Latest news with #SultanateofOman
Times of Oman
20 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
National Health Insurance platform 'Dhamani' reports strong activity
Muscat: The National Health Insurance Platform 'Dhamani' has released its operational report for the first half of 2025, revealing a surge in activity that underscores its growing role in streamlining health insurance services across the Sultanate of Oman. According to the latest figures, the platform processed more than 4.2 million transactions, averaging 40,000 transactions daily. Of these: 2.3 million were eligibility verifications for insured individuals. 1.4 million dealt with medical approvals. 700,000 were claims submitted by hospitals. In a significant milestone, OMR 3.5 million were electronically transferred from insurance companies to hospitals, emphasizing Dhamani's focus on efficiency and transparency in financial settlements. The platform's integrated network now includes: 33 hospitals 37 health complexes 33 specialized health centers 20 clinics These developments highlight Dhamani's expanding footprint and its strategic contribution to raising service standards, reducing administrative delays, and ensuring seamless communication between healthcare providers and insurers.
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman shines as Guest of Honour at Algiers International Fair
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman's pavilion is making a vibrant impression at the 56th Algiers International Fair, where Oman is this year's guest of honour. The pavilion beautifully reflects the country's economic and cultural identity through its design and diverse offerings. Oman's participation includes 60 companies spanning sectors such as pharmaceuticals, transportation, electric converters, real estate, fisheries, tourism, food products, and traditional crafts. Culturally, the pavilion spotlights the historic Al-Aqr neighbourhood, revitalised by the community and linked to the ancient capital of Nizwa and the beloved craft of Omani halwa making. Mahmoud bin Suleiman Al-Yazeedi, Head of Export Promotion at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, stated that Oman's selection as guest of honour inspired the development of a comprehensive exhibit representing its cultural, economic, and service sectors. He noted that the nearly 900-square-metre pavilion includes sections for government bodies, the general council, SMEs, large corporations, artisans, and a cultural area. Designed as an authentic Omani village, it showcases landmarks tied to the country's natural and cultural heritage, immersing visitors in the richness of Omani civilisation. The design was overseen by the "Oman Exports" team, symbolising the Sultanate's efforts to expand its products' global presence and guide exporters towards international markets. Accompanying the exhibition is a traditional Omani folklore troupe performing national songs that highlight Oman's deep artistic and cultural heritage.
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Times of Oman
Oman marks International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is joining nations worldwide in observing the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June, held this year under the theme 'Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All." The occasion aims to intensify awareness campaigns about the dangers of narcotics and psychotropic substances, emphasise addicts' right to rehabilitation, strengthen community cooperation, and enhance international collaboration in combating drug abuse. It also serves as an opportunity for nations to review anti-drug policies, assess challenges, and develop appropriate solutions. Colonel Said Salim Al Maawali, Assistant Director General of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control at the Royal Oman Police (ROP), stated that drugs and psychotropic substances represent one of the most dangerous challenges facing modern societies due to their devastating consequences. He noted that the drug trade is a major funding source for transnational criminal organisations. Global indicators show over 275 million drug addicts worldwide, with the World Health Organization estimating more than 500,000 annual deaths linked to drug abuse—necessitating unified policies, shared expertise, and heightened cultural and educational awareness. Colonel Al Maawali emphasised that international cooperation is vital in combating drug smuggling and trafficking, as criminal networks employ sophisticated cross-border methods. Information exchange, joint policing operations, harmonised legislation, and expertise sharing are crucial to dismantling these networks. The ROP's General Directorate for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control has adopted an integrated approach—supported by police, security, military, and civil entities—to counter drug trafficking. Efforts have successfully uncovered international syndicates smuggling narcotics through land, sea, and air borders, as well as via social media platforms used to lure youth into drug use. He explained that the departments concerned in Oman provide rehabilitation opportunities for addicts under Article 51 of the Anti-Narcotics Law, which exempts self-referred or family-reported addicts from prosecution. Post-treatment reintegration programs ensure confidentiality under Article 52, with penalties for breaches. Currently, said Al Maawali, crystal meth poses a significant global threat due to its low cost, ease of production, and severe health impacts, including fatal outcomes. Traffickers exploit victims—particularly youth—through financial incentives, blackmail, fake friendships, emotional manipulation, and even virtual reality platforms and celebrity endorsements promoting false cultural narratives about drug use. The Directorate prioritizes prevention through social media campaigns, conferences, and seminars. Innovative tools like virtual reality (VR) and smart applications are being introduced to enhance public education and counseling services, he pointed out.
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
MCBS Breaks New Ground as First Omani Institution to Partner with ISIC, Opening Doors to Global Student Benefits
The Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) is proud to announce an innovative partnership with the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) organization, making it the first higher education institution in the Sultanate of Oman to issue ISIC cards to its student community. Endorsed by UNESCO, ISIC is the only globally recognized proof of student status, accepted in over 130 countries across six continents. This milestone partnership reflects MCBS's ongoing mission to prepare students for success in an increasingly globalized world. It offers immediate and long-term benefits, positioning MCBS students as part of a powerful international network of learners, explorers, and future leaders. Through this collaboration, MCBS students will gain access to more than 150,000 curated discounts and student-exclusive benefits across travel, education, retail, dining, entertainment, and technology. From reduced airfare and hotel stays to discounts on cultural experiences, software subscriptions, and educational platforms, the ISIC card enhances the student experience both locally and internationally. 'We are pleased that Modern College of Business and Science is leading the way and is the first college in Oman to adopt the ISIC card as the official college ID. The cooperation with ISIC and provision of co-branded Modern College of Business and Science ISIC ID cards to our students is just one of the ways of enhancing the student life experience at the College,' says Dr Moosa Al Kinda, Dean of MCBS. 'We hope that our students will enjoy the new added value and benefits of the ISIC cards both in Oman and abroad.' The newly introduced co-branded MCBS-ISIC card blends institutional pride with global connectivity. Featuring integrated security measures and digital capabilities, the card will function both as a local student ID and an international access tool, usable through physical presentation or mobile platforms. Michal Lezo, ISIC International Development Manager, commended the partnership, 'The ISIC card is the only internationally recognized student ID in the world. ISIC provides students with access to over 150-thousand benefits in more than 130 countries,' said Michal Lezo, the ISIC International Development Manager. 'Students can save on their flight tickets with Oman Air, admissions to cultural sights, restaurants, accommodation, shopping, and entertainment in Oman and when traveling abroad.' This collaboration is part of MCBS's broader strategic commitment to holistic student development. The College continues to invest in international partnerships, study abroad opportunities, faculty exchanges, and intercultural programming, all aimed at preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. As Oman continues to strengthen its position as a regional centre of knowledge, MCBS is proud to lead initiatives that connect its students to global networks while reinforcing national aspirations.
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman growing as an international hub for higher education" British report
Muscat: British institution Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) unveiled on Monday in Muscat the contents of its new global report, Advanced Capabilities of Higher Education in the Sultanate of Oman, highlighting Oman's growing role as an international hub for higher education. The launch was held under the patronage of Dr. Khamis Saif Al Jabri, Chairman of the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit. The report underscored the significant growth in Oman's research output, which increased by 36.9% in 2024 compared to 2023. Dr. Maryam Bil'arab Al Nabhani, Director General of Private Universities and Colleges, stated that Oman Vision 2040 has placed education, learning, research, and national competencies at the heart of national priorities, forming the foundation for building a competitive and sustainable knowledge-based economy. She added that the Vision has set an ambitious goal of having four Omani universities ranked among the top 500 globally in the QS rankings by 2040. Notably, Oman achieved positive results in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, with five Omani universities included, compared to only two in the 2025 rankings—reflecting the sector's rapid progress. Dr. Al Nabhani explained that three private universities made their debut in the global rankings, namely Nizwa University (ranked 770-761), Dhofar University (ranked 900-851) and the German University of Technology in Oman 'GUtech' (ranked 1200-1001). Additionally, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) made remarkable progress, climbing to 334th place globally, up from 362nd in 2025. Meanwhile, Sohar University achieved a qualitative leap, advancing to the 1000-951 bracket after being ranked 1200-1001 the previous year. She attributed these positive outcomes to a strategic national approach, starting with enhancing education quality, supporting research, improving innovation ecosystems, and establishing institutional infrastructure that meets international evaluation standards—including QS criteria such as academic reputation, research quality, employability, international collaboration, and the ratio of international students. The QS report serves as a strategic reference document, promoting Oman's higher education institutions globally, supporting efforts to develop higher education, and reinforcing Oman's position as a leading regional and global hub for education and research in line with Oman Vision 2040. For his part, Dr. Moosa Abdullah Al Kindi, Dean of the Modern College of Business and Science, stated that the release of the QS Higher Education Report on Oman marks a pivotal milestone in documenting and advancing higher education. He noted that the college's participation in this initiative aligns with its mission to actively contribute to national development through academic excellence, research and innovation. He added that Oman's continued progress toward achieving Oman Vision 2040's goals makes such partnerships a vital tool for enhancing the global presence of its higher education sector. This event reflects the nation's commitment to improving education quality and achieving institutional excellence at regional and international levels.
