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China and North Korea Open New Yalu River Bridge After 12-Year Delay Beijing, 15 Oct 2026 (ONA) --- China and North Korea today inaugurated the new Yalu River bridge linking the northeastern Chinese city of Dandong to the North Korean city of Sinuiju, following a 12-year delay, according to the China News Agency (Xinhua). Beijing expects the new bridge, which spans 3 kilometers and comprises four lanes, to boost economic and trade exchanges and people-to-people ties. Observers anticipate the new

Finance Ministry Signs Agreement to Enhance Capabilities of Oman National Hydrographic Office Bangkok, 15 Oct 2026 (ONA) — The Ministry of Finance, in coordination with the Royal Navy of Oman, signed an agreement with the Thai company Marsun to enhance the operational and technical capabilities of Oman National Hydrographic Office. The agreement includes providing a number of hydrographic survey equipment, transferring expertise, and building national capabilities in the field of hydrographic surveying. The agreement was signed on behalf of the

Japan, US Strike $21 Billion Semiconductor Production Deal Tokyo, 15 Oct 2026 (ONA) --- Japan announced today that it has reached an agreement with the United States on a semiconductor manufacturing project in the state of New York, with investments totaling nearly $21 billion. The project is the third among investment initiatives undertaken under the bilateral trade agreement concluded between the two countries last year, under which Japan secured US tariff exemptions. The project aims to bolster the resilience of

Asian Currencies Slide as US Rate-Hike Signals Mount Washington, 15 Oct 2026 (ONA) --- Most emerging-market currencies in Asia retreated today after US inflation data reinforced bets that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates, fueling investor concerns over higher borrowing costs and pressuring artificial-intelligence-linked equities globally. The South Korean won fell more than 1% to a two-week low of 1,352.84 per dollar, while the Taiwan dollar weakened sharply to 32.325, its weakest level since early August, amid a heavy

Gold Rebounds from One-Week Low as Dollar Retreats Singapore, 15 Oct 2026 (ONA) --- Gold prices rose more than one percent today, rebounding from a one-week low touched in the previous session, as the dollar retreated and investors weighed the likelihood of a US interest rate hike this month following a report pointing to rising inflation. Spot gold climbed 1.3 percent to $4,158.63 an ounce after hitting its lowest level since October 7 on Wednesday. US gold futures for December

Oman and Germany Explore Areas of Cooperation Muscat, 15 Oct 2026 (ONA) --- Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs, received today Dr. Géza Andreas von Geyr, State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and ways to enhance them, particularly in light of Germany's drive to diversify existing areas of cooperation and encourage

Second Leg of Races Among Privately-Owned Camels Concludes in Barka Barka, 15 October 2026 (ONA) --- The second leg of races of privately-owned camels (2026/2027 season) concluded at Al Fulaij racecourse in the Wilayat of Barka today. Organized by Oman Camel Racing Federation, the event featured competitions among camel categories/segments of Jidaa (aged 4 to 5 years), Thanaya (aged 5 to 6 years), Hawl (female camels aged 6 years or more) and Zamool (male camels aged 6 years or more).

Social Development Ministry Launches Occupational Rehabilitation Program Halls Muscat, 15 Oct 2026 (ONA) — The Ministry of Social Development launched today the halls for the Occupational Rehabilitation Program for persons with severe and multiple disabilities over the age of 18. The project was funded by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). The ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Abdullah Hamoud Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development for Persons with Disability Affairs. This project comes within the framework

Oil Slides as Investors Weigh Supply Outlook and Middle East Developments Beijing, 15 Oct 2026 (ONA) --- Oil prices fell by more than a dollar in early trading today as investors assessed supply risks stemming from attacks on vessels transiting the Middle East and US efforts to lower oil shipping costs by easing sanctions on tankers. Brent crude futures dropped $1.39, or 1.31 percent, to $104.67 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell $1.02, or 1.07 percent