MUSCAT: Oman reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with UNICEF through the country programme for 2026–2030, a coordinated effort designed to align international support with national priorities under Oman Vision 2040 and the Eleventh Five-Year Development Plan. Officials emphasized that this programme is not an isolated initiative but part of a broader strategic framework intended…
MUSCAT: Omani falcons are among the most prized birds in the Arabian Peninsula, revered for their agility, speed, and hunting prowess. Falconry, the practice of training these birds to hunt in coordination with humans, has been a cornerstone of Omani culture for centuries. This traditional practice is deeply embedded in the social fabric of Oman,…
MUSCAT: Oman is home to the Empty Quarter, known locally as Rub’ al Khali, which is the largest continuous sand desert in the world. Stretching across southern Oman and extending into Saudi Arabia, the desert covers an area of approximately 650,000 square kilometers, making it one of the most expansive and uninhabited regions on the…
MUSCAT: The Arabian leopard, one of the most endangered big cats in the world, continues to inhabit Oman’s remote mountainous regions despite its critically endangered status. These elusive predators are primarily found in rugged terrains where human activity is minimal, allowing them to hunt and thrive in relative isolation. Conservationists emphasize that the survival of…
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is distinguished by its unique political landscape, characterized by the near absence of formal political parties. Instead of partisan politics, the country relies heavily on tribal affiliations and traditional consultative mechanisms to govern and make decisions. The structure emphasizes inclusivity through dialogue and consensus, often facilitated by local leaders and…
MUSCAT: Omani coffee, locally known as “Qahwa,” is an integral part of Omani culture and hospitality, symbolizing warmth and community. Traditionally brewed with lightly roasted coffee beans and infused with aromatic cardamom, Qahwa is often served in small, delicate cups accompanied by dates. The practice of offering Qahwa to guests reflects centuries-old customs emphasizing generosity,…
MUSCAT: Oman has been at the heart of the frankincense trade for over 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuous commercial traditions in the world. The resin, derived from the Boswellia sacra tree, has historically been highly prized for its fragrance, medicinal properties, and religious significance. This trade not only shaped Oman’s economic…
MUSCAT: The Consumer Protection Authority’s Directorate General in North Al Batinah, through the Consumer Protection Office in Suwaiq, carried out a targeted inspection campaign focusing on school supply markets within the Wilayat. During this campaign, authorities confiscated items featuring skull motifs and other imagery deemed inappropriate for public circulation. The CPA emphasized that such items…
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman issued an official statement expressing deep sorrow over the recent disaster in Afghanistan. The statement extended heartfelt condolences to the Afghan government, the people of Afghanistan, and the families of the victims affected by this tragic event. Oman emphasized its solidarity with the nation during this difficult…
NORTH AL BATINAH: The North Al Batinah Governorate Police Command apprehended two individuals involved in armed robbery and impersonating police officers after they lured a victim under the pretext of providing work at their home. The suspects intercepted the victim and forcibly seized the cash he was carrying, demonstrating a calculated method of exploitation and…
