Breaking News
10 months ago
It’s snowing in the Middle East! It’s been quite a week for the Gulf region with the UAE experiencing an intense hailstorm this week, and Oman being lashed by torrential rains that led to the government declaring a national holiday as streets were left flooded. Now, some parts of Saudi Arabia are recording a chilly week with pristine white snow blanketing the mountains on Thursday. On February 15, Saudi Arabia experienced a sharp dip in the mercury as heavy rains lashed the mountainous regions of Jabal Al Lawz, followed by light snowfall. While snowfall in the desert often amazes residents and inspires viral videos, the Tabuk region actually sees snowfall often and is a popular destination for tourists to enjoy the chilly weather. The region is situated at a height of 2,600 metres, and is named after its almond bushes. On Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency said that “moderate to heavy thunderstorms will occur in Al-Baha, Makkah, Al-Qassim, Riyadh and Sharqiya”. It also said that thunderstorms will take place in Madinah, Tabuk, Al Jawf, the northern border and the eastern region. Take a look at some stunning images from the region:
10 months ago
Oman ranked 11th in the Global Entrepreneurship Index in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report 2023/2024, surpassing 27 countries from its rank the previous year. Oman’s score has improved, according to GEM – considered the top-most reference for information regarding entrepreneurship – reflecting the country’s commitment to enhance the quality of its entrepreneurial landscape. The Authority of Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) revealed the improvements in all secondary indicators such as finding start-ups, developing government policies that support innovation and technology, and improving the material infrastructure. Government policies, private sector growth, and targeted investments have empowered entrepreneurs, the authority added, driving innovation and transforming the cultural landscape. The Omani government reported that it has exerted efforts to support entrepreneurship especially by investing in sectors of research, development and modern technologies which expand areas of innovation and attract foreign direct investment (FDI)
10 months ago
Travelling between the UAE and Oman is now much easier and faster, after the signing of the MoU for borderless travel. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group) inked a deal to boost tourism between RAK and the Governorate of Musandam in Oman. Bordering Ras al Khaimah, Musandam is a popular destination for UAE residents and tourists seeking water adventure sports. The agreement was signed in November 2023 at the World Travel Market in London. In 2023, the Northern Emirate received a record 1.22 million overnight arrivals, up 8 percent on 2022 numbers and bolstered by a significant 24 percent year-on-year pick-up in international visitors. The ‘nature emirate’ is growing its hotel supply to match the increasing demand, and placing sustainability and accessibility at the heart of its growth strategy.
10 months ago
Four people, including three children, died in Oman as the country faced severe weather conditions characterised by heavy rainfall on Monday. The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) confirmed the recovery of the children’s bodies and reported the successful rescue of more than 100 people amidst the disruptive weather that has significantly impacted daily life across the Sultanate. Flash floods, a direct result of the torrential rains and thunderstorms, were reported in various regions, highlighting the intensity of the storm system affecting Oman. The CDAA also said that rescue teams managed to save three people from a vehicle caught in the overflowing valley in Izki but the woman succumbed to her injuries. Additionally, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has taken legal action against 36 people for attempting to cross valleys during the storm, thereby endangering both their lives and those of others in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. The weather is expected to improve starting Tuesday evening, February 13. However, isolated rain is still expected across several parts of Oman. The CAA has issued a warning, advising the public to exercise caution, particularly during thunderstorms, and to avoid crossing valleys, low-lying areas, and venturing into the sea during this period.
10 months ago
Oman will close schools across most of the country on Monday, February 12, amid concerns over weather. A statement by the official state-run news agency ONA said public and private schools would remain closed on Monday, before re-opening on Tuesday, February 13. The suspended classes will apply to all governates apart from Al Wusta, Dhofar. The message said: “Due to the weather condition, school classrooms (government, private, international) will be suspended tomorrow (Monday) in all governorates of the Sultanate of #Oman, except Al Wusta, Dhofar. Classrooms to be resumed after tomorrow (Tuesday)”. Due to the weather condition, school classrooms (government, private, international) will be suspended tomorrow (Monday) in all governorates of the Sultanate of #Oman, except Al Wusta, Dhofar. Classrooms to be resumed after tomorrow (Tuesday). — Oman News Agency (@ONA_eng) February 11, 2024 Weather forecasters in the country said heavy rain, strong winds and even hail could hit the country in coming days. Oman Meteorology said: “Heavy rain ranging more than 60 mm, may cause downdraft winds of 15-35 knots along with poor horizontal visibility due to dust rising during thunderstorms, and chances of hail and overflowing valleys”. It added that the governates of Musandam, North Al Batinah, Al Buraimi, South […]
10 months ago
The Royal Oman Police have arrested two people of Asian nationalities for their involvement in assaulting an expatriate of the same nationality with a knife which led to him being seriously injured in Muscat Governorate. ROP said in a statement: “Muscat Governorate Police Command arrested two people of Asian nationality for assaulting an expatriate of the same nationality in the Al Mawaleh Central Market using a weapon (knife), which led to his being seriously injured. Legal procedures are being completed against them.”
10 months ago
A ceremony was held to celebrate the start of construction works of Bandar Al Khairan Resort on Monday. The Resort is being built at a cost of OMR36 million over an area of 189,000 sqm. The project has been designed to be a qualitative addition to the tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman. The resort will include 121 hotel rooms, as well as various types of facilities, restaurants, spas and gyms. Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, patron of the inauguration event, said that the project will support the tourism sector in Muscat. Al Mahrouqi added that the resort will meet the aspirations of guests and residents. The Ministry, he affirmed, will follow-up on the implementation of the project to augment local added value and provide job opportunities for Omani youth. In compliance with the technical and engineering standards for this type of resort, he explained that the Ministry will follow up on the implementation of the project to enhance community partnership and local added value to provide job opportunities for Omani youth. The project will provide various opportunities for small and medium enterprises in Al Khairan and adjacent areas to offer their products and services. In […]
10 months ago
The Oman Artificial Intelligence Summit 2024 kicked off . The two-day event is organised by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, according to Oman News Agency (ONA). The summit aims to ease the procedures of investing and establishing foreign companies and encouraging investment in the AI sphere. It also targets supporting innovation. The event discusses three main topics, particularly “AI and Governments”, “AI and the Work Environment” and “AI and the Economy”. The summit is accompanied by an exhibition where the most cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence solutions and technologies are displayed.
10 months ago
A person was arrested for stealing gold jewellery and sums of money from eight houses in the Wilayat of Bahla, Al Dhakhiliyah Governorate. Royal Oman Police (ROP) said, “The Al Dakhiliyah Governorate Police Command arrests a person for stealing gold jewellery and sums of money from eight homes in the Wilayat of Bahla. The legal procedures are being completed against him.”
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