Latest news with #AlSharqiyah
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar International partners with 'Oman Balloons' to elevate the Sultanate's Tourism Landscape and drive In-Country Value
Muscat: Reinforcing its strategic commitment to national development and sustainable tourism, Sohar International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 'Oman Balloons,' becoming the exclusive banking sponsor of the Sultanate's first national hot air balloon initiative. This partnership underscores the bank's unwavering focus on going beyond banking—supporting innovative ventures that align with Oman Vision 2040 and contribute to in-country value creation. The signing ceremony was held at Sohar International's headquarter in AL Khuwair, with the MoU signed by Mr. Khalil Salim Al Hedaifi, Chief Government & Private Banking Officer at Sohar International, and Mr. Salim Sultan Al Abri, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Balloons. The project is set to launch in October from Bidiyah in the Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, offering a pioneering aerial tourism experience that showcases Oman's natural beauty and cultural richness. Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, stated: 'At Sohar International, we are proud to be the exclusive financial partner of the 'Oman Balloons' project—an initiative that not only positions Oman as a regional leader in aerial tourism but also reflects our broader vision of enabling innovative and high-impact national projects. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to supporting economic diversification, empowering Omani talent, and fostering public-private collaboration, all in alignment with the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040.' Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Salim Sultan Al Abri, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Balloons, stated: 'We are proud to partner with Sohar International—one of the first institutions to believe in the vision of 'Oman Balloons' and support it from the outset. This exclusive sponsorship marks a key milestone in the project, providing not only financial support but also strategic value that will accelerate our progress.' The experience will feature a dedicated reception and briefing lounge, a cultural exhibition of traditional Omani handicrafts and souvenirs, and a ceremonial end-of-tour certificate and photo opportunity for participants. This national initiative is developed in collaboration with 'Basha Balloon,' Europe's second-largest balloon operator and a trusted name in aerial safety In a first-of-its-kind milestone, Sohar International will operate its own dedicated hot air balloon—branded with the bank's identity—making it the first commercial brand to fly across the Sultanate's skies. The initiative is also aligned with the bank's social responsibility agenda, creating new employment opportunities, empowering local SMEs, and channeling a share of the operational revenue toward environmental preservation. This positions Sohar International as a strong advocate of ESG practices within the tourism sector. This partnership represents a model for how the private sector can play an active role in enhancing Oman's global appeal, stimulating tourism, and driving inclusive, sustainable development. Through initiatives like this, Sohar International continues to deliver on its strategic priorities while supporting the long-term prosperity of the nation. About Sohar International Sohar International is Oman's fastest-growing bank, guided by a clear vision to become a world-leading Omani service company that helps customers, communities, and people prosper and grow. With a purpose to help people 'win' by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, the bank offers innovative solutions across Commercial and Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Islamic Banking, and more. Operating with a strong digital-first approach and an expanding regional footprint—including presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—Sohar International is committed to driving value through strategic partnerships and a dynamic customer experience.
Times of Oman
29-06-2025
- Times of Oman
Tourism boom in South Al Sharqiyah during holiday
Jalan Bani Bu Ali: The coastal areas of the Wilayat of Jalan Bani Bu Ali in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate witnessed a boom in tourism during the Prophet's(PBUH) Hijra holiday. The coastal areas are characterised by relatively cool weather, clear air, and dense fog, making them a favourite choice for many families, young people, and camping and surfing enthusiasts. A host of recreational activities on Al Ashkhara Beach, Asilah Tourist Park, and the seafront of Al Haddah also contributed to attracting many tourists, visitors, and those seeking adventure and marine entertainment from within and outside the Sultanate of Oman. Hotel and resort staff emphasised that through these services, they are committed to providing and meeting tourists' expectations for a high degree of tranquility and relaxation. Occupancy rates at hotels and resorts reached more than 90 percent, given Oman's moderate weather during the summer. There are 152 tourist facilities in the governorate, spread across the states of South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. Marine tourism is at the forefront of tourist destinations that attract tourists and visitors, especially during the summer and with the start of the summer tourist season, which begins in early July and continues until the end of August. With the help from authorities, the coastal areas are witnessing enhanced diverse tourism services and activities, coinciding with the third edition of the Ashkhara Atmosphere Forum, which will run from July 16 to August 9, 2025.
Zawya
24-06-2025
- Climate
- Zawya
Oman: Northwesterly wind activity to cause dust
Muscat: The Oman Meteorological Office has issued an alert stating that northwesterly winds will be active starting today and continuing until Wednesday evening, affecting most governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. These winds will cause dust and dirt to rise in desert and open areas, potentially leading to a decrease in horizontal visibility. Along the Arabian Sea coasts, winds are expected to be southerly to southwesterly moderate to fresh, while along the Sea of Oman coasts they will be northeasterly light to moderate during the day, becoming northwesterly light to moderate at night. Over the rest of the governorates, winds will be southwesterly to northeasterly light to moderate, occasionally fresh over deserts and open areas. The northwesterly wind could also result in sea waves rising on the coasts of western Musandam Governorate, reaching a maximum height of two metres and in the Sea of Oman, reaching a maximum height of 1.5 metres. Clear to partly cloudy skies are expected over parts of Dhofar Governorate, Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, and Al Wusta Governorate with a chance of isolated rain. Mainly clear skies are expected over the rest of the governorates with high clouds advection. According to the general weather forecast, there is also a chance of cloud formation and advection over south Al Hajar Mountains and the adjoining area, as well as a chance of dust rising over desert and open areas. There are also chances of low clouds or fog patches late at night and early in the morning over coastal areas of the governorates of Dhofar, Al Sharqiyah South and Al Wusta.
Times of Oman
25-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Contracts signed to implement tourism projects worth more than OMR56 million
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism on Sunday signed three usufruct contracts, worth more than OMR56 million, to establish two integrated tourism complexes in the Wilayats of Khasab (Sandan – Khasab Pearl) and Nakhl (Hamyan Village), and to develop Wadi Al Shab valley in the Wilayat of Sur. The contracts were signed by Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. The first contract, signed by Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, deals with the development of Wadi Al Shab in the Wilayat of Sur, South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. It aims to develop the valley as a tourism destination that attracts visitors throughout the year, from Oman and abroad, offering them exciting experience that combines adventure and recreation. The project also seeks to promote environmental sustainability. As per the contract, OMRAN Group will establish an adventure park that includes a zip line, mountain climbing trails, suspension bridges, walking trails, swimming areas for children and adults, restaurants and cafés. Wadi Al Shab, which stands out as landmark rich in biodiversity and geological formations, boasts impressive resources of clear water, caves and waterfalls. The second usufruct contract was signed with Khasab Development and Investment Company to establish an integrated tourism complex project (Sandan – Khasab Pearl) on a government tourism land area of 43,658 square metres. The contract was signed by Hilal Nasser Al Harthy, Managing Director of Khasab Development and Investment Company. The project includes a 4-star hotel that comprises 200 rooms, in addition to 450 residential units that can be owned by Omanis and from people from other countries. The project also includes a heritage-themed market, various shops and restaurants, entertainment and service facilities. The third usufruct contract was with Hamyan Investment and Project Development Company to establish an integrated tourism complex (Hamyan Village) in Halban area in the Wilayat of Nakhl in the South Al Batinah Governorate. The project will come up on a government land area of 201,031 square metres. The contract was signed by Saud Hamad Al Ta'ei, Managing Director of Hamyan Investment and Project Development Company. The project includes the setting up of a 4-star hotel with 156 rooms, in addition to 535 residential units, including apartments and villas that will be available for ownership by Omanis and people from other countries. The project will also include a market, restaurants, a water park and other recreational and service facilities.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
OETC plans 51 power transmission projects across Oman by 2029
MUSCAT: Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC), the majority state-owned operator and owner of the country's national grid, has unveiled plans for substantial investments in a broad portfolio of network expansion and modernization projects aimed at supporting Oman's ambitious clean energy and industrial growth strategies. As many as 51 key projects have been identified by OETC – part of Nama Group – for implementation over the next five years spanning the 2025-2029 timeframe. 'Most of the projects are designed to increase the transmission system capacity to meet the future growth in demand, connect new generations from renewable energy and conventional resources, connect new rural areas, and meet the Transmission Security Standard,' said Saleh bin Nasser Al Rumhi, Chief Executive Officer, in the latest Annual Transmission Capability Statement issued on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Targeted for grid connection over the next five years is an array of solar PV Independent Power Projects (IPPs). They include the 500 MW Ibri Solar III project, which is expected to be connected to the grid by Q2 2026; the 280 MW Al Kamil Solar IPP and 220 MW Solar PV IPP 2028 project slated to be connected by Q3 2027, and a pair of Solar PV IPPs with proposed sites in the Al Sharqiyah North and South Governorates, each contributing 500MW. In parallel, a large slate of wind farms are planned to be integrated into the national grid as well. The list includes the JBB Ali wind farm, with a planned capacity of 100MW, and scheduled to be connected to the grid by Q2 2026. Additionally, the existing 50MW Dhofar I wind farm is set for expansion, with an additional 120 MW planned for grid connection by Q4 of 2026. Other significant wind projects include Ras Madrakah (250MW) and Mahout (350 MW), both planned for connection Q2 2027. By the Q2 2029, several additional wind farms are expected to be operational, including Mahout II (350MW), Al Jazer (100MW), Shaleem (100MW), and Sadah (90MW), further boosting Oman's renewable energy generation capacity. Also slated for grid connection is a pair of conventional gas-powered IPPs planned at Misfah (1600 MW) and Duqm (800 MW). The Misfah IPP, which is designed to secure power supply to the Muscat demand centre, will also necessitate major reinforcement initiatives in the Main Interconnected System (MIS), including five 400kV grid stations with associated lines. It will be connected to the grid by Q3 2027, followed by the Duqm IPP by Q2 2028. Meanwhile, Phase 2 of the strategic North-South Interconnector Project (Rabt) – focusing on a stretch extending from Duqm to Dhofar – is slated for completion by Q4 2026. Commenting on its overall significance, OETC's CEO stated: 'The interconnector (Phase 1&2) will add significant benefits for the Sultanate of Oman due to the expected fuel savings from the improved dispatch coordination among different power systems, access to areas with the potential of renewable energy, sharing of spinning reserves (reducing operating costs), reduction of dependency on diesel generation, generation capacity harmonization and improvement of grid resiliency. In addition, it will contribute to the evacuation of new renewable sources, future integration of large-scale potential hydrogen project integration and enhancing MIS and Dhofar systems resiliency,' he added. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
