Latest news with #Muscat


Times of Oman
18 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman's 'Dhamani' platform revolutionises health insurance with record activity in 2025
Muscat: The National Health Insurance Platform 'Dhamani' has released its operational report for the first half of 2025, revealing a surge in activity that underscores its growing role in streamlining health insurance services across the Sultanate of Oman. According to the latest figures, the platform processed more than 4.2 million transactions, averaging 40,000 transactions daily. Of these: 2.3 million were eligibility verifications for insured individuals. 1.4 million dealt with medical approvals. 700,000 were claims submitted by hospitals. In a significant milestone, OMR 3.5 million were electronically transferred from insurance companies to hospitals, emphasizing Dhamani's focus on efficiency and transparency in financial settlements. The platform's integrated network now includes: ▪ 33 hospitals ▪ 37 health complexes ▪ 33 specialised health centres ▪ 20 clinics


Times of Oman
18 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
National Health Insurance platform 'Dhamani' reports strong activity
Muscat: The National Health Insurance Platform 'Dhamani' has released its operational report for the first half of 2025, revealing a surge in activity that underscores its growing role in streamlining health insurance services across the Sultanate of Oman. According to the latest figures, the platform processed more than 4.2 million transactions, averaging 40,000 transactions daily. Of these: 2.3 million were eligibility verifications for insured individuals. 1.4 million dealt with medical approvals. 700,000 were claims submitted by hospitals. In a significant milestone, OMR 3.5 million were electronically transferred from insurance companies to hospitals, emphasizing Dhamani's focus on efficiency and transparency in financial settlements. The platform's integrated network now includes: 33 hospitals 37 health complexes 33 specialized health centers 20 clinics These developments highlight Dhamani's expanding footprint and its strategic contribution to raising service standards, reducing administrative delays, and ensuring seamless communication between healthcare providers and insurers.


Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: CAA records $272mln in 2024 revenue, highlights global safety rankings
Muscat – The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced on Wednesday that it recorded revenues amounting to RO105 million in 2024, underscoring its operational efficiency and financial sustainability. The announcement was made during the Authority's annual media briefing held in Muscat under the patronage of H.E. Dr Abdullah Nasser al Harrasi, Minister of Information. The event was attended by senior officials, strategic partners, and key stakeholders. Reviewing its performance over the past year, the CAA reported a 95.95 per cent compliance rate with aviation safety standards, placing Oman fifth globally in the effective implementation of aviation safety oversight. Major achievements included the activation of the southern runway at Muscat International Airport, the approval of the General Civil Aviation Policy, and the signing of nine international air transport agreements. The Authority also issued new regulations to enhance passenger rights protection and introduced a revised licensing framework for drone registration and air traffic management. As part of its digital transformation efforts, the CAA revamped 113 electronic services, implemented a document management system, obtained information security certification, and upgraded Oman's numerical weather prediction systems and wadi flood forecasting models. In terms of operational expansion, the CAA granted permits to 19 foreign airlines. Cybersecurity and aviation security policies were ratified, while operational manuals were activated for both Duqm and Marmul airports. Additionally, a new air navigation radar was installed in Jalan Bani Bu Ali to strengthen national airspace surveillance. Aviation performance indicators reflected growth, with a 2 per cent increase in passenger traffic compared to 2023, and over 120,000 flights recorded. Air cargo volumes surpassed 150,000 tonnes, while more than 540,300 aircraft transited Omani airspace – a 14 per cent rise year-on-year. The national meteorological monitoring network grew to include 80 stations across the country. Meanwhile, 520 consumer complaints were addressed and resolved efficiently. Internationally, Oman attained a 94.4 per cent compliance score in aviation security under the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Continuous Monitoring Approach. The sultanate ranked fourth among G20 nations and third in the Middle East. Oman also achieved full compliance with aviation facilitation standards under Annex 9 of the Chicago Convention. Looking to the future, the Authority confirmed that detailed design work is nearing completion for Musandam Airport, with accelerated progress anticipated in early 2025. The tender for construction of the passenger terminal at Sohar Airport is expected to be issued before the end of the year. Meanwhile, a new aircraft hangar at Muscat International Airport is set to be inaugurated later this year, positioning Oman as a regional centre for aircraft maintenance. The event also marked the launch of an upgraded digital platform for Oman Meteorology, offering real-time weather updates. A commemorative postage stamp was unveiled to celebrate 50 years of Oman's membership in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). H.E. Eng. Naif Ali al Abri, Chairman of the CAA, stated that the year's achievements reflect Oman's unwavering commitment to aviation safety and its alignment with international best practices. 'These results are a testament to our clear strategic vision and the strong collaboration between all partners. The civil aviation sector is a pillar of national development and plays a vital role in enhancing Oman's global connectivity,' he said. The commemorative stamp, released in partnership with Oman Post, highlights the sultanate's enduring contribution to international climate cooperation since becoming a member of the WMO in 1975. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Nepal Embassy promotes trade, jobs and tourism in Oman
MUSCAT: The Embassy of Nepal in Muscat successfully organised a Trade, Investment, Employment, and Tourism Promotion Event on June 25, bringing together a wide spectrum of attendees including company representatives, business leaders, hypermarket executives, and other prominent figures from Oman's business community. The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the traditional Nepali lamp Panas by Dornath Aryal, Ambassador of Nepal to the Sultanate of Oman. In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Aryal acknowledged the vital contributions of Nepali workers to Oman's economy and expressed Nepal's intent to expand its workforce in line with Oman's Vision 2040. He emphasised Nepal's ongoing reforms to simplify recruitment through digital platforms and policy enhancements, while also inviting participants to explore Nepal's investment potential in key sectors such as hydropower, tourism, and renewable energy. Bishesh Kumar Sah, Second Secretary, presented detailed insights into Nepal's trade and investment landscape. He identified high-potential export products and outlined attractive investment opportunities in hydropower, tourism, agriculture, and IT. Sah also introduced streamlined procedures for employers interested in recruiting Nepali manpower and showcased a newly developed web-based app integrated within the e-portal for Online Demand Attestation. The app enables the automatic generation of six essential documents for demand attestation, significantly easing the recruitment process. Attendees also viewed a promotional video and presentation highlighting Nepal's tourism appeal. The event also featured the distribution of souvenirs showcasing Nepal's iconic Himalayan landscapes and tourist destinations.


Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Shura Council continues discussion on statement of Commerce Minister
Muscat: For the second consecutive day, the Shura Council continued its discussion on the statement of Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. The Council members emphasised the need to intensify efforts and review strategies and policies to enhance the added value of the trade and industry sectors domestically, linking industries to available national resources. They also called for increasing Omanisation rates in the manufacturing sector, given its rapid growth, and stressed the importance of devising a plan to incentivise industrial companies to absorb national talent. During the session, the members of the Council highlighted the necessity of strengthening incentives and facilities to empower the industrial and commercial sectors. They also proposed establishing a national center to support stalled industrial projects. Additionally, the members discussed the significance of foreign investment as a solution to economic and social challenges, such as job creation and industrial expansion. They urged the creation of an attractive and flexible investment environment characterised by integration among relevant entities, while addressing obstacles that may hinder foreign investment efforts. The session also touched on the growing importance of e-commerce in Oman, with a proposal to establish a unified e-commerce portal under the Ministry's supervision to support local sellers and streamline licensing, payment, and delivery services. These discussions took place during the Council's 14th regular session of the second annual convening (2024-2025) of its 10th term (2023-2027). The session was chaired by Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council, in the presence of its members and Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Shura Council.