Oman’s Sultan Says Government’s Plan Serves ‘Financial Sustainability’

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. File photo
Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. File photo
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Oman’s Sultan Says Government’s Plan Serves ‘Financial Sustainability’

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. File photo
Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. File photo

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq has affirmed that austerity measures endorsed by the authorities aim at achieving “financial sustainability.”

Sultan Haitham on Wednesday addressed the nation on television on the occasion of the country’s 50th National Day.

“Despite the challenges facing our economy, the financial balance plan, and the measures that have been taken are sufficient to bring our economy to a safe shore,” he said.

In his speech, the Sultan stated that the government had taken the necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sultan Haitham stressed that to support the government’s ability to move forward in achieving Oman 2040 Vision, “we have worked to develop the state’s administrative apparatus and the restructuring of the Council of Ministers, and we have entrusted to it the responsibility of implementing development plans” in a way that enhances government performance and raises its efficiency."

The Sultan added that his government will continue working on “reviewing" legislative and supervisory mechanisms, and developing accountability tools as a “main pillar of Oman’s future.”

He stressed the importance of accountability in “safeguarding the rights of the nation and citizens,” and its role in establishing justice and integrity.

On decentralization, Sultan Haitham said in his speech, “We have laid the organizational basis for local administration by establishing a decentralized administrative structure."

He stressed that the health, social and economic sectors are at the top of the government’s priorities, with an emphasis on continuing to support these sectors “to provide health services and education with utmost efficiency.”

The Sultan also highlighted the positive aspect of the pandemic on the government’s digital transformation, saying it helped accelerate its pace.



Riyadh Air Orders 60 Airbus A321neo Planes

Riyadh Air planes. Photo: Riyadh Air website
Riyadh Air planes. Photo: Riyadh Air website
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Riyadh Air Orders 60 Airbus A321neo Planes

Riyadh Air planes. Photo: Riyadh Air website
Riyadh Air planes. Photo: Riyadh Air website

Saudi Arabia's newest airline Riyadh Air said on Wednesday it had placed an order for 60 Airbus narrowbody A321-family jets as it prepares to start operations in 2025.

The deal, signed at the Future Investment Initiative forum in Riyadh, brings to 132 the total number of jets ordered by the Saudi startup, which last year ordered 39 Boeing 787 Dreamliners with options for 33 more.

The creation of Riyadh Air by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund is part of a broader Saudi strategy to diversify its economy and boost tourism.

“This deal underlines the airline’s ambitious intentions in advance of next year’s launch, as it builds a comprehensive international network and establishes Riyadh as a major strategic global aviation hub,” Yasir Al Rumayyan, governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and chairman of Riyadh Air, said.

CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus Christian Scherer said: “The latest generation A321neo aircraft will bring exceptional efficiency to the airline's operations, concrete contributions to its decarbonization goals and comfort to its passengers. We look forward to working together to support the strong ambitions of Saudi aviation."