Oman

The rapid expansion of health care facilities in Oman is one of the most visible results of the modernisation programme enacted by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said on his accession to power over four decades ago. In 1970 just two 12-bed hospitals and 10 clinics served the needs of a population with a life expectancy of only 49 years. Massive...

The sultanate’s development plans include a much-expanded role for air transport, with the aviation sector expected to see increased investment in the years ahead. This upgrade should also transform the entire pattern of logistics in the country, while stimulating regional development and trade. The national carrier is also set to see growth. “...

Located some 230 km north-west of Muscat, Sohar is the sultanate’s third largest city and an emerging economic centre in its own right. While the Port of Sohar, a deepwater industrial seaport in operation since 2004, is a key component of Sohar’s expanding economy, the nearby Freezone Sohar is becoming especially vital as well. The free zone is...

As the authorities in Oman ramp up efforts to expand the country’s tourism sector, a combination of government and private investment is flowing in to build necessities like accommodation and infrastructure. There were $2bn worth of tourism projects in the pipeline in March 2012, according to the state-backed tourism investment firm Omran, with projects ranging from five...

A rapidly rising student population has resulted in growing pressure on educational infrastructure. One response to this challenge seen in other jurisdictions is an increase in the provision of e-learning, a diverse sub-sector that encompasses activities including web-based training and teaching systems, learning management software, discussion...

Dominating both the Governorate of Dhofar – where it is the largest employer – and the regional transhipment trade, the Port of Salalah has become a strong link in developing Oman’s maritime transportation.