Latest news with #SaudbinHamoudalHabsi
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Janaen Salalah ITC project set to redefine agritourism
Muscat – Salalah is set to host a major agritourism destination with the launch of Janaen Salalah, an integrated tourism complex (ITC) project blending agriculture, hospitality and recreation in a single development. Led by Omran Group through its subsidiary Agritourism Development Company, the project is located in the Arzat area and aims to position Oman as a regional leader in sustainable agritourism. Janaen Salalah has been granted ITC status by Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, allowing foreign ownership and expanding its appeal to international investors. Spanning over 5.5mn sqm, the project will feature 250 residential units, a 128-key five-star hotel, processing facilities for coconuts and papayas, and areas dedicated to eco-recreation, education and wellness. The project received a boost following a field visit on Tuesday by H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. The officials reviewed the site's progress, with the visit marked by ceremonial planting of the first coconut trees – a symbolic step towards realising the project's agricultural goals. According to Omran, several key milestones under Phase 1 have been achieved. These include completion of the concept masterplan, feasibility studies confirming the project's viability and appointment of an experienced agriculture contractor. Initial plantation works have already begun.
Muscat Daily
07-07-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Sea cucumber fishing banned in Oman till 2030
Muscat – H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, has issued Ministerial Decision No 167/2025 extending the ban on fishing, possession and trade of sea cucumbers in the sultanate for a period of five years, starting July 5, 2025. The decision is based on the Living Aquatic Resources Law enacted via Royal Decree No 20/2019 and builds on executive regulations outlined in Ministerial Decision No 4/94, as well as Decision No 121/2022, which imposed a three-year ban from June 2022. The extended ban strictly prohibits all activities related to sea cucumbers, including fishing, buying, selling, transporting, storing and exporting. The ministry has continued to ban fishing of sea cucumbers for the last several years. A one-year ban was enforced in March 2021, following a two-year ban covering 2019 and 2020. A similar ban was also imposed in 2018. A study conducted by Khalfan al Rashdi and Dr Michel Claereboudt of Sultan Qaboos University found more than 21 Holothurian (sea cucumber) species in the shallow waters of Oman. Of these, only Holothuria scabra is harvested commercially, with individual specimens valued at around RO1.5. These are typically found on the western side of Masirah Island and in Mahout Bay – areas known for their extensive seagrass beds and sheltered lagoons. The study noted that the first recorded commercial exploitation of Holothuria scabra in Oman dates back over a decade. However, like in many parts of the world, the population has declined rapidly due to overfishing. The researchers reported, 'Overfishing evidences include a sharp decrease in population density, critically reduced to fewer than one individual per hectare – a trend observed in Oman and globally.'
Observer
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Oman, Russia discuss cooperation in food security
ROME: Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, on Monday held a meeting with Mikhail Bogdanov, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the Sultanate of Oman's participation in the 44th session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Conference being held in Rome, Italy. The meeting discussed aspects of cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation in the fields of food security and investment. The two sides also touched on means of exchanging expertise in developing the sectors of agriculture, fisheries and water resources. The meeting was attended by HH Sayyid Nizar bin Al Julanda al Said, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Italian Republic. - ONA
Muscat Daily
29-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
FAO to establish permanent office in Oman
Muscat – Oman and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of United Nations have signed an agreement to establish a representative office in Muscat, marking a new phase in cooperation. The agreement was signed in Rome on Saturday by H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Dr Qu Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, in the presence of H H Sayyid Nizar bin al Julanda al Said, Ambassador of Oman to Italy, and senior officials from both sides. The move is expected to expand Oman's presence in international forums dealing with food, climate and water, while strengthening joint technical programmes in agriculture, fisheries and natural resource management. H E Habsi said the agreement reflects FAO's role in shaping agricultural, food security and rural development policies at both regional and global levels. He added that establishment of a permanent FAO office in Oman represents a major step in enhancing cooperation, particularly in implementation of national strategies and coordination across sectors under the ministry's oversight. Dr Thaer Yassin, Head of the FAO Mission in Oman, described the agreement as a strategic development that will deepen the organisation's engagement in the country. He said the presence of a permanent representative will enhance knowledge exchange and broaden technical cooperation both nationally and across the region. FAO has supported projects in Oman since 2012, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, with emphasis on sustainable development and climate resilience. The organisation's project portfolio in the sultanate grew 83% between 2022 and 2024, with contributions from government entities, academic institutions and the private sector. This growth, FAO official noted, reflects increased mutual confidence and a shared commitment to advancing sustainable food systems and rural development in line with environmental goals. A permanent FAO office positions Oman as a key partner in the organisation's efforts to reform agri-food systems in the Gulf region. It also aligns with both parties' priorities to promote food security, sustainability and innovation across the sector. According to FAO, the Muscat office will support progress towards several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those linked to ending hunger, climate action and sustainable land use. It will also strengthen coordination with other UN agencies operating in the sultanate.
Observer
29-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman and FAO sign pact to establish office in Muscat
ROME: The Sultanate of Oman and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations signed an agreement in Rome to open a permanent FAO Representation in Muscat. This step strengthens Oman's participation in global discussions on food, climate, and water, enhances technical cooperation, and supports the implementation of joint initiatives in agriculture, fisheries, and natural resource management. The agreement was signed by Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, on behalf of Oman, and by FAO Director-General Dr Qu Dongyu, with the presence of HH Sayyid Nizar bin al Julanda al Said, Oman's Ambassador to Italy, and officials from both parties. Dr Al Habsi said the agreement affirms FAO's pivotal role in shaping international agricultural, livestock, food security, and rural development policies. He expressed hope that the partnership would increase project inflows and leverage FAO's expertise to implement national strategies and enhance coordination across sectors under the Ministry's purview. Dr Thaer Yassin, Head of FAO's mission in Oman, described the agreement as a strategic step that will strengthen the organisation's ability to assist member states in building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems. He stressed that a permanent office will expand the scope of technical cooperation and promote knowledge exchange at both national and regional levels. Since 2012, FAO has implemented a range of agricultural and fisheries projects in Oman with a focus on sustainability and climate adaptation. Between 2022 and 2024, its project portfolio in the Sultanate grew by 83%, reflecting deepening trust and collaborative ties with government bodies, academia, and the private sector. Oman is now positioned as a strategic partner in FAO's regional drive to transform food systems across the Gulf. The agreement underscores the country's rising international profile and its commitment to sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development. It also supports progress towards multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in ending hunger, climate action, and land conservation. — ONA
