MUSCAT, JUNE 16
In a move marking a new era for private sector participation in the vehicle transport and technical inspection services sector in the Sultanate of Oman, Al Maha Technical Inspection Company inaugurated its first vehicle inspection centre under its "Tajdeed" brand at the headquarters of the Oman Automobile Association. This initiative is part of a strategic partnership between Al Maha Petroleum Products Marketing Company and the Royal Oman Police.
The centre aims to provide advanced technical inspection services according to the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and safety, contributing to enhanced road safety and improved services for the community. It is the first privately accredited vehicle technical inspection station within an initiative designed to involve private sector establishments in providing technical inspection services, expanding their reach, and offering more flexible operating hours.
Yousef bin Salem al Hinai, Head of the Communication and Government Performance Unit at the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, affirmed that the centre's opening represents a pioneering step by involving the private sector in some services previously provided by government entities. This contributes to enhancing service efficiency and improving the user experience.
Brigadier General Jamal bin Saeed al Ta’i, Director of Financial Affairs at the Royal Oman Police, explained that the opening of the first automated vehicle inspection station was an initiative by the Royal Oman Police to provide an opportunity for the private sector to offer services and invest in this field. He added that the Royal Oman Police signed an agreement with Al Maha Technical Inspection Company to establish 12 more stations, and also signed similar agreements with other private sector companies.
Eng Hamad al Maghdari, Managing Director of Al Maha Technical Inspection Company, explained that launching the "Tajdeed" brand reflects the company's commitment to developing vehicle technical inspection services and providing a more reliable and user-friendly experience, keeping pace with the rapid developments in the transportation and technical services sector.
Al Maghdari pointed out that the centre's operating hours are from morning until 11:00 PM, providing greater flexibility for clients and facilitating easier access to services. He added that five centres are currently under construction: two in Al Maabilah South and Al Amerat in Muscat Governorate, one in Nizwa in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, one in Salalah in Dhofar Governorate, and two in Sohar in North Al Batinah Governorate.
He noted that these centres will offer additional services, including vehicle registration issuance and inspection, in accordance with the specifications set by the Royal Oman Police's General Directorate of Traffic and international standards for vehicles operating in the Sultanate of Oman. They will also provide a vehicle collection service for those wishing to have their vehicles inspected.
He emphasized that these centres will be staffed by Omani technicians and administrators.
He also revealed an expansion plan that includes establishing new centres in the governorates of Dhofar, North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, and Al Dakhiliyah, with other centres to follow in various governorates across the Sultanate in subsequent phases.
He noted that the staff working in these centres are Omani citizens, which contributes to providing job opportunities for national technical and administrative personnel. The establishment of these centres will expand the scope of technical inspection services, reduce waiting times for clients, provide more flexible operating options, and improve the quality and efficiency of the services offered.
The project also opens the door to new investment opportunities and enhances the private sector's role in developing faster and more efficient services, thus supporting the goals of economic diversification, stimulating investment, and creating job opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman.
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