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1 month ago
Hafeet Rail has awarded major contracts as it looks to develop a train transport network between the UAE and Oman. Hafeet Rail awarded the construction contracts for its key railway facilities in Oman to Larson & Toubro (L&T) and Power China, while the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) has been contracted to supply a cutting-edge fleet of freight wagons. These agreements mark a significant milestone in the implementation of the Oman-UAE railway project, reinforcing logistics integration, cargo efficiency, and sustainable economic growth across both nations. Hafeet Rail UAE to Oman network As part of its commitment to developing a world-class logistics network Hafeet Rail has signed a strategic design and build contract with Larson & Toubro (L&T) and Power China to construct state-of-the-art railway logistics facilities in Al Buraimi and Sohar. Designed to meet global freight handling standards, these state-of-the-art facilities will secure seamless transportation and handling of bulk, containerised, and breakbulk cargo, enhancing throughput efficiency and multimodal connectivity. Additionally, the Sohar facility will include provisions for locomotive and wagon maintenance, ensuring long-term asset reliability, optimised operational performance, and enhanced network resilience—strengthening Oman’s role as a key hub in global trade corridors. Hafeet Rail has awarded a strategic contract to China […]
1 month ago
The eighth edition of the annual Al Bashayer Camel Racing Festival will kick off on Monday (10 February 2025) at Al Bashayer Camel Racing Field in the Wilayat of Adam in the Governorate of A’Dakhiliyah. The 6-day race will see the participation of competitors from the Sultanate of Oman and other GCC states. HH Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs, Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan, said that camel races and horse races constitute important elements of the Omani cultural heritage and form an integral part of the national identity. “This heritage has been accorded great government attention within the goals of Oman Vision 2040,” he added. HH Sayyid Asaad pointed out an equestrian racecourse will be established at Al Bashayer area as part of the activities of Al Bashayer Festival 2025, the 8th annual event of its kind. This will help make Al Bashayer a basic hub for local and regional competitions, he observed. HH Sayyid Asaad pointed out that the project seeks to enhance the status of equestrian sports in the Sultanate of Oman in line with Royal directives to protect the Omani heritage and to establish an […]
1 month ago
The 14th edition of the International Tour of Oman 2025 will kick off on Friday, 7 February 2025. The sports event is organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and in cooperation with Oman Cycling Federation. The tour includes 5 stages over the Sultanate of Oman’s terrain and natural landscapes. Scheduled to conclude on 12 February, the tour will see the participation of 18 international teams from Europe, Asia, America and Australia. The tour will begin with “Muscat Classic” race, which will start at the Wave Muscat. The competitors will then pass through a number of tourist sites that highlight the beauty of the Sultanate of Oman. They will head towards the Sea Road in the Wilayat of A’Seeb, passing through the mountain road in the Wilayat of Al Amerat, coming back to the area of Darsait. Then, the race will pass over to Al Wadi Al Kabir and head towards the villages of Yiti and Qantab. The competitors will then turn left from the Al Bustan roundabout towards the area of Sidab and conclude this 171-km race in front of the State Council. Muscat Classic, classified as a first-class one-day race in Asia, will earn the winner […]
1 month ago
Chaos erupted in Ibra, Oman, when a wild bull went on a rampage through the streets, leaving residents in a state of shock. The bull was spotted charging through the city, and its wild path led it straight into a local shop, where it sent customers into a frenzy. A video that quickly went viral shows terrified shoppers scrambling for cover as the bull barreled through the store, knocking over merchandise and causing panic. One brave man, armed only with a stick, was seen trying to push the rampaging bull out of the shop, but the animal proved impossible to control. But the bull wasn’t done yet — it continued its destructive path, colliding with a car as it made its way through the streets, adding to the chaos. The video ends with the bull still on the loose, leaving the situation unresolved and the fate of the animal unknown. Authorities have not yet provided updates on whether the bull was eventually captured or if anyone was injured during the episode. As the search continues, the whereabouts of the bull remain a mystery, and Ibra residents are left wondering what happened next.
2 months ago
The second edition of the “Winter Taha’im” season kicked off in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan and will run until February 15, 2025. The event aims to promote sustainable development by showcasing authentic Omani heritage through innovative and engaging methods suitable for all ages. It capitalizes on the region’s diverse natural and geographical landscape and supports 120 entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), artisans, and productive families. His Excellency Dr. Yahya bin Badr Al Maawali, Governor of South Al Sharqiyah, stated, “This year’s ‘Winter Taha’im’ season reflects the unique heritage and culture of the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. The success of the first edition inspired us to create an even more diverse and comprehensive experience to meet the expectations of our guests. The season offers activities that blend entertainment and education, focusing on supporting SMEs and productive families to stimulate the local economy and promote Omani products.” His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali Akakak, Wali of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that the event serves as a prominent national platform for strengthening the cultural and heritage identity of the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, highlighting its natural and tourism assets. He added […]
2 months ago
The Ambassador of Pakistan to Oman, Syed Naveed Safdar Bokhari, said that the Sultanate of Oman has tightened the issuance of new visas across all categories for Pakistani nationals. Speaking on the visa issue, the ambassador admitted that they are working on this issue. “Hopefully we will reach a solution soon,” the ambassador said. He also said the Pakistani expats coming to Oman should always work on the right visas. “Many a time these visas are misused,” he said, adding that there is nothing called Azad visas. “Don’t come on azad visas. There is nothing like this. People should come and work for the right sponsors. The embassy is always there to help you,” he said. He also said that disputes can be solved in Oman courts if there is any disagreement between sponsors and workers. “Before coming to Oman, please be aware of the laws,” he said. Ex-chairman of Pakistan Social Club, A H Raja, said a lot of the people come to Oman in visit visas. “People coming to visit visas should not work and they should go back once their visas are expired,” he said.
2 months ago
The Kingdom of Bahrain has expressed its appreciation for the successful mediation efforts undertaken by the Sultanate of Oman, which led to the release of the crew of the “Galaxy Leader” vessel. The crew, consisting of 25 individuals of various nationalities, had been detained off the coast of Yemen for over a year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended Oman’s dedication in resolving this humanitarian crisis and underscored the importance of their efforts in promoting regional peace and security. Bahrain also expressed hope that this initiative would serve as a pivotal step toward fostering effective international cooperation and partnerships aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden regions. The Kingdom reiterated its support for the protection of maritime navigation and commercial shipping, by international law and relevant international agreements and resolutions. Bahrain’s endorsement highlights the country’s commitment to supporting peaceful solutions and contributing to the stability of the broader regional and global maritime community.
2 months ago
Oman will have a three-day holiday for the occasion of Isra and Mi’raj at the end of this month. A statement by state-run news agency ONA said: “Thursday, January 30, 2025, will be an official holiday for employees in the public and private sectors on the occasion of the blessed anniversary of Al Isra’a Wal Miraj”. With Friday and Saturday being a typical weekend in the country, it means workers will enjoy a three-day weekend. Public holiday in Oman Isra and Mi’raj falls on Monday, January 27, but the holiday will be moved to the Thursday. This is to allow for a long weekend in the country and means work will resume on Sunday, February 2.
2 months ago
Significant among the agreements is the one on combatting human trafficking Among the notable agreements was an MoU on foreign affairs, aimed at fostering closer coordination between the two nations’ Ministries of Foreign Affairs. Oman and Bahrain on Wednesday solidified their deep-rooted ties with the signing of 25 memoranda of understanding (MoUs), agreements and executive programmes spanning diverse sectors. The deals were signed during King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain’s state visit to Oman. Sultan Haitham bin Tarek of Oman and King Hamad, who arrived in Muscat on Tuesday on a two-day visit, oversaw the signing of agreements covering a wide range of fields, including cultural, scientific, social, health, media, financial, and economic domains, as well as food security, municipal affairs, and metrology. Among the notable agreements was an MoU on foreign affairs, aimed at fostering closer coordination between the two nations’ Ministries of Foreign Affairs. This agreement is expected to enhance diplomatic collaboration, bolster regional cooperation, and contribute to stability and security in the Gulf and beyond. The two nations also signed an MoU on public administration, designed to strengthen administrative frameworks, enhance governance, and improve coordination on international issues. Human trafficking A significant agreement was inked […]
2 months ago
The Ministry of Health recently held an introductory meeting to launch a national awareness campaign focused on pre-marital medical examinations. This year-long campaign, running throughout 2025, aims to promote the importance of these examinations within the community. The pre-marital medical examination program has several key objectives. Primarily, it seeks to reduce the prevalence of hereditary blood diseases like sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia. Additionally, the program aims to foster a broader understanding of healthy marriage, prevent social and psychological challenges for families with affected children, lessen the strain on healthcare facilities and blood banks, and alleviate the financial burdens associated with treating these conditions. The campaign’s core strategy involves increasing public engagement with pre-marital examinations. This will be achieved by raising awareness among relevant sectors and reinforcing the importance of these examinations within the community. The campaign will highlight the benefits of undergoing these examinations, clearly explain the process involved, and address the associated health, social, and religious considerations. Dr. Saeed bin Harib Al-Lamki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs, opened the meeting with a speech emphasizing its significance and outlining the campaign’s goals. He stressed the crucial role of inter-sectoral collaboration in ensuring the national awareness […]
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