His Majesty presides over cabinet meeting

Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik presided over a meeting of the Council of Ministers at Al Maamourah Palace in Salalah on Thursday.

The Council of Ministers, chaired by His Majesty the Sultan, approved the allocation of an additional amount of RO 50 million to support programs and tracks for jobseekers employment in the private sector.

In addition to amounts collected at a rate of 1.2% of the value of purchase invoices of oil, gas sector, govt units, Oman Investment Authority’s companies.

Authorities concerned shall develop clear procedures, and set requirements to ensure the sustainability of the offered opportunities His Majesty the Sultan instructed authorities concerned to allocate RO 72 million within the state’s general budget to finance the family income support benefit program within the schemes of the Social Protection Fund.

The Council of Ministers approves the allocation of an additional amount of RO 40 million within the current five-year plan to accelerate the construction of new schools, in light of the increasing student density in some governorates witnessing a steady population growth.

His Majesty the Sultan extended his congratulations to students, on the start of the new academic and university year. His Majesty commended the efforts made by teachers, male and female, and academics, male and female, to prepare for the new year, on whom many rely in building a generation armed with knowledge and science and adhering to values, principles, and good morals.

His Majesty the Sultan expressed his satisfaction with the decrease in the size of the public debt and the positive results achieved that contribute to enhancing confidence in the local economy and creating an attractive environment that helps stimulate various economic sectors.

The Council of Ministers approved the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies, and the implementation of its projects and initiatives to improve the ranking of the Sultanate of Oman in the Government Readiness Index in Artificial Intelligence by adopting and localizing technologies and legislation related to it, and to enhance the productivity of economic and development sectors and increase the number of emerging technology companies specialized in developing local solutions in this field.

In light of the increase in the number of visitors to Dhofar Khareef to one million visitors by the end of last August, His Majesty the Sultan praised the efforts made by the concerned authorities to implement many development projects, events, and programs aimed at attracting tourists to the Governorate of Dhofar, which helped in the success of this year's Khareef Season.

He pointed out the importance of continuing to study the aspirations of tourists and developing the events and services provided to ensure an increase in their numbers during the coming seasons.

The Council of Ministers stressed the importance of fortifying society from various aspects and strengthening the role of the family in raising children on tolerant principles and avoiding misled ideas in light of the social cohesion and harmony that Omani society has been known for throughout history and based on the authentic Omani values ​​that reject all forms of extremism, fanaticism, and partisanship.