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Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- General
- Muscat Daily
Oman national strategy for dealing with marine debris unveiled
Muscat – Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has launched a national strategy for dealing with marine debris, a comprehensive framework aimed at protecting Oman's marine environment, ensuring safe navigation and promoting a sustainable maritime sector. Described by the ministry as a 'pioneering step towards cleaner seas and a more sustainable future', the strategy seeks to protect the marine environment, enhance maritime safety, allocate resources for effective debris management, strengthen coordination between national institutions, and implement emergency plans in line with both national and international standards. Under Omani Maritime Law (Royal Decree No 19/2023), marine debris is defined as 'a ship and its appurtenances that are abandoned, sunk or grounded in Omani waters, including anything that is or was on board'. Key measures in the strategy include establishing a national marine debris database, assessing environmental damage, conducting awareness campaigns for maritime stakeholders, regulating removal and disposal operations, training specialists, and collaborating with international organisations. MTCIT also announced plans to set up ship recycling and dismantling facilities using advanced green technologies. An economic feasibility study is currently underway, reflecting Oman's commitment to sustainable maritime practices. In a move to boost the sector's performance, MTCIT has signed concession agreements with leading international companies in port management, operations and development. It has also issued licences for establishing and operating marine docks outside main ports, aiming to drive innovation and efficiency in Oman's maritime infrastructure. Commenting on the initiative, Dr Salim al Harthy, a marine environmental scientist, said, 'Marine debris is not only an environmental hazard but also a navigational threat. Oman's new strategy is vital because it combines scientific assessment with practical regulation. Establishing a national database will allow us to identify high-risk zones and respond faster to incidents, reducing the impact on biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.' Capt Ahmed al Riyami, a maritime safety consultant, added, 'One of the biggest challenges in dealing with marine debris is coordination between multiple agencies – from environmental bodies to port authorities. This strategy provides a clear chain of responsibility, backed by legal authority. If implemented effectively, it will position Oman as a regional leader in maritime environmental management.' MTCIT stressed that strict regulation of removal and disposal operations is crucial, given the potential environmental and economic impacts. Oman is setting high standards and controls to ensure effectiveness, while providing funding, training and the latest technology. The full national strategy is available at:


Observer
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Al Khabourah stun Oman Club; Bahla and Saham shine
MUSCAT, APRIL 23 Al Khabourah clinched an exciting 3-2 win over Oman Club in the round 19 of Omantel League at the Seeb Sports Stadium on Tuesday. The match began with an aggressive approach from Oman Club, aiming for an early goal. However, the game quickly turned into an even contest between both sides. Al Khabourah's best chance in the first half came in the 18th minute when Ahmed al Riyami went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, only to be denied by a brilliant save. This was followed by a dangerous header from captain Rashid al Hosani that went over the bar. On the other end, Mahmood al Hassani missed a clear chance for Oman Club in the 38th minute. Al Khabourah eventually opened the scoring in the 41st minute through Ahmed al Riyami, who capitalised on a defensive error. In the second half, Oman Club quickly got back into the game with an equaliser in the 51st minute, scored by Azan al Tamimi, who followed up a rebound off the goalkeeper. Mohammed Lamine Dia restored Al Khabourah's lead in the 67th minute. However, Daniel Etor brought Oman Club level again in the 78th minute with a well-taken free kick by Mohammed al Maashari. In the dying minutes, substitute Noah al Araimi sealed the win for Al Khabourah, scoring from a defensive scramble inside the box. The referee added five minutes of stoppage time, but no further goals were scored, and the match ended 3-2 in favour of Al Khabourah. With this victory, Al Khabourah raised their tally to 25 points and climbed to fifth place in the standings, while Oman Club remained at 35 points in third place, suffering a significant blow in the title race. SAHAM HOLD AL NAHDA Saham started strongly and opened the scoring in the ninth minute through their Nigerian professional Adeniji Babatunde. Al Nahda responded with an equaliser by Harib al Saadi in the 36th minute, ending the first half at 1-1. In the second half, Al Hajj Malik gave Al Nahda the lead in the 49th minute, but Saham fought back and equalised through Bassam al Saadi in the 78th minute, with both teams sharing the spoils. With this result, Al Nahda moved to 40 points in second place, missing a chance to close the gap on league leaders Seeb. Meanwhile, Saham reached 22 points and sit in seventh place. BAHLA EDGE AL RUSTAQ Bahla secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Al Rustaq at the Al Rustaq Sports Complex. The lone goal came from Bahla's Loke Vimke. With this win, Bahla moved up to 22 points, escaping the relegation zone and climbing to ninth place. Al Rustaq, on the other hand, remained at 20 points and fell back into the danger zone, sharing the same points total with Ibri but holding 10th place on goal difference.