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Muscat Daily
5 hours ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Wheat production in Oman surpasses 10,000t in 2024-2025 season
Muscat – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has announced substantial growth in wheat production across the sultanate following successful implementation of a national wheat support plan launched in early 2023. The plan forms part of wider national efforts to strengthen food security and achieve self-sufficiency in key crops. Total wheat production in the 2024-2025 season reached 10,128.341 tonnes with market value of over RO3mn The cultivated area in this season totalled 8,327 acres, reflecting increasing interest in and support for local wheat farming. Dhofar led production efforts with 7,723 tonnes harvested accounting for 76% of the total national output. It was followed by Dhahirah with 1,118 tonnes and Dakhliyah with 877.185 tonnes. Dr Khair al Busaidi, Director of Palm and Plant Production Department at MAFWR, said that the wheat support plan aligns with objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which aims to improve the sultanate's food security. Dr Khair al Busaidi, Director of Palm and Plant Production Department at MAFWR 'The plan focuses on enabling farmers to cultivate enhanced wheat varieties known for high yield and quality,' said Busaidi. 'The ministry provides technical guidance, advisory services and support for harvesting operations to ensure sustainable production.' Busaidi also noted that MAFWR is working closely with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to expand wheat cultivation by allocating new agricultural land for investment through usufruct agreements.
Muscat Daily
22-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Community partnership initiative ‘All of Oman' wraps up in Muscat
Muscat – Muscat governorate on Sunday hosted the final stop of the 'All of Oman' initiative, a national programme designed to strengthen community partnership and advance integrated development across the sultanate. The concluding event, held under the patronage of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, will run for three days at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. 'All of Oman' is a series of public engagement events aimed at involving citizens in shaping the country's long-term vision, Oman Vision 2040. Through meetings, field visits and interactive workshops, the initiative seeks to unify local efforts with national development goals. In his opening remarks, Busaidi said the initiative helps translate the vision's strategies into tangible results. 'It strengthens local development by tapping in-to each governorate's geographic and economic strengths. We give priority to projects that address actual community needs,' he said, adding that the effort aims to raise institutional performance, improve public services and boost community satisfaction. Dr Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Head of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, said the initiative reflects genuine community engagement. 'It empowers governorates and promotes decentralisation and sustainability of cities,' he said, noting that workshops helped build government staff capacity and encouraged the exchange of ideas. He also stressed the importance of youth participation in planning the country's future. Fatima bint Khamis al Fazarieh, Head of Planning and Project Management at Muscat governorate, presented an annual development plan, which focuses on investment, renewable energy, market regulation, digital transformation, tourism and community satisfaction. Abdullah bin Nasser al Saidi, General Supervisor of Oman Vision 2040 Communication Programme, outlined the unit's role in coordinating with governorates and aligning with national priorities. Specialised workshops during the event covered governance, development strategies, change management and target-setting, aimed at strengthening planning and project management skills. A key feature of the closing event was an interactive youth meeting, bringing together representatives from academic and youth institutions in Muscat. Participants learnt about recent progress under Vision 2040 and heard success stories, reinforcing the goal of encouraging young Omanis to help shape future projects.
Muscat Daily
21-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Omani students launch AI tool to aid learners with disabilities
Muscat – A group of Omani university students has developed an artificial intelligence-powered learning platform to improve access to higher education for students with disabilities, highlighting the growing role of youth-led innovation in the sultanate's digital transformation. Named Ilmify, the platform allows students to upload complex academic material, which is then simplified using AI into accessible formats such as text summaries and audio explanations. It is designed to assist learners with visual or hearing impairments, as well as students with cognitive difficulties who face challenges with standard course content. The tool was developed by nine students from different academic fields and is part of a wider trend across the Gulf and South Asia, where student entrepreneurs are using technology to address gaps in education equity. Ammar bin Rashid al Busaidi, Operations Manager, said the idea stemmed from a teammate's struggle to access course material due to a disability. 'That experience motivated us to create something useful for others in similar situations,' he said. The name combines the Arabic word 'ilm' (knowledge) with '-ify' linking knowledge and technology. Ammar bin Rashid al Busaidi The platform uses an AI engine that analyses individual learning patterns to offer tailored assistance. It also includes an accessible interface, easy navigation and the option to switch between formats. The students worked on Ilmify while pursuing regular studies. 'Balancing classes and technical development wasn't easy, but efficient time management and a shared vision made it possible,' Busaidi said. Plans are underway to launch a mobile app and expand the platform's content to include school-level material, sign language videos and more language options for non-Arabic and non-English speakers. The team is also seeking partnerships with education institutions and organisations that support individuals with disabilities in Oman and other countries where digital learning tools for students with special needs are still limited. Although still in its early stages, Ilmify supports Oman's strategy to develop inclusive, technology-driven education under the national digital economy plan. Busaidi noted that inclusive edtech is a growing sector in countries such as India, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where governments are investing in AI learning tools for diverse learner groups, including those with disabilities – a trend that Ilmify aims to support.
Muscat Daily
14-06-2025
- Muscat Daily
Oman's Nakhal area to develop walkway linking fort, hot spring
Nakhal – The wilayat of Nakhal is all set to launch a major tourism project with the construction of a 3km pedestrian walkway linking the iconic Nakhal Fort to the popular Ain al Thawarah hot spring. The project, which will pass through scenic landscapes dotted with natural springs, aflaj (ancient irrigation channels), and traditional agricultural villages along Wadi Nakhal, is expected to become a key tourist attraction and a prominent landmark in the wilayat. Speaking to Muscat Daily, Sheikh Khalifa bin Saleh al Busaidi, wali of Nakhal, said the walkway will enhance the tourism experience and showcase the natural and cultural heritage of the area. 'The project will be implemented in phases. The first phase will cover one kilometre, with subsequent phases to follow,' he said. The total cost of the project, including service facilities, is expected to exceed RO1mn. The walkway will be paved with stone or interlocking tiles and equipped with lighting and public amenities. Sheikh Busaidi also revealed plans to empower farm owners along the route to establish private tourism ventures in coordination with the relevant authorities. These could include eco-lodges, cafés, and the use of electric carts to transport visitors between Nakhal Fort and Ain al Thawarah. 'This initiative will help reduce congestion at the park while creating job opportunities for local residents,' he added. The main committee overseeing the project recently held its first meeting, where it approved the work plan and formed sub-executive committees to begin implementation.
India.com
14-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Iran-US Nuclear Talks Canceled, Says Omani Foreign Minister
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi announced on Saturday that the sixth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, would not take place. In a post on X, Busaidi added that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only pathway to lasting peace. "The Iran-US talks scheduled to be held in Muscat this Sunday will not now take place. But diplomacy and dialogue remain the only pathway to lasting peace," Busaidi said. This development comes after Israel's recent strikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran.
