Oman and The World

Foreign Affairs

The Sultanate has a long history of contacts and relations with countries both within and outside the Arab world. Over many centuries, trade has flourished with the Indian sub-continent and Far East, and in more recent times, with East Africa. The Sultanate was the first Arab country to establish diplomatic contact with the United States of America in the first half of the nineteenth century, by which time it already had relations with France. The bicentennial of the treaty relationship with Great Britain was celebrated in January 2000.

In 1970, the Sultanate of Oman faced the formidable challenge of winning diplomatic recognition in international circles after years of isolation. In 1971, Oman joined the Arab League and the United Nations. In 1972, the Sultanate became a member of the Islamic Conference Organisation and in 1973, a member of the Non-Aligned Group of Nations. Since then, Oman has joined many international organisations and was a founder member of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC) in May 1981. Oman has so far hosted the three annual Summits of the Gulf States in Muscat. Oman is due to host the Summit again in 2001.

His Majesty attended the 20th AGCC Summit in Riyadh in November 1999. At the close of the meeting, the Supreme Council announced that the six states had pledged to create a customs union by 2005 and to work together to stabilise the oil market. Although there was wide-ranging consideration of a number of international and regional political issues, the focus of the Summit centred upon the economy. In the face of globalisation, the Supreme Council concluded that the creation of a strong economic bloc was a necessity. The customs union will come into force on 1st March 2005. In the meantime, it was agreed that member states would revise their customs tariffs gradually in order to achieve a uniform tariff of 5.5.% on basic commodities and 7.5% on other goods to come into force at that time.

The 21st Summit in 2000 was hosted by Bahrain. It has been agreed that the leaders would also hold half-yearly consultative meetings between annual summits. In April 2000, His Majesty hosted the second consultative meeting of the AGCC Heads of State at the Al-Bustan Hotel in Muscat.

Foreign Policy
 

Oman's foreign policy, as developed since 1970, is based on four basic principles:-

- the development and maintenance of good relations with Oman's neighbours.

- an outward looking and internationalist outlook, as befits long standing maritime relations.

- a pragmatic approach to bilateral relations, emphasising underlying geostrategic realities rather than temporary ideological positions.

- the search for security through co-operation and peace, rather than conflict.

These principles have been consistently applied and in the post-1989 international context have proved both valuable and durable. Oman's adherence to these principles has allowed foreign policy to be flexible and to meet the challenges of the new international environment with confidence. In the application of these principles, considerations of economic interest are playing an increasingly important role.

The Middle East Peace Process

Oman has been fully committed to the Middle East peace process since its inception in 1991. The Sultanate joins the international community in calling for the achievement of a lasting, just and comprehensive peace which will bring stability and prosperity to the whole region, as well as peace and security for all its people. Oman continues to affirm its complete support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to determine their own future in their own land, including the establishment of an independent state. Oman has participated actively in the multilateral talks phase of the peace process and has steadfastly opposed the use of violence and terrorism.

In January 1996, representatives of Oman and Israel signed a letter of understanding on the establishment of Trade Representative offices in Muscat and Tel Aviv to develop economic, scientific and trade relations. However in December 1996, Oman decided to freeze its fledgling ties with Israel until it was felt that the present government of Israel was genuinely and sincerely committed to honour the peace process.

In February 2000, Oman condemned the Israeli raids on Lebanon as an unjustifiable act of aggression, in the belief that the destruction of domestic utilities like power stations was totally unacceptable to world opinion and did not serve the peace process.

Gulf Crisis

Oman is committed to its policy of supporting United Nations Resolutions and has advised Iraq through diplomatic channels that UN weapons inspection teams must be allowed to return. Oman has always urged a peaceful solution, reached through diplomacy, to such crises in order to avoid a repetition of the conflict in 1991. At the same time, Oman has expressed deep concern for the sufferings of the Iraqi people. Concern was also voiced by the Sultanate over the renewed confrontation between Iraq and the UN over weapons inspections, which resulted in punitive action being taken in December 1998.

The recent visit of an Omani military delegation on a technical mission to Iran led to rumours in the press that a secret security pact had been signed with Iran. In April 2000 the Ministry issued a statement denying that any defence or security agreement had been signed, saying that the mission was restricted to co-operation between the two countries to combat drug trafficking and illegal immigrants.

The Middle East Desalination Research Centre

The Centre (MEDRC) was established in Muscat on 26th December 1996 within the context of the Middle East peace process as a result of an Omani initiative within the Water Working Group. Founding members include the United States, Japan, Israel, Korea and the European Commission.

It is an international non-profit institution, which sponsors research and development in desalination technology for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It also co-ordinates training and education programmes to build desalination technical capacity in the MENA countries and provides unique information products, services and contacts to facilitate business in the MENA market place.

As of January 2000, 70 research proposals had been received and 27 organisations in 12 countries are now working on MEDRC primed and assisted projects, with a total budget of US$2.4 million. Sultan Qaboos University is involved in 10 of these projects.

Last year, the Centre launched a Corporate Membership Programme and formed an Industry Advisory Council in order to increase public awareness and to encourage private sector participation in the work of the Centre.

Foreign Policy & Economic Development

Oman's foreign policy is guided by the need for the Sultanate to take an active role in the global economy. Free market principles are enshrined in the Basic Statute of the State as the basis for the development of the economy. Therefore, the Sultanate is fully committed to the principles which underpin the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Oman's accession to the WTO was initiated in 1996.

The General Council of the WTO established a working party to examine the Sultanate's application for membership. During 1997, two meetings were held with the working party in Geneva to discuss Oman's foreign trade position, based on a memorandum submitted by the Government. Proposals were made for transitional periods in implementing some of the WTO agreements.

Two further meetings of the working party were held in 1998 and there were meetings of the working party in May and October 1999. A delegation from Oman attended the Seattle meeting at the end of 1999.

By the beginning of 2000, Oman had signed bilateral agreements with ten of its trading partners concerning goods and services with the United States, the EU, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Mexico, India and the Republic of Kyrgyzstan. These agreements which resulted from several rounds of negotiation on market access, will pave the way for Oman's entry to the WTO in the near future.

Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORARC)

In March 1997, Oman was among the 14 founder members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation, a new association which aims to improve trade links and inward investment through the Indian Ocean region, from Australia, through South East Asia, India, Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Oman, with India, Mauritius, South Africa, Australia, Singapore and Kenya had been working towards this association for at least two years. Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Tanzania, Mozambique and Madagascar have since joined the movement.

In January 2000, the Sultanate hosted a ministerial meeting of the IORARC, at which Bangladesh, Iran, Seychelles, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand were admitted as new members, bringing the total membership to 19. The UK, China, Japan and Egypt have been admitted as dialogue partners.

The importance of close relations with South East Asia was underscored by His Majesty's state visit to India in April 1997. This was followed in August 1998 by the visit of Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to Oman. Former Indian Prime Minister Narasimha Rao and President Shankar Dayal Sharma visited the Sultanate in 1996. In early 1997, an official high level delegation was sent to Sri Lanka and another to Japan and Brunei to strengthen existing ties and trade relations. In July 1997, a delegation visited Beijing for talks with senior Chinese officials.

Border Demarcation

In November 1992, a ceremony was held in Riyadh to sign the final border maps between Oman and Saudi Arabia. The demarcation agreement had been signed between the two countries in March 1990. Copies of the maps showing the international boundaries between Oman and Saudi Arabia were deposited with the Arab League in Cairo in November 1995.

In June 1995, Oman and Yemen completed the demarcation of their borders in accordance with an agreement signed in 1992.

In November 1997, a ceremony was held in Cairo when Oman and Yemen deposited their international boundary maps with the Arab League. In 1999, construction of the 243-km highway linking Dhofar with Yemen was completed.

Annexes to the border agreement between the Sultanate and the United Arab Emirates were signed in Sohar in May 1999 during the visit of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan. The annexes regulate the border controls and define the authority of each country along their frontiers.

Oman has now demarcated all her land and sea boundaries. Oman and Qatar have strengthened diplomatic ties as a result of which their nationals can now travel to the others' country on an identity card instead of a passport. This easing of border controls came into force in September 1995. Oman and the UAE have had a similar agreement since 1992.

Diplomatic Relations

Since 1970, the Sultanate of Oman has gradually established links all over the world and has never broken off diplomatic relations with any country. In 1999, Oman's first woman ambassador was accredited to The Hague.

Diplomatic relations have been established with 135 countries:-

Albania, Republic of

Algeria, Democratic and Popular Republic of

Argentine Republic

Armenia, Republic of

Australia, Commonwealth of

Austria, Republic of

Azerbaijani Republic

Bahrain, State of

Bangladesh, People’s Republic of

Belarus, Republic of

Belgium, Kingdom of

Bolivia, Republic of

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of

Brazil

Brunei Darussalam, State of

Bulgaria, Republic of

Burkina Faso

Burundi, Republic of

Cameroon, Republic of

Canada

Chad, Republic of

Chile, Republic of

China, People’s Republic of

Colombia, Republic of

Comoros, Federal Islamic Republic of the

Congo, (formerly Zaire) Democratic Republic of the

Côte d’Ivoire, Republic of Ivory Coast

Croatia, Republic of

Cuba, Republic of

Cyprus, Republic of

Czech Republic

Denmark, Kingdom of

Djibouti, Republic of

Ecuador, Republic of

Egypt, Arab Republic of

Eritrea, State of

Estonia, Republic of

Ethiopia, Federal Democratic Republic of

Finland, Republic of

France

Gabonese Republic

Gambia, Republic of the

Germany, Federal Republic of

Ghana, Republic of

Greece, Hellenic Republic of

Guatemala, Republic of

Guinea, Republic of

Guinea-Bissau, Republic of

Guyana, Co-operative Republic of

Honduras, Republic of

Hungary, Republic of

Iceland, Republic of

India, Republic of

Indonesia, Republic of

Iran, Islamic Republic of

Iraq, Republic of

Ireland

Italy, Republic of

Jamaica

Japan

Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of

Kazakhstan, Republic of

Kenya, Republic of

Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of

Korea, Republic of

Kuwait, State of

Kyrgyzstan, Republic of

Latvia, Republic of

Lebanon, Republic of

Lithuania, Republic of

Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of

Macedonia, Republic of

Malaysia

Maldives, Republic of

Mali, Republic of

Malta, Republic of

Mauritania, Islamic Republic of

Mauritius, Republic of

Mexico, United Mexican States

Moldova, Republic of

Mongolia

Morocco, Kingdom of

Mozambique, Republic of

Nepal, Kingdom of

Netherlands, Kingdom of the

New Zealand

Nicaragua, Republic of

Niger, Republic of

Nigeria, Federal Republic of

Norway, Kingdom of

Pakistan, Islamic Republic of

Palestine

Panama, Republic of

Peru, Republic of

Philippines, Republic of the

Poland, Republic of

Portugal, Republic of

Qatar, State of

Romania

Russian Federation

Rwanda, Republic of

Saint Lucia

São Tomé and Principe, Democratic Republic of

Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of

Senegal, Republic of

Seychelles, Republic of

Sierra Leone, Republic of

Singapore, Republic of

Slovak Republic

Slovenia, Republic of

Somalia

South Africa, Republic of

Spain, Kingdom of

Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of

Sudan, Republic of the

Sweden, Kingdom of

Switzerland

Syrian Arab Republic

Tanzania, United Republic of

Thailand, Kingdom of

Tunisia, Republic of

Turkey, Republic of

Turkmenistan, Republic of

Uganda, Republic of

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

United States of America

Uruguay, Oriental Republic of

Uzbekistan, Republic of

Venezuela, Republic of

Vietnam, Socialist Republic of

Yemen, Republic of

Zambia, Republic of

Zimbabwe, Republic of

Membership of the Sultanate in Gulf, Arab, Islamic and International Organisations

Gulf Organisations    Date joined

Arab Gulf Cooperation Council 25.5.81

Arab Centre for Educational Research 1.12.73

Higher Education Council 1.12.73

Arab Education Office for the Gulf States 1.12.79

Arab Gulf States’ Joint

Programme Production Organisations 25.3.82

Arab Gulf University 16.8.80

Co-operation Council States Specifications

and Standards Board 9.11.82

Gulf International Bank 1.2.86

Gulf Organisation for Industrial Investment 20.10.76

Gulf News Agency 13.6.82

Gulf States Labour & Social Affairs Minister’s

Follow-up Office 6.2.78

Gulf Television Board 10.4.80

Technical Office for Communications

(Gulf States Co-operation Council) 1983

Arab Organisations

League of Arab States 29.9.71

Arab Academy for Maritime Transport 31.8.75

Arab Administrative Development Organisation 4.75

Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa 1.2.75

Arab Centre for the Study of Arid Zones

and Dry Lands 30.4.75

Arab States Civil Aviation Council 15.10.73

Arab Fund for Economic & Social

Development 30.4.75

Arab Girl Guides Office 1976

Arab Health Ministers’ Council 4.9.75

Arab Housing Ministers’ Council 23.9.82

Arab Industrial Development Organisation 12.1.80

Arab Interior Ministers’ Council 23.9.82

Arab Justice Ministers’ Council 23.9.82

Arab Labour Organisation 9.2.73

Arab League Educational Cultural

and Scientific Organisation 14.6.73

Arab Monetary Fund 5.2.77

Arab Organisation for Agricultural

Development 18.2.74

Arab Organisation for Classification of

Vessels 9.12.98

Arab Organisation for Specifications &

Standards 6.7.74

Arab Planning Institute 7.12.80

Arab Postal Union 1.7.71

Arab Scouts’ Office 1976

Arab Social Affairs Ministers’ Council 26.3.80

Arab Social Defence Organisation Against

Crime 26.3.73

Arab States Broadcasting Union 14.6.72

Arab Telecommunications Union 30.11.83

Arab Tourism Organisation 27.8.84

Arab Transport Ministers’ Council 28.3.85

Arab World Institute in Paris 30.11.87

Arab Youth & Sports Ministers’ Council 1.4.78

Arabsat 10.7.76

Inter-Arab Investment Guarantee Corporation 5.5.77

Organisation of Arab Cities 24.9.71

Agreement for Simplification Developing

Trade Exchange among the Arab States 29.10.97

Arab Agreement for Prevention of

Terrorism and Fundamentalism 22.4.98

Islamic Organisations

Islamic Conference Organisation (ICO) 29.2.72

al-Quds Fund (Jerusalem) 1976

International Committee for the

Preservation of Islamic Heritage 1978

Islamic Capitals Organisation 1982

Islamic Centre for Commercial Development 1979

Islamic Centre for Technical and Vocational

Training and Research 4.78

Islamic Development Bank 12.8.74

Islamic Education, Scientific

and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) 1980

Islamic Fiqh Council 1982

Islamic History & Cultural Research Centre 1976

Islamic International News Agency 1970

Islamic States Broadcasting Organisation 1975

Islamic States Centre for Statistical,

Economic and Social Research Training 1977

Islamic Solidarity Fund 1974

International Organisations

United Nations Organisation (UN) 7.10.71

International Bank for Reconstruction

and Development 23.12.71

International Civil Aviation Organisation 23.1.73

International Epizootic Office 1977

International Fund for Agricultural Development 1983

International Labour Organisation (ILO) 31.1.94

International Maritime Organisation (IMO) 31.1.74

International Maritime Communications

Organisation 30.12.80

World Intellectual Property Organisation 19.11.96

International Monetary Fund (IMF) 23.12.71

International Telecommunications Union 28.2.72

UNESCO 10.2.72

FAO 11.71

UN Industrial Development

Organisation (UNIDO) 6.85

Universal Postal Union 17.8.77

World Health Organisation (WHO) 28.5.71

World Meteorological Organisation 2.2.75

World Trade Organisation (WTO)(observer status) 1996

Inter-Governmental Bureau for Informatics 6.9.86

Interpol 16.9.72

International Association of Lighthouse

Authorities 25.6.87

Internal Association of Schools and Institutes

of Administration 1986

International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) 1985

International Hydrographic Organisation 25.6.87

International Institute of Administrative Science 1985

International Organisation for Legal Meteorology 1989

International Organisation for Training

and Welfare of the Disabled ---

International Satellite Organisation (INTELSAT) 3.1.75

International Organisation for Specifications and

Standards 1989

International Union Against Tuberculosis 1985

International Union for Conservation of Nature 4.6.75

International Union of Child Welfare 1980

International Whaling Commission (IWC) 1980

Non - Aligned Movement 5.9.73

World Scout Bureau (WSB) 1979

World Association of Girl Guides (WAGGGS) 1987

World Council for Welfare of the Blind 1979

International Union of Radio Amateurs 1987

World Food Programme 1987

Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional

Co-operation (IORARC) 3.97

Other Regional Organisations

Afro-Asian Insurance Union 1981

Afro-Asian Legal Consultation Committee 1986

Afro-Asian Organisation for Rural Development 1979

Arab Gulf Organisation for Support of Development

Activities for the United Nations (AGFUND)

Regional Organisation for Protection

of the Maritime Environment

Information

Information plays a vital role in the political, social and economic future of a modern state. It brings many benefits to the people and gives an added dimension to the quality of life and well-being of a nation. It is therefore hardly surprising that as much attention has been paid to advancing the media in Oman as any other aspect of the country's rapid and successful development.

Sultanate of Oman Radio

In 1970, only one week after His Majesty the Sultan came to power, a small broadcasting station was established at Bait al-Falaj. It was only a one kW transmitter but it enabled people to hear the voice of their leader for the first time. In the following year transmissions began from Salalah and in 1972 a new medium wave 10 kW station was inaugurated, broadcasting regularly 14 hours a day and 18 hours on holidays. In 1975, the Ministry installed 100 kW medium wave transmitters in Muscat and Salalah and in 1979 linked the two broadcasting stations by satellite. VHF FM transmitters were installed and further improvements were made to the medium and short wave broadcasts so now the 'Voice of Oman' can be heard in all parts of the country as well as in the Gulf and East Africa.

Broadcasts are now made in Arabic on 1242 kHz from Muscat (738 kHz from Salalah). A new transmitter in Haima opened in 1995, which covers the central area of the country on 576kHz. Transmissions are also made on FM giving a total of 24 hours of broadcasting daily. There are also broadcasts in English on 90.4 kHz from Muscat (94.3 kHz from Salalah). English FM has been broadcast via Arabsat-A2 since April 1999. There are three main news bulletins every day in English and the service broadcasts mainly classical music in the mornings, with light entertainment and popular music in the afternoon and evenings. During 1999, the English service introduced a roadshow with prizes supplied by local sponsors which has proved extremely popular.

On 4th March 2000, Radio Sultanate of Oman resumed the popular programme Direct Transmission. The programme deals with local issues whereby people express their views and reactions freely on the air. The listener may express an opinion on any issue that affects him or the community. The programme manager then passes the listener’s view to the concerned authority for a direct comment.

The material broadcast is 80% locally produced, thanks to contributions from all parts of Oman as well as from correspondents in 13 cities round the world. Programmes are transmitted through the satellite TV channel allocated to Sultanate of Oman Television by ARABSAT. In November 1997, Oman was one of the first countries to use the Internet for radio and TV transmissions.

Sultanate of Oman Television

Television transmissions from Muscat commenced in November 1974, while the Salalah television station started transmitting to the Dhofar Governorate in November 1975. In 1979, the two stations were linked by satellite to form a single Oman TV channel. Oman thus became one of the first Gulf States to use a satellite for domestic transmission. In the last few years, the Ministry has set up an extensive network of main and relay booster stations. The 28 main stations, which use a satellite reception and retransmission system, cover the whole of the Sultanate from Musandam in the Gulf to Sarfait on the border with the Republic of Yemen. The total number of booster stations, including the 89 relay stations, is 118, of which more than 60 are solar powered. In spite of the mountainous nature of much of the terrain, television transmissions are received in most of the populated areas. There are plans to increase the coverage further into remote areas.

In 1998, the Ministry signed an agreement with the Egyptian Company NILESAT to be allocated a channel on the system, which covers most of the Arab world. As part of the agreement, four audio channels have also been leased for use by Oman Radio and the Oman News Agency. In December 1998, Oman TV started transmissions to European countries via Hot Bird 4 Satellite, 13 East, channel 97 frequency 12,654 on a polar horizontal linear direction.

The Ministry is currently discussing the possibility of leasing channels and cable lines in Europe and America for the benefit of Arab audiences in those countries.

Oman TV has achieved a major breakthrough with 24 hour broadcasts since November 1998 with two thirds of its programmes locally produced. There are now seven telecasts daily as part of the news bulletins.

Programmes

The Ministry, in association with other Government bodies, has continued to place emphasis on national development issues with live telecasts once a week as part of the daily morning coffee programme (Qahwaht al-Sabah). This and "Aswad" programme were of particular relevance as part of the support for the 'Second Year of the Private Sector' and helped a wider public understand the importance of the private sector contribution to the economy. A number of other popular live programmes continue to be transmitted such as, Family Affairs and Economic Vision. Particular attention is paid to programmes shown during Ramadhan. Quiz shows have become extremely popular with viewers able to phone in the answers in the hope of winning a prize. There are also studio audiences and teams competing for the prizes.

The Ministry attaches great importance to staff development and training. Television staff have been sent on numerous courses and study programmes. Omanisation of the radio and television services has always been an important objective for the Ministry since the services began. Now around 95% of the staff are Omani which is quite an achievement given the technical competence and skills demanded of them over such a short space of time.

The Oman Establishment for Press, News Publication and Advertising

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, in a further move to advance the media in Oman, issued Royal Decree No. 34/97 dated 25th June 1997, setting up the Oman Establishment for Press, News Publication and Advertising. The Royal Decree incorporates the duties of the Oman News Agency and the Government Press and Advertisement Department under the name OEPNPA.

The OEPNPA is expected to review the development process and explain the policies and stand of the Government.

The OEPNPA is a legal identity which enjoys an independent and administrative status.

Oman News Agency

The Oman News Agency (ONA), which was established in 1986 by Royal Decree, has become a valuable link in the mass media both at home and abroad. At home it is the distribution channel for all official press releases concerning foreign affairs, the economy and development, as well as for social and cultural activities. The agency follows the international news through its correspondents in foreign capitals and up-to-date technology using the Internet and satellite. The ONA receives news and pictures from Arab and foreign countries and transmits to them.

Publications

Oman currently has more than 25 publications available to the public, of which five are daily newspapers (three in Arabic, two in English). The remaining publications are of a specialist nature and are published by the Government or other institutions like the Chamber of Commerce and Central Bank of Oman. The most important Government publication is the Official Gazette which contains the complete text of all Royal Decrees and Ministerial Decisions. The promulgation of any new legislation is always carried by the daily press and announced on radio and television.

The Ministry attaches great importance to staff development and training. To this end, the 1999 training plan covered 82 different programmes and 303 employees were sent on courses both in Oman and overseas for higher studies. All courses were designed to meet the training needs of the participants and to enhance their knowledge and skills for greater efficiency and effectiveness

Muscat International Bookfair

The fifth Muscat International Bookfair was held at the Oman Exhibition Centre in March 2000. More than 300 publishers from 19 countries participated in the 10 day exhibition. The main Omani exhibitors and organisers were the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of National Heritage & Culture, Sultan Qaboos University and Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The Internet

The Ministry has no responsibility for the internet service which was introduced to Oman in 1996. No steps are being taken to control incoming or outgoing data. The Ministry has established its own website in both English and Arabic. It is updated frequently with important events relating to Oman and includes some sections from this booklet. Requests for information are received daily by e-mail, omanet@omantel.net.om, from all over the world and replies are sent promptly.

Other Ministries are making use of the internet, which is run by OMANTEL to promote Oman on the World Wide Web. The connection to the internet is seen as one of the best ways of promoting Oman's economy by providing instant information to investors on the political, economic and social climate of the country.

Web site addresses:

Ministry of Information: www.omanet.com

Radio Sultanate of Oman: www.oman-radio.gov.om

Oman TV: www.oman-tv.gov.om

Oman News Agency: www.omannews.com

Oman Daily Observer: www.omanobserver.com

Times of Oman: www.timesofoman.com