Latest news with #AhmedalMahrouqi
Observer
a day ago
- Science
- Observer
Strawberry Moon graces Oman skies
A full Strawberry Moon graced Oman and some parts of Europe and America on Wednesday, coupled with a rare phenomenon not seen in almost 20 years. Caused by an event known as a 'major lunar standstill', Wednesday night marked the peak of the full Moon. According to Earth Sky, this was the lowest full moon in decades, "because we are in the midst of a major lunar standstill." But it also depends on which hemisphere one is at. They explained that as the inclination of the moon's orbit, which undergoes an 18.6-year cycle and the cycle happens because the moon's orbit is being slowly 'dragged around'. According to the Earth Sky, the Strawberry Moon was also near the bright star, red Antares, 'Heart of the Scorpion in the constellation Scorpius'. The name Strawberry Moon was associated with the short harvesting season and was named by the indigenous Americans. In Europe, however, it is also known as Honey Moon and Mead Moon. Some prefer to be near the sea to see the moon but for Ahmed al Mahrouqi, the best place to be is in the desert. "The best way to watch the full moon is to be in the desert. During the day time, the temperature could be in mid 40s but by night it could come down to 25 degrees Celsius. Even better, take the drive to Salalah on full moon night because it is an exceptional experience."
Observer
03-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman Air, MHT working together to create travel hub
Dubai: The national airline, Oman Air, said that it is closely working with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) to position the Sultanate of Oman as a global travel hub. In a statement, Ahmed al Mahrouqi, Oman Air's Vice President of Sales, "We've had a good four days at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) that offered a platform for Oman Air to deepen partnerships and spotlight our strategic initiatives, including network expansions such as the launch of our Amsterdam route this July and double daily flights to London." The airline recently introduced a new stopover program with Visit Oman, inviting transit guests to pause in Muscat and transform layovers into experiences, he said. The four-day travel trade show brought together a record-breaking 2,800 exhibitors from 161 countries, alongside 55,000 attendees from across the world. At ATM, Oman Air signed new General Sales Agent (GSA) agreements with Mohammed Abdulaziz Al-Othaim Travel & Tourism Company in Saudi Arabia and Nsas Avia Solutions in Egypt, strengthening the airline's presence in two key markets and supporting its regional commercial growth strategy. As per the first phase of the Stopover programme, visitors can choose customisable packages ranging from four hours to four days and accommodation at 3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels, which include transport and tours. The package includes a daily buffet.
