What has been Oman's most significant event of 2015? why?

Muluk Ali Mohsin Government employee

The most significant event for me was the opening of the National Museum this year. It is an important landmark that will help residents and tourists know about Omani culture history and heritage and showcase the many dimensions of sultanate's civilisation.

Abdullah al Muqimi Private sector employee

I feel the most important achievement for Oman has been its role in working towards stability in the region. The sultanate has taken all efforts to maintain peace. To strengthen the bond of friendship between GCC states the Royal Navy of Oman's new sail training ship Shabab Oman II visited member states and continues to sail around the world as sultanate's maritime ambassador.

Meer Waheed Assistant manager

The return of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said in good health was the most important event of 2015. Oman withstood the negative effects of the economic slide. I think this is also a big achievement. Development projects continue to be initiated in the sultanate.

Shoaib Numul Amin Private sector employee

I think the return of His Majesty the Sultan to Oman was the biggest news of the year. It gave us reason to celebrate this National Day with greater fervour. His Majesty the Sultan's return to Oman in good health has been a blessing from the Almighty for the people of the sultanate.

Mohammed Farwanh Private sector employee

Apart from His Majesty the Sultan's return earlier this year Oman witnessed a number of other significant events such as qualifying for the T20 World Cup and the Majlis A'Shura elections. The success of the cricket team is a historic achievement as it was the first time Oman qualified for such a top sports event.

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How well do you think Oman is coping with fall in oil prices?

Abdul Hamid al Zadjali Businessman

The country under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and his ministers is dealing with the crisis quite well. We are doing well because our government is looking to improve other sectors such as tourism. The slump in oil prices has created problems everywhere and I think that governments must cooperate with each other to get out of the situation.

Govind Sampath Government employee

I think Oman is doing fairly well in spite of low oil prices. I have not heard of Oman stopping any of its projects. Various media reports show that the sultanate is creating more jobs for young people as well.

Khalil al Balushi Private sector employee

I don't think Oman is struggling to cope with the fall in oil prices. It is doing good. But it is time that GCC countries focus on diversifying their economies. Our government is working towards this and I think this is the reason why we have a stable economy today.

Najat al Busaidy Government employee

Oman is struggling due to low oil prices. I know a few companies that have not been giving increments to their employees for some time now. Countries around the world are grappling for funds but we must stay calm and trust our government.

Pradeep Sen Private sector employee

Times are hard and Oman is facing a crisis. Some of my friends have told me that they have been denied loans. I think these are indicators of an economic slowdown. But I don't think there is any reason to panic as the sultanate has a lot of projects in hand that will help boost its revenue.

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Do you think the economic slowdown affected Oman in a big way in 2015?

Saleh al Maamari Private sector employee

I don't think that economic slowdown has affected Oman in a big way. Some government departments recently had to cut costs on some projects but it was not done in a big way. I think the impact would be strong only if oil prices continue to fall further. I believe the prices will strengthen in the coming months.

Salim Khalfan Private sector employee

My family has been affected by the economic slowdown. Apart from cutting expenses on entertainment and other extracurricular activities we are also trying to save on regular household expenditure.

Akhtar Azmi Private sector employee

I don't think the slowdown has affected Oman in a big way. People should not believe on hearsay and panic as life in Oman remains the same. I have not seen any drastic changes as we are able to take care of our families in the same way asearlier.

Aiman K Private sector employee

Oman has been affected by the economic slowdown but not in a big way. Some businesses are going through a rough phase but I am sure things will be better soon. We need to be patient.

Talib Suedan Private sector employee

Yes. Many banks have become stricter on sanctioning loans. This happens only when the economy slumps and is struggling to stabilise. This is an indicator that things are not as good as they should be.

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What are your expectations from 2016 in terms of economic development?

Sindhu A Private sector employee

I hope 2016 will be a better year in terms of growth and development and companies work towards fulfilling customer expectations. Oman will hopefully attract a lot of investments and industries too which will boost its economy.

Anannya Goswami Private sector employee

The year 2016 should be good. Expectations are many but in terms of economic development it is difficult to say anything as an expatriate. However I am sure that any decision taken by the authorities will be for the benefit of the country and its people.

Debarun Bhatt Student

My expectations for the new year are high. But going by the current economic situation it seems tough to hope for too many things. Every country functions keeping in mind its future and I am sure Oman has a back-up plan for any crisis that arises.

Kish Ray Private sector employee

Oman is a very progressive country. The decisions taken by the government so far have always been beneficial. With the country looking at tourism and other non-renewable sources of energy for revenue generation the path to economic development would be smooth.

Paul Cherian Private sector employee

Economies across the world are witnessing a slowdown at present. I hope 2016 brings growth and development for everyone. The government is looking to diversify and turning to new sectors to boost revenue. I hope Oman leads the way in generating revenue from sources other than oil.