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Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Oman: Two arrested for possessing more than 20kg of drugs
Two individuals were arrested for possession of more than 20kg of drugs in Oman, authorities said on Tuesday. The General Directorate for Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances at Royal Oman Police said that the two — an Egyptian and a Sudanese — were apprehended for possessing more than 20kg of crystal methamphetamine and hashish. The arrests were made in the Wilayat of Al Amerat, Muscat Governorate, as part of intensified efforts to curb the growing threat of drug trafficking in the Sultanate. Investigations into the case are currently ongoing, with further actions expected to follow. Oman has been stepping up its crackdown on narcotics in recent years, focusing on intercepting drug smuggling networks and dismantling distribution channels.
Times of Oman
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
Meera's call: A new chapter for women in Oman Cricket
MUSCAT: Earlier this month, in a quiet yet historic moment for Omani sport, Meera Bhanushali stepped onto the field to officiate the opening game of the T20I series between Oman and Bahrain at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Al Amerat — becoming the first Omani woman to umpire an international cricket match. 'It didn't feel like anything special when I walked out to the middle,' Meera recalled. 'But after the game, when it sunk in that I had just become the first Omani woman to officiate at this level, it felt incredible. I'm very proud to have reached this milestone.' That pride was reinforced almost instantly. Her first major decision — a leg-before-wicket call — came at a critical juncture and proved both correct and game-shaping. 'To have your first major call stand firm gives you a huge sense of confidence,' she said. From player to umpire Meera's connection to cricket began at the age of six. Between 2010 and 2014, she represented Oman's national women's team, including an overseas tour to Kuwait. 'There weren't many facilities for girls back then. We played on matting wickets, shared kits, and had very limited exposure,' she said. But even after she stopped playing, her passion never faded. 'I couldn't walk away from the game. I love it too much.' That love turned into a new purpose in 2018, when she enrolled in her first umpiring course offered by Oman Cricket. 'It was a big switch, but it felt right. I wanted to stay involved in the game and contribute in any way I could.' In July 2024, her dedication paid off as she became the first woman from Oman to earn an ICC Level 1 umpiring certification — paving the way for her T20I debut. Over the past year, Meera has stood in nearly 45 top-tier men's matches, including A Division and Premier Division league games. 'I didn't face any gender bias,' she said. 'Oman Cricket has been incredibly supportive. The players, the officials — everyone has treated me with respect.' She credits much of her journey to the late Kanak Khimji, former chairman of Oman Cricket. 'He was the first person to encourage me when I was just a girl with a bat in hand. I owe him a lot.' She also acknowledged current chairman Pankaj Khimji, Chief Development Officer Duleep Mendis, Treasurer Alkesh Joshi, senior international umpire Rahul Asher, her umpiring colleagues and the entire Oman Cricket board. 'Their backing has meant everything. They never saw me as a female umpire — just as an umpire.' Wearing two hats Outside the boundary line, Meera works as a manager in a shipping logistics firm. 'In both jobs, decision-making is key,' she said. 'You need to assess situations quickly and fairly, often under pressure. That's something I enjoy.' Though unused to the spotlight, she embraces her role as a pioneer. 'Honestly, I'm not someone who likes the limelight. But if my story can inspire more girls in Oman to take up cricket — not just as players, but in other roles too — I'm happy.' 'There are so many more opportunities now than when I started. Girls play on turf wickets, have their own gear, better coaching and more visibility. It's heartening to see women's cricket finally getting the attention it deserves.' Meera hopes her journey will encourage others to chase their cricketing dreams. 'If you love the game and are willing to work hard, nothing can stop you. Grab the opportunities that come your way — the sky's the limit.' Cricket is a family affair. 'My mother and father are huge fans,' she smiled. 'My sister doesn't like the game at all,' she laughed, 'but she's always been supportive, along with my parents. I owe them a lot.' Looking ahead, Meera is determined to grow. 'I hope to get more international assignments and keep improving. It's a responsibility I take seriously.' From dusty practice nets to the international stage, Meera's journey is one of quiet courage and trailblazing spirit. In raising her finger, she's lifted the aspirations of a new generation of girls in Oman. Pathway to the pitch for women in Oman Oman Cricket provides perfect platform for aspiring women umpires and coaches in Oman. Interested women can start by completing online ICC modules through the EdApp platform. This foundation step is followed by in-person training sessions under the Oman Cricket system. Umpires gain real-time experience in domestic T20s, while coaches shadow senior staff in academy sessions, working directly with young cricketers. The structured pathway is designed to build knowledge, confidence, and practical skills, paving the way for advancement to higher levels within domestic and regional cricket.
Observer
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman U16 basketball team gears up for Asian qualifiers
Muscat, May 22 The Oman national under-16 basketball team continues its intensive preparations for the upcoming Gulf region qualifiers for the Asian Championship, scheduled to be held in Bahrain from July 7 to 12. The top two teams from this stage will qualify for the final continental tournament, making the upcoming competition highly competitive. As part of their preparation, the team has entered a closed training camp at the Al Buraimi Sports Complex from May 22 to 24, under the supervision of Tunisian head coach Zouheir al Ayachi and his assistant, Omani coach Ali al Balushi. This camp is considered a crucial step in the team's training plan, aiming to raise the players' technical, physical, and tactical readiness and boost team cohesion ahead of the qualifiers. The camp's first training session was held on Wednesday night, focusing on developing individual skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting, in addition to training on quick transitions between offence and defence, team defensive coverage, and improving physical fitness. The team is conducting two training sessions daily — morning and evening — and will conclude the camp with a friendly match against the UAE U-16 national team on Sunday, to be held in the United Arab Emirates. This match is expected to be a vital test of the team's readiness. Fifteen players are participating in the camp: Saddam bin Ali al Shezawi, Khuzaimah bin Ibrahim al Shibli, Rashid bin Salem al Issai, Mohammed bin Ali al Shezawi, Abdul Rahim bin Abdullah al Roshdi, Elias bin Suleiman al Obaidani, Al Mulhim bin Said al Obaidani, Abdul Samad bin Said al Subhi, Muhannad bin Mansour al Batashi, Nawar bin Abdulaziz al Bahlouli, Adam bin Suleiman al Hinai, Jayid bin Hazem al Kindi, Saif bin Suleiman al Yahyai, Sami bin Faisal al Busaidy and Sultan bin Salem al Sanani. Also present at the camp are Ghassan al Busaidy, Director of National Teams, and Amer al Zaydi, physiotherapist. In an exclusive statement, Coach Zouheir al Ayachi explained that the Al Buraimi camp is a continuation of earlier short camps held at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. Those camps included several important friendly matches, such as three games against the U18 national team and others against the youth teams of Seeb and Al Amerat clubs — both bolstered by U18 players. He added that the team greatly benefited from these matches, as they allowed the coaching staff to evaluate the players' performance in real-game situations and work on both weaknesses and strengths. The team also recently played a friendly match against the 'Gym Sports' Basketball Academy in Dubai, which ended in a narrow 70–76 defeat. The match was highly competitive, and all players were given an opportunity to participate. The quarter scores were as follows: Q1 (8–16), Q2 (18–19), Q3 (23–23), and Q4 (21–18). Several players stood out during the game, notably Al Mulhim al Obaidani, who scored 19 points, grabbed 17 rebounds, delivered 4 assists, made 3 blocks, and intercepted 4 passes. Adam al Hinai added 17 points and 7 steals, while Saif Al Yahyai scored 16 points, and Rashid al Issai contributed with 8 assists. Al Ayachi emphasised that such matches are instrumental in improving the team's performance, noting that the technical staff continues to work on enhancing the players' skills and readiness. He expressed confidence in the young squad's potential, seeing them as a promising foundation for the future of Oman basketball.
Times of Oman
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
All-Omani team shows promising signs in hard-fought T20 series
MUSCAT: A determined All-Omani Development Team came close to pulling off a remarkable series win against the visiting Bahraini National Team in a recently concluded three-match T20 series at the Oman Cricket Academy ground in Al Amerat. Despite losing the series 2-1, the all-Omani side earned praise for their resilience, growing maturity, and ability to compete until the very last ball. For a team built entirely around domestic talent, the performances were a sign of exciting progress in Oman's cricketing pipeline. Head coach of the team, Prashanth Chandran said: 'As the coach of the All-Omani Development Team, I'm incredibly proud of the players' mindset and their eagerness to learn.' He added: 'Despite their limited cricketing experience and match practice, they showed tremendous grit and competed hard in all three games against Bahrain." Chandran said: "The final match, taken down to the very last ball, was a true display of their fighting spirit and desire to win. With structured training and consistent match exposure, I firmly believe this team has the potential to develop into a highly competitive unit that can make Oman proud on the regional and continental stage.' The three-match series offered a range of challenges for the Omani side, but they responded with character. The opening game was a close-fought contest, with Bahrain setting a modest target of 144/8, thanks to tight bowling spells from Faris Khalid Al Balushi (2/12) and Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi (2/18). Oman fell just short in the chase, finishing at 135/7 despite a well-constructed 56 from Sufyan Mehmood and a steady 34 from Shoaib. The second match saw the hosts come roaring back with a high-scoring win. Batting first, Oman posted a commanding 188/4, led by a fluent 61 from Shoaib and a powerful 50 from Mohammed Al Balushi. Bahrain responded with a spirited chase but were stopped at 185/7, with Faris once again impressing with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets. With the series level at 1-1, the decider turned out to be a nail-biter. Oman put up 165/6 on the board, built around Majid Al Balushi's 40 and another solid knock by Mohammed (27). Defending the total, Rashad Al Balushi nearly turned the tide with a devastating spell of 5/12. However, Bahrain's Abdulla Parvej played a match-winning hand, scoring 97 runs and steering his team to victory by just one wicket off the final delivery. While the result may not have gone in Oman's favour, the series featured a number of standout performances. Bahrain's Abdulla Parvej topped the run charts with 127 runs, including his match-winning 97 in the final encounter. For Oman, Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi impressed with a total of 118 runs across the three games, closely followed by Sufyan Mehmood, who amassed 115 runs. On the bowling front, Faris Khalid Al Balushi led the charge for Oman with seven wickets, while Rashad Al Balushi made a major impact with his five-wicket haul in the final game. The series offered a valuable glimpse into the potential that lies within the country's domestic circuit. Brief scores: 1st T20 match: Bahraini National Team 144/8 (Faris Khalid Al Balushi 2/12, Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi 2/18) beat Oman Development Team 135/7 (Sufyan Mehmood 56 (47), Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi 34 (31). 2nd T20 match: Oman Development Team 188/4 (Shoaib Ismail Al Balushi 61 (39), Mohammed Al Balushi 50 (30)) beat Bahrain National Team 185/7 (Faris Khalid Al Balushi 4/38, Sufyan Mehmood 0/26).
Times of Oman
14-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Sales launched for first integrated model residential neighbourhood in Al Amerat
Muscat: Al Madina Real Estate Company has launched Phase 1 sales in Al Salam Square of the Al Ahd Neighborhood project in Al Amerat, marking the first fully serviced residential community in Al Amerat. Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning under the "Surouh" initiative, the project offers 1,065 residential units, including standalone, semi-attached, and townhouse villas, as well as apartments designed to meet modern Omani family lifestyles. Eligible citizens will benefit from subsidized pricing. The Al Ahd Neighbourhood initiative aims to provide ready-to-occupy housing solutions at affordable prices, reducing waitlists through this innovative model. Eng. Abdulrahman Awadh Barham, CEO of Al Madina Real Estate, stated that the 450,000 sqm project—with a total cost of RO 50 million—represents a public-private partnership delivering an exceptional living experience in a community with premium services. In a statement to ONA, Eng. Abdulrahman Awadh Barham noted the neighborhood includes essential amenities, commercial spaces, and recreational facilities across three phases: Al Salam, Al Rukha, and Al Izdihar Squares. On his turn, Sami Said Al Nabhani, Business Development Director at Al Madina Real Estate, confirmed sales have begun for 74 villas in Al Salam Square, with prices starting at RO 52,000 via direct purchase (interest-free) and flexible payment plans. Financing solutions with local banks are underway. Phase 1 offers 12 standalone villas, 22 twin villas, and 40 townhouses (188–350 sqm).
