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Skip the flight, catch the ferry: Pakistan–Oman set to launch sea service

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Pakistan and Oman are moving closer to launching a direct ferry service between Gwadar and the Sultanate, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance trade, and build regional connectivity.

The developments came during a high-level meeting on Thursday between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and the Ambassador of Oman to Pakistan, Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi.

Maritime Trade in Focus

Both sides reaffirmed their deep-rooted diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties and discussed plans to accelerate cooperation in the maritime sector. Minister Chaudhry highlighted that Pakistan’s exports to Oman via sea ports reached $224 million in 2024, but stressed the potential to significantly increase this figure through joint initiatives.

Gwadar-Oman Ferry Could Unlock Billions

A major highlight of the meeting was the proposal to launch a direct ferry service from Gwadar to Oman, which Chaudhry said could unlock $10–15 billion annually for Pakistan through trade expansion, transit revenue, and investment inflows.

Potential New Ferry Routes

  • Based on current and past plans, potential ferry routes from Pakistan include:
    • Karachi to Gwadar
    • Gwadar to Muscat (Oman)
    • Karachi to Muscat (Oman)
    • Karachi to Chabahar (Iran)
    • Gwadar to Chabahar (Iran)
    • International excursion tours
    • Local city operation within Karachi 
    • Past Sea Routes that Were Proposed
  • There have been past discussions and reports about ferry services between Pakistan and other regions but they have yet to become a reality:
    • Dubai-Karachi Ferry Service: A luxury ferry service between Karachi and Dubai was approved in 2006, with Gulf Dream Cruise being the first operator. This service was planned to take two days and cost $549 for a round trip. However, the feasibility of a regular ferry service for fast passenger transfers was questioned due to the affordability of flights.
    • India-Dubai: The Indian government had granted permission for the launch of a cruise ferry service connecting Kerala and Dubai in 2023. The ferry service operating on the Beypur-Kochi-Dubai route, would prvide connectivity between Dubai and Kochi, within just three days and enable expats in the UAE to carry 10 times more luggage and travel at a lower cost than airlines. The ticket was expected to cost at around Dh450.
    • Iran Ferry Service: There was a plan to launch a ferry service between Karachi/Gwadar and Chabahar in Iran, primarily to facilitate pilgrims and offer a safer alternative to road travel.

Maritime Training & Human Capital Development

Chaudhry also proposed offering specialised training and scholarships for Omani students at the Pakistan Marine Academy, which is being upgraded to university status. The goal: to foster long-term maritime collaboration and build shared human capital in marine sciences and navigation.

Strong Cultural Ties and Diaspora Links

Ambassador Al Kharusi welcomed the proposals and highlighted the strong cultural connections between the two nations. He noted that Urdu remains widely spoken and understood in Oman, reflecting historic social bonds, and praised the Pakistani community’s role in Oman’s development.

The ambassador also backed greater B2B (business-to-business) engagements to unlock new trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

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Self.space puts the power of photography in your hands

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Forget Snow White’s mirror — this one doesn’t compare, doesn’t critique, and answers only to you. Introducing self.space, a revolutionary sealed-room mirror photography studio that’s as private as your thoughts and as flattering as your best angle.

In a region where modesty and privacy are deeply valued, self.space is reimagining the photoshoot experience. No photographers. No spectators. No pressure. Just you and a smart mirror, inside a sound-insulated, self-directed studio designed for complete comfort and control.

Traditional photoshoots can feel intimidating — unfamiliar surroundings, judgmental eyes, and the pressure to perform. self.space changes that. Walk into a sleek studio, close the door behind you, and watch the privacy light switch on. Now it’s just you — free to pose, express, and capture your image on your terms.

“We found that people reject photos not because they lack beauty or talent — but because tension stays on their faces,” say co-founders Mitia Muravev (Founder & CEO) and Peter Bondarenko (Founder & CPO). “That tension is stronger in the Arab world, where privacy and modesty are part of daily life.” Mitia drives the brand’s vision and partnerships, while Peter leads the tech — from embedded cameras and edge AI to full-stack infrastructure. Together, they’ve created more than a photo studio — they’ve packaged confidence.

How it works:

  1. Walk in – Door closes, privacy light turns on.
  2. Capture – Use the remote to take unlimited shots.
  3. AI Perfects – Instant, natural-looking touch-ups preserve your true look.
  4. Gallery Ready – A secure link to your encrypted gallery is sent to your phone before you leave.

Whether you want professional portraits, personal mementos, or a quiet moment of self-reflection, self.space offers something rare: a private, pressure-free space to simply be yourself — and love what you see.

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UAE banks to ditch OTPs via SMS and email starting Friday: Here’s what you need to do

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Starting Friday, July 25, UAE banks will begin phasing out those familiar one-time passwords (OTPs) sent via SMS and email. Instead, you’ll need to verify all your financial and online transactions, including transfers within and outside the country, directly through your bank’s mobile app.

The change is part of a Central Bank of the UAE directive aimed at boosting digital banking security and making things smoother for customers.

According to an official circular, banks have been instructed to shift entirely to in-app authentication, requiring customers to enable the feature through their mobile banking applications.

The document notes: “Based on instructions from the Central Bank of the UAE, please note that the receipt of one-time passwords via text messages or email will be gradually phased out. Customers can now complete electronic transactions with ease via the smart application by selecting the ‘Authentication via App’ feature.”

So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to update your banking app and get familiar with app-based authentication, no more scrambling for SMS codes, and a whole lot more security.

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No more cash, no more queues: Dubai goes digital for cargo payments

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If you’ve ever dealt with the back-and-forth of cargo payments, this news might make your day. Dubai-based Emirates SkyCargo has partnered with digital logistics payment platform PayCargo to introduce faster, smoother, and cash-free payment options to the UAE’s freight industry, eliminating delays and manual paperwork.

Digital payment platform PayCargo has officially launched operations in the UAE, and Emirates SkyCargo is the first carrier in the country to sign up. The move brings a new era of convenience for cargo customers, who can now make instant online payments via credit card or direct debit, and enjoy same-day or next-business-day cargo release.

The partnership marks a key step in replacing traditional manual systems, like cash payments and physical paperwork, which still dominate many freight operations across the region.

 “Our goal is to provide customers with a reliable, efficient, and time-saving alternative to outdated systems,” said Eduardo Del Riego, President and CEO of PayCargo.”

The launch follows PayCargo’s strategic tie-up with Seed Group, part of the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, which helped the US-based firm establish a footprint in the Middle East.

It also aligns with the UAE’s broader push to become a global leader in digital infrastructure and smart logistics. With Emirates SkyCargo on board, PayCargo’s entry sets the tone for a more connected, tech-enabled freight future in the region.

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