Latest news with #Oman
Arab News
7 hours ago
- Arab News
Adventurous couple travel across GCC states on motorcycle
JEDDAH: Two Jeddah-based Indian-Saudi bikers have covered a distance of 62,218 kilometers across the Gulf Cooperation Council region on their motorcycles. Driven by faith and adventure, the couple traveled thousands of miles, crossing the GCC borders — Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and Bahrain — and enduring long hours on the road, all to reach their target. Their 24-day trip stands as a powerful testament to their devotion, determination, and love for an adventurous journey. Mir Shakeel Ur Rahman from Hyderabad and Amal Ahmed from Jeddah started biking together 6 years ago after their marriage. It has been a journey of self-discovery, shared interest and passion that has made their biking experience more surreal. The couple have rode across Saudi Arabia to Makkah, Jazan, Abha, Hail, Riyadh, Dammam, and Al-Ahsa to promote Saudi tourism, but this time, the duo decided to go on an epic adventure across the GCC states. 'We were excited to start the journey and tackle a route new to us,' said Shakeel. For Shakeel and Ahmed, this journey is about much more than reaching and discovering new destinations. It is also about the motorcycle friends they have met and respect. 'Actually this journey was aimed to visit our dear friends and celebrate with them their national days. We really wanted to attend Oman's national day, UAE's national days and Bike Week in Bahrain.' The couple officially left Jeddah at the end of November 2024 to Makkah followed by Taif before riding through Riyadh from where they crossed the border over to Abu Dhabi. During their stay in Riyadh, the couple met with a number of motorcyclists from all regions of the Kingdom as well as riders from Iraq, and Bahrain. They also participated in the celebration held at the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman to mark the 54th Omani National Day. 'On our way to the border of UAE from Riyadh, it was not as easy as we expected because of the sandy weather we faced, but we managed to get through with the great help we received from the Saudi patrol officers who kept us safe all the way,' added Shakeel. Once they reached Abu Dhabi, the couple contacted Sheikh Suhail Bin Hasher Al-Maktoum, widely known as the 'Father of All Bikers' in the UAE who invited them to celebrate the UAE's 53rd National Day along with other motorcyclists from all over the world at his farm. 'It was a great night with Sheikh Suhail who gathered all bikers from all over the world, it was also a great opportunity to exchange our deep relations with our friends while celebrating the UAE's national day. Actually, we were surrounded by people who were trying their best to help us in any way they can to make our journey safe,' said Ahmed. Keen to take things further, the pair continued their journey to Oman. Shakeel found riding through Oman particularly enjoyable, from exploring the historic Nizwa Fort and Souq to venturing into the surrounding mountains. 'It was a truly a new experience. It allowed us to explore Oman's diverse landscapes, immerse ourselves in its rich history, and create lasting memories,' he said. His wife stated that visiting Oman's iconic Jebel Akhdar — the Green Mountain — was probably the highlight of their journey. She added: 'Our Omani motorcycle friends also were extremely generous with us all the time we were there; they took us on tours to various parts of Oman and also were very helpful in maintaining our bikes.' After enjoying their stay for few days in Oman, they rode toward Bahrain and attended the annual Bahrain Bike Week, which featured various activities like motorcycle races, concerts, and street festivals. 'We had wonderful days and the event was filled with energy, passion, and the love for two wheels,' said Shakeel. While they had reached their final destination, they were informed by KALAM's World Record that they had officially set the record for the longest motorcycle expedition as a couple. 'It was a great news for us to be recognized by KALAM's World Record which is an organization that celebrates achievements across various fields. We are extremely happy and I am dedicating this achievement for my wife. We are looking forward to receive this award on Sept. 16, 2025,' said Shakeel. The couple have no intention of settling down and are already planning their next adventure.
Times of Oman
10 hours ago
- Health
- Times of Oman
Health Ministry issues heat safety rules for workers
Muscat: The Ministry of Health has launched a set of comprehensive guidelines aimed at protecting construction workers from the dangers of heat stress during the peak summer months. As part of the national 'Safe Summer' campaign, the initiative provides employers with clear recommendations to safeguard their workforce amid rising temperatures. The advisory outlines three key pillars: Smart Work Scheduling: Employers are urged to assign strenuous tasks during early mornings or late afternoons. To limit exposure, construction and outdoor work must pause between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. throughout June, July, and August. Regular Breaks: Workers should be given breaks every 45 to 60 minutes when operating in hot environments. These breaks must be taken in shaded or air-conditioned areas with access to drinking water to maintain hydration. Cooling and Ventilation: The Ministry recommends equipping indoor workspaces with fans or air conditioning. On outdoor sites, portable fans and shaded canopies should be provided to reduce heat exposure. These safety measures are intended to minimise the risk of heat-related illnesses and ensure safe, humane working conditions during Oman's hottest season. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to worker health, urging all employers to adhere strictly to the guidelines.
Khaleej Times
11 hours ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Oman announces public and private sector holiday for Hijri New Year
Sunday, 29 June 2025, has been declared an official holiday for employees in the public and private sectors in Oman on the occasion of the Holy Prophet's Hijra Anniversary and the advent of the new Hijri year 1447 AH. Most employees will get a 3-day long weekend during the occasion, similar to what UAE residents will enjoy. In Oman, the weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, aligning with most countries in the Gulf region. Friday is considered a holy day for Muslims, a day dedicated to prayer and spiritual reflection, as well as spending time with family. The official workweek in Oman runs from Sunday to Thursday. The Islamic, or Hijri, calendar is based on lunar months, and the New Year begins on the first day of Muharram, the calendar's first month.
Arabian Business
11 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Oman announces holiday for public and private sectors
Oman has announced an official holiday for public and private sectors at the end of this month. Sunday, June 29 has been announced as an official holiday for employees of the public and private sectors on the occasion of the new Hijri year 1447 AH. With Friday and Saturday being a typical weekend for many in the country, it means a three-day break, with workers able to rest from June 27 to 29. Oman announces Islamic New Year holiday The Ministry of Labour pointed out that employers may agree on terms to engage employees on the said holiday—if deemed necessary due to the nature of their work—provided they compensate the workers for the holiday.
Times of Oman
11 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
CBO joins network for greening the financial system
Muscat: The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has officially announced its membership in the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS), a global alliance of central banks and supervisory authorities aimed at enhancing the financial sector's resilience to climate-related and environmental risks. Launched during the "One Planet Summit" in Paris in December 2017 with eight founding members, the NGFS has since expanded into a worldwide network comprising over 160 central banks and regulatory bodies. The initiative seeks to collaborate with members in transforming the financial and banking systems into environmentally friendly and sustainable models. This is achieved through knowledge-sharing, cooperation, and the adoption of international best practices in developing regulatory frameworks to promote sustainability. The CBO's membership underscores its steadfast commitment to building a resilient, sustainable, and forward-looking financial system. This move aligns with Oman Vision 2040, the Sultanate of Oman's national strategy for a structured transition toward net-zero emissions, as well as the launch of the National Environmental Policy for Energy. As part of its strategic climate initiatives, the CBO has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework and roadmap designed to advance sustainable and green finance in line with international standards and Oman's goal of achievingcarbon neutrality by 2050. These efforts include phased disclosure requirements for licensed financial institutions, alongside active participation in global climate initiatives, such as those led by the G20. Through this membership, the CBO joins a collaborative international effort to promote sustainable finance and strengthen the financial sector's readiness in addressing escalating challenges posed by climate change and ecosystem degradation. —— Ends/AH
