Latest news with #SeaofOman
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Seaweed farming: A green opportunity for Oman's blue economy
As nations worldwide grapple with the twin challenges of feeding a growing population and confronting climate change, seaweed is emerging as a quiet but powerful ally in the quest for sustainable development. In Oman, researchers and policymakers are turning their attention to the rich potential of seaweed cultivation as a tool for environmental resilience, food security, and economic diversification. With over 3,100 kilometres of coastline bordering the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman, the Sultanate of Oman is uniquely positioned to develop a thriving seaweed industry. Seaweeds—marine macroalgae known for their rapid growth and diverse applications—are used globally in food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and as bioactive compounds in the bioeconomy. They also play a vital role in environmental management, absorbing carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus from seawater, thus helping combat climate change and marine pollution. Globally, seaweed farming is dominated by Asia, with China accounting for nearly 59% of global production, followed by Indonesia (29%), South Korea (5%), and the Philippines (4%), according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO, 2022). While Oman is yet to enter the global seaweed market in a significant way, its waters host more than 400 species of benthic marine algae. An updated checklist by Wynne (2018) identified 238 red algae, 89 green algae, and 75 brown algae species along Oman's northern Arabian Sea coast. Notable among these are Hypnea and Gracilaria—red algae valued for their production of agar and carrageenan, substances widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products. Recent extraction studies have shown that intensified alkaline processes can yield carrageenan at rates nearly three times higher than traditional methods, suggesting untapped industrial potential. However, despite the rich biodiversity, Oman's macroalgal resources remain underexplored. Studies by Jupp (2002) revealed extensive seaweed presence in the upwelling zones along the Arabian Sea coast, while the Sea of Oman was found to be relatively barren due to high salinity, elevated temperatures, and limited nutrient availability. This disparity underscores the need for targeted research to assess the viability of large-scale seaweed farming in Oman's varied marine environments. Seaweed cultivation is now being discussed as a key component in Oman's strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a central pillar of Oman Vision 2040. A 2023 report by The Nature Conservancy and Bain & Company identified seaweed farming as a nature-based solution with strong potential for carbon sequestration. By absorbing CO₂ and depositing organic material into marine sediments, seaweed farms could help offset emissions while improving ocean health by mitigating eutrophication and deoxygenation. Yet challenges remain. Experts emphasise the urgent need for comprehensive studies to map seaweed resources, identify the most suitable species for cultivation, and assess both environmental and economic impacts. Critical to this effort is understanding the market demand for seaweed-based products and determining how best to integrate seaweed farming into Oman's coastal communities without disrupting existing ecosystems or livelihoods. If done strategically, seaweed farming could offer Oman a win-win opportunity: a tool for environmental restoration and climate mitigation, and a new pillar of the blue economy. As the world looks toward scalable, nature-based solutions, Oman's extensive coastline and ecological diversity could position it as a regional leader in sustainable aquaculture. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
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
19-06-2025
- Climate
- Zawya
Oman dismisses rumours of incoming dust storm from Iran
Muscat – The Directorate General of Meteorology of Oman has denied rumours suggesting a dust storm is set to impact coastal areas of the sultanate. In an official statement, the department clarified that no dust activity is forecast, according to the latest analysis issued by the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Center. 'There is no indication of any dust wave moving towards the coastal regions of the Sea of Oman,' it confirmed. The clarification was issued in response to a message circulating widely on social media, which falsely claimed that a dust storm originating from the Islamic Republic of Iran was expected to hit Oman, potentially reducing horizontal visibility in the coming hours. Authorities have urged the public to refer only to verified and official weather sources for accurate information. 'We remind everyone to avoid spreading or reacting to unverified news, especially when it relates to public safety,' Oman Meteorology said. The department continues to monitor atmospheric conditions closely and will issue alerts if there are any significant changes, it added. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arabian Business
18-06-2025
- General
- Arabian Business
UAE Ministry of Energy: Ship collision off coast caused by navigational error
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) has released preliminary findings concerning the recent collision between two vessels in the Sea of Oman, roughly 24 nautical miles off the UAE coastline. Initial investigations suggest the incident resulted from a navigational error by one of the ships. At 1:30 AM on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, authorities were alerted to a collision involving the oil tanker ADALYNN, registered under Antigua and Barbuda, and the cargo ship Front Eagle, flying the Liberian flag. The ministry confirmed that both vessels sustained minor surface damage to their hulls. The collision caused a small oil spill and ignited a fire in the fuel tank of one vessel. Emergency teams promptly responded, extinguishing the blaze without any reported injuries to crew members aboard either ship. A thorough technical investigation is currently underway, conducted in collaboration with international maritime organisations. This process adheres strictly to the highest global maritime safety and transparency standards. The ministry commended the swift and effective efforts of the rescue teams. The 24 crew members of the oil tanker ADALYNN were safely evacuated and transferred to Khor Fakkan Port via search and rescue boats operated by the Coast Guard of the National Guard and other relevant maritime authorities. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the situation remain a priority to uphold navigational safety and protect the marine environment. The ministry also highlighted the exemplary coordination and readiness of all involved agencies in managing the emergency with professionalism and efficiency.
Arab News
18-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Ship collision off UAE coast due to navigational misjudgment: Ministry of Energy
DUBAI: Tuesday's collision between two ships in the Sea of Oman was due to a 'navigational misjudgment by one of the vessels', the UAE's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said on Wednesday, citing preliminary information. The oil tanker named Adalynn, flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, and the vessel named Front Eagle, flying the flag of Liberia, collided and caught fire approximately 24 nautical miles (44.448km) off the coast of the UAE, the ministry said in a report by state news agency WAM. Harrowing images of dark fleet tanker ADALYNN (IMO #9231767) post collision. — Ed Finley–Richardson (@ed_fin) June 17, 2025 The incident caused minor surface damage to the outer hulls of both ships, a small oil spill, and a fire that broke out in the fuel tank of one of the ships. No injuries were reported among the crew members of either vessel, the ministry added. UAE coastguard personnel evacuated 24 crew members from the Adalynn to the port of Khor Fakkan. A technical investigation was underway in coordination with relevant international bodies, the ministry noted.
