Latest news with #RO3mn
Muscat Daily
09-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
OCO disburses over RO3mn aid across Oman in H1 2025
Muscat – Oman Charitable Organisation (OCO) distributed more than RO3mn in aid within the sultanate during the first half of 2025, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to supporting those in need and promoting transparency and public trust. The organisation released a report recently detailing the volume of assistance provided and highlighting its humanitarian efforts across the sultanate. Badr bin Mohammed al Zaabi, Acting CEO of OCO, stated that publication of the report reflects the organisation's strategy to assess the humanitarian impact of its work and enhance institutional transparency. He informed that OCO is undergoing a comprehensive development phase to improve performance and expedite its response to eligible beneficiaries, including a new initiative aimed at completing beneficiary procedures within a shorter timeframe. Zaabi also expressed his gratitude to all contributing institutions and individuals, particularly companies that actively support corporate social responsibility programmes. 'OCO continues to dedicate itself to building strategic partnerships that serve the community and deliver meaningful and measurable outcomes,' he added. The assistance provided during the first half of the year was wide-ranging. Direct financial support totalled approximately RO513,000 and benefited 1,489 individuals. Food assistance exceeded RO1mn, supporting 39,514 people, while educational support amounted to over RO157,000 and was extended to 231 students. Medical aid reached over RO50,000, benefiting 39 individuals. Housing assistance totalled more than RO142,000, helping 77 people. Additional services worth over RO73,000 were also provided to 39 beneficiaries. Furthermore, specific assistance for orphans exceeded RO900,000, benefiting 4,157 children. OCO reaffirmed its commitment to meeting the needs of the Omani community through innovative programmes and effective partnerships that contribute to social stability and foster the values of solidarity and compassion.
Muscat Daily
07-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
RO3mn pact to build visitor centre in Qalhat
Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism signed an agreement on Monday worth RO3mn with Oman LNG Development Foundation to finance the establishment of a visitor centre at the ancient city of Qalhat. The initiative forms part of the ministry's strategy to develop and promote Unesco World Heritage sites across the sultanate. To be constructed on a 5,000sqm site, the centre will feature two museum halls to showcase archaeological finds, along with administrative offices, a gift shop, café, outdoor event space, internal walkways linking the centre to the heritage site, shaded seating areas and parking facilities. The agreement was signed by H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, and Dr Amer bin Nasser al Matani, CEO of Oman LNG Development Foundation. Located in South Sharqiyah, Qalhat is one of Oman's oldest known cities and maritime hubs. Strategically located overlooking the Sea of Oman, its port once served as an important hub in ancient trade routes connecting India, Yemen and other parts of the world. The city was also a key centre for exporting Arabian horses. Commenting on the agreement, Khalifa al Farsi, Director of the Ancient City of Qalhat Department, described the visitor centre as a major addition to both Qalhat and Sur. Qalhat was officially inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in 2018, underscoring its historical and cultural significance.
Muscat Daily
02-07-2025
- 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.
