logo
Majlis Ash'shura to debate draft laws this week

Majlis Ash'shura to debate draft laws this week

Observer19-05-2025
MUSCAT: The Majlis Ash'shura will hold its 10th and 11th regular meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 20-21, during which a number of draft laws referred by the government will be discussed in addition to a number of draft economic and social agreements, Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al Nadabi, Secretary-General of Majlis Ash'shura, announced on Monday.
Al Nadabi stated that the two meetings will discuss draft amendments to the Law on Arbitration in Civil and Commercial Disputes and the draft Real Estate Registry Law. The meeting will also discuss and approve the draft Civil Society Organisations Law referred by the government.
The agenda of the two meetings also includes reviewing a number of draft laws referred by the Council of Ministers, most notably the draft law on national geospatial data and information, the draft law on unified industrial regulation for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the draft law on sports authorities, Al Nadabi said.
The members of the Majlis Ash'shura will be briefed on the draft air services agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. — ONA
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

First Oman-made long stroke pump unit launched
First Oman-made long stroke pump unit launched

Observer

time4 days ago

  • Observer

First Oman-made long stroke pump unit launched

MUSCAT, JUNE 30 Oman has taken a bold step toward becoming a regional manufacturing hub for artificial lift systems with the successful production of the first Long Stroke Pump Unit (LSU) made entirely within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Developed by Oilfields Smart Technologies LLC (OST), this milestone marks the country's emergence as a serious player in oilfield technology. In an exclusive interview with Oman Observer, Mohammed Alawi, Business Development & Technical Director at OST, said: 'A significant number of wells in Oman already use artificial lift solutions, with most equipment currently imported. By manufacturing these units locally, we're establishing a base for in-country production that can evolve into a regional supply hub — if market feedback is strong, we're ready to scale quickly.' Artificial lift systems are critical to extracting oil from the most mature oilfields in MENA, because of many reasons like low-pressure reservoirs, challenging fields, etc. OST's locally produced LSU introduces a cost-effective and technically advanced alternative to widely used methods such as beam pumps, PCPs, and ESPs. 'The long stroke technology offers several technical benefits,' Alawi explained. 'It's especially effective in wells with high gas-oil ratios, heavy oil, or high-temperature and deviated well conditions. It also offers high energy efficiency, long lifespan, low operating costs, and minimal maintenance.' The company's innovation aligns closely with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to diversify the national economy and foster local industrial capabilities. By building and assembling complex artificial lift systems domestically, OST is creating new job opportunities and driving the development of specialised engineering and manufacturing skills among Omani professionals. Meanwhile, Abdul Malik al Bahri, CEO at OST said, 'Clients often cite overseas supply and service delays as a concern. By moving manufacturing to Oman, we can reduce lead times, lower costs, and offer more responsive support. This is also a chance to transfer know-how into the local economy — from mechanical and control engineering to reservoir analysis and materials science.' OST's manufacturing and support network includes workshops in Samayil Industrial City in the north and Al Mazyuna Free Zone in the south — strategically located to support oilfields across Oman's geography. The company is also open to establishing mobile or fixed facilities closer to clients as needed. The initiative is supported by a joint venture between Al Olia for Investment and Industry Gate LLC, an Omani firm involved in energy projects since 2014, and Dutch Smart Technology Holding B.V. (DST), a Netherlands-based investor in oil and gas innovation. This partnership provides OST with both local grounding and international technical expertise. According to Alawi, the specially engineered belt-driven LSU features advanced automation capabilities, including variable frequency drives (VFD), dynamograph monitoring, and load control systems. These allow for precision pumping and improved safety, tailored for high-performance onshore operations. 'While the LSU's rated capacity can reach up to 1,500 to 2,000 barrels per day, its actual output depends on well conditions like reservoir pressure, oil composition, and GOR,' he said. 'In fact, LSUs have recorded over 4,500 bpd in the Permian Basin in Texas. So the ceiling is high if the well/reservoir conditions can feed it.' The full value chain — from concept design to commissioning — is being built inside the Sultanate of Oman. This effort not only enhances In-Country Value (ICV) but also opens doors for young Omanis to pursue careers in high-tech manufacturing and oilfield services. 'This is more than just a product,' Al Bahri concluded. 'It's a platform for Oman to develop engineering talent, raise local manufacturing standards, and become a serious contributor to the regional oil and gas technology supply chain.' With the first unit ready for deployment and client engagement underway, OST's success could signal a broader shift in how Oman harnesses innovation to support its energy sector and economic future.

Shura Council committee discusses Unified Industrial Regulation Law of GCC
Shura Council committee discusses Unified Industrial Regulation Law of GCC

Times of Oman

time4 days ago

  • Times of Oman

Shura Council committee discusses Unified Industrial Regulation Law of GCC

Muscat: As part of its discussion on the draft Unified Industrial Regulation Law for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States, the Economic and Financial Committee of the Shura Council hosted on Monday, several specialists from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. The draft law was referred by the government to the Council for study. The ministry's representatives affirmed that the draft law aims to regulate the industrial sector, promote industrial development, encourage industrial investment, and increase the sector's contribution to national income. It also seeks to strengthen industrial integration and the interconnection of economic activities among the GCC states. The law is expected to support the alignment of economic policies related to industrialisation, meet the requirements of economic development plans and programmes, foster innovation, and adopt and localise advanced technologies to enhance the competitiveness of the industrial sector. Members of the committee emphasised the importance of ensuring that the provisions of the draft law take into account the specific characteristics of the local industrial sector and align with existing laws and regulations governing industry in Oman. The discussion took place during the Committee's fifteenth meeting of the second annual session (2024–2025) of the tenth term of the Council, chaired by Ahmed bin Saeed Al Sharqi, Chair of the Committee, and attended by its members. During the meeting, the committee also reviewed and approved the final report on the expressed desire regarding the assessment of the current state of local industries in the Sultanate of Oman. The report aims to analyse the industrial landscape in terms of challenges, opportunities, and readiness to contribute to the goals of the industrial strategy and Oman Vision 2040. The report concluded with a number of findings and recommendations aimed at supporting the growth of the industrial sector, most notably the need to align policies with the national industrial strategy and provide a package of incentives and facilitations. Additionally, the committee approved the final report on the expressed desire concerning the evaluation of the competitiveness and attractiveness of Oman's business environment. This discussion reflects the committee's ongoing efforts to support economic development and enhance the business climate in line with the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040, and to contribute to attracting investments and diversifying sources of national income. The report outlined key challenges facing the business sector and presented recommendations to enhance its competitiveness and appeal to foreign investors. It is worth noting that, as part of its study of the expressed desires, the committee held several meetings and hosted experts from relevant economic and industrial authorities to gather their opinions and observations. This study was conducted in accordance with Article (59) of the Law of the Council of Oman, which states: "The Shura Council may, on its own initiative, express desires to the government regarding public services and facilities, their development and performance improvement, or concerning challenges facing the economic sector and ways to enhance development, whenever the Council deems such action to be in the public interest." During the meeting, the committee also adopted its opinion on the annual report submitted by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, in accordance with Article (55) of the Law of the Council of Oman, which states: "Service ministers shall provide the Shura Council with an annual report on the progress of projects implemented by their respective ministries. The Council may summon any minister to present a statement on matters within the jurisdiction of their ministry and to discuss it with them." The committee also reviewed and discussed the draft amendment to certain provisions of the GCC Common Customs Law, which was referred by the government to the Council for consideration.

Palestinian cause remains central issue for Arabs
Palestinian cause remains central issue for Arabs

Observer

time5 days ago

  • Observer

Palestinian cause remains central issue for Arabs

CAIRO: The Council of Oman participated in the fifth general session of the first session of the fourth legislative term of the Arab Parliament, held at the League of Arab States headquarters in Cairo, under the chairmanship of Mohammed bin Ahmed al Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament. Opening the session, Al Yamahi in his speech appealed to the global conscience and international institutions, particularly the UN Security Council. 'Enough of the silence and double standards. The time has come for a global awakening of conscience to end this open massacre and restore to the Palestinian people their right to life, dignity and freedom,' he declared. Al Yamahi expressed hope that achieving a permanent ceasefire between Iran and the occupying entity would mark a return to regional calm and stability and refocus global attention, in an ethical and responsible manner, on the suffering of the Palestinian people. He reaffirmed that the Palestinian cause remains the central issue for the Arab Parliament, describing it as a cornerstone of security and stability in the region and beyond. During the session, MP Saad al Otaibi, nominated by the Saudi Shura Council, was elected as the First Deputy Speaker of the Arab Parliament to fill a vacant position. Members also reviewed reports from several standing committees, including those on Foreign Affairs, Political and National Security Affairs, Economic and Financial Affairs, Legislative and Human Rights Affairs, and Social, Educational, Cultural, Women and Youth Affairs, as well as the Palestine Committee. The plenary and committee meetings covered a wide range of pressing topics, such as the situation in the Palestinian territories, regional political and economic developments, legal and human rights issues and social and cultural matters. Discussions also included an Arab vision for strengthening parliamentary and preventive diplomacy, preparations for a conference to support the blue economy in the Arab world, a draft law to combat illegal immigration, a guiding document on empowering social entrepreneurship and productive families, and a vision for advancing e-learning in the region. The Council of Oman had previously taken part in meetings of the Arab Parliament's standing committees and attended a training seminar titled 'Parliaments and Artificial Intelligence: Applications and Practical Challenges,' held on the sidelines of the main sessions. The Omani delegation to the Arab Parliament included Shaikh Said bin Hamad al Saadi, Deputy Chairman of Majlis Ash'shura and Deputy of the Arab Parliament; Shaikh Dr Talib bin Hilal al Hosni, Member of the Majlis Ash'shura; and Hamid bin Ali al Nasseri, Member of the Majlis Ash'shura. — ONA

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store