Latest news with #MuscatDaily
Muscat Daily
7 days ago
- Climate
- Muscat Daily
Keeping cool for school exams in Oman's June heat
As temperatures soar across Oman in June, parents, students and educators are increasingly questioning the timing of final exams in government schools. Many argue that extreme heat affects students' health, focus and performance. When is it best to hold the final exams in Omani government schools? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said – Amal al Zadjali, Home Maker Yes, I support holding exams earlier. June heat is unbearable for children, especially in those schools which do not have full air conditioning. Final exams should be completed by mid-May. This would also give students a longer, more relaxing summer break to recover and prepare for the next academic year. Khalfan al Busaidi, Private Company Employee Shifting exams to early May is a practical step. Many students lose focus in June due to extreme temperatures. Earlier exams can improve performance and well-being. Finishing by mid-May would make more sense. Mohammed al Rawahi, Consultant It's time we consider the impact of climate on academic planning. Exams in early May would be ideal. Students, especially young ones, struggle in June. Heat stress can affect their cognitive performance. An earlier academic calendar aligns better with Oman's weather patterns and ensures better student welfare. Fatma al Hinai, Student I remember how tough it was to take exams in June – it's physically draining. Moving final exams to May or even to late April is better for students' health and concentration. Schools can use June for enrichment programmes instead, without the pressure of testing in such heat. Reena Nair, Private Company Employee In this region, June is extremely challenging for school children. Yes, moving exams to May would reduce health risks. Final exams could be scheduled in the first two weeks of May. After that, schools can focus on review sessions or creative projects that don't require intense concentration in the heat. Arjun Mehta, Sales Executive I absolutely support rescheduling. Children get exhausted by June and can't give their best during exams. It would be wise to conduct finals by early to mid-May. Planning the academic year accordingly would protect students and also ease the burden on teachers and families.
Muscat Daily
14-06-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Father's Strength and support: Bonds beyond words
Muscat – As Oman and the world celebrate Father's Day on Sunday (June 15), families in the sultanate and across the region are taking time to honour the quiet strength and enduring support of fathers – men whose roles, though often understated, shape generations. While the day is traditionally marked on the third Sunday of June in many countries, others observe it on dates of local significance – such as May 8 in South Korea, December 5 in Thailand and March 19 in Italy, which coincides with the feast of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of fathers. In Oman, Father's Day is not celebrated officially, but it is steadily gaining recognition, particularly among younger Omanis and social media users. The occasion reflects a broader global movement to appreciate the emotional and guiding roles that fathers play in everyday life. To understand how Omanis view this growing tradition, Muscat Daily spoke with residents from across the social spectrum. 'My father taught me to stand tall in life,' said Fatma al Kindi, a teacher and mother of three. 'He worked quietly behind the scenes, never asking for recognition. On Father's Day, I make sure to tell him how much that means to me.' For 29-year-old marketing executive Mohammed Said, the day carries a deeper, more personal significance. 'My dad passed away three years ago,' he said. 'On this Father's Day, we want you to know how much we admire and love you. Your strength, wisdom and unwavering support have shaped us into the men we are today. You were our greatest role model – teaching us what it means to work hard, care deeply and face challenges with courage.' Social workers and family counsellors say the role of fathers in Oman is gradually shifting. Traditionally seen as primary providers, today's fathers are more involved in the emotional and developmental aspects of their children's lives. 'Fathers are more hands-on now,' said Dr Aisha al Maawali, a sociologist. 'Whether helping with homework or guiding their children through career choices, fathers are building deeper, more visible relationships. Celebrations like Father's Day help acknowledge and encourage this bond.' Retailers in Muscat – including gift shops, florists and cafés – have responded with special packages for the occasion. But for many, simple expressions of love resonate the most. 'Last year, my daughter wrote me a letter,' said Ali al Balushi, a taxi driver. 'She's studying abroad. Her words made me cry. That meant more to me than any gift.' For 21-year-old Samer al Nabahani, the day is also a time to recognise those who step into fatherly roles. 'It's a moment to honour stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, older brothers and mentors – people whose influence can be just as powerful.' 'As Oman continues to evolve, the core values of family, love and guidance remain central. And this Sunday, whether through a phone call, a shared meal or a heartfelt note, many will find a moment to simply say: Thank you, Dad,' said Nabahani.
Muscat Daily
14-06-2025
- Muscat Daily
Oman's Nakhal area to develop walkway linking fort, hot spring
Nakhal – The wilayat of Nakhal is all set to launch a major tourism project with the construction of a 3km pedestrian walkway linking the iconic Nakhal Fort to the popular Ain al Thawarah hot spring. The project, which will pass through scenic landscapes dotted with natural springs, aflaj (ancient irrigation channels), and traditional agricultural villages along Wadi Nakhal, is expected to become a key tourist attraction and a prominent landmark in the wilayat. Speaking to Muscat Daily, Sheikh Khalifa bin Saleh al Busaidi, wali of Nakhal, said the walkway will enhance the tourism experience and showcase the natural and cultural heritage of the area. 'The project will be implemented in phases. The first phase will cover one kilometre, with subsequent phases to follow,' he said. The total cost of the project, including service facilities, is expected to exceed RO1mn. The walkway will be paved with stone or interlocking tiles and equipped with lighting and public amenities. Sheikh Busaidi also revealed plans to empower farm owners along the route to establish private tourism ventures in coordination with the relevant authorities. These could include eco-lodges, cafés, and the use of electric carts to transport visitors between Nakhal Fort and Ain al Thawarah. 'This initiative will help reduce congestion at the park while creating job opportunities for local residents,' he added. The main committee overseeing the project recently held its first meeting, where it approved the work plan and formed sub-executive committees to begin implementation.
Muscat Daily
11-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman Balloons to make Oman a regional Balloon Tourism hub
Balloon tourism takes off in Oman as the sultanate diversifies its travel offerings to soon become the region's latest ballooning destination with Oman Balloons In a bold step towards placing Oman on the global hot air balloon tourism map, Oman Balloons has successfully completed a trial flight in Cappadocia, Turkey, ahead of its plans to launch commercial balloon rides in North Sharqiyah later this year. The first flights, operated by balloon A4O-OHS, will take off from Bidiyah, offering breathtaking views of the desert and surrounding terrain. 'This marks the beginning of Oman's journey to becoming a major hot air balloon destination in the region,' said Salim Sultan al Abri, founder and CEO of Oman Balloons, in an exclusive interview with Muscat Daily. 'We established the company in 2023 and signed an agreement with Turkish manufacturer Pasha Balloons to become their exclusive agent in the Gulf.' Oman Balloons completed its maiden flight over Cappadocia's famed landscape on June 3. The company plans to officially launch the service in Oman in October, operating from Stars Gate Camp in the Al Wasit area of Wilayat Bidiyah. According to Abri, the balloon has been certified by the Civil Aviation Authority and is equipped to handle Oman's unique weather conditions. It can accommodate up to 20 passengers, will be piloted by a certified balloonist, and accompanied by an onboard assistant. Abri emphasised that the sultanate's diverse terrain – including golden sand dunes, majestic mountains, ancient forts, and lush valleys makes it an ideal destination for balloon tourism. 'Floating silently over Oman's natural and historical landmarks at sunrise offers a serene and unforgettable experience,' he said. The project, launched in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, is part of broader efforts to diversify Oman's tourism offerings and enhance the country's appeal on the regional and global travel map. Beyond tourism, the initiative is expected to deliver both economic and social benefits. 'Each balloon creates 12 direct jobs, not to mention the indirect opportunities in hospitality, transport, and support services,' Abri disclosed. 'As we expand our fleet, we also plan to introduce new technologies and inspire Omani youth to explore this modern and exciting industry.' Abri highlighted that hot air ballooning is widely considered one of the safest forms of aviation. 'It offers a unique and tranquil way to experience the world from above. Balloons operate in a controlled environment, typically avoiding high-speed manoeuvres and complex navigation. Flights are conducted in calm, clear weather with light winds, both at ground level and aloft. Pilots monitor weather forecasts closely before, during, and after flights to ensure a safe and smooth experience,' he explained. 'As with all aviation activities, safety is paramount,' Abri stressed. 'We've worked closely with certified professionals and regulatory authorities to ensure our ballooning operations in Oman meet the highest safety standards.' The company has ambitious plans, including establishing a hot air balloon maintenance facility in Oman to serve the wider Gulf region and, eventually, setting up a local factory to manufacture balloons with Omani expertise. 'The road was not easy,' says Abri. 'But through persistence, vision, and lessons learned from our visits to the United States and Turkey, we have developed a product tailored to Oman's environment.' Expressing gratitude to the Civil Aviation Authority for supporting the training of personnel and raising awareness about ballooning regulations, and to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for sponsoring the launch event in Turkey, Abri held out a message for young Omanis – 'Believe in your ideas and study your projects carefully. Believing in your own capabilities is the first step to success.'
Muscat Daily
09-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Anti-dumping duties on ceramic tiles to help Omani industry
Muscat – Oman has implemented anti-dumping duties on imports of ceramic and porcelain tiles from India and China. The move, announced by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion on May 29, follows an investigation into complaints from local manufacturers that imported tiles were being sold below production cost, undermining domestic producers. The measure has received broad support from business leaders and industry experts, who view it as essential to protect Oman's manufacturing sector and counter what they describe as predatory pricing by foreign exporters. Dr Ahmed bin Said al Jahwari, legal consultant and expert in trade law, told Muscat Daily that the tariffs are based on the Unified Law on Anti-Dumping, Countervailing and Safeguard Measures for GCC Member States, issued under Royal Decree No. 20/2015. Dr Ahmed bin Said al Jahwari 'The law defines dumping as the export of goods to GCC markets at prices lower than their normal value under standard trading conditions,' Jahwari said. 'Such practices harm domestic industries by creating an uneven playing field.' He added that the decision would help stabilise the local market and protect Omani products from artificially cheap imports. According to him, the move is expected to encourage greater investment in local manufacturing and improve the competitiveness of domestic producers. 'As competition shifts from pricing to product quality, local manufacturers will be motivated to upgrade technologies and improve efficiency,' he said. 'This will enhance the sector's performance and ensure fairer market conditions.' The duties are also expected to support investor confidence, with officials stating that the issuance of this decision reflects Oman's commitment to a transparent and rules-based business environment. 'We wholeheartedly welcome the government's timely intervention,' said investor Hamed al Rawahi. 'It will restore confidence among local producers and support investment in innovation and job creation.' Economic analyst Khalfan al Touqi said the duties do not amount to protectionism. 'Selling products below cost distorts fair competition and threatens local industry,' he said. 'Oman is sending a clear signal that it will defend its manufacturing base.' He noted that domestic tile producers have long struggled to compete with subsidised imports. 'The new duties will give them space to grow and invest. These measures are standard tools in international trade and are fully in line with WTO rules,' Touqi said. The ministry confirmed that the anti-dumping duties will remain in force for five years, subject to periodic reviews based on market conditions and the behaviour of exporters.
