Covid-19 Government Measures - Oman

Oman has suffered 114.1 deaths per million inhabitants, ranking it the 36th hardest hit country out of 150 countries recorded in the world as of 16 August.¹

• Dubai reopened to international tourists on 7 July.
• Malls are now permitted to operate at 100% capacity.
• A verification and validation process has been established in collaboration with various government departments in Dubai to issue the “Dubai Assured” stamp to hotel and retail establishments, F&B outlets and tourist attractions. The process includes proving adherence to health and safety guidelines issued in accordance with the preventive protocols outlined by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has cited Tarassud+ as one of the most powerful technological solutions deployed in the Middle East. It tracks the movement and spread of Covid-19 and ensures patient compliance with isolation measures.
• The app broadcasts updates on the number of people infected with Covid-19 in the Sultanate.
• Once patients are diagnosed, a medical tracking bracelet connected to the application ensures that infected patients stay at home for the duration of their quarantine.
• As well as up to date Covid-19 statistics, guidelines and best practices offered by contact tracing applications elsewhere, Tarassud+ also enables access to medical hotlines and support staff so patients can discuss their symptoms and be directed to facilities.

Ithraa’s ‘Invest in Oman’ portal, launched last year, aims to both market Oman as a hub for business operations and to facilitate easy set-up of operations in the country.

• Oman Technology Fund (OTF) has allocated USD 2.6 million to support start-ups developing ideas for short- and long-term pandemic-related projects.
• Many of the projects funded are aimed at digitizing more traditional areas of the Omani market, while maintaining their local essence.

• The Capital Market Authority (CMA) issued licensing requirements for third-party administrators (TPAs) in the insurance sector to bring them in line with global standards.
• The goal of this legislation is to encourage trust in the country’s insurance ecosystem—in particular, customer-facing companies, which can facilitate cost effective and efficient claims.
• The regulation is in response to expected growth in the health insurance market in the Sultanate after Covid-19.
• The legislation also supports easy investing by nationals, promoting Omanization and investment in human resources by offering opportunities for fresh graduates from local colleges and universities.

1. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1104709/coronavirus-deaths-worldwide-per-million-inhabitants/
2. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19
3. http://www.emro.who.int/health-topics/corona-virus/using-technology-to-contain-covod-19-in-oman.html
4. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/06/how-has-covid-19-affected-omans-plans-for-a-sustainable-economic-future/
5. http://omannews.gov.om/en