Latest news with #Busaidi
Muscat Daily
19-05-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
OSAS promotes astronomy and science outreach in Tanzania
Muscat – Oman Space and Astronomical Society (OSAS) has successfully completed a visit to Tanzania aimed at promoting astronomy, moonsighting standardisation and citizen science outreach. Led by OSAS board member Abdulwahab Sulaiman al Busaidi and UK-based expert in Islamic moonsighting Ibrahim Jaafar, the visit included lectures, meetings with religious scholars, and strategic partnerships with government and religious institutions. The lectures covered topics ranging from galaxy formation to satellite communications, highlighting astronomy's role in national development and youth empowerment through citizen science. Speaking to Muscat Daily, Busaidi, who delivered a lecture titled 'Astronomy and Faith: Bridging Science and Islam', said, 'Our goal was not only to share knowledge but to plant the seeds of long-term collaboration in space science between Oman and Tanzania. Faith and science are not opposites. When aligned, they enhance our understanding of the universe and enrich spiritual practices.' The delegation's itinerary included key academic institutions, such as Zanzibar State University, Karume Institute of Science and Technology and Sumait University. A major highlight of the visit was a presentation on moonsighting and astronomy at Zanzibar Grand Mosque, where Busaidi discussed the Islamic importance of unified lunar observations using scientific tools. The visit also included a high-profile event at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam attended by senior officials – Oman's Ambassador to Tanzania H E Saud al Shidhani and the Deputy Mufti of Tanzania. The event also featured a meeting with President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi of Zanzibar. 'Tanzania has the potential to become a space science leader in Africa. This is not just science diplomacy – it's a shared vision of enlightenment,' said Busaidi. He added that the visit included a proposal to establish the Zanzibar Astronomy and Space Society and involve Tanzanian students in NASA's International Astronomical Search Collaboration.
Muscat Daily
28-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman's urban air transport ambitions take off at two-day forum
Muscat – Oman has moved towards building a smart air transport system by hosting Urban Air Mobility Forum – Oman 2025 organised by Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) in partnership with Phoenix Space Technologies and Global Urban Air Mobility. The two-day forum, which began on Monday, has brought together government and private sector entities, academic institutions and international organisations from the fields of aviation, space and advanced technology. The event aims to lay the groundwork for an advanced air mobility (AAM) system in the sultanate, supporting broader efforts to create an integrated transport network, stimulate innovation and employment, and improve quality of life in cities. Participants discussed investment priorities, infrastructure needs, regulations and plans for live demonstration programmes. The forum will also explore opportunities in the emerging AAM sector and examine development of mobility products and services. It is in line with Oman's ambition to host the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global AAM Forum in 2026. Abdullah Ali al Busaidi, Director General of Oman Logistics Centre at MTCIT, described the forum as 'an important national and regional strategic platform that highlights one of the most promising sectors – advanced urban air mobility'. He said hosting the forum aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the Logistics Strategy 2040. Busaidi said discussions would lead to 'recommendations and practices to lay the foundations for this promising sector', offering ideas on adapting modern technology to Oman's urban landscape for societal, economic and environmental benefits. 'This forum is a starting point for a future where Oman will be at the forefront of the region's advanced urban air transport, driven by national will, fruitful partnerships and a clear vision.' Civil Aviation Authority will lead development of regulations for urban air transport, working closely with MTCIT, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and other relevant bodies. Plans are underway to establish a national pilot zone (Geozone) to test AAM technologies and applications. The zone will provide a controlled environment for research institutions and startups to develop solutions within Oman. Five pilot projects have been proposed, covering intercity urban transport, air cargo and logistics, ambulance and emergency medical services, air security and surveillance, and the creation of national innovation incubators. The forum's outcomes and executive recommendations will be announced on Logistics Day on April 30, bringing together government officials, investors and international experts to prepare for the launch of the National Implementation Plan for the Air Mobility Sector.
Saudi Gazette
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Iran says it seeks ‘fair and honorable' agreement with US in Muscat talks
MUSCAT — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Saturday that Tehran's goal is to achieve a 'fair and honorable agreement' in indirect negotiations with the United States, currently taking place in Muscat, Oman. Speaking to reporters after meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, Araghchi emphasized that Iran is entering the talks 'from a position of equality,' according to Iran's Tasnim News Agency. 'Our intention is to achieve a fair agreement, based on mutual respect,' he said, adding that a 'preliminary understanding' is possible if Washington adopts a similar approach. 'If the other side has come to the table with the same mindset, then there is room for a constructive negotiating path.' Araghchi praised Oman's 'responsible stance' on regional issues and described Muscat's role as host of the negotiations as 'a clear sign of its positive diplomatic approach.' Omani Foreign Minister Busaidi welcomed Araghchi and called relations between the two countries 'exceptional,' expressing appreciation for Iran's decision to hold talks in to Iran's official IRNA news agency, Araghchi began consultations with Busaidi ahead of Saturday evening's indirect negotiations with the American delegation. Busaidi is also expected to meet US lead negotiator Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle negotiations follow Trump's invitation in March to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for direct talks. At a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week, Trump announced that 'direct negotiations' would begin US and its allies accuse Iran of attempting to build nuclear weapons — a claim Tehran denies, insisting its nuclear program is peaceful and focused on energy media reported that Trump's announcement of direct talks surprised Israeli officials, who have repeatedly advocated for military action against Iran's nuclear facilities. — Agencies
