Oman News

2 minutes ago

Omani Man Jailed For Posting False Eviction Video To Mislead Public

The Suwaiq Court of First Instance has sentenced an Omani national, Fathi bin Ali bin Khamis, to two years in prison and fined him 1,000 riyals for posting a fabricated video on social media. According to the Public Prosecution, he was convicted of producing and sharing content that threatened public order and disrespected the judiciary. The man falsely claimed he had been evicted from his home, showing his children in a tent to gain sympathy and question the integrity of Oman’s judicial system. Investigations revealed that he was still residing in the same house and had not been evicted. He admitted to making the video with the aim of stirring public sentiment. The court issued the sentence in absentia and ordered that the verdict be published in local newspapers and on social media.

9 minutes ago

Oman Halts Shark Trade Permits Amid Extinction Concerns

Oman’s Environment Authority (EA) has announced a three-month suspension on the issuance of permits for the export, import, and re-export of all types of sharks and their derivatives, starting April 24. The temporary halt is part of an environmental initiative aimed at assessing shark population in Omani waters and addressing concerns over their decline. A senior official at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources said the measure is vital to prevent further depletion, citing the growing demand for shark fins as a major contributor to declining numbers. “Such measures are very important, as there will be nothing left underwater,” he added, without elaborating. Although Oman ranks only 17th globally in shark fin exports, it remains a key player in the international trade — a network that has pushed several shark species toward extinction. Government data shows Oman exports over $3 million worth of shark fins annually. Oman’s marine ecosystem is home to a wide range of shark species, including the Great Hammerhead, Bull Shark, Blacktip Shark, Milk Shark, Big-Eyed Houndshark, Bramble Shark, and Spot Tail Shark. In 2008, Oman became a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which mandates the […]

4 days ago

Oman: AI Cameras To Track Drivers Using Cell Phones

Oman Police have set up new cameras on Oman’s roads using artificial intelligence to identify when drivers are using their cell phones or committing other traffic violations. The move aims to detect mobile phone use while driving, as this system, using control cameras, can monitor and record phone-related violations, emphasising the dangers of distracted driving, including delayed reaction times and increased accident risks. Brigadier Engineer Ali bin Hamoud Al-Falahi, Director-General of Traffic at the Royal Oman Police, said that AI-powered cameras are now operational, capable of analysing images and identifying violations with high accuracy, adding these systems also help monitor traffic flow and identify congestion points and wanted vehicles, having already been tested extensively on Oman’s roads. “We hope such technologies would effectively reduce violations and accidents as road safety is a societal responsibility that requires the collective efforts of all institutions,” he said. Statistics show that mobile phone use is one of the main causes of traffic accidents, making this initiative a necessary step towards safer roads. Brigadier Al Falahi added that using mobile phones while driving is a significant negative behaviour that affects road safety, often leading to distractions and reduced concentration, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Such […]

5 days ago

Black Cobra Spotted In Oman For The First Time

In a major ecological breakthrough, scientists have confirmed the first recorded presence of the black cobra (Walterinnesia aegyptia) in Dhofar governorate, according to local media reports. The discovery raises the total number of scientifically documented snake species in Oman to 22. The find was made by researchers from the University of Nizwa’s Natural and Medical Sciences Research Centre, in collaboration with the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Spain. The discovery has been officially published in the international journal Zootaxa, and the supporting data uploaded to MorphoBank, a global open-access scientific database. Genetic testing showed a near-identical match between the specimens found in Oman and those previously recorded in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. As a result, scientists have synonymized Walterinnesia morgani with W. aegyptia, resolving a longstanding taxonomic dispute.Cobra Desert Black Cobra: Stealthy and dangerous The desert black cobra, a member of the Elapidae family, is known for its glossy, jet-black appearance and highly venomous nature. It is primarily nocturnal, with adults reaching up to 150 cm in length. Juveniles tend to be less defensive compared to other cobra species. Officials from the Omani Environment Authority have praised the discovery as a significant step in the country’s biodiversity research. They attributed […]

1 week ago

Oman Busts Human Trafficking Ring

Oman has said it has arrested an expatriate linked to an international ring running the illegal business of smuggling migrants to Europe. Royal Oman police said the Directorate General of Inquiries and Criminal Investigations, in coordination with the International Police (Interpol), had arrested a resident of Egyptian nationality found to be involved with an international network in carrying out multiple migrant smuggling operations from various countries to Europe in exchange for financial payments. There were no immediate details about how many suspects are linked to the racket and when it was uncovered. In another case, Oman arrested six Afghans while attempting to enter the country illegally. The arrests were made by the coastguard police while attempting the illegal entry in the Wilayat of Bukha, part of the Musandam governorate overlooking the Arabian Gulf. While cracking down on illegal foreigners, Oman has recently granted citizenship to several persons, who met certain criteria. Under Omani law, citizenship may be granted to individuals born in or outside Oman to an Omani parent. Foreigners can apply for naturalisation if they meet specific conditions, including being an adult proficient in Arabic reading and writing, having a continuous legal residence of at least 20 years (or […]

1 week ago

Trump Envoy In First ‘Direct, Constructive’ Contact With Iran After Laying Down Red Line

Not very much happened at the much-anticipated ‘indirect’ meeting between Iranian and US delegations in Oman on Saturday. While Tehran has been emphasizing the indirect nature of the dialogue, President Trump and his top officials have been calling these ‘direct’ talks. The main ‘positive’ is that the two sides didn’t yell each other out the room, or make new accusations – instead they agreed to keep the diplomatic engagement going. “Iran and the United States will hold more negotiations next week over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program, Iranian state television reported Saturday at the end of the first round of talks between the two countries since President Donald Trump returned to the White House,” The Associated Press reports as the meeting wrapped up. As for whether they were ‘direct’ or not, Iranian state did say that Trump regional onvoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi “briefly spoke in the presence of the Omani foreign minister” at the end of the talks. This does indeed mark the first direct interaction between the Islamic Republic and the Trump administration. It is Trump during his first term who pulled the US out of the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal (in April 2018). The Iranian side has announced that […]

2 weeks ago

Bahrain Scores Two Wins In Third GCC Beach Games Volleyball Opener

Bahrain’s beach volleyball teams delivered a strong performance on the opening day of the third GCC Beach Games, which kicked off at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in the Sultanate of Oman. Bahrain (2) began their campaign with a straight-sets victory over Saudi Arabia (1), winning 21-17 and 21-14 in the morning session. In the evening session, Bahrain (1) faced a tough match against Oman (2), ending in a 0-2 defeat with scores of 11-21 and 10-21. Bahrain (2) returned to secure a second win, this time with a dominant straight-sets victory over Qatar (2), winning 21-5 and 21-5. Both Bahraini teams continue their campaign with hopes of competing for top positions, amid strong regional participation and fierce competition in beach volleyball.

2 weeks ago

Watch: Fire Breaks Out in Oman Farm; No Injuries Reported

Fire broke out in waste material inside a farm in the Al Zahia area, Oman authorities said. The fire did not result in any injuries so far. Firefighting teams of the Civil Defense and Ambulance Department in the Governorate of Al Batinah North responded to the scene. Watch the video shared by authorities, here: استجابت فرق الإطفاء بإدارة الدفاع المدني والإسعاف بمحافظة #شمال_الباطنة لحادث نشوب حريق في مخلفات داخل إحدى المزارع بمنطقة الزاهية بولاية #لوى ، حيث تمكّنت الفرق من السيطرة على الحريق وإخماده ، دون تسجيل إصابات.#هيئة_الدفاع_المدني_والإسعاف pic.twitter.com/5FIAjAJMJl — الدفاع المدني والإسعاف – عُمان (@CDAA_OMAN) April 7, 2025 The teams were able to control and extinguish the fire, authorities added. Earlier, on April 3, rescue teams responded to a gas explosion which took place in a commercial building in Qurayyat. The explosion resulted in six people being injured, ranging from moderate to critical. One person was trapped under the rubble, and after a rescue operation, he was taken to the hospital to receive treatment for his critical condition. Also read: Oman: Man Sentenced For 5 Years In Prison For Kidnapping A Child

2 weeks ago

Oman: Man Sentenced For 5 Years In Prison For Kidnapping A Child

A man who abducted a child from the street near his home has been given five years in jail. The Seeb Criminal Court of First Instance has recently handed down the sentence to the Omani man after he was found guilty of kidnap, indecently assaulting the Omani child and infringing on his privacy. The court also ordered him to pay a fine OMR5,000 for the victim’s family and to pay the legal fees as well. The incident took place in the wilayat of Seeb last year. Official court documents stated that the child, who is 10-year old, was playing with his siblings outside their house when the incident took place. The defendant, who was under the influence of alcohol, stopped at him, spoke with the boy and lured him to his car and then sped away. Then he drove the victim to a remote area of attempting to sexually assault him. Luckily, the child escaped by jumping out of the defendant’s moving car and made it to his family house. The intoxicated assailant convinced the child to sit on his lap to show him how to drive his vehicle and forced him to play with his private parts. Article 257 of […]

3 weeks ago

Man Gored To Death In Oman As Bull Goes On A Rampage

An Omani man was killed after being gored by a fighting bull in the wilayat of Liwa, in North Batinah governorate, on Friday. The young spectator was gored to death after the bull went on a rampage in the Liwa arena, where a bullfighting event was taking place with hundreds of spectators. Several other spectators were also injured in the incident. Bullfights have been held in small Omani villages for decades and continue today in the wilayats of Barka, Khabourah, Saham, Sohar, and Liwa. A video of the attack went viral on social media, prompting many users on X to call for stricter rules and safety measures to protect both animals and spectators. Despite a 2020 ban on the use of animals for entertainment and sports like bullfighting, these events are still organised on a weekly basis. The law imposes fines on those who use animals for artistic or entertainment performances. Under this regulation, animal owners are in violation if they subject animals to unnatural acts, force them to perform in entertainment shows such as wrestling arenas and circuses, or use cruelty in preparing them for slaughter. Additionally, offenses include neglecting animals, depriving them of adequate nutrition or rest, overworking […]

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Omani Man Jailed For Posting False Eviction Video To Mislead Public

Oman Halts Shark Trade Permits Amid Extinction Concerns

Saudi Arabia To Localize 41 Professions In Tourism Sector, Including Hotel Manager And Receptionist

Indian PM Modi Arrives In Jeddah On Two-Day State Visit

Search Here

Omani Man Jailed For Posting False Eviction Video To Mislead Public

Oman Halts Shark Trade Permits Amid Extinction Concerns

Oman: AI Cameras To Track Drivers Using Cell Phones

Black Cobra Spotted In Oman For The First Time

Oman Busts Human Trafficking Ring

Trump Envoy In First ‘Direct, Constructive’ Contact With Iran After Laying Down Red Line

Bahrain Scores Two Wins In Third GCC Beach Games Volleyball Opener

Watch: Fire Breaks Out in Oman Farm; No Injuries Reported

Oman: Man Sentenced For 5 Years In Prison For Kidnapping A Child

Man Gored To Death In Oman As Bull Goes On A Rampage

Recent Posts

Omani Man Jailed For Posting False Eviction Video To Mislead Public

Oman Halts Shark Trade Permits Amid Extinction Concerns

Saudi Arabia To Localize 41 Professions In Tourism Sector, Including Hotel Manager And Receptionist

Indian PM Modi Arrives In Jeddah On Two-Day State Visit

6-Month Jail And SR50,000 Fine For Expats Who Overstay Their Visas

Saudi Citizen And Sudanese National Arrested For Publishing Fake Hajj Campaign Ads

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