According to an official, several people are still feared trapped in the debris
Oman will start reforming its expensive system of subsidies in January by shifting the focus of its electricity and water spending to its poorest citizens, the government said on Sunday.
The plan, along with labour laws, privatisations and new taxation, is aimed at reducing a yawning fiscal deficit expected to come to 10% of economic output this year, according to an International Monetary Fund forecast.
Oman has piled up debt over the past few years and is rated below investment-grade by all major credit ratings agencies.
The government said the new subsidy system for electricity and water will exclude households earning more than 1,250 rials ($3,260) a month.
Families with income of less than 500 rials will continue to receive government support in utility bills, the government media office said in a statement. For other classes, subsidies will depend on the number of family members.
The new plan will start running in January and eligible Omanis have to apply starting on Sunday.
It was unclear if foreign residents will also benefit from the new system.
Oman has also begun preliminary discussions with some Gulf countries about financial support.
Low oil prices and the economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak have strained the finances of Oman, a relatively small energy producer.
New ruler Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said has shaken up the government and state entities, and in October approved introducing value-added tax from next April to boost state revenues. — Reuters
According to an official, several people are still feared trapped in the debris
Amateurs Afzaal Ahmad, Parvez Ahmed, and Arbaaz Ahmad shine with an Impressive 89-point performance at the Emirates Golf Club
The Meteorological Organisation that it is closely monitoring what is being circulated on social media
There have been a series of school fires in the country in recent years, many of them which have turned out to be arson
Salama Alfalacy is into realistic art featuring landscapes and wildlife, while Meera Jamal Al Midfa is setting new grounds in performance art and filmmaking
Dubai Police have asked drivers to be extra cautious
The storm had already claimed the lives of at least two people in China's Hainan and 16 people in the Philippines
Dubai Police have asked drivers to be extra cautious