Latest news with #MUSCAT
Observer
21 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
Khuta launches new career tools to guide youths
MUSCAT: The National Employment Programme has unveiled a second package of services on the 'Khuta Career Guidance Platform,' Oman's first national digital platform dedicated to career counselling. The new package includes a range of smart features aimed at enriching the career guidance journey. These tools are designed to help users shape career paths aligned with both their personal aspirations and the evolving demands of the job market. Among the most notable additions is the 'Study Plan' service, targeted particularly at Grade 10 students. It offers them a structured approach to exploring future academic tracks, allowing them to choose study paths based on their interests, strengths, and university requirements. Another key feature is the 'Entrepreneurial Traits Assessment,' a science-based tool. It enables students to assess their entrepreneurial potential by analysing their behavioural traits and attitudes. The platform also now includes the 'Khuta AI Assistant,' which uses data analytics to suggest career and academic options suited to each user's profile—further personalising the guidance experience. In a significant move towards inclusivity, Khuta has launched the 'Career Interests Assessment for Visually Impaired Individuals'—a first-of-its-kind initiative in Oman. This tool supports visually impaired users in discovering suitable academic and career pathways based on their capabilities and interests. These developments mark a major step forward in strengthening Oman's career guidance ecosystem, offering youth the tools and insights they need to make well-informed decisions about their futures. The initiative also supports Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises the development of a knowledge-based economy and the sustainable growth of the national workforce. The expanded services form part of a broader strategy to equip young Omanis with the skills required for the jobs of tomorrow, support digital transformation, and enable them to respond to economic shifts with confidence. Since its launch, the Khuta platform has signed up for over 26,300 users by the end of June 2025. It currently hosts 861 academic programmes, 263 professional certificates, and 100 training courses—offered through partnerships with platforms such as Coursera—benefiting more than 2,465 young Omanis. Dr Badr Hamood al Kharousi, Advisor and Head of Capacity Building at the National Employment Programme and General Supervisor of the platform, underscored the central role of career guidance in aligning educational outcomes with market requirements. He highlighted Khuta as a successful model of cross-sector collaboration, developed with support from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, government institutions, and private sector partners. The platform's impact has also been recognised internationally. The World Economic Forum's January 2025 Skills Report cited Khuta for its contribution to empowering youth with future-focused competencies. — ONA
Washington Post
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Oman hires Carlos Queiroz as coach in push for World Cup qualification
MUSCAT, Oman — Oman hired Carlos Queiroz as its national-team coach Tuesday ahead of autumn games that will determine if the country advances to the World Cup for the first time. The veteran Portuguese tactician led Iran into the 2014 and 2018 World Cups and will take over with immediate effect.
Zawya
15-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
BankDhofar unveils campaign for a branding uplift under the slogan 'Innovation inspired by you"
MUSCAT: BankDhofar, the second largest bank by branch network size in Oman , has unveiled a campaign for a branding uplift under the slogan 'Innovation inspired by you", this is not just a slogan, but a way of working, We innovate today from your world, to create a financial future closer to you. More than just a change in look and feel, the brand uplift reflects BankDhofar's evolution into a forward-thinking financial partner, deeply attuned to the aspirations of its customers—individuals, entrepreneurs, and institutions alike. At the heart of this transformation lies a simple but powerful insight: true innovation begins with understanding people. The campaign emphasizes BankDhofar's commitment to listening, learning, and adapting to the ever-changing needs of its customers. By putting people at the center, the bank aims to design products and services that are not only innovative but also meaningful, intuitive, and transformative—helping customers achieve their financial goals at every stage of life. Said Juma Al Busaidi, Head of Marketing & Corporate Communication at BankDhofar said, At BankDhofar, what we offer is not just traditional banking services and products, but a true reflection of our customers' aspirations. He added : 'We always start from the market Where we analyze and study people's needs, monitor their changes, and learn from their experiences. From there, We design our services and products with them, not just for them. Because we believe that the best innovations begin with a deep understanding of our customers' worlds. Our 'Innovation inspired by you" campaign is not just a slogan, it's a way of working. We innovate today from your world, to create a financial future closer to you'. Under its new brand vision—to be Oman's most trusted, innovative, and inclusive financial partner—BankDhofar is adopting a global mindset while staying rooted in Omani values. The bank seeks to make banking simple, personal, and built for the future, offering a human-centric approach grounded in trust, empathy, and digital excellence. Far more than a cosmetic change, the brand uplift characterizes as a fundamental transformation in the bank's identity and approach. The shift reflects a move away from traditional service provision toward becoming a trusted partner in customers' financial journeys. From intuitive digital platforms to personalized financial guidance, the brand uplift is designed to offer seamless, secure, and empowering experiences—whether customers are managing everyday finances, scaling their businesses, or planning for the long term. A key part of this transformation is integrating cutting-edge technology with personalized service to create truly tailored banking experiences. Internally, the rebranding effort is aligning teams, processes, and customer touchpoints with the bank's values and long-term goals. The objective is to create a cohesive and emotionally resonant brand experience that strengthens relationships and builds long-term loyalty. As part of a broader strategic vision, BankDhofar is positioning itself as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, digital transformation, and inclusive prosperity in Oman. The bank's purpose is clear: to empower people and businesses through trusted, innovative financial solutions that contribute to national progress. With the unveiling of its new brand uplift , BankDhofar signals the start of a new chapter—one that redefines what banking can and should be in the modern era. As it looks ahead, the bank remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainable growth, digital innovation, and putting people first in everything it does.
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
BankDhofar unveils affordable, all-inclusive health insurance solutions
MUSCAT: More than just protection against illness, surgery, diagnostics, and hospitalization, BankDhofar's health insurance products represent a holistic approach to safeguarding health and well-being. These solutions, which offer extensive coverage for individuals, families, and domestic workers, are made possible through a strategic partnership with Dhofar Insurance Company—one of the largest and most respected insurers in the Sultanate. Designed to provide flexibility, value, and peace of mind, they are available exclusively to BankDhofar account holders. These offerings form part of BankDhofar's bancassurance initiative, which combines its expansive branch network and digital infrastructure with Dhofar Insurance's underwriting expertise to deliver customer-centric insurance solutions. The health insurance portfolio is organized into four major categories, each tailored to meet the unique needs of different customer segments. The most popular is the Individual Health Insurance plan, which is offered in three tiers—Green, Silver, and Gold—each providing varying levels of coverage and benefits. Plans include inpatient and outpatient services, diagnostic tests, maternity, physiotherapy, optical and dental care, alternative therapies, and access to both local and international healthcare networks. Eligibility is open to Omani citizens and legal residents between the ages of 18 and 65, and children under 18 can be enrolled when at least one parent is included in the policy. For budget-conscious customers, BankDhofar offers the Affordable Health Cover plan. This solution caters to the general population, particularly salaried individuals and families seeking dependable coverage at competitive rates. The plan includes essential health benefits, making quality healthcare more accessible to a broader demographic. The third category is the Unified Health Insurance Plan, also known as "Dhamani" Targeted at employees in the private sector, this scheme is being rolled out in phases as part of a national mandate. It is governed by a collaborative platform involving the Ministry of Health, Royal Oman Police, Finances Services Authority, healthcare providers, and third-party administrators. Completing the lineup is a specialized plan for household help—the Unified Domestic Worker Health Insurance. This convenient and cost-effective solution allows BankDhofar customers to provide health coverage for their domestic workers, an essential yet often overlooked segment of the workforce. BankDhofar's Bancassurance Department plays a central role in delivering these solutions. With a strong understanding of the Omani market, the Bank offers risk protection products that combine comprehensive coverage, excellent benefits, and competitive pricing. The Bank's extensive footprint of branches and service outlets across Oman ensures that customers have easy access to support and services wherever they are located. By choosing BankDhofar, customers gain access to a broad array of health insurance plans backed by Dhofar Insurance, ensuring their health and that of their loved ones is in safe hands. The launch underscores BankDhofar's dedication to safeguarding its customers' futures through innovative financial and insurance solutions that reflect its core values of trust, service, and security.
Observer
05-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Transforming Oman's business landscape
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion is spearheading efforts to modernise Oman's business environment by leveraging digital platforms that simplify procedures, foster innovation, and enhance investor confidence. These initiatives support international best practices, aiming to boost the ease of doing business and attract investment across sectors. At the centre of this transformation is the "Oman Business" platform, offering a comprehensive suite of digital services. These include commercial registration, licensing, agency and intellectual property management, certificate issuance, and company liquidation. The platform operates as a unified digital interface, designed to streamline operations and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. The platform is integrated with 17 government entities and exchanges data with 35 others, including the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Ten government entities have activated the compliance register, reinforcing a collaborative ecosystem that enhances service efficiency. As of the end of 2024, over 76.5% of the Ministry's services were digitised, and 89% of commercial activities were automatically licensed. Since April 2021, more than 328,000 licences have been issued automatically. Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence are embedded in services like "Know Your Customer", enabling foreign investors to register remotely without a residency card, using biometric verification. The "Investment Guide" simulates the registration process, providing step-by-step guidance on required documents, approvals, and fees—making the investor journey more seamless. Complementing this is the "Invest in Oman" platform, a digital gateway to the country's investment landscape. It offers insights into incentives and opportunities across free zones and economic zones, while facilitating communication with potential investors. Since its launch in February 2023, the platform has received 90 investment applications valued at RO 5.38 billion, with 43 projects worth RO 2.25 billion localised in key sectors such as industry, healthcare, food security, and renewables. To support local businesses, especially SMEs, the "Made in Oman" platform plays a strategic role. Since its launch in February 2024, over 5,000 products from 380 Omani factories have received the "Made in Oman" label. The platform promotes these products domestically and internationally, enhancing their visibility, increasing production, and creating employment opportunities across production, management, and marketing. Additionally, it connects SMEs to procurement opportunities in both public and private sectors, supporting operational growth. The platform also strengthens national supply chains by reducing reliance on imports and improving self-sufficiency. The 'Ma'arouf Oman' platform enhances e-commerce trust by authenticating licensed online stores. It links shops to their official records, increasing consumer confidence. Registered stores have risen by 236.4% since the platform's launch. In the realm of digital commerce, the Ministry developed the National E-Commerce Plan under the 'Tanwee' programme, approved in Q3 2021. The plan comprises 30 initiatives, with three directly managed by the Ministry—now fully implemented. This strategy supports a robust legislative framework and promotes e-commerce expansion until 2027. To ensure product quality and stimulate innovation, the Hazm platform identifies items requiring conformity certification and links them with accredited assessment bodies. As of mid-2025, 21 such bodies were registered, with 333 national conformity certificates and 3,789 energy efficiency labels issued. Hazm supports SMEs by guiding them through regulatory requirements and fostering a competitive, high-quality industrial environment. The Oman Business Forum complements these efforts through knowledge-sharing sessions that bring together experts, policymakers, and investors to exchange views on investment trends and business reforms. Meanwhile, Sanad Service Centres are expanding rapidly, offering 377 electronic services in partnership with 25 government and private institutions. In 2024 alone, these centres completed over 872,000 transactions. By June 2025, there were 920 centres, employing more than 2,365 individuals—60% of whom are women, with 65% of staff aged between 20 and 39. Oman Exports, a groundbreaking digital export platform launched by the Ministry, has revolutionised how Omani products reach global markets. It facilitates export processes, offers promotional tools, and connects local producers with international buyers. Together with the "Made in Oman" platform, it enhances product visibility, competitiveness, and integration into global value chains. These platforms also enable manufacturers to access government services, conduct market analyses, and adapt their products to international standards. Performance metrics show rising numbers of digital licences and increased registration of factories and products, underlining the platforms' impact on Oman's economic growth and the private sector's contribution to GDP. To maintain high standards, platforms are integrated with national inspection systems and quality certification schemes. The Ministry continues to raise public awareness around the superiority of Omani products and their compliance with global benchmarks. Looking ahead, the Ministry is focused on enhancing platform functionality through AI and data science to better serve sector-specific needs. According to Mubarak bin Mohammed al Dohani, Director General of Planning and Head of the Digital Transformation Team, these platforms are now strategic enablers of economic growth, technological localisation, and youth empowerment—key to Oman's sustainable development. — ONA
