Oman to Give Visa-Free 10-Day Entry to 103 Countries to Boost Tourism

Oman last week said it would resume granting tourist visas to people visiting on trips arranged by hotels and travel companies. (AFP)
Oman last week said it would resume granting tourist visas to people visiting on trips arranged by hotels and travel companies. (AFP)
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Oman to Give Visa-Free 10-Day Entry to 103 Countries to Boost Tourism

Oman last week said it would resume granting tourist visas to people visiting on trips arranged by hotels and travel companies. (AFP)
Oman last week said it would resume granting tourist visas to people visiting on trips arranged by hotels and travel companies. (AFP)

Oman will exempt nationals of 103 counties from needing an entry visa for a stay of up to 10 days, police said on Wednesday, in a move to support tourism and shore up its struggling economy.

Visitors must have a confirmed hotel reservation, health insurance and a return ticket, Royal Oman Police said on its Twitter account.

“Nationals of 103 counties are exempted from entry visas into the Sultanate for a period of ten days,” it said.

Oman last week said it would resume granting tourist visas to people visiting on trips arranged by hotels and travel companies, after they were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Gulf state resumed international flights on Oct. 1, but only citizens and people holding valid existing residency and work visas could enter.

Oman, rated sub-investment grade by all major credit rating agencies, faces a widening deficit and large debt maturities in coming few years. It has recently embarked on a new fiscal plan to wean itself off its dependence on oil revenues.



MWL Chief: ‘Building Bridges’ Document Marks Key Shift in Islamic Cooperation

The “Global Conference for Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” was held in March, 2024 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The “Global Conference for Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” was held in March, 2024 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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MWL Chief: ‘Building Bridges’ Document Marks Key Shift in Islamic Cooperation

The “Global Conference for Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” was held in March, 2024 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The “Global Conference for Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects” was held in March, 2024 (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa said on Tuesday that the MWL’s “Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools” document is a major step forward in promoting unity within the Muslim world.

He said the endorsement of the document highlights the combined efforts of governments and scholars to strengthen solidarity, counter division, and serve the Muslim community.

During its 50th session in Yaoundé, Cameroon, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) approved the document.

Issued by the MWL, it aims to heal sectarian divisions by promoting dialogue based on Islamic teachings. The document seeks to end long-standing disputes that have caused divisions within the Muslim community, urging a shift from unproductive debates to meaningful discussions.

The document was first presented in March at the “Global Conference for Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects,” held under the patronage of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

It gathered scholars from various Islamic sects worldwide and contains 28 articles focused on unity through the guidance of the Quran and the Prophet’s teachings.

Al-Issa praised King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support of the conference and Saudi Arabia’s leadership in uniting the Muslim world, emphasizing the Kingdom’s role in serving the Two Holy Mosques.