Following the success of its second edition in 2024—which trained 100 young men and women in diplomacy and leadership—the programme continues to serve as a vital platform for connecting Omani youth with international organizations and forums. Participants gained valuable insights into the core principles and mechanisms of the United Nations, boosting their ability to contribute to both regional and global dialogues.

Hilal bin Saif Al Siyabi, Director General of Youth at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, stated that the Youth Ambassadors Programme stands as a flagship annual initiative reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to youth development. He noted that the increasing number of applicants, from 75 participants in the first edition to 100 in the second, reflects its growing popularity and impact.

For 2025, the programme targets 120 participants, with 21 seats allocated to youth from Gulf and Arab countries—most of which have already expressed initial approval to join. The expanded cohort aims to foster deeper cross-cultural dialogue and international collaboration.

Key highlights of the 2025 edition include:

• High-level meetings between youth and diplomatic leaders
• Training sessions conducted in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
• A Model United Nations (MUN) simulation exercise
• Opportunities to represent Oman at regional and international events

The Model United Nations simulation will bring together approximately 100 young participants alongside representatives from government entities, private sector organizations, academia, international bodies, and entrepreneurs. During the simulation, participants will role-play as diplomats representing various countries within simulated UN bodies such as the General Assembly, Security Council, and Economic and Social Council.

Through structured debates, negotiations, and resolution drafting, participants will address pressing global issues affecting youth—including peace and security, human rights, climate change, food security, and economic development. The sessions will strictly follow official UN procedural rules, offering participants a realistic and enriching diplomatic experience.

Eligibility and Application Process

Applicants must be Omani nationals aged 18 to 29, in good health, and committed to fully engaging with the programme’s activities and schedules. Preference will be given to individuals who have not participated in previous editions. The initial phase of selection will be conducted electronically.

The Ministry has also emphasized fair representation across all governorates based on data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information and aims to maintain gender balance among participants. Applicants are required to complete all questions in the registration form to be considered for the selection process.

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A passionate music educator and devoted mentor, Ms. Jackson made a profound impact on generations of students and colleagues during her long and dedicated tenure at the school. She joined ISAS on August 11, 2006, and over the past 19 years, became a pillar of the institution — admired for her creativity, warmth, and unwavering dedication to her students’ growth, both academic and personal.

In February 2025, Ms. Jackson was diagnosed with cancer and returned to India for treatment. Despite her illness, she remained hopeful and stayed closely connected with her ISAS family, who continued to offer love, support, and prayers.

“She was more than just a teacher — she was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration,” shared one of her colleagues. “Her passion for music and education, her gentle demeanor, and her compassionate heart touched everyone who knew her.”

The ISAS community and the Indian School Board of Directors extend their heartfelt condolences to Ms. Jackson’s family and loved ones during this time of profound loss. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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In Dhofar Governorate, particularly along the coastal strip and nearby mountainous regions, skies will remain partly to fully cloudy, with the presence of low clouds, fog, and occasional light drizzle.

Meanwhile, thunderstorm activity continues to develop over the Sea of Oman, with storm cells moving south-southeast, potentially impacting Muscat and South Al Batinah.
Further thunderstorm cells originating over the Arabian Sea are currently affecting parts of Al Wusta Governorate and Masirah Island, with meteorological models indicating continued activity in the coming hours.

Authorities advise residents and motorists in affected areas to remain cautious due to potential low visibility, slippery roads, and localized flooding.

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These projects aim to enhance the quality of services offered to citizens, residents, and visitors, while improving interconnectivity between residential areas, boosting urban and economic development, and enhancing traffic safety across the governorate.

Widespread Road Works Across Wilayats

According to His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Mohsen Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, several key road initiatives are underway or nearing completion across multiple wilayats, including Salalah, Taqah, Mirbat, Sadah, Shaleem and the Hallaniyat Islands, Thumrait, Maqshan, Al Mazyouna, Rakhyut, and Dhalkut.

In Salalah, over 161 kilometers of internal roads are being paved in residential neighborhoods, with a project cost exceeding RO 9 million. Additionally, the dualisation of Sultan Qaboos Street is in progress, currently 22% complete, with a total investment of RO 16.3 million.

Key Projects Underway

Other ongoing infrastructure projects highlighted by Dr. Al Ghassani include:

• Paving of 40 km of internal roads and dualisation of Thumrait Street, including installation of decorative lighting, costing over RO 3 million.
• Roadworks in Taqah, spanning 32 km across plain and mountainous terrain, with an estimated cost of RO 1.7 million.
• In Mirbat, the paving of 20 km of roads is underway at RO 995,000, alongside the Mirbat Street dualisation project, valued at RO 1.96 million.
• A total of 50 km of internal roads are under development across Sadah, Shaleem, Hallaniyat Islands, Rakhyut, Dhalkut, and Al Mazyouna.
• 15 km of internal roads are also being constructed in Maqshan.

Supporting Balanced Urban Development

Dr. Al Ghassani emphasized that these projects are part of a broader government strategy to enhance public services, support balanced urban development, and improve the living standards of residents across all wilayats of Dhofar.

He noted that the Municipality continues to adopt a participatory approach, incorporating local community needs to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of municipal services across various development sectors.

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The agreement was formalized during an official meeting in Manila between Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Oman’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.

Expanding Bilateral Cooperation

Beyond the signing of the agreement, the ministers held in-depth discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors, including the economy, scientific collaboration, and other strategic fields. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and expressed their intent to finalize several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and pursue future agreements to deepen collaboration.

The two sides also agreed to organize the second Oman–Philippines Investment Forum, scheduled to take place in Muscat next year, with the aim of fostering sustainable and mutually beneficial economic partnerships.

Shared Regional Interests and Strategic Dialogue

On political and regional matters, the ministers exchanged views on developments of mutual concern, emphasizing the importance of ongoing cooperation in areas such as knowledge exchange, skills development, and enhanced engagement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Oman’s Humanitarian and Diplomatic Role Recognized

Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro extended appreciation for Oman’s humanitarian efforts in facilitating the recent release of sailors from the MV Galaxy Leader, who had been detained in Yemen. She also commended Oman’s fair treatment of Filipino workers and praised the country’s balanced and principled foreign policy under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

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A key catalyst in this partnership is the Omani-Algerian Joint Investment Fund, which is currently engaged in negotiations for several large-scale strategic initiatives. Algeria has shown significant interest in Oman’s investment environment, with many inquiries now being handled through the “Invest in Oman” platform.

Ambassador Al-Badaei also noted that a number of Algerian business delegations have already visited Oman, with more expected soon—particularly from the pharmaceutical sector—as both sides explore long-term strategic collaborations.

Oman Positioned as a Premier Investment Destination

Promoting Oman as a stable, investor-friendly destination remains a core focus for the Omani Embassy in Algeria. Officials are engaging directly with Algeria’s business community to highlight Oman’s many advantages for foreign investors—including full foreign ownership of projects without the need for a local partner.

Mohammed bin Ali Al Lawati, Acting Director of the Investment Promotion Department at Oman’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, underlined several incentives: up to 10 years of income tax exemptions in key sectors like manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and technology, along with customs exemptions on imported raw materials and machinery.

Algeria Targets $10 Billion in Omani Investments

Algeria, on its part, is seeking over $10 billion in Omani investment over the medium term. According to Omar Rekash, Director General of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency, numerous Omani companies have already submitted investment proposals.

Ongoing talks include the establishment of a direct shipping line between Oman and Algeria in partnership with Asyad Group, and a marine fishing project involving Mauritania as a third partner. Additional ventures under discussion include a Hyundai automobile assembly project and a large-scale aluminum smelter.

Pharmaceuticals, logistics, and strategic industrial developments top the agenda as both countries deepen bilateral cooperation. Algeria, Rekash added, has introduced comprehensive legislative reforms to enhance investor confidence, offering protections and guarantees for foreign capital.

Since the reforms were enacted, Algeria has registered more than 15,600 investment projects—including 271 with foreign participation—underscoring the country’s renewed appeal as a regional investment hub.

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HE Sayyid Badr began by conveying the Sultan’s warm greetings and best wishes to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, lauding his leadership and efforts in addressing global challenges.

Reaffirming Oman’s deep-rooted commitment to multilateralism, the minister emphasized the vital role of the United Nations as a cornerstone of international cooperation, conflict resolution, and the promotion of human dignity. He described the UN as a beacon of justice and peace, particularly essential in today’s era of overlapping global crises.

As the world faces unprecedented instability, HE Sayyid Badr urged the international community to recommit to the founding principles of the UN and called for renewed unity and determination to shape a more stable and secure future.

Looking ahead, he stressed the urgency of reforming and modernizing the UN’s structure, ensuring it remains fit for purpose in an increasingly complex world. He highlighted the importance of equitable global representation, underscoring the need for a more balanced approach that gives equal weight to the voices of both the Global North and South—to promote true justice, inclusivity, and equal partnership among all nations.

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During the meeting, Ambassador Al Balushi conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the President, along with His Majesty’s hopes for continued prosperity and well-being for the government and people of Bangladesh.

In return, President Shahabuddin extended his sincere greetings to His Majesty the Sultan and expressed his appreciation for the enduring ties between Oman and Bangladesh. He wished the Omani people further progress and prosperity.

Celebrating 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations

President Shahabuddin noted with pleasure that the presentation of credentials coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Oman and Bangladesh. He highlighted the depth of bilateral relations and praised Oman’s positive role, under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham, in supporting regional and international peace and security.

The President also acknowledged Oman’s constructive contributions to regional stability and global development efforts, describing the Sultanate as a valued partner in multilateral cooperation.

Expanding Bilateral Cooperation

Ambassador Al Balushi reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to strengthening friendly ties and enhancing cooperation with Bangladesh across various sectors. He emphasized the importance of developing economic partnerships, particularly in energy, petroleum derivatives, minerals, and pharmaceuticals.

He also highlighted the significant potential for expanding investments between the two countries, particularly through special economic zones and other mutually beneficial ventures.

The ambassador concluded by expressing his confidence in the continued growth of bilateral relations, in alignment with the shared vision for economic and diplomatic advancement.

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Under the terms of the agreement, Omani nationals can enter Russia visa-free for up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days within a calendar year. Travelers must ensure that their passports are valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Russia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that any travel to Russia before July 18, 2025, will still require a valid visa. Additionally, the visa waiver applies only to travel for tourism, business, or personal visits. Individuals planning to study, work, or reside in Russia must continue to obtain the appropriate visa in advance, in accordance with Russian immigration laws.

The Ministry also urged citizens to respect the laws and regulations of the host country and wished all travelers to Russia a safe and successful journey.

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The daily service is expected to facilitate tourism, strengthen economic ties, and offer travelers a convenient and affordable option for visiting Salalah, especially during the popular Khareef season.

Oman Airports commended the addition of this route as a strategic step toward enhancing regional connectivity and supporting the growth of Oman’s aviation and tourism sectors.

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The Ministry of Transport and Communications has urged all motorists to exercise caution, adhere to traffic regulations, and follow directional signage to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow during the construction period.

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The two-day event was officially inaugurated under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Nadir bin Al Julanda bin Majid Al Said, Secretary-General at the Diwan of Royal Court.

Bringing together 35 local and international experts, the conference serves as a platform for exchanging insights on the integration of modern technologies into education and exploring the latest global trends in this evolving sector.

The conference features five key sessions, each addressing a distinct dimension of technology’s impact on education:

1. The Future of Digital Applications and AI in Higher Education – Examines how artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and financial technology are reshaping academic institutions in Oman.
2. Digital Transition in Education – Focuses on human-centric AI solutions and the transformation of traditional teaching methods.
3. Innovative Learning Solutions – Highlights the convergence of AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and virtual environments to create more immersive and interactive learning experiences.
4. Technology, Ethics, and Innovation in the Digital Age – Investigates ethical frameworks and the balance between innovation and responsibility.
5. AI in Linguistics and Educational Narratives – Explores the use of AI in language education and the storytelling methods applied across platforms—from classrooms to gaming consoles.

The conference also includes discussions on AI applications in industry, cybersecurity, and digital storytelling, bridging the gap between academia and real-world technological advancements.

Complementing the in-person sessions, three virtual sessions are being held on key themes:

• Strategic Transformation from Green Competencies to Smart Decision-Making
• Artificial Intelligence, Industry 4.0, and Advanced Intelligence Systems for Resilience, Security, and Interoperability
• Digital Transition and Human-Based Innovation in Health, Justice, and Markets

On the sidelines, a student exhibition is showcasing innovative projects developed by university students. The display highlights practical applications of emerging technologies across a wide range of disciplines including humanities, information technology, business administration, economics, and English language studies.

The event reflects Oman’s commitment to embracing advanced technologies in education and preparing its academic institutions for a future defined by digital innovation and global collaboration.

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At a press conference, H.E. Dr. Ali bin Amer Al-Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology, described COMEX as a strategic driver of investment in communications, information technology, and emerging digital industries. He emphasised the event’s role in nurturing tech startups, encouraging public-private partnerships, and strengthening international cooperation.

Reflecting on the success of COMEX 2024, Dr. Al-Shidhani said the previous edition surpassed expectations, with more than 60 agreements and MoUs signed valued at over RO 85 million—a 112% increase from 2023. The event featured 60 workshops, 25 startup-focused sessions, and over 100 expert speakers, drawing in over 80,000 visitors and 350 entities.

Oman’s ICT sector grew by 10.6% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Local investment in artificial intelligence also reached RO 60 million by the end of last year, fuelled by initiatives under the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies.

COMEX 2025 is expected to see broad participation from both local and global stakeholders. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology will host its own pavilion, spotlighting projects aligned with the National Digital Economy Program.

A wide array of specialised zones and events will be featured, focusing on digital investment, e-gaming, digital tourism, and creative content industries. Notably, the Ministry will organise:

Cybersecurity Investment and Local Products Forum – Showcasing national achievements in cybersecurity and fostering youth-led innovation.

Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing Forum – Aimed at enhancing awareness, promoting collaboration between research and industry, and developing national capabilities in these emerging technologies.

Cybersecurity Hackathon – Designed to produce innovative solutions for future cyber challenges.

One of the highlights will be the Digital Investment Corner, which aims to attract international and domestic investors, promote technology localization, and position Oman as a regional hub for digital innovation. A dedicated Emerging Technologies Pavilion will also support startups with focused workshops on venture capital, growth strategies, and success stories.

A visual presentation during the conference outlined COMEX 2025’s key sections, including:

International Delegations Pavilion

Space Technology

Renewable Energy

Smart Cities

Health Technologies

And other cutting-edge sectors driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The exhibition is set to play a transformative role in Oman’s journey toward becoming a digitally empowered and innovation-driven economy.

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During inspections across 53 tyre outlets, the CPA reported multiple violations and seized over 1,000 tyres, many of which were either used or had exceeded their expiry dates. So far this year, the CPA has conducted 1,756 inspections nationwide.

The public has been advised not to purchase used tyres, and consumers are encouraged to report shops violating regulations. In several regions of Oman, temperatures have soared beyond 45°C, raising the risk of tyre blowouts — especially for retreaded or second-hand tyres.

The Royal Oman Police’s Directorate General of Traffic highlighted that defective tyres are a frequent cause of road accidents. Drivers are urged to regularly inspect their tyres for wear, manufacturing date, tread depth, and damage, and to get them checked at authorized service centers.

Officials recommend replacing tyres every three to four years, regardless of visible condition, due to wear caused by heat and humidity. The public is reminded not to rely solely on appearance when judging tyre safety.

To tighten enforcement, the CPA has increased fines for selling unsafe tyres. Under recent amendments to the Consumer Protection Law, the penalty for such violations has doubled from OMR 500 to OMR 1,000.

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According to Brigadier Engineer Ali bin Sulaiman Al Falahy, Director General of Traffic, the new system includes AI-backed smart cameras installed at traffic signals, along with modern surveillance equipment. These technologies are designed to detect common violations such as speeding, running red lights, not wearing seat belts, and using mobile phones while driving.

The AI system will automatically record data without human intervention, using images, locations, and timestamps to document offenses. It will also assign traffic points to violators. Initially, penalties may include temporary suspension of driving licenses, mandatory referral to driving qualification courses, or administrative vehicle impoundment. Repeat violations could lead to license cancellation, officials warned.

Brig. Al Falahy noted that the system is inspired by models adopted in developed countries and is part of Oman’s ongoing efforts to enhance road safety through cutting-edge technology.

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In a statement shared online, the CAA revealed that it had recently detected several cases where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were flown without the required permits or in restricted areas.

“The Civil Aviation Authority would like to warn of the monitoring of a number of irregular uses of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) during the recent period, which included operating them without obtaining the necessary permits or using them in prohibited or unauthorized areas,” the statement read.

The Authority emphasized that unauthorized drone usage—particularly outside designated zones—poses significant safety risks and constitutes a breach of Omani airspace laws.

The CAA urged all drone operators to strictly comply with national regulations, obtain appropriate licenses through official channels, and use only approved applications. The warning concluded with a reminder that failure to comply may result in legal consequences.

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The messages were delivered by the Iranian Ambassador to Oman, Mousa Farhang, during a meeting held today.

During the discussions, both sides reviewed the state of Oman-Iran relations and explored avenues to strengthen cooperation across political, economic, investment, and cultural sectors.

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The agreement was formalised on Monday by H.E. Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Dr. Amer Nasser Al Matani, CEO of the Oman LNG Development Foundation.

Spanning 5,000 square meters, the centre will house two museum exhibition halls featuring archaeological artifacts discovered in Qalhat. The facility will also include administrative offices, a gift shop, café, outdoor events plaza, pathways connecting to the archaeological site, seating areas, canopies, and parking spaces.

Qalhat, located in Wilayat Sur, South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018. Once a bustling port city, it played a pivotal role in regional trade and maritime commerce, connecting Oman with India, Yemen, and beyond. The city was also known for exporting Arabian horses to the Indian subcontinent.

Khalifa bin Mubarak Al Farsi, Director of the Qalhat Archaeological Site Department, called the project a significant cultural milestone that will help preserve and showcase Qalhat’s rich historical legacy.

Eng. Ismail bin Sulaiman Al-Sawafi, General Manager of Social Responsibility and Public Relations at Oman LNG, highlighted the project’s potential to position Qalhat as a prominent national and international heritage tourism destination. He added that it would also generate employment and support local products and crafts.

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According to an official statement, the suspects were intercepted off the coast of Shinas while aboard a boat. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) confirmed that legal procedures are currently underway against those apprehended.

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Of this, RO 5 million was allotted for a 28-day maturity period, with an average accepted price of RO 99.700 per RO 100 and a minimum accepted price also at RO 99.700. The average discount rate stood at 3.91071%, while the average yield reached 3.92248%.

An additional RO 15.3 million was allotted for a 91-day maturity period. These bills had an average accepted price of RO 98.936 and a minimum accepted price of RO 98.930 per RO 100. The average discount rate was 4.26790%, and the average yield was 4.31381%.

Treasury Bills are short-term, highly secure financial instruments issued by the Ministry of Finance, offering licensed commercial banks a safe avenue to invest surplus funds. The Central Bank of Oman serves as the Issue Manager and provides additional liquidity support through discounting and repurchase (Repo) facilities.

The Repo interest rate with the CBO is currently 5.00%, while the discount rate under the Treasury Bills Discounting Facility is 5.50%.

In addition to offering liquidity and secure investment, Treasury Bills help strengthen the local money market by establishing a benchmark yield curve for short-term interest rates. The government may also use this instrument to finance recurring expenditures, as and when required.

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