Latest news with #ArabianSea
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Science
- Times of Oman
Earthquake recorded in Arabian Sea
Muscat: An earthquake was recorded in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, the Earthquake Monitoring Centre (EMC) at Sultan Qaboos University said. A statement issued online by the EMC said: "An earthquake in the Arabian Sea with a magnitude of 5.3, at 2.02 pm MCT and at a depth of 10 km has been recorded. The earthquake was recorded 235 km away from Salalah."
Arab News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia pledge deeper defense ties during Saudi naval chief's Islamabad visit
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday agreed to enhance and strengthen the scope of their existing bilateral defense ties, with a renewed focus on naval cooperation and regional maritime security, said an official statement. The announcement came during a meeting between Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) Vice Admiral Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Ghuraybi at Pakistan Navy Headquarters in Islamabad. The two sides reaffirmed their longstanding defense partnership, particularly between their navies, which have conducted regular joint drills and personnel exchanges over the years. 'The leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, regional maritime security situation and avenues for enhanced cooperation in defense, training and security,' the Pakistan Navy said in a statement. 'Both leaders pledged to further strengthen and diversify the scope of existing bilateral defense relationship.' The two commanders also appreciated the successful conduct of the latest iteration of the joint naval exercise Naseem Al Bahr-XV in the North Arabian Sea earlier this year. Admiral Ashraf briefed his counterpart on Pakistan Navy's Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) initiative to maintain maritime order, secure sea lanes and counter non-traditional threats such as piracy and smuggling across the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean region. Pakistan is also a key participant in the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a 41-nation coalition based in Bahrain that conducts maritime security and counter-piracy operations across 3.2 million square miles of international waters. It has previously commanded Combined Task Force (CTF)-150 and CTF-151, focused on maritime security and counter-piracy respectively, reinforcing its role as a regional maritime security provider. The statement said Vice Admiral Al Ghuraybi acknowledged Pakistan Navy's role in collaborative maritime efforts and commended the professional training being imparted to RSNF cadets at the Pakistan Naval Academy and onboard Pakistan Navy ships. The Saudi delegation was also presented a Guard of Honour and briefed by senior officers at Naval Headquarters. The Pakistan Navy said the visit would further deepen defense ties and enhance naval collaboration between the two brotherly countries.
Times of Oman
12-07-2025
- Times of Oman
Discover khareef's charm along Muscat–Duqm–Salalah route
Duqm: As Oman welcomes the arrival of the Khareef season, the scenic coastal route stretching from Muscat to Duqm and onward to Salalah offers travellers a captivating journey through some of the Sultanate's most picturesque landscapes. This route not only enriches the tourism sector but also invites residents and international visitors to explore a tapestry of coastal towns, natural wonders, and cultural experiences along the Arabian Sea. Ideal for those heading to the famed Khareef season in Dhofar, the road trip unveils a string of charming Omani villages and cities nestled along the shoreline - from the historic Wilayat of Sur to the lush landscapes of Dhofar Governorate. Travellers can enjoy a moderate climate and breathtaking scenery as they pass through Ras Al Hadd, Al Ashkharah, Mahout, Duqm, Al Jazir, and other coastal destinations, each offering its own unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Strategically located midway between Muscat and Salalah - approximately 550 km from Muscat and 600 km from Salalah - Duqm serves as an ideal stopover for travelers seeking rest, exploration, or a multi-day stay. The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) offers a growing array of tourism experiences, including a variety of accommodations ranging from 4-star and 3-star hotels to serviced apartments. For those seeking a more immersive experience, Duqm Beach Camp provides a fully equipped camping option right on the coast. Visitors to Duqm can enjoy a range of activities that highlight the region's natural and cultural appeal. From sipping Arabic coffee in the traditional desert ambiance of Ezbet Al Maha, to hiking along newly developed trails, to relaxing in the landscaped Duqm Park or enjoying a game at the Oman Bowling Center in the vibrant Sai Commercial District - Duqm offers something for every traveler. Nature lovers can also plan excursions to nearby attractions such as the Rock Garden, the Arabian Oryx Reserve, Sukkar Sand Beach in Khalouf, Barr Al-Hikman, Ras Soqra, and the stunning pink lakes of Al Jazir - all within reach of Duqm. Spanning over 1,100 kilometers, the Muscat-Duqm-Salalah route is more than a road trip, it's a journey of discovery. It invites travelers to create lasting memories, capture unforgettable scenes, and indulge their passion for exploration, adventure, and the joy of uncovering Oman's hidden gems.
Asharq Al-Awsat
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Muted Responses to Deadly Houthi Escalation and Rising Insurance Costs
As the Houthi threat to international shipping grows ever more serious - most recently with the sinking of two Greek vessels, killing three sailors and leaving twelve missing - there has been little substantial reaction from major world powers. The United States, Germany's foreign minister, and the UN envoy to Yemen were among the few to voice concern and call for de-escalation. While Houthi attacks intensify across the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, insurance premiums for commercial ships in these waters have surged to as much as 1% of a vessel's value, according to leading global insurers. This underscores the scale of the risk and the declining confidence in protecting this vital maritime corridor. The two assaults targeted the cargo ships Magic Seas and True Confidence between Sunday and Tuesday last week. According to the EU naval mission Aspides, tasked with safeguarding Red Sea navigation, the attacks killed at least three sailors, wounded others, and left a dozen unaccounted for. The strike on the Liberian-flagged Greek-operated True Confidence marked a dangerous escalation. The Houthis claimed responsibility, saying they used an explosive-laden drone boat and six ballistic and cruise missiles. They alleged the ship was heading to Israel's port of Eilat, though independent verification was lacking. Despite the scale of the violence, most global capitals limited their responses to brief statements. Only the US ambassador to the UN issued a pointed condemnation, along with remarks from a State Department spokesperson and a statement by UN envoy Hans Grundberg. The US denounced the attacks as 'terrorist and unjustified,' describing them as evidence of the 'ongoing threat posed by Iranian-backed Houthis to regional maritime security and commerce.' The US ambassador stressed Washington's commitment to denying the Houthis resources to fund such operations and called on the UN Security Council to remove obstacles blocking its expert monitoring teams in Yemen. The State Department likewise condemned the attacks as a threat to the freedom of navigation and economic stability. 'We will continue to take necessary steps to protect commercial shipping,' the statement warned, urging the broader international community to condemn the Houthis' actions. Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Iran must use its influence to halt Houthi attacks. Speaking in Vienna alongside his Israeli and Austrian counterparts, he declared: 'We strongly condemn these attacks and expect Iran to act to stop them.' UN envoy Grundberg expressed deep concern about the sinking of True Confidence, warning of the humanitarian and environmental consequences of such operations, which violate international law and Security Council Resolution 2722. He urged the Houthis to provide sustainable guarantees to end attacks and build on prior understandings with the United States. Oman had brokered a limited agreement last May under which the Houthis pledged to stop targeting American ships in return for a suspension of broad US-led military action - though the deal excluded Israel. A Dangerous Precedent Yemeni officials say the tepid reactions from much of the world send the Houthis the wrong message, reinforcing their sense of impunity. On Thursday, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi boasted in his weekly address about sinking the vessels, calling it a 'clear lesson' to any shipping company doing business with Israel. Since November 2023, the Houthis have carried out over 150 attacks, disrupting global trade flows through the Red Sea. Their operations have sunk British and Greek ships and damaged many more, including hijacking the Galaxy Leader and holding its crew for over a year.
New York Times
12-07-2025
- Climate
- New York Times
When It's This Hot, ‘We Are Enduring, Not Living'
It's just 8 a.m., and the sun is already punishing. Shahbaz Ali, a 32-year-old ride-hailing motorcycle driver, is drenched in sweat before his day has even begun. Sleep deprived from regular power outages in the hot weather, he heads off into the choking traffic of Karachi, Pakistan's main port city, for nearly 12 hours of work. By midday, temperatures can exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), with high humidity along the Arabian Sea pushing the heat index past 115. 'It feels like living in a furnace,' Mr. Ali said one day last month, steering his motorcycle over uneven roads as I rode on the back. 'But what choice do I have? If I stop working, my family won't eat.' I spent a day with Mr. Ali to see how he copes in the extreme heat. Islamabad AFGHANISTAN PAKISTAN IRAN INDIA Karachi Arabian Sea 200 miles By The New York Times Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
