Muscat – The move is part of the Municipality’s broader initiative to strengthen partnerships with the private sector and support local development. The tender is open to companies registered with Oman’s Tender Board, and applications are to be submitted through the official e-tendering portal.

The scope of the tender includes the humane capture and transport of stray dogs to the Rifq Service headquarters, in compliance with strict health and safety protocols. Bidders are expected to demonstrate capability in handling the geographic and climatic diversity of the Governorate throughout the contract duration.

The tender, open to companies registered with the Tender Board via the official e-tendering website, requires contractors to adhere to stringent health and safety standards during the capture and transport of stray dogs to the Rifq service headquarters. Contractors must also demonstrate an understanding of the Governorate’s diverse geography and climate.

The Rifq service, launched in 2024, represents a pioneering effort in Oman to manage, rehabilitate, and care for stray animals, including dogs, cats, and other species. Muscat Municipality Chairman Ahmed Mohammed al Humaidi emphasized the initiative’s commitment to humane animal management, drawing on international best practices.

The programme focuses on capturing, sterilising, and providing medical care to stray animals before returning them to their natural habitats. This approach aims to minimize public health risks and create a sustainable urban environment.

Residents can report stray animal sightings through the Muscat Municipality call centre or the ‘Baladiyati’ smart application, triggering a response from trained teams. Al Humaidi expressed the municipality’s willingness to share its expertise with other governorates and expand the program to include other animal species.