20 hours ago

Oman Makes History: Successfully Launches First Rocket ‘Duqm-1’

The Sultanate of Oman has successfully launched its first experimental rocket named “Duqm-1” into space, making history as the first space launch experiment in the Middle East. The launch was carried out by the National Space Services Company (NASCOM) under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology. This significant milestone marks Oman’s entry into the space sector, aligning with its strategic initiatives to enhance its capabilities in this field. The rocket was launched at 10:05 AM local time from a global site south of the Wilayat of Duqm, located at coordinates 18 degrees north and 56 degrees east. The launch site is considered a regional space hub, further establishing Oman’s presence in the global space industry.

3 days ago

Over 1,000 Violating Workers Arrested In Muscat Governorate

The Ministry of Labour (MoL) has arrested more than 1,500 violating workers in Muscat Governorate in November 2024. Mol said in a statement :”The Ministry of Labour, represented by the General Directorate of Labour Welfare in Muscat Governorate, the Joint Inspection Team, with the support of the Inspection Unit of the Security and Safety Services, carried out inspection campaigns in Muscat Governorate in November 2024. The campaigns resulted in the arrest of 1,551 violating workers, including 1,270 who had left their jobs and whose services had ended, 69 of whom were working for non-employers, and 148 who were working in regulated professions without a permit and 64 workers who were working on their own account. 518 labor violations were referred to the Public Prosecution. “

4 days ago

Oman To Soon Withdraw Some Banknotes From Circulation

The Central Bank of the Sultanate of Oman(CBO) had issued a circular on Sunday, January 7, 2024, announcing the termination of certain denominations of the national currency. These denominations will be withdrawn from circulation and deemed invalid after December 31, 2024. The affected denominations include: To facilitate the transition, the Central Bank of Oman has directed all banks operating in the Sultanate to accept these denominations and replace them with banknotes from the sixth issue during the specified period. Furthermore, all institutions and commercial establishments in Oman are instructed to accept these denominations from the public and subsequently deposit them with local banks.

6 days ago

Oman Eases Driving Rules for Foreign Tourists With Home-Country Licences

Foreign tourists visiting Oman can now hit the road with their home-country driving licenses under newly clarified regulations by the Royal Oman Police (ROP), a move expected to boost the Sultanate’s appeal to international travellers. According to the ROP, foreign visitors holding valid driving licenses from their home countries can drive in Oman for up to three months, provided their purpose is tourism or transit. This three-month allowance begins from entry into the country and applies exclusively to visitors with valid tourist visas. The ROP also confirmed that international driving licences, issued by recognised organisations such as the Oman Automobile Association, are accepted for the same duration. However, the privilege is limited to short-term visitors; expatriates residing permanently in Oman must obtain an Omani driving license. License swapping for residents is not universally permitted. The regulations, aimed at simplifying access for foreign drivers while ensuring safety standards, highlight the Sultanate’s commitment to accommodating tourists without compromising local laws. Drivers must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a license under Omani regulations.

1 week ago

World Soqa Six-a-Side Championship Set To Kick Off In Muscat

The highly anticipated World Soqa Six-a-Side Football Championship is set to begin tomorrow, Friday, November 29, 2024, in Muscat, Oman. With 40 national teams from around the globe vying for the title, the tournament promises intense competition and exciting matches. The championship will conclude on December 7, 2024. The opening ceremony, under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Nader bin Jalanda Al Said, will take place at the Sports Makers Stadium at the Oman Automobile Association. Following the ceremony, the Oman national team will face off against Italy in the opening match. Group Stage Draw: The 40 participating teams have been divided into eight groups of five: Group A: Oman, USA, Italy, Canada, Qatar Group B: Germany, Bulgaria, Georgia, Libya, Serbia Group C: Greece, Belgium, Cyprus, Kuwait, Iraq Group D: Brazil, Egypt, Ireland, Colombia, Iran Group E: Poland, France, Turkey, Pakistan, Haiti Group F: Mexico, Latvia, Albania, Peru, Australia Group G: Kazakhstan, England, Romania, Uruguay, Sudan Group H: Croatia, Hungary, Argentina, Tunisia, South Africa The top teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages.

1 week ago

Muscat Nights Returns: A Festive Extravaganza For The Whole Family

Get ready for a spectacular celebration of culture, entertainment, and adventure at Muscat Nights 2024! Running from December 23, 2024, to January 21, 2025, this year’s festival will transform Muscat into a vibrant hub of activity. With a diverse range of events spread across multiple locations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. More than 700 small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs, and productive families will participate, showcasing their products and services.  Key Locations and Highlights: Qurum Natural Park: Immerse yourself in a world of beauty and excitement. Witness stunning drone and light shows, explore the Global Village, indulge in culinary delights at the Food Festival, and cheer on riders at the equestrian championships. Al Amerat Park: Experience the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Explore the Heritage Village, thrill to electric and aerial games, and enjoy captivating theatrical performances. Al Naseem Park: A family-friendly destination offering a variety of activities, including children’s car racing and exciting carnivals. Oman Automobile Association: Gear up for adrenaline-pumping action with the Mina Drift Championship, karting races, and the thrilling Arena Fight. Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre: Step into a world of fantasy at the Children’s Village, where you can meet your favorite cartoon characters. Sour […]

1 week ago

Dhofar To Celebrate Frankincense Heritage With Third Annual Season

The third edition of the Frankincense Season in Dhofar Governorate is set to commence today, Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at Al Baleed Archaeological Park in Salalah. Organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the event will run until December 6th and will be held across the historic sites of Al Baleed Archaeological Park and Wadi Dokah Reserve. Khalid bin Abdullah Al Abri, Director General of the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, explained that the event aims to highlight the historical significance of the frankincense tree. The program will feature live demonstrations of frankincense product manufacturing, scientific and cultural activities for children, and an exhibition of perfumes and frankincense-based products from Omani companies. Visitors can also immerse themselves in a live show recreating ancient civilizations that traded with Oman for frankincense. Additionally, the event will offer a variety of activities, including a restaurant, boat tours in Khor Al Baleed, and children’s theater. The organizers will also plant 100 frankincense trees in Wadi Doka Reserve and commemorate the inclusion of the Frankincense Land sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 2nd. The Frankincense Season aims to showcase the historical and touristic attractions of Dhofar Governorate, […]

2 weeks ago

Two Children Die In House Fire Accident

 Two children have died in a fire that broke out in a house in the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate. Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA), said in a statement :”Firefighting teams from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Department in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate responded to a fire that broke out in a house in the Al Jarda area in the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi, the fire resulted in the death of two children.”

2 weeks ago

Oman: Two Dead, Several Injured In Road Accident

A multi vehicle collision resulted in two deaths and 22 injuries ranging between moderate to critical, said the Ministry of Health’s Emergency Management Center. Ministry of Health’s Emergency Management Center received reports that Ibra Hospital has received a group of people injured in a traffic accident. The ministry added: “The Critical cases will be transferred to nearby hospitals such as Nizwa, Sur, Khawla, and University Medical City, whenever needed. The Ministry of Health calls on all citizens and residents to exercise caution. And be careful when driving, especially on long distances, and follow Traffic instructions issued by the competent authorities in the Sultanate Oman. We ask God to heal the injured, and have mercy and forgiveness for the deceased. May Allah protect everyone from all evil.

2 weeks ago

One Injured After Falling From Mountain Top In Oman

A person was moderately injured after falling from the top of a mountain in Muscat Governorate. Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA), said in a statement :”The rescue teams of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Department in Muscat Governorate dealt with an incident in which a citizen fell from the top of a mountain in the Wilayat of Muscat. The teams were able to reach him, provide him with emergency medical care, and transfer him to the hospital in moderate health condition.”

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