Omanis in hospitality sector double
MUSCAT, Oct 3 - With Oman’s tourism business spawning a range of activities, job opportunities for the national workforce in the hospitality industry are aplenty. “Omanis now have excellent...
Food expo begins on October 15
MUSCAT, OCT 2 - The 13th edition of Food and Hospitality Oman Exhibition will be held at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre from October 15 to 17. Over top 400 local and international brands...
Municipality clamps down on sale of used tyres
In a major crackdown, Muscat Municipality officials confiscated a large quantity of used tyres stored in different warehouses and shops for sale in the city. “The inspection team of the...
Shopping is not a good medicine
For many people, visiting malls and buying things, even if there is no genuine need, is a leisure activity. Even health experts recommend that ‘malling’ keeps a person young and fit. But experts...
Wooing tenants with free services
MUSCAT, Aug 8 - On the back of a weaker demand, landlords in Muscat are luring potential tenants with innovative approaches and flexible rent offers. Free Wi-Fi, reduced period for contracts and...
Give priority to nationals while hiring
MUSCAT, Aug 6 - The Ministry of Manpower has reiterated its stand that companies should meet the Omanisation target so that they can avoid losing their work permits. “We are keeping a close watch on...
Consumers hit as prices of essentials skyrocket
MUSCAT, Aug 4 - The rising prices of vegetables, fruits and fish along with many other essentials and services are testing the nerves of consumers. The latest update from the National Centre for...
Stuck in a hole
Depression is on the rise among Omani adolescents. According to the Ministry of Health’s 2016 annual report, there had been 4,991 cases of children with mental health issues in the tender age group...
60.8pc visitors to Oman are Gulf nationals
MUSCAT, Aug 1 - Gulf nationals continue to top the list of visitors to the Sultanate, constituting a significant 60.8 per cent during June 2018. According to a report by the National Centre for...
Plastic bags set to go off supermarkets
MUSCAT, July 31 - Carrying essentials in plastic bags from supermarkets will soon be a thing of the past in the Sultanate. “It’s just a matter of time. Regulations to ban the use of plastic bags...
Pay wages through banks or face action
MUSCAT - The Ministry of Manpower has reiterated that employees in the Sultanate be paid their salaries through bank accounts. “The authorities are tracking private firms that fail to pay workers...
Flouting Labour Law, the middlemen way!
SAMUEL KUTTY - MUSCAT, July 29 - For thousands of migrant labourers, mainly unskilled, life is a nightmare with long hours of work and remuneration that is not in accordance with the nature of their...
Enchanting Salalah
All roads lead to Salalah as the Khareef season in the southern region of Oman has gathered momentum. While the rest of Arabia is baking under the scorching sun, people in large numbers are thronging...
Commercial use of residential buildings to end
MUSCAT, July 24 - The commercial use of residential buildings outside the approved streets under the jurisdiction of Muscat Municipality will cease to exist from the beginning of next year. “The...
Jobs for all
Muscat: The Omani authorities are sparing no efforts in ensuring jobs for the citizens. While thousands of Omani graduates are passing out from universities and colleges every year not only from the...
Deficit shrinks to RO 1.095 billion in just 5 months
MUSCAT, July 21 - On the back of high oil prices and prudent spending, the government has managed to trim its fiscal deficit to RO 1.095 billion by the end of May this year. The deficit remained as...
Fat threat
Amid a rise in the number of overweight and obese children, experts suggest prevention strategies in collaboration with governmental and community-led agencies. According to a research report,...
Mandatory health cover in private sector soon
MUSCAT, July 15 - Mandatory health insurance for employees in the private sector will be implemented soon. According to a statement from the Capital Market Authority (CMA), efforts are being made on...
Crackdown on firms selling fake products
MUSCAT, July 14 - In view of the increasing number of cases relating to sale of expired and fake goods, the authorities are planning to intensify inspections on the market. According to a senior...