Latest news with #Sohar
Times of Oman
18 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Student team develops AI-powered platform to translate sign language
Sohar: A student team from Sohar University in North Al Batinah Governorate has successfully developed an electronic platform project to translate sign language for individuals with hearing impairments using artificial intelligence technologies. This platform leverages AI to provide direct and instant communication, unlike traditional methods that rely heavily on human interpreters or limited resources. The platform provides a digital bridge between sign language users and people who communicate orally. Its system offers real-time translation tools, including sign language recognition, speech-to-text, and text-to-speech, making it a flexible tool for use in workplaces, schools, healthcare centers, and daily life.
Zawya
21 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman takes leading role in regional gas sector growth: GECF
MUSCAT: Oman is emerging as a regional leader in natural gas development, with expansion activities underway across the entire value chain—upstream, midstream, and export—according to the latest Global Gas Outlook report by the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). Headquartered in Doha, the GECF is committed to making 'natural gas the pivotal resource for inclusive and sustainable development' and aiming 'to shape the energy future as a global advocate of natural gas and a platform for cooperation and dialogue.' The 2025 edition of the report highlights Oman's growing prominence as a gas producer and exporter in the Middle East, particularly as it expands its liquefaction capacity. While liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are set to remain the mainstay of gas trade, the country's role in the sector is becoming increasingly strategic. 'In 2023, Oman exported 12 million tonnes (Mt) of LNG, with over 90 per cent of shipments directed to the Asia Pacific region. These exports are projected to remain steady at 10 Mt by 2030, gradually declining to 8 Mt by 2040, and further decreasing to 6 Mt by 2050,' the report noted. Oman's liquefaction complex at Qalhat recently completed a multi-year upgrade that boosted nameplate capacity from 10.4 Mtpa to 11.5 Mtpa. Actual production climbed to a record 11.98 Mtpa in 2024, pushing LNG revenues to historic highs. Further expansion is planned with the addition of a 1 Mtpa LNG bunkering facility at Sohar. 'In early 2024, the country, in partnership with TotalEnergies, reached a Final Investment Decision (FID) to develop the Marsa LNG project. Set to commence operations in 2028, it will become the Middle East's first LNG bunkering hub—positioning LNG as a cleaner marine fuel and supporting decarbonisation in the shipping sector,' the report explained. Notably, the report omits reference to a planned fourth LNG train at Qalhat, announced by the Omani government in July 2023. The proposed 3.8 Mtpa train would raise the complex's total capacity to approximately 15.2 Mtpa. However, a final investment decision is pending the availability of uncommitted gas feedstock and long-term offtake agreements. On the upstream side, Oman's natural gas production has also seen robust growth. Output rose to 39 billion cubic metres (bcm) in 2023, up from 33 bcm in 2020. This growth was driven largely by the Khazzan-Makarem field, which accounted for 33 per cent of total production in 2023, as well as upstream development linked to the Marsa LNG project, the report stated. All of Oman's gas production currently comes from onshore fields, positioning the country as a key contributor to regional onshore output growth. Exploration activity is also accelerating. In 2023, Oman awarded three new onshore blocks in the southern Rub al Khali Basin, near Block 6, covering more than 20,000 square kilometres. The government has since launched a direct award initiative offering six additional blocks—43A, 43B, 66, 73, 75, and 76—for exploration. The report noted that further investments will target smaller greenfield projects and optimise production from brownfield sites, aiming to enhance recovery rates and operational efficiency. Oman's strategy focuses on balancing domestic demand with export ambitions—particularly to Asia—while integrating decarbonisation technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) to meet global sustainability goals. An investor-friendly regulatory environment further supports this vision, the report added. Looking ahead, the report concludes: 'Oman is expected to sustain its gas production through the forecast period, reaching 43 bcm by 2050. Achieving this target will require successful exploration, with Yet-to-Find (YTF) resources projected to contribute 60 per cent of total production by mid-century.' 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Times of Oman
Expats arrested for possessing large quantities of alcoholic beverages in North Al Batinah
Muscat: Two expats were arrested for possessing more than 15,380 bottles and cans of alcoholic beverages after Oman Customs raided a house for expatriate workers in the Wilayat of Sohar, North Al Batinah Governorate. Oman Customs said in a statement :"The Compliance and Risk Assessment Department raided a house for expatriate workers in Sohar, which was being used to store large quantities of alcoholic beverages. Two Indian nationals were arrested in possession of more than 15,380 bottles and cans of alcoholic beverages."
Times of Oman
14-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Workshop held to highlight Incentive Programme, Promising Startups Index in Sohar
Sohar: The North Al Batinah branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) on Monday organised an introductory workshop on the promotional campaign for the Incentive Programme and Promising Startups Index, launched by Muscat Stock Exchange in cooperation with the National Programfor Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Sector Development "Estidama'. The workshop reviewed the objectives of the Incentive Programme and the Promising Startups Index, along with the incentives offered to closed and family-owned companies, as well as the regulatory and technical requirements for transitioning to companies listed on Muscat Stock Exchange. This initiative aims to enhance integration among financial institutions, stimulate participation of small and medium enterprises in capital markets, and encourage the adoption of modern management and financing models. This contributes to developing the business environment and promoting sustainable economic growth in the Sultanate of Oman.
Times of Oman
12-07-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
Child injured at games area in Sohar Mall
Sohar: Emergency teams from the Civil Defense and Ambulance Department ,(CDAA) in North Al Batinah responded to an incident involving a child being injured at an electric games area at a commercial centre in Sohar. The CDAA said in a statement, "Ambulance teams of the Civil Defense and Ambulance Department in North Al Batinah Governorate responded to a report of a child sustaining an injury in the area designated for electric games at one of the commercial centers in Sohar. Emergency medical care was provided to him at the scene, and he was then transferred to the hospital, affected by a moderate injury."
