Oman: Inflation Fell by 1.4 Percent in November

A Omani man passes in front of an American fashion brand, American Eagle Outfitters in City Center Mall in Muscat, Oman, on February 11, 2019. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
A Omani man passes in front of an American fashion brand, American Eagle Outfitters in City Center Mall in Muscat, Oman, on February 11, 2019. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
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Oman: Inflation Fell by 1.4 Percent in November

A Omani man passes in front of an American fashion brand, American Eagle Outfitters in City Center Mall in Muscat, Oman, on February 11, 2019. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
A Omani man passes in front of an American fashion brand, American Eagle Outfitters in City Center Mall in Muscat, Oman, on February 11, 2019. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Oman’s Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation fell by 1.46 percent in November compared to the same month of 2019, according to the latest data released by the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

According to the report, the inflation rate in November fell by 0.09 percent compared to October.

The price of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels fell by 0.42 percent, clothing and footwear by 0.13 percent, furnishings, household equipment, and routine household maintenance by 0.25 percent; transport by 5.88 percent, communication by 0.04 percent and restaurants and hotels by 0.25 percent.

Moreover, the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages fell by 0.78 percent.

However, health witnessed a price increase by 0.02 percent; recreation and culture by 0.52 percent and education by 0.08 percent.

In another context, the Sultanate’s average daily production of crude oil during November 2020 has recorded 720,789 barrels.

The daily November average oil production has slipped by 0.04 percent m-o-m compared with October 2020 daily average production, according to the monthly report published by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals.

Additionally, the per day average exported quantities of Oman Blend crude oil recorded 777,207 barrels, and increased by 4.77 percent compared with last month.

The average price of Oman’s Crude Oil futures contract at the Dubai Mercantile Exchange similarly increased by 6.6 percent compared with the previous month.

The monthly official selling price for Oman Crude oil for January 2021 delivery – traded during November 2020 - was announced to be USD43.83 per barrel, and increased by USD2.72 compared with October 2020 official selling price.

Oman has created a new upstream oil and gas company, named Energy Development Oman (EDO). Its primary activities will be related to projects in PDO's prolific Block 6.



Saudi Arabia and China Explore Promising Tourism Opportunities

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with a number of Chinese investors in Beijing (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with a number of Chinese investors in Beijing (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia and China Explore Promising Tourism Opportunities

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with a number of Chinese investors in Beijing (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with a number of Chinese investors in Beijing (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with the Chinese Tourism Association to explore investment opportunities and means to strengthen bilateral ties in the sector. Al-Khateeb also discussed with several investors in Beijing investment prospects in the Kingdom’s tourism industry.

On Thursday, Al-Khateeb launched a global promotional campaign in Beijing, inaugurating the Saudi Travel Expo at the renowned Tian Tan Park, which will run until Oct. 26.

The Saudi delegation, led by Al-Khateeb, included top officials and key partners from the Saudi tourism ecosystem, aiming to elevate Saudi Arabia’s global presence and demonstrate its readiness to welcome Chinese tourists. The delegation held multiple bilateral meetings with China’s Civil Aviation Authority, the Chinese Tourism Association, airlines, and representatives from major companies like Trip.com, Tuniu, Alibaba, Huawei, and Klook.

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with prominent Chinese companies, including H World Group and Jin Jiang Group. Al-Khateeb emphasized that this global campaign is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to foster closer collaboration with China through strategic partnerships aimed at developing the tourism sectors in both countries. He expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Chinese tourists, particularly following Saudi Arabia’s designation as an official key destination for Chinese travelers.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and board member of the Saudi Tourism Authority, stressed that China is one of the most important international markets for Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the growing interest among Chinese tourists in experiencing the country’s unique and inspiring travel offerings.

The Saudi Travel Expo features interactive exhibits showcasing the beauty of key Saudi destinations such as Diriyah, AlUla, and Al-Baha. Visitors can enjoy photo opportunities against backdrops of famous Saudi landmarks and witness live demonstrations of traditional crafts like sadu weaving, as well as local musical performances. Saudi tourism partners are also offering special travel packages to major destinations like Jeddah, Neom, and the Red Sea, along with the chance to participate in world-class events such as Riyadh Season and MDL Beast.