Hot air balloon rides in Bidiyah soon following trial in Turkey
By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Muscat – An Omani firm has completed a hot air balloon trial in Cappadocia, Turkey ahead of plans to introduce rides in North Sharqiyah. The first commercial flights will take place in Bidiyah, offering views of the desert and surrounding terrain.
Led by Oman Balloons in cooperation with Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the project is part of efforts to diversify Oman's tourism offerings and enhance its appeal on regional and international tourism maps.
Salim bin Sultan al Abri, founder of Oman Balloons, informed Muscat Daily that the company partnered with a Turkish manufacturer that makes certified hot air balloons. 'The balloon was successfully tested, and we used the initial operation to promote tourism in Oman,' he said.
Certified by Civil Aviation Authority, the hot air balloon is designed for Omani weather conditions and can carry up to 20 passengers. It will be operated by a certified pilot and assistant.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
an hour ago
- Observer
Opinion- Strengthening the MSX is a national imperative
The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) is working to strengthen the institution's activities to position it among the region's financial markets in the coming period and to attract more investments to the Omani capital market. Recently, the MSX, in cooperation with the Gulf Capital Markets Association (GCMA), hosted a financial conference attended by several prominent figures in the financial and investment sectors. The conference focused on discussing the most prominent challenges and opportunities facing the region's financial markets in light of current economic and technological changes, and ways to develop a more efficient and attractive investment environment. The goal of this activity was to enhance the position of the Omani capital market, making it an advanced financial center, and to provide an integrated investment environment in line with international best practices. The question raised in this regard is related to the causes required to make the Muscat Stock Exchange an attractive market for domestic and foreign investments, and to understand the challenges facing the market at this stage. There are several factors that can be worked on to improve the stock market's operations and make it more attractive, including diversifying investment instruments and developing and expanding trading mechanisms and securities, such as providing investment funds and new financial instruments to increase diversity and attract a larger segment of investors. It is also crucial to enhance transparency and corporate governance standards and implement international standards to ensure the protection of investor rights and reduce risks. Furthermore, it is important to improve the systems and technologies used in trading to provide a faster and safer environment, while relying on financial technology (FinTech), facilitating procedures, reducing bureaucracy, and improving registration and approval procedures to make the market more flexible and responsive to investor demands. Finally, it is important to raise awareness about investment opportunities and the importance of sustainability and social responsibility to attract investors who focus on these standards. In addition, it is important to encourage foreign direct investment, issue legislation that encourages foreign investors, and provide incentives and facilitation for market entry. The Omani stock market faces several challenges, including a lack of liquidity and weak trading volume, which reduces its attractiveness and limits investors' ability to enter and exit easily. It also relies heavily on changes occurring in the oil and energy sector, making the market vulnerable to global economic fluctuations. Some believe there is a need to further improve governance and disclosure standards, increase investor confidence, and close legislative gaps that could lead to uncertainty or reduce investment incentives. They also believe there is a need to increase the number of financial institutions and related services to provide adequate investment support tools and mechanisms. It is also important to enhance financial literacy and raise awareness of the importance of long-term investment and sustainability. The market must have a comprehensive strategic vision focused on diversifying the economy and achieving political and regulatory stability to attract more investment. In order to enhance the daily buying and selling activity in the Omani stock market and increase trading volume, there are several factors and methods that can be developed and improved, the most important of which are increasing market liquidity, improving the market's ability to provide diverse and attractive financial instruments, in addition to encouraging investors to submit their trades by offering incentive programmes, especially for individual investors that can increases investors' ability to execute transactions quickly and without delay.
Muscat Daily
3 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
MTCIT invites EOI to develop office software locally in Oman
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – In an effort to enhance digital sovereignty and support technology localisation, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has invited expressions of interest (EOI) from local companies and investors to develop open-source office software. The ministry's Internal Investment Committee has called on Omani firms with expertise in software development to propose solutions for word processing, presentations and spreadsheets based on open-source platforms. The aim is to deploy these applications across government and institutional settings, meeting standard office software requirements. MTCIT said the government plans to sign a licensing agreement with the selected developer for a fixed term, as part of wider national efforts to build local technological capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign proprietary systems. Interested firms must submit a formal letter expressing their interest, along with a preliminary operational model of the proposed solution, company profile, commercial registration and valid business licence. A preliminary economic feasibility study and documents demonstrating experience and technical capability are also required. All submissions must be in PDF format and emailed to [email protected]. Submission deadline is July 20.
Observer
3 hours ago
- Observer
No more cranky, just enjoy
Air travel with children is often seen as a daunting experience, especially for parents navigating cramped cabins, ear-popping pressure and restless little ones. But with proper preparation and a dose of patience, flying with kids can become a smooth, even enjoyable journey. As more Omani families take to the skies — be it for tourism, family visits, or medical travel — the importance of knowing how to travel wisely with children has never been greater. Success begins even before reaching the airport. Booking flights during the early morning hours, when children are typically well-rested, can lead to better moods and fewer meltdowns. Selecting front-row seats or those closer to restrooms also makes the journey more manageable. According to Ameena al Rawahi, a senior flight attendant with over a decade of experience, 'Families who contact the airline in advance to request a bassinet or special child meals generally have a much easier time. We are here to help — but early coordination is key to a peaceful flight.' Packing a smart carry-on is equally important. A well-equipped bag with essentials like favourite toys, colouring books, snacks, wet wipes and a change of clothes can make all the difference. For infants, using a pacifier or bottle during take-off and landing helps relieve ear pressure. Paediatric consultant Dr Laila al Ghailani adds, 'Simple items like chewy candy or gum for older kids can help balance ear pressure. Keeping children occupied is not just about entertainment — it's about reducing anxiety and ensuring a calmer flight for everyone.' Preparing children mentally for the journey helps ease anxiety. Introducing the idea of flying through child-friendly videos or storybooks can make the concept less intimidating. Fatma Abdullah, a mother of three, shares, 'Before each trip, I create a story around flying. We talk about clouds, pilots and airplane sounds. By the time we board, my kids are more excited than scared — and that makes all the difference.' Time management plays a crucial role. Arriving early allows time for check-in, security and boarding without rushing. Many airports, including Muscat International, offer children's play areas where little ones can expend energy before boarding. Once on board, spacing out toys and activities throughout the flight keeps children engaged and prevents boredom. For older kids, pre-loaded tablets with games or cartoons work well — just don't depend on in-flight Wi-Fi. Perhaps most importantly, the behaviour of parents often sets the tone. Calm, communicative parents tend to have calmer children. Yousuf al Balushi, a ground service agent at Muscat International Airport, observes, 'When parents are cooperative and prepared, it's easier for us to provide support. We offer early boarding and direct them to family services, but it all works better when the parents are composed.' Of course, there are common challenges parents may face. Crying infants are often responding to ear pressure or discomfort, so feeding during take-off and landing can help. Overactive toddlers should be allowed to move within limits, with gentle guidance. If fatigue or jet lag is an issue, creating a calm in-flight environment with blankets and quiet-time routines may help. After landing, avoid rushing off the plane. Take your time gathering belongings — especially those toys or electronics that made the flight easier. Let airport staff know if extra assistance is needed. Flying with children doesn't have to be a nerve-wracking experience. With thoughtful planning, a positive mindset and the right tools, air travel can become a meaningful and joyful family experience. As one mother eloquently put it: 'When you travel with children, you're not just carrying their luggage — you're carrying their world. Make it safe, fun and unforgettable.'
