Oman's waste recycling sector expands to 83 firms
MUSCAT: As many as 83 companies are currently engaged in waste recycling activities, underscoring the significant growth of the circular economy in Oman over the last several years, according to Dr Abdullah al Amri, Chairman – Environment Authority.
Taking part in a panel discussion on Day 1 of the Advantage Oman Forum, he said the proliferation of commercially-driven recycling activities is a testament to the enactment of effective policies and regulations that have fostered the growth of this sector.
'Four years ago, new policies were introduced to encourage internal recycling within the Sultanate. Some facilities were also made available to investors. In the past four years, we have seen the successful establishment of 83 recycling plants, focusing on various materials including iron scrap, aluminum scrap, plastic, car parts, cardboard, paper, tyres, and others,' Dr Al Amri stated.
Fuelled by the growth of this sector, around 43 per cent of municipal solid waste is now being recycled, according to the official. 'So we are on the right track! We expect to reach 60 per cent by 2030 and more than 90 per cent by 2040.'
Sharing his thoughts on the growth of the country's circular economy, fellow panelist Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, said the Oil & Gas sector is also getting its act together and dealing with oilfield waste in an environmentally responsible manner. Scrap steel and waste oil, for example, are now being recycled and processed in a sustainably approved way.
'With support from the Environment Authority and the Ministry of Commerce, we are now collecting all of that waste for reprocessing within the country, thereby supporting not only environmentally friendly processes, but also creating opportunities for new industry, new jobs, and so on,' he said.
From the standpoint of decarbonisation, the Oil & Gas industry is also actively working to start collecting carbon emissions, notably from hard-to-abate industries, for sequestering in suitable locations. So CO2 capture and CO2 sequestration are now part of the circular economy,' Al Aufi added.
2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
17 hours ago
- Zawya
Kuwait transfers pricing cmte to Ministry of Commerce under new agreement
KUWAIT -- Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Kuwait Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies (KUCCS), signed, Sunday, a trilateral cooperation protocol to transfer the pricing authority. In a joint statement, both ministries said the agreement included creating a legal framework to transfer all electronic systems and pricing records to the ministry of commerce. This move came in line with Cabinet directive to shift the pricing committee's responsibilities to the ministry of commerce, in accordance with existing laws, while safeguarding the legal rights and obligations of all involved parties, the statement added. All three parties agreed to form joint teams to monitor prices, protect consumers, and promote market stability. All KUNA right are reserved © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Surge in freelancing as e-commerce grows in Oman
Muscat – The freelancing sector in Oman is witnessing marked growth, in line with global shifts in the labour market and trends in the digital economy. National initiatives aimed at creating sustainable income streams for youth and encouraging entrepreneurship across digital platforms are further accelerating this transformation. Government efforts to build a supportive legislative and technical ecosystem are central to this shift, aligning with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to establish a diversified and innovation-driven economy. Azza bint Ibrahim al Kindi, Director of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce Department at Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said e-commerce has become a key area for freelance work. She noted that this growth is being supported by enabling government procedures that allow individuals to legally operate in the space. She highlighted the introduction of the Freelance Business Register, a licensing mechanism allowing Omanis to engage in e-commerce activities for a nominal fee. 'E-commerce requires relatively low operational costs, with no need for a physical storefront. It also gives businesses access to wider markets, both regionally and internationally,' she said. According to Azza, freelance e-commerce ventures are helping raise business awareness and professionalism among Omani youth. The low entry barrier is making it a viable option for many in the community to explore new income sources. The ministry has authorised over 200 commercial activities under freelance licences, developed in coordination with other authorities. These activities are supported through platforms like 'Maroof Oman', which documents and verifies e-stores, strengthening consumer trust and providing legal cover for online businesses. Azza noted that e-commerce is playing an increasingly important role in the digital economy, offering flexible job opportunities, particularly for young people and recent graduates. Fields such as digital marketing, design and software development are seeing steady freelance engagement. Freelancing also enables showcasing of Omani talent in professional and technical areas. 'It expands the scope of economic activity and supports the adoption of modern tools and technologies,' Azza said, adding that this contributes to creating innovative local solutions and services. The director cited approval of the National E-Commerce Plan by the Secretariat General of Council of Ministers as a key milestone. Part of the broader National Digital Economy Programme, the plan outlines development initiatives running from 2022 to 2027. Among these, an initiative to improve institutional capacity in e-commerce, implemented by Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, has offered training to help local merchants access platforms such as Amazon and Noon. Guidelines have been issued to help SMEs integrate into global supply chains. Additionally, the 'Makin' programme, under Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, is focused on enhancing technical skills in the job market, equipping Omanis with the digital capabilities required for current and future work environments. Azza noted that various government bodies are actively supporting the shift towards digital commerce. 'This sector is shaping the future of business and services. It gives youth the flexibility to test and develop ideas, reducing risks and encouraging innovation,' she said. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Oman emerges investor friendly destination
MUSCAT - In a rapidly evolving regional economic landscape, Oman has emerged as one of the Gulf's most promising and investor-friendly destinations. Anchored by Oman Vision 2040, a stable business environment, and a suite of progressive investment laws, Oman continues to attract robust foreign direct investment (FDI) across a range of strategic sectors. According to the latest data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), total FDI in Oman soared to RO 30.1 billion by the end of 2024, up sharply from RO 22.9 billion in 2023. This growth has been fuelled by opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, finance, real estate and green energy — alongside the traditional oil and gas sector. The Foreign Capital Investment Law, enacted in 2019, has opened the door to a more competitive investment environment. It allows full foreign ownership across most sectors and removes minimum capital requirements, significantly simplifying company formation for international investors. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion emphasises that this legal framework provides strong investor protections and has greatly reduced registration times, supported by the unified digital platform "Invest in Oman," which streamlines licensing and government approvals. Oman offers a suite of incentives, including tax exemptions of up to 25 years in free zones, customs exemptions, free repatriation of profits and capital, and long-term residency visas (5 to 10 years) for eligible investors and their families. While hydrocarbons still account for around 79 per cent of total FDI, there is notable diversification into non-oil sectors. Manufacturing attracted RO 2.1 billion, financial services RO 1.3 billion, and real estate nearly RO 1 billion. 'We chose Oman because of its stability, strategic location, and skilled workforce,' says Sanjay Menon, an Indian entrepreneur operating a light industrial facility in the Salalah Free Zone. 'The government is supportive, and procedures are clear and efficient.' Free zones and economic areas have become major investment engines. The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) has attracted over RO 6 billion in committed investments across hydrogen, petrochemicals, logistics, and tourism. Meanwhile, Sohar Industrial Port has secured more than $30 billion in cumulative investment, drawing strong interest from European, Chinese and GCC investors. With three world-class ports (Salalah, Sohar and Duqm), four international airports, and an expanding highway and railway network, Oman is strategically positioned as a logistics and re-export hub. The World Bank ranks Salalah Port among the most efficient globally, while Duqm is quickly developing into a fully integrated industrial and trade city. Oman's location offers unique logistical advantages and enhanced security, key factors valued by global supply chains. The Sultanate Oman is also leading in digital facilitation. The 'Invest in Oman' portal functions as a one-stop platform for business registration, site selection, licensing and scheduling meetings with government agencies. It supports both English and Arabic and provides tailored advisory services for foreign investors. Since its launch, the portal has issued more than 1.2 million electronic documents and over a million automatic licences, underscoring Oman's push towards digital governance and transparency. Investor confidence continues to rise, with the UK leading at RO 13.7 billion in investments, followed by the US with RO 5.2 billion. Other key contributors include the UAE, Kuwait, China and Switzerland. The British-Omani Business Council notes, 'Oman offers significant opportunities not only in energy but also in education, healthcare, and clean technologies. The investment environment is maturing - it's time for global players to take a closer look.' Guided by Oman Vision 2040, Oman aims to transform into a competitive, knowledge-based economy and position itself as a regional leader in sustainable development. Key advantages include political stability, a transparent legal system, zero personal income tax, and a strategic geopolitical location. Oman scores consistently high on regional transparency indices and remains largely insulated from regional volatility. For investors, Oman offers a blend of economic openness and regulatory clarity, with predictable policies, efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, and dedicated commercial courts for investment cases. As Oman rolls out major reforms and mega-projects under Oman Vision 2040, international interest is only set to grow. Whether you are a startup looking for a regional base, a logistics company seeking new trade routes, or a green energy firm with global ambitions — Oman offers the access, incentives and confidence to thrive. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
