Oman Vartha

05/05/2026

05/05/2026

Targeting a significant leap in the technology sector, Oman has announced the establishment of a specialized Artificial Intelligence Zone spanning 105,000 square metres in Muscat. Established under Royal Decree 50/2026, the project offers tax exemptions and world-class laboratory facilities to global corporations and startups. By focusing on cutting-edge fields such as quantum computing and cybersecurity, the Sultanate aims to boost non-oil revenue and create knowledge-based employment opportunities.

05/05/2026

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has apprehended a four-member gang of Asian nationals specialized in stealing gold jewelry and valuables from unoccupied houses in the Wilayat of Baushar. The suspects were caught red-handed during a robbery attempt in a joint operation by the Muscat Governorate Police Command and the Special Tasks Police Unit. Authorities had been monitoring the group’s movements closely since their arrival at Muscat International Airport, and legal proceedings against them are currently underway.

05/05/2026

New regulations issued by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) to improve the standards of fuel filling stations in Oman will come into effect on May 6. The stations have been classified into four categories based on their facilities, and integrated stations are now required to include electric vehicle (EV) charging points and solar panels. Furthermore, stations can only operate by maintaining specific distance requirements and obtaining a special license from the Ministry.

05/05/2026

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05/05/2026

The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has issued an urgent warning regarding the use of unbranded magnetic pen toys in the Sultanate. The Authority clarified that these Chinese-made pens contain small magnetic parts that pose a significant choking hazard and life-threatening risk if swallowed by children. The warning was issued following a notification from the Gulf Rapid Alert System (Gulf Aajel), which identified the products as failing to meet safety standards.

05/05/2026

An attack was carried out against a residential area in the Wilayat of Bukha, Musandam Governorate.

According to security sources, an attack occurred yesterday targeting a building housing company employees in the Tibat area, resulting in injuries to two expatriates. The incident also caused damage to four vehicles parked nearby and shattered the window panes of a neighboring house.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the attack.

04/05/2026

Despite a decrease in the overall number of road accidents in Oman, the mortality rate has remained stagnant, according to the latest annual report from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Last year, 1,545 accidents resulted in 595 deaths—the exact same fatality figure recorded in 2023—alongside 1,597 injuries. The deceased include 354 Omani citizens and 241 expatriates, with pedestrians accounting for 107 of those lives lost. While the Muscat Governorate saw the highest frequency of incidents with 271 accidents, the Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate recorded the highest number of fatalities.

04/05/2026

Expatriate workers remain a driving force in the economic growth of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. According to the latest data released by the GCC Statistical Centre, expatriates account for 66.5% of the region’s total workforce as of 2025.

Between 2021 and 2025, approximately 9.4 million new workers entered the Gulf labor market, resulting in a 34.1% growth rate during this period. The report further highlights that while the global average unemployment rate stands at 5.2%, the unemployment rate in GCC countries remains significantly lower at just 2.5%.