Latest news with #SalemAlMahrouqi
Times of Oman
07-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Agreement inked to fund establishment of visitor centre at Qalhat ancient city
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Development Foundation of Oman Liquefied Natural Gas Company Oman LNG today signed a financing agreement worth RO 3 million for the establishment of a visitor center at the ancient city of Qalhat. This initiative falls within the ministry's efforts to develop UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The project, spanning an area of 5,000 square meters, will include two museum halls to display archaeological artifacts discovered at the site. The center's facilities will feature administrative offices, a gift shop, a café, an outdoor events plaza, internal pathways connecting the visitor center to the ancient city, shaded seating areas, and vehicle parking. The agreement was signed on behalf of the ministry by Salem Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, while Dr. Amer Nasser Al Mata'ani, CEO of Oman LNG Development Foundation, signed on behalf of the company. The historical city of Qalhat is one of Oman's oldest cities and ports, boasting a strategic location overlooking the Sea of Oman. This made its ancient harbor a hub for trading ships, a crossroads of diverse cultures, and a maritime trade link with India, Yemen, and other regions of the world. It also served as a center for exporting Arabian horses to India. Khalifa Mubarak Al Farsi, Director of the Qalhat Archaeological Site Department, stated that the visitor center project represents a new cultural legacy and a significant addition to Qalhat city, the Wilayat of Sur, and the South A'Sharqiyah Governorate as a whole. Meanwhile, Eng. Ismail Sulaiman Al Sawafi, General Manager of Social Responsibility and Public Relations at Oman LNG, explained that the project will enhance the city's appeal as a heritage and tourist destination at the national, regional, and international levels. It will also generate direct employment opportunities and promote the sale of local products. It is worth mentioning that the ancient city of Qalhat was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2018, underscoring the historical significance of this landmark.
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Innovation hackathon launches to advance digital transformation
MUSCAT - Al Dhahirah Governorate has launched one of its most ambitious digital initiatives to date, 'Al Dhahirah Tech Innovation Hackathon,' a three-day event aimed at empowering youth to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Organised by the Office of the Governor and held under the auspices of Musallam bin Ahmed Al Maashani, Wali of Dhank, the event is being hosted at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences and has drawn over 200 participants from across Oman. Designed as a cornerstone of the governorate's vision to build a dynamic and inclusive digital society, the hackathon brings together university students, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts to work collaboratively on technological solutions addressing service, environmental, and developmental issues. The initiative highlights Al Dhahirah's strategic focus on fostering innovation, strengthening digital capabilities, and engaging youth in shaping the future of their communities. Speaking to the Observer, Salem bin Ali al Mahrouqi, Director General of Administrative and Financial Affairs in Al Dhahirah Governorate and Chairman of the Hackathon's Supervisory Committee, described the event as a key platform to advance the governorate's digital transformation agenda. 'This hackathon reflects our commitment to creating a culture of innovation,' he said. 'It supports youth creativity, encourages entrepreneurial thinking, and leads to scalable, incubatable solutions tailored to the needs of the local community.' Al Mahrouqi added that digital transformation in Al Dhahirah has become a tangible reality, driven by a series of targeted initiatives that integrate technology across various aspects of life. 'This event brings together creative minds to chart a brighter, tech-enabled future for the governorate,' he noted. The opening ceremony featured a video presentation highlighting Al Dhahirah's performance in the Digital Transformation Excellence Assessment, overseen by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. The governorate recorded notable progress, underscoring its dedication to innovation-driven governance. The presentation also covered key statistics, including participant demographics, accepted challenges, and evaluation benchmarks. A panel discussion followed, featuring Eng. Othman al Mandhari, CEO of Innotech, who shared global best practices in modern construction automation. He emphasised the importance of adopting advanced technologies such as 3D printing in building smart, sustainable cities. Additional speakers included Khalisa Al Jahwari, who addressed the role of digital transformation in emerging economies, and Badr Al Rahbi of Doorly, who discussed technology's impact on Oman's real estate market. Throughout the hackathon, participants worked in teams to develop tech-driven solutions to challenges in areas such as smart government services, agriculture and water, education, community health, and logistics. The programme also featured technical workshops, mentorship sessions, and expert consultations to guide participants in refining their ideas into actionable prototypes. A judging panel will evaluate the solutions and award prizes to the top three teams, with a focus on innovation, feasibility, and impact. Beyond the competition, the initiative is expected to produce actionable recommendations and establish working groups to scale promising projects within the governorate.
Times of Oman
24-03-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Unified Gulf visa implementation to take time, says Oman minister
Muscat: The Minister of Heritage and Tourism has indicated that the implementation of the unified Gulf visa will experience delays, citing its intricate connection to security and official bodies. His Excellency Salem Al Mahrouqi, speaking at the Shura Council, explained that the project is taking time due to the differing perspectives among GCC countries, and that it remains under research and study. Furthermore, he highlighted that there are specific considerations regarding certain nationalities, particularly those originating from countries experiencing conflict and instability. This factor contributes to the complexities surrounding the visa's implementation, as security concerns are paramount.
