Successful launch of ‘Duqm-1’
In a milestone for the Middle East, the Sultanate of Oman successfully launched its first experimental rocket, Duqm-1. The event was executed by Edaq, a subsidiary of the National Space Services Company (NASCOM), under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. The launch is part of Oman’s broader strategic vision to advance its space sector.
Hafeet Rail enters construction stage
The partnership agreements were signed between stakeholders to mark the actual start of the construction of the railway linking the two countries. Oman and Etihad Rail Company (OERC) launched a new brand identity for the railway network, which will be now called ‘Hafeet Rail'.
Royal Cars Museum
Upon the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said presided over the opening ceremony of the ‘Royal Cars Museum’ at Al Barakah Palace. The most prominent collections of cars include ones used by the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the late Sultan Said bin Taimour and Sayyid Tarik bin Taimour, in addition to the collections of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, among other cars. The museum was made open to members of the public and visitors may obtain tickets to visit the museum by booking in advance through the website (www.rcm.gov.om). Royal Cars Museum will be open to visitors three days a week on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Work begins on the Muttrah Cable Car project
Work has started on the Muttrah Cable Car project, according to a source connected to the main contractor. Cable car services will have three stations and is expected to be the longest in the Middle East over the sea.
Oman launches its First Satellite (OL-1)
Represented by ‘Oman Lens’ company, the Sultanate of Oman has launched its first full-fledged Omani satellite registered under its name at the International Telecommunication Organization (ITU). Enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, the satellite specialises in remote sensing and earth observation technologies. With the successful launch of this satellite ‘OL-1’, the Sultanate of Oman officially joins the field of space technology.
New Media Law issued
A new media law was issued by Royal Decree No 58/2024 to ensure a safe environment for media work and prevent restrictions on the press and media while emphasising preventing the spread of misinformation and rumours that could harm the country’s reputation and cause harm to the society with inappropriate content that can be an incitement to hatred and violence.
Personal Income Tax
It has been revealed by sources that overall impact on the economy because of the taxes will be about one per cent, due to the increase in operating costs, especially for workers in some institutions because they need them to raise their salaries. Individuals with salaries that are less than RO 2,500 will not be subject to tax.
Muscat Structure Plan
The Greater Muscat Structure Plan (GMSP) places lots of importance on connectivity via public transportation and less dependence on private vehicles, according to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. It may be noted that the plan will enter the implementation stage (four phases) once approved by the Council of Ministers.
Mawaleh Central Market becomes history
Muscat Municipality shifted all wholesale trading activities of Mawaleh Central Market for Fruits and Vegetables to Khazaen Economic City in June. The Mawaleh market opened in 1987 but closed soon after to reopen in 1997 and was operational full-fledged by 2000. Initially, 90 per cent of the products were imported via neighbouring countries.
Mandatory maternity leave insurance
The maternity leave insurance for citizens and expatriates working in the Sultanate of Oman was implemented by the Social Protection Fund (SPF). It applies to employees of both private and public sectors and includes all types of contracts, including temporary contracts, training contracts and retired workers. It does not apply to self-employed Omanis, part-time Omanis working in the GCC, and Omanis working abroad. The provisions of this section shall also be mandatory for non-Omani workers working in the Sultanate of Oman, clarified the SPF.
Ukrainian Embassy in Muscat inaugurated
The Ukrainian Embassy in Muscat was inaugurated under the auspices of Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, and under the presence of Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister. The embassy’s opening comes within the framework of enhancing bilateral relations and expanding joint cooperation in various fields.
Consultancy services for flood risk maps
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources assigned a specialised company with the task of drafting consultancy services project to update and prepare flood risk maps. The company will also prepare emergency management plans for handing flood risks in the Sultanate of Oman from 2024 to 2026.
Ten new species of Omani plants discovered
Oman Botanic Garden registered 10 new species of plants that are native to the Sultanate of Oman. The newly registered plants, discovered by local and international researchers in different governorates of Oman, include a rare species of wild barley strain that is indigenous to Sahasah area in the Wilayat of Khasab.
Unesco includes 3 Omani cities
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) has announced the addition of three Omani cities in the Unesco Global Network of Learning Cities. They were the Wilayat of Muscat, Governorate of Muscat, the Wilayat of Nizwa, Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah, and the Wilayat of Sur, Al Sharqiyah South Governorate.
Apple and Samsung Pay launched
Apple and Samsung Wallets were launched in the Sultanate of Oman, allowing users to make online and offline payments via mobile devices. Verification of debit or credit cards can be made through a simple process.
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