Yearbook 2009
Oman. According to countryaah, a German cargo ship, the convenience flag in Antigua and Barbuda, was hijacked in June 60 nautical miles south of the city of Sur on the Omani coast, the NATO military alliance reported. The suspicions fell on Somali pirates, and this was the first time they had operated so far from the African coast.
In the Gulf Football Championship, which was played in Muscat in January, Oman won at home by defeating Saudi Arabia by 6-5 on penalties. The victory was the country’s first in the championship.
November
Oman before income tax
November 1
The Ministry of Finance publishes a long-term economic plan for the years 2020–2024 and reveals that income tax for high-income earners will be introduced in 2022. Oman will be the first Gulf state in the partner organization GCC to introduce income tax. It is not clear at what income level tax is to be levied, but both the royal family and the business elite are likely to be affected. The financial plan also states the goal that central government revenues from sources other than oil will increase from 28 to 35 percent. Oman’s oil revenues have declined as a result of falling oil prices and agreements within Opec on reduced production. In addition, the corona crisis has also reduced other incomes and the country’s economy is expected to shrink in 2020.
October
Oman before VAT
October 12
In April 2021, Oman will impose a 5 percent VAT on goods and services, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq decides by royal decree. The intention is to strengthen the treasury in times of low oil prices and the corona crisis. There will be no tax on rents, basic food, school fees and travel tickets on public transport.
September
The British are expanding their fleet
11 September
Britain announces plans to expand its military base in a port in Oman, near the Indian Ocean and the politically sensitive waters of the Persian Gulf. In the port of al-Duqm, which is located approximately in the middle of the coast of Oman, there is a dry dock with the capacity to accommodate British aircraft carriers. Britain is now to carry out an expansion for 23.8 million pounds, the British Ministry of Defense announces.