Latest news with #Salalah
Times of Oman
9 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum discusses strengthening strategic partnership
Salalah: The third session of the Omani-Chinese Friendship Forum 2025, which began on Thursday in Salalah, discussed strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and expanding cooperation and investment between the Sultanate of Oman and the People's Republic of China. The forum was organised under the theme: "Chinese Modernisation and Oman Vision 2040: Our Work and Proposals." It was an initiative by Al Roya newspaper, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Oman, and the Oman-China Friendship Association, with the participation of a number of officials, experts, and specialists from both sides. The forum was inaugurated by HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, who felicitated a number of speakers and participants. In his speech, Hatim Hamad Al Tai, Secretary-General of the forum and Editor-in-Chief of Al Roya newspaper, affirmed that the forum serves as a platform to deepen dialogue, enhance mutual trust between the two countries, and explore new avenues for cooperation, in line with the shared potential and aspirations of Oman and China. On his turn Dr. Saleh Said Masan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, delivered a speech in which he said that the forum is a unique opportunity to exchange expertise and explore promising investment areas that serve the development priorities of both countries. He pointed out that Oman Vision 2040 represents a roadmap for a comprehensive economic and structural transformation. For his part, Lyu Jian, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Sultanate of Oman, praised the strength of the historical relations between the two countries, which span over 1,200 years. He noted that diplomatic relations, since their establishment in 1978, have witnessed stable and fruitful cooperation based on equality and mutual respect. He clarified that the People's Republic of China is Oman's first trade partner with trade volume between the two countries reaching USD 36.7 billion in 2024. The People's Republic of China is also the third-largest investor in Oman. The Ambassador highlighted prominent joint projects, including the launch of the first Omani satellite, investments in the energy sector, and training programmes that have benefited over 1,200 Omanis. He also mentioned that the trade volume between the People's Republic of China and GCC countries reached USD 288 billion in 2024, with Chinese investments growing by over 30 percent in the first half of 2025. He called for expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation and launching direct flights between the two countries. Dr. Khalid Salim Al Saidi, Chairman of the Oman-China Friendship Association, said that the association is a vital link in strengthening relations between the two countries. He emphasised that its role has gone beyond organising meetings to building cultural bridges, humanitarian understandings, and informal cooperation initiatives based on shared values and mutual interests. Moreover, Naif Hamed Fadhil, Head of the Dhofar branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the importance of the forum in fostering closer ties between business owners in both countries. He highlighted the need to enable bilateral investments in the fields of energy, technology, industry, logistics, and tourism, and called for forging more sustainable and impactful cooperation models. The forum included discussions on four main themes: "Chinese Modernization and Oman Vision 2040," "Cooperation in the Energy Sector," "Partnership in Innovation and Technology," and "Cultural and Humanitarian Exchange." The forum also featured a photo exhibition in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Oman, in addition to direct bilateral meetings (B2B) between business representatives from both countries to enhance partnership and investment opportunities. Over 30 business owners and representatives of Omani and Chinese companies participated in the forum, which also included a special exhibition for the participating Chinese companies. The current session of the forum sought to solidify the strategic partnership between the two countries and explore new avenues of cooperation that support the priorities of Oman Vision 2040, leveraging the People's Republic of China's experience in economic and social modernisation.
Times of Oman
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
Clubs Competition for Cultural Creativity in Dhofar concludes
Salalah: T he tenth edition of the Clubs Competition for Cultural Creativity concluded on Thursday at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Compound for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah. The event was organised by the Directorate General of Culture, Sports and Youth in Dhofar Governorate. Dr. Hamid Ali Al Mashaikhi, Director of the Culture Department at the Directorate, delivered a speech emphasising that the competition reflects the Ministry's commitment to nurturing young talents, developing creative skills, and empowering participants to actively contribute to the cultural scene in the governorate. At the conclusion of the event, Moosa Abdullah Al Qasabi, Director General of Culture, Sports and Youth in Dhofar Governorate and the patron of the ceremony, honored the heads of youth committees from Dhofar's clubs, first-place winners across various competition categories, as well as supporting organizations and individuals who contributed to the event's success. It is worth noting that the Clubs Competition for Cultural Creativity aims to strengthen institutional work within clubs, discover and refine young talents, and promote national values through literary, cultural, artistic, technical, and sporting fields. These include classical and traditional poetry, debates, visual arts, music, innovation and entrepreneurship, e-sports, and sports commentary.
Zawya
17 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Developing sustainable tourism in Dhofar Governorate
The collective efforts of official institutions and civil society are complementary in providing greater attention and success to the Salalah khareef season events, which attract thousands of citizens and visitors from outside the region. Oman Air plays an important role during these events by increasing its daily flight schedule to Salalah International Airport and supporting institutional activities with relevant programmes. The surge in flight traffic to Salalah Airport presents an opportunity for domestic carriers, including Oman Air and SalamAir, as the Salalah khareef season is one of the most attractive tourist events in the region. The direct air link between Muscat and Salalah makes it easier and more convenient for tourists to travel, not only during the khareef season but year-round. Economically, the season brings numerous benefits: increased tourism revenues for airlines, revitalisation of the hospitality sector, and growth in entertainment-related services. It also generates both temporary and permanent job opportunities in transportation, retail, and tourism services — opportunities that should primarily benefit citizens. Moreover, it supports local commerce and contributes to the development of the region's infrastructure. Socially, khareef activities help strengthen cultural identity and raise awareness of local heritage through events and festivals. They foster engagement between the local community and visitors, encouraging cultural exchange and mutual understanding, while also promoting environmental and heritage preservation. Despite these positives, it is also important to consider the economic and social challenges associated with such activities. The high influx of visitors can strain infrastructure and services, increasing operational costs for government institutions. It may also cause price hikes during the season and contribute to negative environmental impacts. Relevant authorities are mindful of these issues, regularly publishing reports and messages that highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of the Salalah khareef season. Still, the season plays a critical role in stimulating local economic growth and driving infrastructure development through public and private investment, particularly in modernising tourist areas, roads, and health facilities — delivering long-term benefits to the governorate. The season attracts visitors from across the region and beyond, enriching cultural interaction and fostering a broader sense of tolerance and understanding. To ensure sustainable tourism growth in Dhofar throughout the year, it is essential to stimulate continuous air traffic to Salalah Airport and enhance international connectivity. The current scarcity of direct flights to and from international destinations diminishes the governorate's appeal to global travellers. There is a pressing need for more tourism facilities, marketing initiatives, and attractive offers targeting Gulf, Arab, and international markets. This includes reducing the cost of flight operations to Salalah, making it more affordable for a wider range of travellers. Hotel and accommodation prices should also be made more competitive. Furthermore, efforts should focus on launching annual promotional campaigns, negotiating with international and regional airlines to establish direct routes, and improving transport links between the airport and key tourist destinations. Offering incentives and financial facilities — such as reduced airport usage fees — can help attract airlines, along with streamlining travel procedures. By implementing these measures, Salalah Airport can grow into a key travel and tourism hub in the region, boosting year-round demand and contributing to the sustainable development of Dhofar Governorate. 2025 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Perfume factory inaugurated in Raysut Industrial City
Salalah: Al-Khanjar Perfumes and Incense Factory was inaugurated on Wednesday in Raysut Industrial City in the Wilayat of Salalah, Dhofar Governorate, with an investment exceeding OMR3 million. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of HH Sayyid Marwan Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, in the presence of Dr. Saleh Said Masan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, along with a number of officials, stakeholders, and entrepreneurs. Mohammed Said Jaddad, CEO of Al-Khanjar Perfumes and Incense Factory, stated that the factory was established on an area of 6,000 square metres and equipped with the latest industrial technologies and machinery. It features an advanced production infrastructure comprising four high-capacity production lines. In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), he explained that the factory includes a liquid perfume production line with a daily capacity of 15,000 bottles, an incense production line with a capacity of 6,000 packages per day, a dedicated line for traditional aromatic products with a capacity of 5,000 packages daily, and a concentrated fragrance compounds production line with a capacity of 10,000 bottles per day. This will efficiently meet the demands of the local and Gulf markets with high competitiveness and quality. The ceremony featured a visual presentation highlighting the factory's Omani identity and its establishment phases, followed by a field tour of the production lines. Attendees observed the perfume and incense manufacturing processes and met with the factory's workforce. The establishment of the factory aims to strengthen the presence of Omani products in local and regional markets by producing a diverse range of high-quality perfumes and incense. This contributes to supporting the national economy and achieving economic diversification goals. The project is a qualitative addition to Dhofar Governorate's industrial investment ecosystem and one of the initiatives supporting job creation for citizens while revitalizing the industrial sector as part of the national strategy for sustainable economic growth.
Times of Oman
a day ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Seventh edition of 'Dhofar Holy Quran Forum' concludes in Salalah
Salalah: The 7th edition of 'Dhofar Holy Quran Forum' concluded on Wednesday at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah. The forum was organised by the Directorate General of Endowments and Religious Affairs in Dhofar Governorate. The closing ceremony was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, in the presence of Dr. Mohammed bin Said Al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, and senior government officials. The ceremony included a visual presentation about the development of Quranic teaching from traditional methods to modern digital technologies, in addition to a religious chanting programme. The ceremony also saw the felicitation of 24 winners in the Quran Competition and 40 local women who completed the memorisation of the Holy Quran. The forum's activities included working papers that discussed intellectual and educational issues, including the methodology of understanding the Holy Quran, as well as the Holy Book's approach in addressing intellectual challenges and building a sound value system.
