 A significant step forward in Oman's technology sector is about to happen as the Center for Hosting, Data Processing, and Cryptocurrency Mining is set to be inaugurated in the Salalah Free Zone this Sunday. The honor of officially starting the center's operations goes to H E Said bin Hamood al Maawali, the Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology. Exahertz, a subsidiary of Al Afaq Technology, has been a key player in leading the establishment of this center, supported by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology. This initiative is a crucial part of the government's comprehensive plan to encourage digital investments and facilitate the integration of advanced technologies. Here are a few key points about cryptocurrencies:
Oman is progressing in establishing a legal framework for digital assets and is seeking public input. The Capital Market Authority of Oman (CMA) has released a consultation paper outlining plans to regulate virtual asset service providers (VASPs), digital asset issuance, licensing, and fees. They aim to offer an alternative financing and investment platform while managing risks associated with virtual assets. The paper includes 26 questions covering topics such as capital requirements for VASPs, secure storage of digital assets, corporate governance, and privacy coins. Responses are expected by August 17, 2023 and will help shape the final policy. The effort to establish this framework began in 2020 and reflects regional trends, with countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia also exploring digital asset adoption despite regulatory concerns.  News from August 23th, 2023: Easy Coins, the pioneer Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP) in Oman, has achieved another milestone by becoming the first officially registered VASP under the oversight of the Capital Markets Authority of Oman. Operating for two years, Easy Coins has maintained self-regulation throughout its existence, aligning with the principles of the CMA and FATF's KYC/AML requirements. This preparedness allowed a swift alignment with the registration process initiated by CMA for VASPs. Easy Coins holds the belief that societal innovation consistently outpaces regulatory frameworks across industries and nations. To realize the primary innovation pillar of Vision 2040, it is crucial that innovation remains unimpeded until regulators catch up. Instead of slowing innovators, the emphasis should be on allowing them to push boundaries while regulators rapidly adapt. The agility shown by capital markets in embracing virtual asset innovations is commended, and this flexible regulatory approach is anticipated to provide a fertile environment for the growth of this industry in Oman. If you are interested in buying cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, you can do it here: https://easycoins.me/ 
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Eco-Friendly Beach Paradise "Osara" just opened There's a cool new tourism project in Oman called "Osara." It's on a beach and is made entirely from recycled wood. The project is managed by young Omanis and offers lots of fun things to do. People of all ages can enjoy activities, events, and relax by the sea. There are games like arrow throwing and axe shooting, plus water bikes and boats. The project also has restaurants and cafes with ocean views. The founders of the project want it to be a special place for tourists and locals. They built it with recycled wood to be friendly to the environment. The project got help from the Dhofar Municipality, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, and the Port of Salalah. They want to encourage young people's ideas and make a cool place for everyone to enjoy in Salalah. Arab Girl Guides Camp in Salalah The 25th Arab Camp for Girl Guides and the 22nd Summer Camp for Girl Guides have begun in Salalah. Organized by the Ministry of Education, this camp runs until August 12 with the theme 'Future Skills, Innovation, Challenge, and Sustainability'. Girls will learn outdoor survival, keep guiding traditions, and improve camping. The goal is to teach them to take on challenges and try new things, through trips and creative seminars. Around 250 girls are there, including 144 from Oman and others from places like Libya, Qatar, and more. The camp includes sports, cultural events, art, and workshops. It's a chance to share and learn from each other. The camp mixes old traditions with new ideas, celebrating guiding and building skills for future leaders. Meeting for Young Volunteers from Gulf Countries in Salalah, Oman In Salalah, Oman, a gathering of young volunteers from different Gulf countries has started. It's called "Isnad" and will last for four days. The event is organized by Oman's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth. Young volunteers will attend workshops and talks to learn about different types of volunteering and how to manage volunteer projects well. The purpose of the forum is to teach young people about volunteering and teamwork, share successful volunteer projects, and discuss challenges. It's part of a program by the GCC General Secretariat to encourage young people to get involved in volunteering locally, regionally, and internationally. New water park opened Salalah, Oman, has welcomed the 'Al-Naseem Water Park' as a new tourism gem during the 2023 Khareef Dhofar season. Led by Governor Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said and officials, the park spans 40,000 square meters and offers various phases: a comprehensive water park, a miniature zoo, and a recreational game area. Managed by Al Naseem Group of Companies, the project aims to enrich Dhofar's tourism while providing engaging activities and employment opportunities.  Salalah Airport had its first SalamAir flight from Bahrain on Wednesday. SalamAir is starting flights from Bahrain to promote tourism during the khareef season in Dhofar. Mohammed Ahmed al Rawas (Acting Deputy Chairman of Salalah Airport) believes that having a direct route between Salalah and Manama will support tourism in Dhofar and strengthen bonds with Bahrain. He hopes this route will activate tourism during the monsoon (Khareef Season). Source: MuscatDaily  The Minister of Housing and Urban Planning in Oman announced that foreigners will be allowed to own property for 99 years in future cities like Sultan Haitham City. This is part of a larger initiative to develop new cities in Oman, including Greater Muscat, Greater Nizwa, Greater Salalah, and Greater Sohar. These projects will provide around 40,000 housing units on approximately 30-40 million square meters of land. The Ministry of Housing aims to prioritize governance, legislation, and digital transformation while working closely with the business sector to achieve their goals efficiently.  Oman Air has seen a 20% increase in bookings to the Dhofar Governorate, particularly Salalah, compared to last year. This rise is attributed to the direct support provided by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, including fixing ticket prices between Muscat and Salalah at OMR54 for citizens during the Khareef season. The fixed prices apply to adults, children, and infants who book through official outlets or the Oman Air website. These prices will be evaluated for possible extension after the Khareef season.  Oman's Hydrom and BP Oman have signed agreements worth over $20 billion to create three large-scale green hydrogen projects. These projects will be located in Oman's Al Wusta Governorate and cover a total area of 320 square kilometers. The goal is to produce an impressive half a million metric tons of green hydrogen, which is equivalent to generating 12 gigawatts of renewable energy. Oman aims to meet its target of producing 1 million tons of green hydrogen per year by 2030.
 Oman has announced the construction of Sultan Haitham City, a visionary urban development located in the Wilayat of A'Seeb, outside Muscat.
The city, aligned with Oman Vision 2040, will accommodate 100,000 people in 20,000 homes across 19 integrated residential neighborhoods. It will feature a range of housing options and essential amenities such as health facilities, schools, and recreational spaces and mosques. With a focus on sustainability, the city incorporates green spaces, renewable energy, water conservation measures, and efficient transportation networks. Sultan Haitham City aims to provide a high quality of life, foster community interaction, and respect the natural surroundings through innovative urban planning.  In a move to reduce air ticket costs and boost travel and tourism in Dhofar Governorate, the Sultan of Oman has directed the subsidization of fuel prices at Salalah Airport.
The cabinet meeting instructed authorities to provide direct subsidies, aligning the fuel prices at Salalah Airport with those at Muscat International Airport. This initiative is expected to encourage more flights to and from Dhofar Governorate, ultimately leading to reduced ticket prices and promoting growth in the travel and tourism sector.  The Chinese Embassy in Oman hosted a ceremony in Salalah to unveil the Zheng He Monument, honoring the famous Chinese explorer and symbolizing the enduring friendship between China and Oman.
Designed by the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design and constructed using advanced 3D printing, the monument represents the ocean waves and a ship's bow. It signifies the deepening friendship and mutual development between the two countries, fostering further exchanges and strengthening bilateral relations under the Belt and Road Initiative.  In an exhilarating final held in Salalah, Oman, the Indian hockey team emerged victorious with a 2-1 win against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Men's Junior Asia Cup 2023.
The resilient Indian team successfully defended their title, securing their fourth Men's Junior Asia Cup championship. The tournament, held after an eight-year gap, witnessed India and Pakistan's unbeaten performances in the group stage, with India finishing on top. Link to olympics.com |
