language studies, complemented by a comprehensive cultural programme featuring cultural lectures, calligraphy workshops, a language partner initiative, and various cultural activities. It is ...

Thursday, 19 February 2026 Is First Day of Ramadan 1447 AH Muscat, 11 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Main Committee for Moon Sighting said that based on confirmed astronomical evidence indicating that the moon will set on Tuesday, the 29th of Sha'ban 1447 AH, corresponding to 17 February 2026, before or at sunset in all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, the sighting of the crescent moon on this day is astronomically impossible. The Committee added that in accordance with the established principle of not accepting reports that contradict observable reality and scientific ...

Workshop Reviews Horizons of Omani-Saudi Relations Riyadh, 10 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- A specialized workshop was held today to review Omani-Saudi relations and the prospects for their development. The session took place as part of a diplomatic course involving several Omani diplomats at the Prince Saud Al Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies. Sheikh Ahmed Hashel Al Maskari, Head of the GCC Department at the Foreign Ministry, presented a working paper detailing the foundations of the deep-rooted bilateral relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He ...

Foreign Minister Meets Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Muscat, 10 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, met today with Dr. Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation in supporting regional security and stability. --- Ends/AH ...

Shortened Working Hours Declared for Ramadan 1447 AH Muscat, 10 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Labour has formally issued the official working schedule for the blessed month of Ramadan, 1447 AH, applying to both the civil units of the State's Administrative Apparatus and private sector establishments. The guidelines are as follows: I. Civil Units of the State’s Administrative Apparatus: A- Official Working Hours: The standard daily schedule is set at five consecutive hours, from 9 am to 2 pm. B- Flexible Working Arrangements: Unit heads are ...

Joint Session Discusses Articles of Dispute Between State Council, Shura Council Muscat, 10 Feb 2026 (ONA) – The State Council and Shura Council held today the first joint session of the third sitting of the eighth term of the Council of Oman, chaired by Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council. The joint session involved discussing and voting on the articles of disagreement between the two councils in 7 draft laws. These include draft laws concerning the Real Estate Register, Civil Society Institutions, Combating Information Technology Crimes, ...

Inauguration of 3rd International Conference on Unmanned Vehicle Systems Muscat, 10 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The activities of the Third International Conference on Unmanned Vehicle Systems (UVS-Oman 2026) commenced today at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). The opening of he conference was held under the auspices of Sheikh Dr. Ali Masoud Al Sunaidi, Advisor at the Diwan of Royal Court. In his opening speech, Dr. Nabil Zahran Al Rawahi, Dean of the College of Engineering, explained that the third edition of the conference has expanded to include interactive educational workshops ...