Latest news with #MuscatGovernorate
Muscat Daily
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Muscat Daily
Largest indoor sports summer fiesta kicks off at OCEC
Muscat – Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) officially launched the third edition of Sports Spark, Oman's flagship indoor summer sports festival, with a grand opening ceremony on Thursday. Held under the patronage of Ahmed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, the event being held in Exhibition Halls 1 and 2 started on July 18 and will end on August 16. Organised in collaboration with Muscat Governorate, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Omran Group and Sabco Sports, with sponsorship from Sohar International, the festival aims to promote fitness, community wellbeing and social engagement during the summer. Speaking about the launch, Said al Shanfari, CEO of OCEC, said, 'This edition places strong emphasis on accessibility and affordability. We want everyone – regardless of age and ability – to feel welcome and empowered to participate. Following the overwhelming success of last year's edition, which welcomed over 50,000 participants, Sports Spark 2025 is back with an even more dynamic and inclusive programme. This year's event aims to promote fitness, wellbeing and community engagement during the hot summer months in Oman by offering access to high-quality, air-conditioned facilities and a wide variety of sports and activities.' Sports Spark 2025 offers over 20 indoor sports, including football, basketball, volleyball, pickleball and badminton, with new additions like indoor golf and hockey. Facilities are available for booking at just RO2 per hour, making the event accessible for individuals, teams and clubs alike. Following the success of last year's edition, this year brings an expanded programme. Highlights include the return of Fight Night, debut of Muscat Night Run on August 1 in collaboration with Muscat Marathon, and the second season of the Phygital competition. The inaugural Football Academy Cup will feature 32 youth teams, while Ninja Obstacle Series launched this year promises thrilling challenges inspired by global obstacle races. Families can enrol children in the Sports Spark Summer Camp, while corporate groups can access wellness packages. The festival runs daily from 8am to 11pm. Details are available on
Observer
02-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Masar initiative : A modern approach to street vending
Muscat, July 2 In a move that combines urban development with community entrepreneurship, Muscat Governorate, in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, has completed several key sites under the "Masar" initiative. This initiative aims to reshape the experience of street vending in the capital by providing structured, well-equipped spaces that maintain public aesthetics and service quality. Three major sites have already opened: Masar Al Amerat (15 carts), Masar Muttrah (12 carts), and Masar Bausher (15 carts). Additionally, preparations are underway for the launch of Masar Bausher 2 and Masar Al Mawaleh in the near future. The goal of the initiative is to transform informal street vending into a regulated, dignified activity by offering integrated sites that benefit vendors and consumers alike. Beyond just commercial organisation, the project strives to enhance public spaces through uniform cart design and strategic site placement that align with Muscat's modern urban identity. Health and food safety are also top priorities for Masar. By concentrating vendors in designated areas, the initiative makes it easier for health authorities to monitor practices, ensure food safety and address environmental concerns such as smoke and emissions. Additionally, traffic flow around popular vending zones has improved, creating a cleaner and safer experience for everyone. Masar also reflects a broader vision to empower Omani youth by providing legitimate platforms for running micro-businesses while reducing unregulated competition from expatriate labour. Each site has been thoughtfully developed with essential facilities such as lighting, landscaping, restrooms, electricity and water supply; and wastewater management. These family-friendly spaces offer convenience, safety and a pleasant atmosphere. Khalid al Bulushi, a resident of Al Amerat, praised the experience, stating, "It's now a pleasure to come here with the family for dinner or coffee. The area is clean, well-lit and offers a wide variety of food options. I feel safe and relaxed. This is exactly what we needed". Laila al Suleimani, a regular visitor to Masar Bausher, shared her positive impression, saying, "I love the layout and the overall vibe. It feels organised and welcoming, especially for families. You can find great street food in one tidy, attractive place. It's a big upgrade from how things used to be". Nasser al Amri, a consumer from Muttrah, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I always look for quality and hygiene in food; and this setup makes me feel confident. The carts are neat, the area is clean and everything seems professionally run. I visit regularly now". To ensure responsible management of the carts, authorities have implemented clear eligibility criteria. Applicants must be residents of the area, hold a valid street vendor license, be actively involved in the business themselves and not have other commercial or professional ventures. Priority is given to existing street vendors already operating in the area. Masar represents more than just a regulatory framework; it signifies a new era in urban commerce that promotes entrepreneurship and community well-being. With additional sites planned for the future, the initiative continues to demonstrate that with the right structure, street vending can thrive in a modern, inclusive and sustainable way.
Times of Oman
24-05-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Khuwair Square Project inaugurated in Muscat's Ministries District
MUSCAT: The Khuwair Square project was officially inaugurated in the Ministries District of Muscat, spanning an area of over 21,000 square meters. The ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat. The project features more than 9,000 square meters of lush green spaces, dedicated walking and cycling paths extending 435 meters, multiple seating areas, and a café with an open-air rooftop operated by Omani entrepreneurs. Additionally, the square includes public facilities and parking, making it an ideal destination for leisure, relaxation, and outdoor activities. Architectural elements reflecting Omani identity have been incorporated into the design, including traditional _Mashrabiya_ patterns, locally sourced _Desert Rose_ marble, and Nizwa stone. A striking feature of the square is a towering flagpole standing 126 meters high, constructed using 141 tons of steel, with the Omani flag measuring 25 meters in length and 44 meters in width waving above. Speaking at the inauguration, His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi described the project as a significant addition to Muscat's public spaces, symbolizing both tradition and modernity. 'We hope this square will serve as a vibrant recreational space and a key attraction that enriches Muscat's urban landscape, enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike," he stated. "It aligns with the governorate's vision to foster social connections and human-centered urban planning.' Meanwhile, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Hamidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, highlighted the project's role in shaping sustainable and dynamic public spaces that meet the aspirations of the community while integrating natural elements and Omani heritage.
Times of Oman
22-05-2025
- Times of Oman
Muscat celebrates Flag raising at the tallest flagpole in the Sultanate
Muscat: Muscat Governorate celebrated the inauguration of the tallest flagpole in the Sultanate of Oman 126 meters, under the patronage of His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, and in the presence of His Excellency Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Hamidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality. Muscat Municipality said: 'It is expected that Al Khuwair Square will become a prominent landmark in Muscat Governorate, with its sustainable and environmentally friendly elements, inspired by Omani identity. It will also be an ideal destination for recreation and practicing outdoor sports activities, as it contains modern facilities that meet the aspirations of the community.' The project spans an area of more than 21,000 square meters and, in addition to the towering flagpole, features various recreational facilities, including landscaped green spaces of 9000 square meters, with 57 type of trees, dedicated walking and cycling paths, an open-air art and handicraft exhibition, a skateboarding area, and a sports zone. The site is also equipped with public amenities such as restrooms and a parking lot with 107 spaces.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman opens consultancy bids for women and children centre in Sultan Haitham City
Oman's Ministry of Health has opened financial bids for the design and supervision consultancy contract for the upcoming National Women and Children Centre in Sultan Haitham City, Muscat Governorate. The tender, issued on 19 March 2025 and closed on 15 May, attracted bids from 26 local and international firms. The scope of the contract includes detailed design, construction management, and supervision services for the facilitity. Fifteen firms submitted financial bids as follows: Renardet SA and Partners Consulting Engineers OMR 5,597,86308 ($15 million) Sabla Architects Engineers Construction OMR 5,098,758 ($13 million) Maha Consulting Engineering OMR 1,963,21200 ($5 million) EHAF Consulting Engineers OMR 1,359,810 ($3.5 million) Advanced Engineering Consultants OMR 1,995,840 ($2 million) TAHPI OMR 2,453,855 ($4 million) Arabtech Jardaneh International OMR 2,273,762 ($5.9 million) Nicholson Jones Partnership Engineering Consultancy OMR 1,819,440 ($4.7 million) Al Sari Consulting and Investment OMR 1,993,530 ($5.2 million) Ibn Khaldun Almadaen Engineering Consultants OMR 4,572,650.250($12 million) Almanarah Engineering Consultancy OMR 2,321,760 ($6 million) Khatib and Alami and Partners Consulting Architects & Engineers and Services OMR 3,797,009.440 ($10 million) Ibrahim Jaidah Architects and Engineers OMR 2,705,158.114 ($7.02 million) Design Group Engineering Consultants OMR 3,014,649.330 ($7.8 million) Tusker Engineering Consultancy Group OMR 4,066,028.446 ($10.6 million) Renardet SA and Partners Consulting Engineers submitted the highest bid at 5.6 million Omani rials (nearly $15 million), while EHAF Consulting Engineers offered the lowest bid at OMR 1.36 million ($3.5 million). (Writing by Deva Palanisamy; Editing by Anoop Menon)
