
Oman hits zero poverty as SDG progress gains pace
The SDG Statistical Report – May 2025, issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), confirms that zero per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line of $1.25 per day—a target met well ahead of the 2030 deadline.
Average monthly household income was reported at OMR 1,174, with per capita income at OMR 234. Meanwhile, maternal mortality fell to 17.1 per 100,000 live births and under-five child deaths to 11 per 1,000, in line with global benchmarks.
In education, Oman maintained a 95.6 per cent primary school completion rate, with literacy among adults reaching 97.9 per cent. However, gender gaps persist in post-basic education, with 74 per cent of females completing compared to 50.4 per cent of males.
The report also highlighted growth in clean energy: renewables now account for 4 per cent of final energy consumption, up from zero in 2020, following the launch of the Ibri solar plant.
Public spending on education represented 15 per cent of government expenditure in 2023, while social protection coverage reached 36.9 per cent, supported by the rollout of the new Social Protection Fund.
Oman has also reduced disaster-related deaths to 0.06 per 100,000 and achieved 100 per cent wastewater treatment, reinforcing its resilience strategy.
The report indicates that 72 per cent of SDG indicators now have national data, with continued alignment between Oman's development policies and the targets of Vision 2040.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
5 hours ago
- Observer
Oman takes part in global financing reform talks in Spain
SEVILLE: The Sultanate of Oman is participating in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, currently underway in Seville, Spain. The conference aims to explore reforms to the global financial system and tackle key development funding challenges. Heading Oman's delegation is Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Minister of Finance, joined by Ahmed bin Jaafar al Musalmi, Governor of the Central Bank of Oman, along with several senior officials. The multilateral gathering seeks to introduce innovative and effective financing mechanisms that can support development efforts, particularly in emerging and developing countries. The widening economic gap between the Global North and South has made such reforms more urgent. Among the central themes are restructuring global financial governance and enhancing funding tools to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A highlight of the event is the adoption of the final declaration — the Seville Commitment. This policy document signals renewed global consensus on the need to reshape international financing policies and frameworks for sustainable development. The conference continues over the coming days, offering a platform for countries to collaborate on more inclusive and impactful development financing.— ONA


Times of Oman
9 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Tech Innovation Hackathon 2025 begins
Ibri: The activities of Al Dhahira Tech Innovation Hackathon 2025 commenced on Tuesday at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Ibri, with the participation of 200 individuals selected from 500 applicants, divided into 40 teams. The event was held under the patronage of Sheikh Muslim Ahmed Al Maashani, Wali of Dank. In a statement, Mohammed Ahmed Al Hadidi, CEO of Nahj Digital, stated that the hackathon—organised by the Al Dhahira Governor's Office and implemented by Nahj Digital—serves as a practical tool to translate national plans into tangible initiatives. It is a strategic platform aimed at fostering innovation and leveraging technology to serve society by empowering Omani youth and encouraging them to develop innovative technical solutions to address evolving societal challenges, ensuring resilience and sustainability in facing future obstacles, he pointed out. He added that participants will compete in presenting practical solutions to national challenges across key themes, including smart government services, agriculture and water, community health, digital education, and transport and logistics. Al Hadidi emphasised that this strong engagement reflects the enthusiasm and determination of Omani youth to actively contribute to the national digital transformation journey. He noted that Nahj Digital is keen on transforming such events into practical implementation tools to support government institutions' digital transformation plans by promoting open innovation and stimulating the development of sustainable technical solutions. This approach, he explained, enhances the readiness of national talent and fosters a culture of digital entrepreneurship. The first day featured an overview of the challenge themes, the official launch of the hackathon, and interactive sessions, including constructive dialogues and enriching workshops. On the second day, participants will continue working on developing creative technical solutions in a supportive and guided environment, followed by the presentation and submission of projects to the judging committee. Al Dhahira Tech Innovation Hackathon 2025 will conclude on Thursday with two visual presentations highlighting the event's outcomes and project results, along with the signing of several agreements to support startups and enhance the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Al Dhahira Governorate. It is worth noting that the participating teams will undergo three preliminary stages, starting with registration, followed by administrative and technical evaluation, culminating in the selection of three qualifying teams for the final round. -ONA


Observer
12 hours ago
- Observer
11 income sources subject to new individual income tax
Muscat: The Official Gazette (Issue No. 1602) released on Monday has outlined key details of the new Individual Income Tax Law under Royal Decree No. 56/2025. While the law itself will come into effect on January 1, 2028, attention is now shifting to the practical implications — particularly the 11 sources of income that will be subject to taxation under the new framework. These categories, as defined in the law, form the basis for determining a person's gross income, with net earnings exceeding OMR 42,000 annually being taxable. Here's a breakdown of the income streams covered: 11 Taxable Sources of Income Under the Law 1. Salaries and Wages Includes basic pay, allowances, bonuses, in-kind benefits, and compensation for loss of income. Pensions are excluded. 2. Self-Employment Covers income from freelance or independent work. A 15% deduction applies for related expenses. 3. Leasing Earnings from renting real estate, equipment, or other assets. Also eligible for a 15% cost deduction. 4. Royalties Income from licensing or exploiting intellectual property, technical knowledge, or industrial equipment. 5. Interest Income from bank deposits, savings accounts, loans, and investment certificates. 6. Dividends and Capital Gains Includes profits from shares, bonds, sukuk, and disposal of these financial instruments. 7. Real Estate Asset Disposal Profits from selling properties are taxable, with exemptions for primary and secondary residences if declared to the Tax Authority. Transfers through inheritance, wills, or between spouses and first-degree relatives are not taxed. 8. Retirement Pensions and End-of-Service Benefits Includes all such payouts received by individuals, unless already excluded by a specific provision. 9. Awards and Prizes Monetary or in-kind winnings from licensed competitions, draws, or promotions. 10. Grants and Donations Any non-employment-related financial or in-kind gifts received from individuals or institutions. 11. Membership Rewards Payments for serving on boards or councils, including State Council, Shura Council, municipal councils, or boards of companies and associations. The law also provides specific exemptions and deductions for education, healthcare expenses, housing loans, and certain donations, allowing for a more balanced tax burden.