Look: Dead whale washed up on Oman beach died due to suffocation
According to the Environment Authority of Oman, an initial examination revealed that the cause of death was suffocation. The whale was found to have ropes wrapped around its body, restricting its movement and breathing.
This incident highlights the dangers of marine waste, particularly abandoned fishing nets, on wildlife, says the authority. It urged the public to not throw waste into the sea in order to preserve marine life.
Last year, a study conducted on whales washed up on UAE shores revealed the primary causes of death as entanglement in fishing gear, ingestion of plastic waste and collision with ships.
In December 2024, the Fujairah Environment Authority successfully guided a Bryde's whale from the baleen species back to its migration path after it was spotted near the Port of Fujairah.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Look: Dead whale washed up on Oman beach died due to suffocation
A dead whale has been found washed up on the Al Ashkhara Beach on the eastern coast of Oman. According to the Environment Authority of Oman, an initial examination revealed that the cause of death was suffocation. The whale was found to have ropes wrapped around its body, restricting its movement and breathing. This incident highlights the dangers of marine waste, particularly abandoned fishing nets, on wildlife, says the authority. It urged the public to not throw waste into the sea in order to preserve marine life. Last year, a study conducted on whales washed up on UAE shores revealed the primary causes of death as entanglement in fishing gear, ingestion of plastic waste and collision with ships. In December 2024, the Fujairah Environment Authority successfully guided a Bryde's whale from the baleen species back to its migration path after it was spotted near the Port of Fujairah.
Zawya
04-08-2025
- Zawya
Oman secures orbital slot with satellite launch pledge
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman has successfully retained regulatory control over a prime geostationary orbital slot at 73.5° East after committing to launch a temporary satellite by December 2025, and to sign a contract for a Ka-band high-throughput satellite (HTS) before the end of this year. The full satellite, expected to deliver advanced broadband capacity, is targeted for launch in 2028. The decision by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to grant Oman this extension represents a major step forward for the Sultanate of Oman, which has faced multiple delays in executing its national satellite communications programme. The orbital slot is considered highly strategic, offering coverage across large parts of the Middle East, South Asia, and Central Asia—regions with growing demand for satellite-based broadband, broadcasting, and data services. Oman's satellite ambitions have been in development since at least 2018, centred on its Omansat-1 telecommunications satellite project. However, due to a series of setbacks—including procurement delays and missed regulatory milestones—the country risked losing its claim to the 73.5° East orbital position under ITU's 'use-it-or-lose-it' policy. In October 2024, Oman issued a public tender for a temporary satellite to maintain the slot while working toward a long-term solution. According to a report by Space Intel Report, the ITU's Radio Regulations Board reviewed Oman's case and agreed to the country's roadmap, granting it a deadline of December 31, 2025 to launch the interim satellite. Oman also committed to contracting a full Ka-band HTS satellite by the end of 2025, with a 2028 launch deadline. Despite limited progress in earlier years, the report notes that Oman was able to retain the slot through timely regulatory commitments and credible plans. The announcement builds on Oman's recent achievements in space. In November 2024, the country successfully launched OL-1, its first AI-powered Earth observation satellite, into low-Earth orbit. Developed by Oman Lens, in partnership with Star Vision Aerospace and Mars Development & Investment Company, OL-1 provides real-time, high-resolution imaging for land use planning, infrastructure monitoring, and environmental assessments. To reinforce its position, Oman issued Royal Decree 40/2025, granting OmanSat a Category I licence to develop and operate national satellite communication services. This allows OmanSat to offer fixed satellite broadband to underserved regions and support national digital transformation goals. Oman is working to meet the immediate goal of launching a temporary satellite by the end of 2025 in order to comply with ITU regulations and hold on to the orbital slot. In parallel, the country plans to finalise a contract for the more powerful Ka-band high-throughput satellite within the same year, with the actual launch scheduled for 2028. Together, these milestones are intended to cement Oman's role in the regional space and communications sector, and reflect a growing strategic focus on space as a pillar of economic diversification and national infrastructure development under Oman Vision 2040. 2025 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
04-08-2025
- Zawya
Omani research team uses AI to detect genetic heart disorders
Muscat: A groundbreaking research initiative has made significant progress in identifying the genetic causes of cardiomyopathy in the Sultanate of Oman. The study, titled 'Implementation of Machine Learning Approach to Predict Pathogenicity of Genetic Variants Associated with Cardiomyopathy,' utilises Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) methodologies to investigate the underlying genetic contributors to this complex heart condition. The research was led by Dr. Ahmed Al Amri, Consultant of Molecular Genetics Lab and Head of Training and Professional Staff Development at the National Genetics Centre of the Royal Hospital. Cardiomyopathy, a heterogeneous group of myocardial disorders, remains a significant health burden worldwide. In the Sultanate of Oman, the genetic basis of the disease has been insufficiently characterised, hindering effective diagnosis and intervention. This study aimed to bridge that gap by conducting genetic analysis on a cohort of Omani families affected by cardiomyopathy. Dr. Ahmed Al Amri explained that central to the research is the development of a novel AI-based analysis model called 'CardioVar.' This model is designed to enhance the interpretation of WES data through the integration of more than 50,000 genetic variants and mutations linked to cardiomyopathy, supported by multiple AI algorithms to ensure analytical precision. The research project achieved a diagnostic success rate of over 80%, uncovering both known and previously unreported genetic mutations, some of which involve genes not previously linked to cardiomyopathy. These findings offer valuable insight into the genetic landscape of the disease within the Omani population and present new opportunities for further research to confirm the clinical relevance of novel variants. The AI model significantly improved both the speed and accuracy of genetic analysis, demonstrating its practical value in overcoming the limitations of traditional sequencing approaches. Dr. Al Amri emphasised that this approach not only advances the understanding of the genetic basis of cardiomyopathy in the Sultanate of Oman but also provides a scalable framework for implementing AI in genomic medicine, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and personalised care. The multidisciplinary research team included Dr. Ahmed Al Amri, Dr. Aisha Al Balushi, Nibras Al Mahrami, Dr. Musallam Al Ariami, Dr. Nadia Al Hashimi, Dr. Mohammed Al Rawahi, Dr. Tuqa Al Lawati, Dr. Bushra Al Shamsi, Dr. Fahad Al Hattali, and Ms. Mashael Al Balushi. Together, they have contributed to a practical model that blends clinical knowledge, laboratory science, and artificial intelligence to achieve high-impact results. This research not only advances the scientific understanding of inherited cardiomyopathy in the Sultanate of Oman but also exemplifies how AI can transform genetic diagnostics. It stands as a national model for the integration of precision medicine into routine clinical care, with plans to expand the study to include other hereditary heart conditions and incorporate its findings into everyday healthcare practices. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
