Latest news with #Suhar
Muscat Daily
13-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Student-made platform links farmers with retailers in Oman
Suhar – A group of students from University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Suhar has developed a digital platform aimed at improving the agriculture supply chain in Dhahirah. Called Haseed, the platform seeks to connect farmers directly with fruit and vegetable retailers, enhancing market access and reducing produce waste. Team member Mahmoud al Harmali said the idea emerged after observing the logistical challenges farmers face in taking their products to market. Many resort to selling at weekly markets or transporting goods outside the governorate, often leading to spoilage and delayed sales even as most retailers rely on imported produce, limiting demand for local harvests. The team faced several challenges during development, including difficulties in reaching farm owners, many of whom delegate operations to expatriate workers. Online promotion of the platform also proved challenging, prompting a shift to direct field engagement, including early-morning visits to markets frequented by traders and vendors. Haseed allows farmers to list fresh, locally grown produce and enables retailers to source directly from producers at fair prices. The platform includes a structured delivery system from farms to points of sale using smart tools to manage surplus inventory, reduce waste and improve yield efficiency. All items are currently sourced directly from farms within Dhahirah. The project secured third place at Dhahirah Hackathon featuring more than 200 participants and 40 student-led innovations. The competition was evaluated by professionals in entrepreneurship and innovation. The team is currently working on expanding the platform to other governorates.
Zawya
10-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Oman: Mango crop development research enhances food security
Suhar: As part of Oman's efforts to boost agricultural sustainability and food security, the Agricultural Research Centre in Suhar, affiliated with the Directorate-General of Agricultural and Animal Research at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, conducted two vital studies focused on mango cultivation. These initiatives aim to improve pest management and optimise nursery planting media for mango seedlings — one of Oman's most valuable fruit crops. Mangoes are the second most cultivated fruit in Oman, covering 3,649 acres and generating over 16,000 tonnes annually. Recognising the crop's significance to national food security and economic growth, the centre undertook targeted research to tackle major challenges facing mango production, such as pest infestations and unsuitable growing environments. Mango crop development research enhances food security The first study evaluated the effectiveness of seven insecticides in controlling thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), a pest that causes severe damage to mango seedlings. Using a randomised complete block design, researchers found that products like Plesiva Pro and Tracer achieved mortality rates, 50% maintaining efficacy for up to seven days post-application. These results offer farmers practical and sustainable pest control solutions that reduce yield losses without over reliance on chemical treatments. The second study assessed eight different agricultural media types to determine their influence on seedling growth and vigour. After one year of monitoring and analysis, the research concluded that certain uncomposted media outperformed peatmoss planting media, supporting stronger stem development and improved nutrient uptake. Mango crop development research enhances food security Dr Ali al Adawi, Director of the Agricultural Research Centre in Suhar, emphasised the strategic importance of the findings: 'This research contributes directly to national efforts to strengthen food security and promote sustainable farming practices.' 'By identifying more effective pest control methods and suitable planting media, we are helping farmers produce healthier crops with higher resilience and lower input costs. Our role as a research centre is not only to conduct experiments, but to turn knowledge into impact,' he added. These studies reflect the centre's commitment to advancing science-based agricultural practices in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. By bridging the gap between research and field application, the Agricultural Research Centre continues to empower local farmers and reinforce the resilience of the country's agricultural sector. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
SOHAR Port and Freezone recognized for safety excellence
Suhar – In recognition of its commitment to the highest health and safety standards, SOHAR Port and Freezone has been awarded the RoSPA Gold Sector Award for Health and Safety for the full year of 2025, marking its second consecutive win. This achievement, presented by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), the UK's largest and most respected safety awards program now in its 68th year, highlights SOHAR's dedication to fostering a safe, efficient, and sustainability-driven operational culture. The awards attract nearly 2,000 entries annually from over 50 countries, impacting over seven million employees worldwide, underscoring the significance of this achievement. Commenting on the recognition, Eng. Batti Al Shibli, Harbour Master at SOHAR Port and Freezone, stated: 'We are proud to receive the RoSPA Award for the second year in a row, a reflection of the strong partnerships we have built with our tenants, operators, and stakeholders across the port and freezone. This international recognition is a tangible outcome of our shared commitment to upholding world-class health and safety standards, while fostering an operational environment rooted in sustainability and efficiency. We remain focused on this path, working together to create a safer workplace that reflects our long-term vision of institutional excellence.' This award aligns with SOHAR's strategic direction to build a world-class operational ecosystem, driven by a deeply embedded safety culture and long-term partnerships that continue to strengthen the port's competitiveness as a leading industrial and logistics hub in the region. About SOHAR Port and Freezone SOHAR Port and Freezone is one of the world's fastest-growing integrated industrial and logistics hubs, strategically positioned to connect businesses to the world and facilitate trade across diverse sectors. This significant mega-project, a collaboration between ASYAD Group & the Port of Rotterdam, offers a comprehensive range of services, including logistics, petrochemicals, metals, and the region's first dedicated agro terminal. With over 20 years of operation, SOHAR has become the primary gateway for Oman's import and export activities, contributing 2.6% to the nation's GDP and creating nearly 42,000 direct and indirect jobs. The SOHAR Freezone enhances operational efficiencies through synergies in green manufacturing, logistics, and trade. Currently, land occupancy for both phase one and phase two has reached 66%. As of 2024, SOHAR Port achieved a remarkable throughput of 75.4 million metric tons, rise in roll-on, roll-off (RORO) operations. SOHAR Port is a multifunctional port driving innovation and efficiency in Oman's logistics, marine services, and trade sectors, committed to sustainable development and advanced technology. This modernization aligns with the economic diversification objectives outlined in Oman's Vision 2040.
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Move to localise Oman's ‘green copper' value chain
MUSCAT: A pioneer in the production of 'green copper'—copper cathode extracted from mining waste—is now exploring opportunities to boost in-country value (ICV) through potential investments in domestic copper rod manufacturing. The move seeks to localise the entire green copper lifecycle, from tailings to finished rod, said Imraan Shaikh, Managing Director of Green Tech Mining & Services. Earlier this month, the company— a joint venture between Oman Mining Company (49%) and Austria-based BPG Precious Metal Storage Plc (51%)—commissioned the Arjaa Tailings Processing Calibration Plant (ATPCP) in Suhar. This first-of-its-kind facility recycles copper tailings using renewable energy and advanced clean technologies. The facility, which serves as a precursor to a full-scale commercial plant scheduled to break ground before year-end, treats acid mine drainage waters and processes leaching deposits from stripping, overburden, and low-grade ore stockpiles to recover valuable metals. Green copper output, currently a modest 60 tonnes per annum, is projected to soar to 12,000 tonnes when full commercial operations commence in December 2026. While current production is exported under an offtake agreement with international commodities trader Traxys, Green Tech Mining is now engaging with local industry players to foster downstream processing in Oman. 'The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion is keen to enhance in-country value,' said Shaikh in an interview with The Energy Year, a leading business news platform. 'We are in discussions with Oman Cables and Nuhas Oman to explore copper rod production using locally recycled green copper.' Green Tech Mining currently manages around 18 million tonnes of copper tailings at Arjaa, a legacy of copper mining operations from 1983 to 1994. An additional 6 million tonnes has been secured through a partnership with leading Omani miner, Mawarid Mining. More tailings are expected to become available as a new wave of copper mining and processing projects gathers pace in the Sultanate. The company's green copper initiative is built on a 'sustainable circular mining' model, combining low-carbon reprocessing technologies with renewable energy. Funding for the project was raised through green bonds certified by Austria's Ministry of Climate Affairs and Energy. 'This is not just a financial milestone—it's a global first,' Shaikh noted. 'While major firms like BHP have issued green bonds for renewable energy, our bonds are the first in the world dedicated specifically to mine tailings remediation. It is also the first green bond-funded project in the GCC's mining sector.' With copper now officially designated a critical mineral due to its essential role in the global energy transition, Green Tech Mining aims to contribute to closing the supply gap through environmentally responsible tailings recovery.
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman leading hydrogen liquefaction for a decarbonised future
As global energy systems shift toward decarbonisation, hydrogen has emerged as a central pillar of clean energy strategies. While production technologies have advanced significantly, the success of large-scale hydrogen economies now depends on the less discussed but critical challenge of liquefaction for long-distance transport. Although technically complex and energy-intensive, liquefaction enables low-carbon value chains and international hydrogen trade. Oman, with its geographic advantage, policy momentum, and industrial ambition, is uniquely positioned to lead in this midstream segment. Its strategy offers a model for how emerging economies can contribute meaningfully to global clean energy trade and net-zero goals. Much attention has focused on Oman's strategic ports and its role in the emerging Oman-Europe hydrogen corridor. However, hydrogen liquefaction should not be viewed solely as an export enabler. It is the foundation of a broader national strategy that can decarbonise domestic industries, generate high-value employment, and support long-term economic diversification in line with Vision 2040 and climate commitments. By establishing liquefaction hubs in Duqm and Suhar, Oman can support both exports and local industries that require low-carbon hydrogen. These include green steel production, ammonia and fertiliser manufacturing, and future mobility sectors such as hydrogen-powered heavy transport. Each of these offers major emissions reduction potential and benefits from co-located hydrogen supply and shared infrastructure. This effort creates an opportunity to build a highly skilled Omani workforce. Hydrogen liquefaction demands expertise in cryogenics, thermodynamics, materials engineering, and automation. Dedicated national training and certification programs can prepare engineers, operators, and technicians for emerging clean energy sectors. Embedding Omanisation targets within hydrogen infrastructure projects ensures that economic and social value is retained locally. These initiatives can generate quality jobs across core engineering disciplines such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, and process engineering. In parallel, they open multidisciplinary career paths in automation, data analytics, environmental compliance, and industrial safety. Public-private partnerships between universities, government, and industry will be essential to develop this talent pipeline, particularly in areas such as cryogenic maintenance, instrumentation, and safety systems. Oman's ability to co-develop hydrogen and carbon infrastructure presents a strategic advantage. Hydrogen from renewables and natural gas with carbon capture can be paired with CO₂ pipelines and geological storage, forming integrated hydrogen-carbon clusters. This expands market opportunities and supports compliance with frameworks such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). To position Oman as a preferred destination for long-term investment and technology, it is essential to adopt a predictable and investor-oriented risk mitigation approach. This includes phased development of liquefaction capacity, starting with pilot projects and scaling up. Streamlined permitting, policy clarity, and in-country value incentives will enhance investor confidence and position hydrogen liquefaction as a bankable, climate-aligned asset class. While global attention often centers on export corridors, Oman has the opportunity to lead by developing infrastructure that strengthens domestic industries and cultivates national talent. Hydrogen liquefaction is not only a technical process; it is a strategic enabler of a resilient, knowledge-based economy capable of sustaining long-term growth in the global decarbonisation era. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
