Trump's visit a chance to bring peace to region, says Qatar Emir
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Saudi Crown Prince says GCC-US co-operation needed to end Gaza war
Sheikh Khaled says US-GCC relations 'exceed usual horizons' at Riyadh summit
Oman confident of 'practical' solution in US-Iran talks
Trump told Middle East needs a Palestinian state
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Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Oman: Forum showcases AI's role in public service reform
SALALAH: The Ministry of Labour inaugurated the Design Thinking Conference in Salalah on Monday, launching a two-day programme dedicated to exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance innovation, problem-solving and institutional development. Held under the theme 'Redesigning the Future: Design Thinking to Solve Contemporary Challenges", the conference brought together government officials, private sector executives, academic experts and innovation leaders to exchange ideas and solutions. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, who delivered remarks and honoured a number of keynote speakers and partners in recognition of their contribution to the event's success. Organised in collaboration with Al Marajea Centre for Conferences and Seminars, the conference seeks to mainstream design thinking as a core approach for driving institutional reform, improving service delivery and fostering a culture of creativity across Oman. In his welcome address, Ahmed bin Aufait al Maashani, Director-General of Al Marajea Centre, described the conference as a strategic platform for experience sharing, knowledge transfer and the creation of meaningful partnerships. He emphasised that design thinking — particularly when integrated with artificial intelligence — offers a powerful set of tools to develop effective, human-centred solutions to contemporary challenges. Also speaking during the opening session, Dr Ali bin Said Akaak, a consultant in sustainability and human resource development and a member of the conference's scientific committee, noted that the conference programme was carefully designed to reflect the breadth and depth of design thinking applications. He explained that the various themes aim to empower practitioners, leaders and policymakers with actionable methodologies for institutional advancement and service innovation. Throughout the conference, the participants engaged in discussions on a range of timely topics, including strategies for managing cultural and social transformation, the role of innovation in achieving positive institutional change, and the importance of creative thinking in addressing operational and policy-related challenges. The sessions also explored techniques for analysing audience needs, developing executable project models, and applying sustainable design practices and marketing approaches. Speakers also examined how AI technologies can be embedded into the design process to improve decision-making, personalise user experiences, streamline operations and support continuous service improvement. The emphasis was on using technology not as a replacement for human insight, but as an enhancer of it — enabling smarter, faster and more impactful solutions. The conference ultimately aimed to promote design thinking as a practical and strategic tool for institutional reform and development. By integrating this methodology into governance structures and innovation ecosystems, the organisers aimed to foster a new generation of solutions that are responsive to public needs, aligned with national priorities, and driven by both creativity and data. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Japan's PM Ishiba to quit after election drubbing and Trump trade deal, source
TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba plans to step down following a bruising upper house election defeat, a source told Reuters, as the embattled premier announced a long-sought trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump. The 68-year old leader said media reports that he had already decided to resign were "completely unfounded." Ishiba chose not to quit straight after the election to prevent political instability as an August 1 deadline for clinching the trade deal approached, the source close to the prime minister said, asking not to be identified because they are not authorised to talk to the media. Ishiba will announce his resignation next month, Japanese media reported earlier. Ishiba and Trump on Tuesday unveiled a trade deal that lowers tariffs on imports of Japanese autos and spares Tokyo punishing new levies on other goods. His departure less than a year after taking office will trigger a succession battle within the ruling Liberal Democratic party as it contends with challenges from new political parties, particularly on the right, that are stealing its support. Among them is the "Japanese First" Sanseito far-right group which surged in Sunday's vote, growing its representation in the 248-seat upper house to 14 from one. The party has attracted voters with pledges to curb immigration, slash taxes, and provide financial relief to households squeezed by rising prices. Ishiba defeated hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi in a party leadership runoff last year. Whoever succeeds him as head of the LDP would have to govern without a majority in either house of parliament following the government's lower house election defeat in October. The new leader's immediate priority will be to secure support from enough opposition party lawmakers to win confirmation as prime minister. The incoming leader is unlikely to call a general election straight away, instead holding off on strengthening the party's appeal before seeking a mandate from voters, the source said. (Reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama, Leika Kihara and Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Oman-China strategic partnership a model in the region
The long-lasting strategic relations between Oman and China have been stretched over economic investments in oil, electricity, minerals and renewable energy. The Oman-China strategic partnership has yielded fruitful results in pragmatic cooperation in all areas and the two sides have been strengthening each other in a broader spectrum of areas, according to Brigadier Wu Xinyan, the Chinese Defence Attaché. Speaking on the sidelines of the 98th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, he said that the strategic relationship has stretched over various sectors covering oil and gas as well. 'The long-lasting strategic relations have been stretched over economic investments in oil, electricity, minerals and renewable energy which serve the common interests of both sides and realise the common development goals of the two countries,' he said. The bilateral military relations are an important part of the strategic relationship between the two countries and the two sides have been strengthening military friendly cooperation in various fields, and have made comprehensive progress in military training, high-level mutual visits, exchange of experience, and joint exercises and training in the recent past. 'We also look forward to the deepening of cooperation between the two sides in the military and security fields, which will benefit both countries and contribute to regional peace and stability,' he added. The Chinese People's Liberation Army has played a crucial role in China's national unification and has safeguarded its peace and stability for nearly 100 years. This occasion holds historical significance and reflects the deep traditional and friendly relations between Oman and China. 'While we celebrate and commemorate the glorious journey of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, we also take this occasion to emphasise China's long-standing friendship with Oman, which has spanned over a thousand years and has been strengthened and deepened in recent years, marked by remarkable achievements.' 'We firmly believe that the continuous expansion of cooperation in various fields and the opening up of broader prospects for cooperation between the two sides will achieve our respective and common goals,' he added. Firas al Abduwani, Director-General of Renewable Energy and Hydrogen, Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Saleh al Anboori, Director-General of Exploration and Production of Oil and Gas, Ministry of Energy and Minerals, and Mohammed al Najjar, Director-General of the General Directorate of Training, Ministry of Labour, were also present at the event. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
