Latest news with #AlBusaidy
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
13-06-2025
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Aida Al Busaidy: Why To Staycation Over Vacation
Communications strategist and story teller Aida Al Busaidy on staying put and holidaying the old-fashioned way this summer Ever realised just how exhausting it is to plan a trip? I don't know about you, but going on vacation sometimes feels like a lot of work. I would love to be one of those people who just close their eyes, point their index finger to a place on the world map, jump for joy and exclaim, 'Yes, I am definitely catching a flight to see that said mountain.' Honestly, when you reach a certain age, careful planning coupled with an 'I-am-only-a-five-star-hotel' traveller mindset means I need to make sure everything is just right. That includes the weather too. And full disclosure, I pack 24 outfits for a seven-day vacation. After all, I could need more than one outfit change in a day for the 'gram. Travelling as a whole opens your world and heart to so many things if you allow it to. The experiences, the food, the people and most all the creation of long-lasting memories. I, for one, actually have physical albums in which I select the best moments of a holiday – around 15 to 20 highlights – and print photos out so that when guests come over, I go old-school and pull out pictures that take them along my visual journey. Everyone else might go the iCloud route, but I choose to ground my memories in photo albums that double as time capsules for future generations. Let me drop some facts for you. According to Zion Market Research, the global tourism market size was worth $11.39 trillion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to $18.44 trillion by 2032 with a compound annual growth rate of roughly 5.5 per cent between 2024 and 2032. What can we deduce from this? This industry will continue to grow, and international travel with certain niches like medical tourism or wellness seem to be particularly trending now. Let's not forget local tourism too. Staycations – holidaying in your home country – began becoming popular around the 1940s and have become a phenomenon since. When overseas travel was restricted due to the pandemic, it was great seeing how people explored nearer pastures, and emerged with a renewed connection to their home town or neighbouring cities. As much as I want to tick off a few more cities and countries on my very long bucket travel list, this year we have opted to stay home for the summer. Our plan? Mainly to declutter, catch up on sleep and read – something I miss doing. From exhilarating experiences to indulging in the local gastronomy landscape and soaking in stunning views, my plan is to staycation in Dubai's top properties. Because who wouldn't want to be spoiled just a little bit even if its just 23km down the road from your home? And yes, we do live where everyone else chooses to vacation.
Observer
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
'Order of Maritime Merit' bestowed on Omani official
PARIS: The French government has bestowed the 'Order of Maritime Merit' on Commodore Adil bin Hamoud al Busaidy, Head of the Maritime Security Centre (MSC), in recognition of his efforts in enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of maritime security between Oman and France. The medal was conferred on Commodore Al Busaidy by Rear Admiral Hugues Laine, Commander of the French Forces deployed in the Indian Ocean. The ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Maritime Security Centre (MSC). — ONA
Observer
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Hamood beats Iran's Amir in West Asia chess in Iraq
Muscat, April 9 Oman national team chess player Hamood al Busaidy made a strong start in the West Asia Chess Championship by defeating Iranian player Amir Mohammad in the first round of the tournament, currently being held in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, from April 8 to 16. This championship serves as a key qualifying event for the upcoming Chess World Cup, which will be hosted by Qatar. It features participation from 11 countries: Oman, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain and Yemen. The matches are taking place at the Van Royal Hotel in Erbil, amid high-level competition and impressive performances. Al Busaidy's opening win gives him a strong morale boost as he prepares for his next challenge in the second round, where he will face another Iranian player Mehdi Mohammad. The Omani player aims to continue his strong run and achieve positive results to enhance his chances of progressing to later rounds and improving his international ranking. The first round witnessed intense matches among the participants, with players eager to get off to a strong start and secure crucial points that could prove decisive in the tougher and more competitive rounds to come. The West Asia Championship is considered one of the most prestigious regional events in the chess calendar, bringing together some of Asia's top players as it acts as a pathway to the World Cup. The Oman Chess Committee hopes that Al Busaidy will maintain his momentum and deliver a performance that reflects the growing strength of Omani chess, with ambitions of reaching an advanced stage in the tournament.
Gulf Business
20-03-2025
- Climate
- Gulf Business
Eid Al Fitr in Oman: A week-long holiday awaits
Image credit: Getty Images The first day of Eid Al Fitr in Oman is likely to fall on Monday, March 31, as predicted by astronomers. As a result, the Eid holidays in Oman are expected to begin on Sunday, March 30, and last until Thursday, April 3, giving citizens and residents a five-day break, a report in However, the holidays may be extended further since Friday (April 4) and Saturday (April 5) are weekend days, creating a nine-day break starting from the pre-Eid weekend. If the first day of Eid Al Fitr falls on Monday (March 31), it will be due to the 29th of Ramadan, which corresponds to March 29. On this day, the sun will set at 6:21 pm, and the moon will set at 6:26 pm, making it nearly impossible to see the moon, according to Abdulwahab Al Busaidy, head of the observatory at the Oman Astronomical Society. Al Busaidy also explained that the moon will be visible on the horizon for just five minutes, depending on the observer's location in Oman. The moon will be positioned only two degrees above the horizon, with an illumination of 0.04%. Therefore, it is less likely to be sighted in countries like Oman, which rely on moon sightings to declare Eid. For countries that depend on the birth of a new moon, Al Busaidy mentioned that they might be fasting for only 29 days, and their first day of Eid Al Fitr will be on March 30. The UAE's Eid Al Fitr holidays for f The 30th of Ramadan will be recognized as an additional public holiday if the Holy Month of Ramadan concludes with 30 days, thus extending the Eid Al Fitr break.
Observer
15-03-2025
- Observer
Eid Al Fitr most likely on March 31; one-week holiday anticipated
Astronomers in Oman have predicted that the first day of Eid Al Fitr is likely to fall on Monday, March 31. This means that holidays in Oman are anticipated to begin on Sunday, March 30 and run till Thursday, April 3, giving citizens and residents a five-day break. While a five-day break sounds good, there is hope for an even longer holiday as Friday (April 4) and Saturday (April 5) will be weekend making it a nine-day break running from pre-Eid weekly off days. Abdulwahab al Busaidy, head of the observatory at Oman Astronomical Society, said that the first day of Eid Al Fitr, in all likelihood, would fall on Monday (March 31), because the 29th of Ramadhan, which is equivalent to March 29, the sun will set at 6:21 pm and the moon will set at 6:26 pm and that it will be nearly impossible to see the moon on that day. "The moon will be on the horizon for only five minutes, depending on your location. It will be above the horizon only two degrees, with an illumination of 0.04 per cent. So, in countries like Oman, where we rely on moon sighting, it will be nearly impossible to see the moon on March 29," Al Busaidy said. "Therefore, we will complete 30 days of Ramadhan and the first day of Eid Al Fitr will be on Monday, March 31," he added. For countries that rely solely on the birth of a new moon, Al Busaidy said they may fast only 29 days and their first day of Eid Al Fitr will be on March 30. With the long holiday expected, excitement has begun. 'I have finished all my Eid shopping and I am now considering ways of enjoying the anticipated long break. I wish the authorities announce the holidays early so that we can plan ahead. I am planning to use the holiday to visit all parts of Oman as the weather is still cool,' said Salaah Abdullah, an accounts auditor based in Muscat. Suhar resident Mohammed al Balushi said he is currently considering flight options to Kenya for safari for a 5-day break. "And if we get a 9-day break, I will use it to explore the whole of East Africa because I have always wanted to go to Africa to enjoy greenery," he said. According to Observer online poll, nearly 57 per cent of readers said that they would decide on travel plans only after official holidays are announced. It may be noted that foreign travel needs months of advanced planning, which includes the process of visa application, getting affordable flight and hotel rates and of course leave approvals.
