Latest news with #ShuraCouncil
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Shura Council continues discussion on statement of Commerce Minister
Muscat: For the second consecutive day, the Shura Council continued its discussion on the statement of Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. The Council members emphasised the need to intensify efforts and review strategies and policies to enhance the added value of the trade and industry sectors domestically, linking industries to available national resources. They also called for increasing Omanisation rates in the manufacturing sector, given its rapid growth, and stressed the importance of devising a plan to incentivise industrial companies to absorb national talent. During the session, the members of the Council highlighted the necessity of strengthening incentives and facilities to empower the industrial and commercial sectors. They also proposed establishing a national center to support stalled industrial projects. Additionally, the members discussed the significance of foreign investment as a solution to economic and social challenges, such as job creation and industrial expansion. They urged the creation of an attractive and flexible investment environment characterised by integration among relevant entities, while addressing obstacles that may hinder foreign investment efforts. The session also touched on the growing importance of e-commerce in Oman, with a proposal to establish a unified e-commerce portal under the Ministry's supervision to support local sellers and streamline licensing, payment, and delivery services. These discussions took place during the Council's 14th regular session of the second annual convening (2024-2025) of its 10th term (2023-2027). The session was chaired by Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council, in the presence of its members and Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Shura Council.
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Cabinet hails Iran-Israel ceasefire agreement
The Cabinet expressed its thanks to the brotherly and friendly countries that rushed to condemn and denounce the Iranian attack and declared their solidarity with Qatar, appreciating their stance that reflected the sincerity of their fraternal relations. The Cabinet also renewed its welcoming of the ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, expressing its hope that both parties will adhere to the agreement. The Cabinet highlighted Qatar's ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions, pursue dialogue and diplomatic means to resolve disputes, and settle conflicts peacefully, in order to maintain security, peace, and stability in the region and around the globe. The Cabinet hailed the Ministry of Social Development and Family Strategy 2025-2030, launched by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, which represents a qualitative leap from the traditional care model to a more comprehensive, empowering, and sustainable approach, based on a realistic understanding of the needs and challenges of the Qatari society. The strategy is based on five main pillars, namely: strengthening the cohesion of the Qatari family, empowering Qatari women and enhancing their participation in various fields, particularly in leadership and decision-making positions, empowering vulnerable groups, fostering a spirit of participation and solidarity, and improving the standard of living of individuals and families. Afterwards, the Cabinet considered the topics on its agenda, as it acknowledged the Shura Council's approval of a draft law on lost and abandoned property. The Ministry of Interior had prepared this draft law to regulate procedures for dealing with lost and abandoned property and items, with the aim of ensuring the preservation as well as encouraging those who find such to hand over any items they find so that they can be returned to their owners. The Cabinet also acknowledged the Shura Council's approval of a draft law concerning water. Prepared by the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), this draft law seeks to achieve water security, conserve water resources, and protect them from depletion, waste, or pollution. It also aims to improve the efficiency of water services and their uses, ensure their quality, and ensure proper maintenance and operation of water facilities. The Cabinet approved a draft Cabinet decision establishing a grievance committee related to the expropriation of real estate for public benefit and the procedures for grievances thereof. The Cabinet also approved draft decisions proposed by the Minister of State for Energy Affairs to determine the areas for district cooling services, determine the corridors and paths of district cooling networks and the exceptions thereto, and the criteria for considering the areas, facilities and residences located therein eligible for district cooling services, and to determine the rules necessary to facilitate the entry and access of licensees to public properties and lands to establish, operate or maintain the district cooling system, in addition to determining the procedures and controls necessary for submitting a request to remove, move, change or divert any part of the district cooling system and deciding on it, and determining the controls for compensating property and land owners for damages, costs or expenses caused by the licensee resulting from the installation of the district cooling system. These drafts, prepared by Kahramaa in coordination with the Ministry of Municipality, come within the framework of the Kahramaa's strategy, which aims to establish rules regulating district cooling works and services, and monitoring their implementation, in accordance with the provisions of Law No 19 of 2024 regulating district cooling services. The Cabinet reviewed the proposals submitted by the Shura Council regarding the status of persons with disabilities and took the appropriate decision in their regard. The Cabinet decided to take the necessary measures to ratify an agreement between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of the Russian Federation on cooperation in the fields of healthcare, medical education, and medical sciences. The Cabinet decided to approve a draft MoU for twinning between the Doha Municipality in the State of Qatar and the Guatemala Municipality in the Republic of Guatemala, a draft MoU in the field of endowments and Islamic affairs between the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Awqaf Islamic Affairs and Holy Places in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a draft MoU for cooperation on human resources management in the civil service between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and a draft executive programme for an MoU for cooperation in the field of endowments and Islamic affairs between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of the Republic of Tunisia for the years 2025-2028.
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Shura Council Office slams Al-Udeid Air Base attack
QNA Doha The Shura Council Office, in its meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Speaker of the Shura Council HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, strongly condemned the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on Monday. The Shura Council Office stresed that it is a blatant violation of Qatar's sovereignty and airspace, as well as a breach of international law and the United Nations Charter. The Council Office expressed its denunciation of this completely unacceptable act, which is inconsistent with the principles of good neighbourliness and the close relations between the two countries at the official and popular levels in various fields. It noted that the State of Qatar has always been an advocate of dialogue with Iran, and it has exerted great efforts in this regard. From day one, Qatar strongly condemned the Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran and stood in solidarity with it. The Shura Council commended the role played by the Qatari Armed Forces, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in repelling the attack. It also lauded the role of all relevant authorities in the country and their handling of this attack with a well-thought-out action plan that limited its effects and reassured citizens and residents. The Office noted the solidarity shown by all brotherly and friendly countries, expressing the Council's gratitude to parliamentary organisations for their solidarity with and support for the State of Qatar, and their rejection of this attack. In the same context, the Council Office welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, which began on Tuesday, appreciating the efforts of the State of Qatar in this agreement, which confirms its ongoing role in establishing peace and stability in the region, on the one hand, and its adherence to a policy of good neighbourliness with Iran despite its aggression, on the other hand. The meeting discussed the items on the Office's agenda, and the agenda for the next session was approved.
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman's manufacturing sector adds RO 3.6 billion to GDP in 2024
MUSCAT: The manufacturing sector has emerged as a key engine of economic growth in the Sultanate of Oman, recording the highest growth rate among the economic diversification sectors in 2024, according to Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. Al Yousef was speaking during the 13th regular session of the Shura Council's second term meeting on Wednesday, where he presented a detailed overview of the Ministry's achievements, ongoing projects, and strategic vision. His briefing focused on six major themes: GDP contributions from both public and private sectors, the future outlook of the industrial sector, progress on Ministry projects from 2020 to 2023, evaluation of free trade agreements and the Nazdaher programme, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, and future aspirations. Al Yousef reported that the manufacturing sector achieved an 8.6% growth rate by the end of 2024, with its contribution to GDP at constant prices reaching RO 3.6 billion — equivalent to 10% of the national economy. The sector has also proven its ability to attract investment, drawing RO 2.489 billion in FDI by 2024. This underscores the growing appeal of Oman's industrial landscape for international investors. Oman's industrial exports reached RO 6.2 billion in 2024, reflecting the added value and global competitiveness of national industries. Al Yousef emphasised that over 260 initiatives are being implemented in partnership with various stakeholders as part of the 2040 Industrial Strategy. Further strengthening the regulatory and commercial framework, the Ministry issued 7,523 Omani standard specifications by the end of 2024 and simplified 17 technical services. The "Invest in Oman" platform, launched in February 2023, has so far received around 90 investment applications worth RO 5.38 billion. Of these, 43 projects have already been localised, with a combined value of RO 2.25 billion. These include ventures in key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, food security, and renewable energy. FDI across all sectors has continued its upward trend, reaching a cumulative total of RO 30 billion by the end of 2024. Al Yousef also highlighted the role of digitalisation in simplifying business operations. The "Oman Business" platform handled over 800,000 transactions in 2024 and added 24 new digital services. To enhance transparency and promote fair competition, the Ministry has introduced measures to combat hidden trade and mandated the use of electronic payment systems across commercial activities. A ministerial decision has also been issued establishing governance principles for closed joint-stock companies. In support of local economic participation, the Ministry has introduced new regulations to support consumer cooperatives, including incentives such as access to commercial spaces and streamlined registration procedures. Regarding the digital economy, Al Yousef noted that e-commerce regulations have been implemented and the "Ma'roof Oman" platform was launched to verify and promote online stores. This initiative has led to a remarkable 236.4% increase in e-commerce licences within a year. The Minister also outlined several flagship programmes initiated by the Ministry. These include: a. The Industrial Observatory Programme, to monitor sector performance and support supply chains. b. The Automation and Artificial Intelligence Programme, aimed at modernising factories and cutting operational costs. c. The Manufacturing Programme (Tasneea) , which focuses on localising procurement and boosting national product content. d. The Ta'meer Programme, designed to link large-scale urban developments — such as Sultan Haitham City — with domestic manufacturers, enhancing economic integration. — ONA
Saba Yemen
3 days ago
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Shura speaker congratulates counterparts on new Hijri year
Sana'a – Saba: Shura Council Speaker Mohammed al-Aidaroos on Wednesday congratulatory cables to his counterparts on the occasion of the new Hijri year 1447 AH. Al-Aidaroos extended greetings to the Speaker and officials of the Association of Senates, Shuras, and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World, as well as the Speakers of the Omani Shura Council, Omani State Council, and the Iranian Shura Council. In his messages, he wished them health and happiness, praying for goodness and prosperity for the Yemeni people and the Arab and Islamic nations on this occasion. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
