Latest news with #RO1mn
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.
Muscat Daily
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Marriage support fund to be launched in Oman in June
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – Following a directive issued by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, a marriage support fund will be launched in all governorates before the end of June. The announcement was made during the first governors' meeting convened this year, chaired by Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al Busaidi, Minister of Interior, on Sunday. Busaidi underscored the importance of aligning local development plans with His Majesty the Sultan's vision to empower governorates and strengthen community participation in driving progress of wilayats. One of the main items discussed was implementation of a marriage support fund. Governors have been instructed to take the necessary executive measures to activate the Royal Directive, which will be implemented according to specific standards to be outlined by Ministry of Interior. The initiative stems from a Royal Directive issued in January to establish the marriage support fund allocating RO1mn to each of the sultanate's 11 governorates. These funds aim to provide financial assistance to citizens intending to marry. Details of application process and eligibility criteria will be announced by relevant authorities soon. The meeting also addressed several common issues affecting the governorates and reviewed progress on implementation of municipal council recommendations.
Muscat Daily
06-04-2025
- Muscat Daily
Two major parks in Nizwa, Jabal Akhdar to be ready in 2026
Nizwa – The governorate of Dakhliyah is pushing ahead with the development of two major public parks and a series of infrastructure upgrades, aimed at promoting domestic tourism and enhancing recreational facilities for residents and visitors. The park projects are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026. Sheikh Hilal bin Saeed al Hajri, Governor of Dakhliyah, said that over 30% of construction work on Nizwa Public Park has been completed. Spanning 150,000sqm, the park will include an artificial lake, green spaces, playgrounds and shaded seating areas. Plans also call for the planting of 3,920 trees, including 520 shade trees and 3,400 flowering shrubs. The park will feature an educational medical garden to raise awareness of medicinal plants and their health benefits, particularly targeting students and the wider community. Other facilities include a library, sports grounds, and fitness zones. In Jabal Akhdar, construction of a RO1mn park is 25% complete. Covering around 20,000sqm, the park will offer public areas, children's play zones, a bicycle track, and sports paths. More than 1,000 trees will be planted, and 5,000sqm will be reserved for green landscaping. The park will also house a multi-use open-air theatre, prayer rooms, restrooms, and designated zones for investment, including a café and an electronic games area. 'These parks are part of a broader plan to create integrated green spaces that serve the community, strengthen social bonds, and contribute to sustainable development in the governorate,' Sheikh Hilal said. In parallel, the wilayat of Jabal Akhdar is witnessing development projects worth over RO4.5mn, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, tourism, and public services. These include upgrades to the road network, recreational facilities, and service-related developments intended to raise the overall standard of living. Among the completed works is a project to design and implement internal roads in Jabal Akhdar at a cost of RO1.37mn. A second phase, costing RO1.4mn, is currently under way, with more than 10% completed so far. Sheikh Hilal also confirmed that consultancy work for the dualisation of the main entrance road to Jabal Akhdar is nearing completion.
