Latest news with #AlSaadi
Observer
13-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
State Council concludes session, advances 14 draft laws
MUSCAT: Pursuant to the Royal Orders of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the State Council adjourned its second regular session of the eighth term. Khalid bin Ahmed al Saadi, Secretary-General of the State Council, confirmed that this session had seen intense legislative activities with the State Council discussing 14 draft laws and amending several existing laws spanning various sectors including economy, education, health and technology. The discussion of the draft laws comes within the framework of the State Council's efforts to enhance the investment environment and improve social services. Al Saadi added: 'The State Council's standing committees have also seen remarkable activities holding several meetings, studying priority topics and making important recommendations that were submitted to the plenary sessions for discussion and decision-making. During the second regular session of the eighth term, the State Council held 8 plenary sessions, during which it discussed 18 topics, which constituted the official framework for exercising the council's legislative powers. During these sessions, the council discussed a number of draft laws including draft laws on Electronic Transactions, Public Health, Financial Law, Individual Income Tax and Regulating, Transferring and Transplanting Human Organs and Tissues'. Khalid bin Ahmed al Saadi, Secretary-General of the State Council Within the framework of constructive cooperation between the State Council and the Majlis Ash'shura, the two chambers held two joint sessions to discuss the articles of disagreements on a number of draft laws. The discussions resulted in full consensus on the disagreement clauses which resulted in the completion of the draft laws, he said. The State Council's office held 6 meetings during which it discussed sixty topics and took 45 decisions, mostly relating to plenary session arrangements, committee coordination, member proposals and the management of the council's administrative affairs, Al Saadi said. During the second regular session of the eighth term, the State Council's standing committees held 72 main meetings and 90 subcommittee meetings. The committees hosted 45 officials from the public and private sectors, he said. The State Council participated in a number of international meetings, most notably the meetings of the Gulf Legislative Councils, the Arab Parliament, the Union of Parliaments of Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the parliaments of neighbouring countries and regional organisations, Al Saadi concluded. — ONA
Observer
03-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Pact signed to turn oilfield waste into clean energy
MUSCAT, JUNE 3 Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has signed a pioneering research agreement with ARA Petroleum to explore innovative ways of converting produced brine—a waste byproduct from oil and gas operations—into sustainable energy resources such as biohydrogen and biochar. The agreement was signed at the University's Cultural Centre by Professor Amer bin Saif al Hinai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research at SQU, and Dr Omar bin Salim al Jaaidi, Vice President of ARA Petroleum. The project will be fully funded by ARA Petroleum and supported with its technical expertise, bringing together academic research and industrial know-how to support Oman's sustainability goals. In an interview with the Observer, Dr Saleh al Saadi, Director of the Sustainable Energy Research Centre at SQU, said the collaboration reflects the University's core mission to advance technologies that address real-world challenges. 'This partnership aligns directly with SQU's vision of advancing sustainable technologies by addressing real industrial challenges through research,' Dr Al Saadi said. 'By converting produced water into biohydrogen and biochar, the project supports Oman's Vision 2040 and Net-Zero 2050 goals. It contributes to renewable energy development, water reuse, and environmental protection, while building local research capacity.' Produced brine, typically high in salinity and contaminants, is one of the oil sector's most complex waste streams. Dr Al Saadi's research team aims to overcome technical barriers such as low hydrogen yields and inefficiencies in the conversion process. 'We are tackling major challenges like the high salinity and toxicity of produced water,' he explained. 'Our team is developing an optimised two-stage fermentation system to increase hydrogen output, using biochar to enhance gas quality. In addition, we plan to incorporate AI modelling to improve process efficiency and ensure the project's economic viability. The aim is to transform waste into clean energy and agricultural inputs.' The collaboration is also notable for integrating public, private, and academic stakeholders. It has received strong backing from the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, with its Ejaad platform playing a vital role in linking academia with industry. 'This collaboration unites academia (SQU), industry (ARA), and government (Ejaad) to address national priorities,' said Dr Al Saadi. 'It shows how joint innovation can drive Oman's transition to a knowledge-based and sustainable economy. It not only enables the development of real-world solutions, but also builds national expertise and accelerates the commercialisation of green technologies.' Dr Omar bin Salim al Jaaidi remarked, 'This collaboration underscores the strength of local expertise and the potential of Oman's young generation. By working with Sultan Qaboos University, we are not only developing sustainable energy solutions, but also empowering the next generation of innovators and researchers to lead efforts to address global environmental challenges.' As the world moves towards more circular and sustainable energy practices, this initiative places Oman at the forefront of research-driven solutions for resource recovery and decarbonisation in the hydrocarbon sector.
Observer
25-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Omani brands seek growth at Iraqi franchise expo
MUSCAT: The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), through its Commercial Franchise Centre, is set to participate in the second Iraqi Franchise Exhibition, beginning on Wednesday, May 28, in Iraq. Leading the Omani delegation is Eng Hamoud bin Salem al Saadi, Second Deputy Chairman of OCCI and Chairman of the Franchise Centre Committee. The participation aligns with the Chamber's strategic goals of expanding Omani business presence in regional and international markets — particularly in the fast-growing franchise sector in Iraq. More than 15 prominent Omani brands will be showcased at the exhibition, exploring franchise opportunities and potential entry into the Iraqi market. Al Saadi emphasised that the initiative supports Oman Vision 2040 by promoting economic diversification, foreign investment and the global expansion of Omani SMEs. He also highlighted the importance of registering Omani trademarks internationally to protect intellectual property and build investor confidence. The Iraqi Franchise Exhibition serves as a key platform connecting entrepreneurs, investors and franchise firms with international partners. It offers participants direct engagement with visitors, enhancing brand visibility and helping expand market reach. One standout participant is Seven Fries, Oman's first specialty French fries brand, which is set to open two new branches in Iraq — one in Baghdad and another in Erbil — as part of its international franchise rollout. — ONA
Iraq Business
12-05-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
IBBC appoints Mohammed Al Saadi of Sama Hammurabi Law as Iraq Members' Rep
From the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC): IBBC appoints Mr Mohammed Al Saadi of Sama Hammurabi Law as Iraq members' representative. The appointment of Mr Al Saadi as IBBC's Iraqi representative is an important role for IBBC. As the link between members and management and as the main contact in Iraq he will speak to Government on IBBC's behalf. This honorary role was originally created for Rasmi Al Jabri and has remained vacant for a while. In an interview Mr Al Saadi expresses the following insights : 'The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) is an important economic platform that supports economic growth in Iraq, through the participation of reputable companies with strong track records across diverse sectors. As a legal firm and a member of the Council, we intend to establish solid foundations for cooperation and strengthen relationships between IBBC-supported companies and Iraqi government entities and institutions in need of their services. We also aim to provide legal cover for these companies, advocate for their interests, and convey the perspectives and needs of Iraqi member companies to the Council-representing them in line with their economic and technical requirements across various fields. Hammurabi Law has achieved numerous milestones in the legal field. We were the first legal firm established in Iraq in this domain, and we have represented many IBBC members both before and after joining the Council. We hold the highest number of cases before the Federal Supreme Court in Iraq-over 580-without a competitor, as the second highest holds no more than 60 cases. We also have over 5,000 general powers of attorney across various fields and over 7,000 criminal-specific cases. Our firm has received multiple awards and formal letters of appreciation, including from the Iraqi Parliament-being the first lawyer to receive such an honour, and only the second Iraqi lawyer ever to be recognized by this body. We've also been honoured by various official entities, unions, institutions, and civil society organizations. Our firm holds the record for the most legal precedents issued by courts-again, with no rival. I would be happy to share our full biography upon request. It is our deep desire to serve our country, Iraq, by facilitating the contribution of high-quality, world-class companies to its development. We firmly believe in IBBC's great potential to contribute to Iraq's economic growth. Iraq and the United Kingdom also share a rich historical relationship built on mutual respect. This mission is not easy-especially at the outset-given the great loss of my dear friend and brother, the late Muhannad Al-Hattab. I am determined to do my utmost to maintain the Council's standing and operational strength during this interim period. Iraq and the United Kingdom share a long and honourable history of positive relations. The UK played a key role in laying the foundation for the modern Iraqi state during the monarchy, elevating Iraq's regional stature. We hope that, through renewed cooperation, we can revive the spirit of that era. The IBBC is the key to opening many closed doors and enabling that cooperation to flourish. We have high hopes for renewed cooperation between Iraq and the UK. The IBBC serves as a vital bridge for building these relations in a way that benefits Iraq's growth and development.' Christophe Michels, Managing Director of the IBBC, said: "I am delighted that Mohammed Al Saadi of Sama Hammurabi Law has accepted the position. In the last 18-months Mohammed has played an increasingly prominent role within IBBC both in Iraq and in the UK, which included informal support to many members, sponsorship of events and advocacy on behalf of the council. This important honorary appointment will allow Mohammed to play a more prominent role within IBBC events and to formally engage on the Council's behalf with Government and other stakeholders." (Source: IBBC)
Observer
07-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Workshop addresses private sector challenges in GCC Common Market
MUSCAT, MAY 7 The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), in collaboration with the Federation of GCC Chambers, held a workshop on May 7, 2025 to address the issues facing the Gulf private sector in the GCC Common Market context. Held at the Chamber's headquarters in Muscat, the forum brought together policymakers and business leaders to discuss key issues hindering intra-GCC trade, including cumbersome laws, customs procedures, logistics challenges, and poor access to funding for cross-border investment. Participants debated concrete measures to increase regional trade and make Gulf enterprises more competitive. The workshop also reviewed current incentives and introduced requirements needed to spur private sector development and integration. Zakaria bin Abdullah al Saadi, CEO of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the importance of strengthening Gulf private sector cooperation in his opening remarks at a recent workshop. He emphasized the need to overcome underlying issues in trade law, financing, and investment and push for more intense economic integration within GCC nations. Al Saadi noted the Gulf Common Market is a keystone achievement and called for concrete solutions to boost its efficiency and shape regional trade goals. GCC expert Sulaiman al Balushi described the workshop as being a vital arena for GCC businessmen to air issues and provide down-to-earth suggestions. He further stated that actual discussion with policymakers is needed in order to establish real change and strengthen the area's private sector. Entrepreneur Muntaha Majid said, "Such workshops allow businesspeople to raise awareness about intra-GCC trade issues. More importantly, she added, they offer a chance to meet decision-makers and exchange views on establishing the Gulf Common Market for the benefit of the private sector and enhancing regional economic integration." Noura al Salem, Federation of GCC Chambers Senior Director of Corporate Relations and Communications, introduced the Federation's role in empowering the private sector. She stated its work in GCC initiatives, including cooperation with the GCC Secretariat, the Gulf Common Market, the Customs Union, and collaborative policy-making activities. Al-Salem also instituted the Tawasul programme—a platform focused on consolidating direct dialogue among the private and public sectors within the Gulf region. The initiative is intended to highlight opportunities in investment, consolidate economic integration, as well as resolve trade and investment challenges. Oman Chamber's Mohammed al Gharbi reported Oman's trends of trade with GCC countries based on sustained growth grounded in economic integration, upgraded logistics, and moves to improve regional business conditions. The workshop emphasized the paramount importance of joint dialogue in addressing Gulf issues and supporting the economic growth contribution of the Gulf private sector.
