Latest news with #AlBusaidy


Observer
6 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
Value of wheat output tops RO 3 million in 2024-2025 season
Muscat: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has affirmed that wheat production has seen significant growth across various governorates of Oman following the implementation of a local wheat support plan starting in 2023. This initiative falls within national efforts to enhance food security and achieve self-sufficiency in staple grains. The ministry clarified that the total production for the 2024-2025 season reached 10,128.341 tonnes, with a market value of RO 3,038,502, cultivated across 8,327 acres. Dhofar Governorate contributed 76 per cent of Oman's total wheat production this year, yielding 7,723 tonnes, followed by Al Dhahirah Governorate with 1,118 tonnes and Al Dakhiliyah with 877.185 tonnes, while the remaining quantities were distributed among other governorates. Dr Khair bin Tuwair al Busaidy, Director of the Palm and Plant Production Department at the MoAFWR, stated that the local wheat support plan aims to strengthen food security systems in line with the objectives of 'Oman Vision 2040". This, he pointed out, is achieved by enabling farmers to cultivate high-yield, high-quality improved wheat varieties, providing assistance in harvesting operations, and offering technical and advisory support. He added that the ministry, in coordination with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, is expanding wheat cultivation by allocating new agricultural lands for wheat farming and offering them as usufruct lands for farmers and investors. Dr Al Busaidy affirmed that the ministry, through its research centres, continues to develop wheat farming, improve local varieties, and introduce new strains adapted to Oman's climate while maintaining high productivity and quality. He explained to Oman News Agency (ONA) that the constructive cooperation and partnership between the MoAFWR and Oman Flour Mills Company has effectively contributed to the sustainability of wheat cultivation. This collaboration has encouraged farmers to continue wheat production and benefit from the support plan. The company annually purchases Omani wheat from farmers as part of its plans to develop local wheat and introduce it to domestic and regional markets as an Omani product. — ONA


Observer
7 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Self-service platform for issuing property title deeds launched
Muscat: In a major stride towards enhancing digital governance and streamlining public services, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has officially launched a new self-service platform for issuing digital property title deeds. The service allows beneficiaries to obtain their title deeds instantly and electronically, eliminating the need for in-person visits to service halls. This initiative marks a significant shift in simplifying procedures. By enabling immediate issuance of ownership documents online, the ministry anticipates reducing the time spent on such services by over 70 per cent and cutting in-person visits by 60 per cent in the first year alone. In addition to efficiency and speed, the initiative aligns with the ministry's sustainability goals. It complements a broader digital transition strategy that includes internal communications, external documentation and now the issuance of secure digital title deeds. Each document is embedded with an electronic verification code, ensuring both accuracy and authenticity. Users can access the traditional version of their property deed through the 'Amlak' platform. Dr Moamen bin Abdullah al Busaidy, Adviser to the Minister for Smart Cities, emphasised the significance of the launch, stating: 'This is a critical step towards a fully digital ownership system. Our ambition is for the majority of the public to adopt electronic title deeds by the end of next year. It will save both time and effort for users, who previously had to physically visit various service locations.' Dr Al Busaidy added that the ministry is currently developing smart services designed to anticipate citizens' needs and deliver information and entitlements proactively — without requiring formal requests. Future enhancements will also enable mobile access to services and real-time interactions with intelligent data systems, further reducing the need to contact support staff directly. Dr Rashid bin Mohammed al Ghilani, CEO of the Oman National Engineering and Investment Company (Oneic), which is partnering with the ministry on the project, commented: 'This strategic collaboration marks a transformative milestone in Oman's digital journey. We are committed to delivering secure and efficient technological solutions that enhance citizen experience and drive public sector innovation. We are proud of the trust placed in us by the ministry and look forward to further partnerships in line with Oman Vision 2040. To maximise accessibility and inclusivity, the new service will gradually be rolled out across more than 300 locations. These include all ministry service halls, Oneic branches and self-service kiosks operating around the clock in all governorates. This expansive rollout is expected to improve operational efficiency and raise customer satisfaction levels to 95 per cent.


Harpers Bazaar Arabia
13-06-2025
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Aida Al Busaidy: Why To Staycation Over Vacation
Communications strategist and story teller Aida Al Busaidy on staying put and holidaying the old-fashioned way this summer Ever realised just how exhausting it is to plan a trip? I don't know about you, but going on vacation sometimes feels like a lot of work. I would love to be one of those people who just close their eyes, point their index finger to a place on the world map, jump for joy and exclaim, 'Yes, I am definitely catching a flight to see that said mountain.' Honestly, when you reach a certain age, careful planning coupled with an 'I-am-only-a-five-star-hotel' traveller mindset means I need to make sure everything is just right. That includes the weather too. And full disclosure, I pack 24 outfits for a seven-day vacation. After all, I could need more than one outfit change in a day for the 'gram. Travelling as a whole opens your world and heart to so many things if you allow it to. The experiences, the food, the people and most all the creation of long-lasting memories. I, for one, actually have physical albums in which I select the best moments of a holiday – around 15 to 20 highlights – and print photos out so that when guests come over, I go old-school and pull out pictures that take them along my visual journey. Everyone else might go the iCloud route, but I choose to ground my memories in photo albums that double as time capsules for future generations. Let me drop some facts for you. According to Zion Market Research, the global tourism market size was worth $11.39 trillion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to $18.44 trillion by 2032 with a compound annual growth rate of roughly 5.5 per cent between 2024 and 2032. What can we deduce from this? This industry will continue to grow, and international travel with certain niches like medical tourism or wellness seem to be particularly trending now. Let's not forget local tourism too. Staycations – holidaying in your home country – began becoming popular around the 1940s and have become a phenomenon since. When overseas travel was restricted due to the pandemic, it was great seeing how people explored nearer pastures, and emerged with a renewed connection to their home town or neighbouring cities. As much as I want to tick off a few more cities and countries on my very long bucket travel list, this year we have opted to stay home for the summer. Our plan? Mainly to declutter, catch up on sleep and read – something I miss doing. From exhilarating experiences to indulging in the local gastronomy landscape and soaking in stunning views, my plan is to staycation in Dubai's top properties. Because who wouldn't want to be spoiled just a little bit even if its just 23km down the road from your home? And yes, we do live where everyone else chooses to vacation.


Observer
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
'Order of Maritime Merit' bestowed on Omani official
PARIS: The French government has bestowed the 'Order of Maritime Merit' on Commodore Adil bin Hamoud al Busaidy, Head of the Maritime Security Centre (MSC), in recognition of his efforts in enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of maritime security between Oman and France. The medal was conferred on Commodore Al Busaidy by Rear Admiral Hugues Laine, Commander of the French Forces deployed in the Indian Ocean. The ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Maritime Security Centre (MSC). — ONA


Observer
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Hamood beats Iran's Amir in West Asia chess in Iraq
Muscat, April 9 Oman national team chess player Hamood al Busaidy made a strong start in the West Asia Chess Championship by defeating Iranian player Amir Mohammad in the first round of the tournament, currently being held in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, from April 8 to 16. This championship serves as a key qualifying event for the upcoming Chess World Cup, which will be hosted by Qatar. It features participation from 11 countries: Oman, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain and Yemen. The matches are taking place at the Van Royal Hotel in Erbil, amid high-level competition and impressive performances. Al Busaidy's opening win gives him a strong morale boost as he prepares for his next challenge in the second round, where he will face another Iranian player Mehdi Mohammad. The Omani player aims to continue his strong run and achieve positive results to enhance his chances of progressing to later rounds and improving his international ranking. The first round witnessed intense matches among the participants, with players eager to get off to a strong start and secure crucial points that could prove decisive in the tougher and more competitive rounds to come. The West Asia Championship is considered one of the most prestigious regional events in the chess calendar, bringing together some of Asia's top players as it acts as a pathway to the World Cup. The Oman Chess Committee hopes that Al Busaidy will maintain his momentum and deliver a performance that reflects the growing strength of Omani chess, with ambitions of reaching an advanced stage in the tournament.