Not even a deadly virus can spoil the spirit offestival
It is after a gap of almost a decade that I am getting an opportunity to join my family to celebrate our state festival back in my hometown in the Southern Indian state of Kerala.But, alas! I will be...
Oil and gas sector eyes zero routine flaring by 2030
The upstream oil and gas sector in Oman is evaluating ambitious strategy with a target of achieving zero emissions by 2050 with a commitment to achieve Zero Routine Flaring by 2030. The strategy's...
Rare butterfly, the Blue Tiger, back in Oman after 37 years
The Blue Tiger Butterfly, known for its migration in many countries in the Indian subcontinent, has returned to the Sultanate after 37 years.Researchers have spotted the Blue Tiger, known as Tirumala...
Oman eyes 60% of power output from renewables
@samkuttyvpAs part of the strategies regarding transition of power generation to renewable energy sources, Oman targets 60 per cent of national energy needs from renewables including solar and wind...
Olympians brave the virus without cheers and applause
The stadium exploded with earth-shaking applause and cheers when Usain Bolt raced to become the fastest man on earth? Moments like Bolt playing to the crowd and taking a victory lap after his historic...
Oman aims to cut emissions by 7% in 9 years
On the back of measures to support transition to a low carbon economy, Oman intends to slow greenhouse gases (GHG) emission growth. According to the Sultanate’s Second Nationally Determined...
Expats hopeful of rollback of air travel curbs
The recent announcement that the Supreme Committee was studying air travel curbs has brightened speculations that the Sultanate may lift the entry ban of expats in the coming days. Adding to the hope...
Sultanate identifies 3 areas to power food security
Muscat: In line with Vision 2040 and as part of its efforts to promote food security and self-sufficiency in the country, Oman seeks to intensify agriculture production and establish land suitable for...
Omanis now constitute 62% of population
Omanis constitute 62.10 per cent out of a total population of 4.459 million in the Sultanate, according to figures available on National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) website.While the...
Learn to work together not fight at home...
In a recent conversation, my friend told me that he was increasingly under stress as he was not finding a pleasant atmosphere at home, not caused by the coronavirus pandemic, but due to its consequent...
New CBD and metro to change face of Muscat
Muscat: Ghala as a new central business district of the capital city and a light metro rail line linking Al Seeb and Ruwi are part of Oman's national urban strategy to make Muscat a world-class city...
E-commerce set to soar
On the back of strong online shopping, the e-commerce market in Oman is set for further growth in the coming years.According to a report, Oman’s online market, which was valued at $2.19 billion in...
Stranded expats tap vaccines, third countries for re-entry
With expectations high that Oman will lift the entry ban soon, expatriates are making beelines at vaccination centres in their home countries in anticipation that a certificate will be made mandatory...
Flexible and adaptable attitude need of the hour
When I write this column, Muslim fraternity all over the world, except a few countries, is in the midst of celebrating Eid al Adha. Unlike before the pandemic, the celebrations for the second most...
Habta markets lost in pandemic again
Muscat: For the second time in a row, marred by Covid-19 pandemic, Eid al Adha celebrations will be minimal in the Sultanate under the shadow of dusk-to-dawn lockdown and other controls.Although...
Count the positives during this pandemic...
Covid-19 has made our lives more difficult and challenging due to social isolation leading to mental stress, disrupted routines in work and family life and economic insecurity.But there have also been...
HM’s visit to deepen cooperation
The relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have touched a new peak forged by appreciation and respect of the leadership and people of these two brotherly...
Oil above $70 brightens fiscal outlook
Despite a revenue fall in the first five months of 2021, the relatively buoyant crude oil prices bode well for the Sultanate to realise its budget estimates.Omani crude is currently trading at prices...
Opening doors to jobs
@samkuttyvp While expressing optimism over the recent reforms in the labour policies adopted in the Sultanate, a top global agency called for enhancing employment opportunities for women in the...
Expatriates desperately await lifting of travel ban
Thousands of expatriates are in a bind following the travel ban and suspension of flights between the Sultanate and different South Asian countries as a result of the catastrophic spread of Covid-19...