Latest news with #AlSheikh
Observer
06-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Inflation in Oman remains moderate at 0.81%
MUSCAT: Average inflation in the Sultanate of Oman stood at 0.81 per cent during the first five months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Economy based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This relatively moderate inflation rate coincided with a 1.3 per cent increase in the general import price index and a 4.1 per cent rise in the general producer price index by the end of Q1 2025. Inflation trends varied across the governorates. Ad Dakhiliyah recorded the highest rate at 1.58 per cent, followed by Musandam (1.51%), South Al Sharqiyah (1.24%), Al Dhahirah (1.09%), and Al Wusta (1.06%). Meanwhile, inflation declined slightly in South Al Batinah (-0.04%) and remained lowest in North Al Sharqiyah (0.21%) and North Al Batinah (0.42%). The remaining governorates saw inflation below 1 per cent. Dr Salem bin Abdullah al Sheikh, the Ministry's official spokesperson, attributed the subdued inflation to a drop in food and non-alcoholic beverage prices, along with price stability in the housing, water, electricity, gas, and fuels segment. These two groups represent over half of the consumer spending basket in Oman. Between January and May 2025, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages dropped by 0.17 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. Specific food categories saw significant decreases, including vegetables (-4.63%), fish and seafood (-3.69%), meat (-0.13%), non-alcoholic beverages (-0.11%), and bread and cereals (-0.01%). However, prices increased for sugar, jam, honey, and sweets (+3.13%), dairy products and eggs (+2.88%), oils and fats (+1.28%), fruits (+1.05%), and other food items (+3.40%). The highest inflation among all categories was seen in the miscellaneous goods and services group, which rose by 6.04 per cent. Other notable increases were in health (+2.71%), transport (+2.68%), and restaurants and hotels (+1.08%). Prices for tobacco and communications remained largely stable, with marginal changes in the remaining CPI categories. Dr Al Sheikh highlighted that the stability in food prices reflects the slower pace of global price increases and the continued implementation of government subsidies for essential goods and services. Additionally, Oman's ongoing improvements in food production, supply chains, and marketing are supporting the country's food security strategy and goals under the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021–2025). Agriculture and fishing—key components of food security—grew by 2.8 per cent in 2024, contributing RO 987 million to the GDP at constant prices. In the first quarter of 2025, this growth accelerated to 7.6 per cent, with a contribution of RO 273.6 million. To support this growth, Oman has continued to invest in infrastructure supporting food supply and trade across governorates. Over 80 projects—including markets, slaughterhouses, and retail outlets—were implemented under the Governorate Development Program from 2021 to 2024. Current projects include the Shaleem slaughterhouse, the Mawarid Market in Sinaw, an agricultural products centre in Dhofar, a fisheries and food industries complex in Duqm, and a cold chain facility also in Duqm. The 'Silal' Central Market in Khazaen Economic City has also been inaugurated, acting as a key hub for fresh produce distribution. Globally, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported a 6.0 per cent year-on-year increase in its Food Price Index (FPI) in May 2025, though the index declined by 0.8 per cent from April to May. Dairy and meat prices rose, while prices for cereals, sugar, and vegetable oils fell. Dr Al Sheikh concluded by warning that if trade protectionism worsens, global inflation could rebound—potentially undermining the progress made by central banks worldwide in curbing inflationary pressures. — ONA
Observer
31-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman achieves remarkable progress in global indices
MUSCAT: The National Competitiveness Office has released the third annual report on Oman Competitiveness 2024, highlighting the Oman's performance in various global indicators. The report reveals that Oman has achieved remarkable progress in several global indices. The most notable leap was in the Environmental Performance Index, where Oman climbed 94 places, securing the 55th rank out of 180 countries. Oman has also been ranked first globally in several sub-indicators, including marine protection stringency, growth rate of black carbon emissions and bottom-trawl fishing within the exclusive economic zone. Oman also advanced 39 spots in the Heritage Foundation's Economic Freedom Index, reaching the 56th rank globally. The country's economy is now classified as 'moderately free,' compared to its previous status as 'mostly unfree.' This improvement is reflected in higher scores in key sub-indicators such as government spending (rising from 59.4 to 70.8 out of 100), investment freedom (from 60 to 70 out of 100), and financial freedom (from 50 to 60 out of 100). Among the most notable advancements is the Network Readiness Index, where Oman moved up four positions, ranking 50th globally. The country excels in sub-indicators such as government promotion of investment in emerging technologies (ranked 9th globally), gender gap in Internet usage (ranked 11th globally), and ICT skills in education (ranked 23rd globally). According to the Future Growth Index, Oman scored 50.59 out of 100, surpassing the global average. Furthermore, Oman ranked first globally in sub-indicators such as ICT capital (in US dollars) and electricity access in rural areas. Dr Salim bin Abdullah al Shaikh In Global Governance Indicators, Oman made progress in most categories, particularly those aligned with Oman Vision 2040. The country recorded 70.2 out of 100 in the Rule of Law Index, 66.5 in Regulatory Quality, and 62.2 in Government Effectiveness. Dr Salim bin Abdullah al Shaikh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, emphasised that the National Competitiveness Office continues to monitor Oman's position in key international rankings. He noted that these indicators receive global attention from thousands of individuals and organisations. Speaking to Oman News Agency, Dr Al Sheikh stated: "The office is actively working with national teams to strengthen Oman's position in global indices through various programmes and initiatives while addressing challenges that may arise." Oman's continued efforts in improving competitiveness reflect its commitment to achieving sustainable economic and developmental progress on a global scale. The report aims to increase awareness among the local community about international rankings, serving as a reference for government and private institutions, as well as researchers interested in Oman's positioning compared to other nations. It also identifies the most advanced countries in specific indicators to guide efforts in enhancing Oman's competitiveness. — ONA
The National
27-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
Hussein Al Sheikh: New Palestinian vice president poised to succeed Mahmoud Abbas
The appointment of long-serving Palestinian politician Hussein Al Sheikh as vice president of the Palestine Liberation Organisation makes him the front-runner to succeed 89-year-old Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. It brings some clarity to the pressing uncertainty around the succession, but does far less to ease a massive crisis of confidence among Palestinians in men like Mr Abbas and Mr Al Sheikh. Many fear that could eventually lead to the collapse of the Palestinian Authority, which would have major implications for security in the occupied West Bank, already buckling under a massive economic crisis. It would also be a major challenge for Israel, which in part relies on the organisation to maintain security in the West Bank where hundreds of thousands of Israeli settlers illegally reside. A point man for liaising directly with Israel, Mr Al Sheikh is widely disliked and distrusted by Palestinians who view him as corrupt, out of touch and complicit in Israel's occupation. He is a close confidant of Mr Abbas, who has held uncontested power for two decades. In March, at a summit in Cairo, Mr Abbas announced that he would create a vice presidency within the PLO. He since argued that the new role would strengthen support for a Palestinian state abroad. The PA, which relies on international donations and diplomatic support, has faced a great deal of frustration in recent years due to a perception of inactivity and corruption. Born in Ramallah, Mr Al Sheikh spent 11 years in Israeli prisons in his youth, in which time he learnt Hebrew. During a long political career, his most recent position was Secretary General of the PLO executive committee, giving him control of civilian affairs in areas of the West Bank where the PA is supposed to have control. The close co-operation with Israeli officials that that role entailed led to accusations of him selling out the Palestinian cause, particularly as Israel launches massive attacks on the West Bank, including in cities fully controlled by the PA, and as settlers ramp up attacks. Being vice president does not guarantee that Mr Al Sheikh will one day lead the PLO, which oversees the PA and is recognised internationally as the legitimate representative of Palestinians in occupied territories and abroad. He has nonetheless proved himself to be politically adept and has important connections within Palestinian politics, the international community and Israel. A leader with this favourable position could prove helpful to the PA taking on a major role in the reconstruction of Gaza, which, despite Israel's government being vocally opposed, is viewed by many in the international community as the most realistic way of successfully rebuilding the strip. A PA leader with close security ties to Israel could go some way to assuaging Israeli reticence.
Observer
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Oman welcomes the appointment of the Deputy Head of the PLO
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman welcomed the decision by the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization to create the position of Deputy Head of the Executive Committee and to appoint Hussein al Sheikh to the post. The Foreign Ministry conveyed its sincere congratulations to Al Sheikh on his new responsibilities, wishing him success and prosperity. The Ministry expressed its hope that this step would strengthen Palestinian unity and contribute to fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people towards achieving their rights and establishing their independent state.
Gulf Insider
15-03-2025
- General
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Grand Mufti Warns Against Filming Prayers, Urges Sincerity In Ramadan Worship
Saudi Arabia has called on imams and preachers to uphold sincerity in their worship and preaching during the holy month of Ramadan, warning against practices that may verge on self-promotion or hypocrisy. In a religious edict (fatwa), Grand Mufti and Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Sheikh expressed concern over the increasing trend of filming and broadcasting prayers and sermons from mosques on social media platforms, stating that such practices could compromise the spiritual purity of worship. 'Sincerity is a condition for the acceptance of any act of worship,' he said, adding that public display of religious acts for praise or attention contradicts the essence of devotion. The Grand Mufti's comments came in response to a question regarding the recent decision by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance to prohibit the filming and sharing of Ramadan prayers and lectures online. Al Sheikh supported the decision, describing the matter as a 'serious issue' even prior to the ministry's intervention, and emphasized that the ban aims to prevent potential violations and maintain the sanctity of worship. 'There are two conditions for any work to be accepted by God: sincerity and adherence to the teachings of the Qur'an and the Prophet's Sunnah,' Al Sheikh said. Quoting Islamic traditions, the Grand Mufti warned of 'minor polytheism' — a term used by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to describe acts of ostentation in worship. He cited a saying of the Prophet: 'The thing I fear most for you is minor polytheism… It is hypocrisy.' While acknowledging that rulings on filming acts of worship may vary based on intent and context, Al Sheikh stressed the importance of examining motivations. 'Whoever listens, Allah will listen to him, and whoever shows off, Allah will show off with him,' he said, referencing another prophetic tradition. The Grand Mufti concluded by urging Muslims to reflect deeply on their actions during the holy month and strive for sincere devotion, warning that acts performed without seeking God's pleasure 'will be returned to their doer' and carry no value in the hereafter.
