Latest news with #DhofarMunicipality


Observer
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Over 300 families receive support at frankincense market
SALALAH: The 'Frankincense Market' for productive families on Al Haffa Beach in Salalah is witnessing a remarkable turnout from visitors as part of Dhofar Municipality's activities accompanying the Khareef Dhofar Season 2025. The vibrant atmosphere is filled with the aroma of frankincense and adorned with authentic Omani heritage and arts. Through this initiative, Dhofar Municipality supports over 300 productive families and small-to-medium enterprises from various wilayats in the governorate. The market showcases a variety of handicrafts, traditional Omani foods, and heritage products that reflect Dhofar's cultural and social identity. Salim bin Abdullah Fadhil, supervisor of the Frankincense Market, pointed out that this year's edition features notably diverse participation, thanks to direct support from Dhofar Municipality. He emphasised that the market is not merely a sales outlet, but an integrated platform to display and promote local heritage elements. He added that visitors can explore a wide range of handmade crafts, including palm-frond products, incense burners and Omani frankincense goods, alongside traditional foods prepared by productive families. The accompanying events include daily performances on the market stage from 4 pm until midnight, where traditional Omani art troupes present heritage-inspired performances, along with children's shows, folk theatre and musical evenings featuring Omani artists. - ONA


Observer
4 hours ago
- Observer
No new leaks detected in oil pollution on Salalah coasts
Salalah - The competent authorities in Dhofar Governorate continue to carry out intensive field operations to address the effects of recent oil pollution observed along the coast from Khor Salalah to the Hilton Hotel on Awqad Beach, as well as the western area of Raysut Beach. Authorities have confirmed no new leaks have been detected in the affected sites. Specialized technical teams from the Directorate General of Environment in Dhofar Governorate are participating in these efforts, coordinating with Dhofar Municipality and other relevant entities. They are working to remove pollutants using approved machinery under the National Response Plan, in collaboration with Salalah Port and specialized environmental protection companies. The response has also included field inspections of nearby beaches to ensure they remain free of pollution, along with precautionary measures such as closing some access points to the affected beaches in cooperation with the Dhofar Municipality and the Royal Oman Police. These steps aim to ensure public safety and facilitate cleanup operations. Eng. Zahran Ahmed Al Abdulsalam, Acting Director General of Environment in Dhofar Governorate, confirmed that the prompt response enabled teams to contain the pollution and limit its spread. He explained that intensive cleanup efforts over several days have helped restore the beaches' cleanliness. He added that the efforts are not limited to removing visible pollution but also include protecting marine and coastal ecosystems due to their environmental and economic importance. Precise surveys have been conducted to identify pollution hotspots and develop a comprehensive response plan, focusing on the most affected areas using both manual and mechanical methods. Eng. Zahran commended the effective role of all participating entities, including the Dhofar Governor's Office, Dhofar Municipality, the Royal Oman Police, military sectors, and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. He emphasized that this coordination has been instrumental in successfully addressing environmental pollution.


Muscat Daily
6 hours ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Frankincense Market in Salalah highlights Dhofar's heritage
Salalah – The Frankincense Market for artisanal families at Al Hafa Beach in Salalah held as part of 2025 Dhofar Khareef festivities is attracting a large number of visitors. Organised by Dhofar Municipality, the market supports over 300 artisanal families and small businesses from across Oman. It features a variety of handicrafts, traditional Omani foods and locally produced goods, offering visitors a glimpse into the cultural and social fabric of Dhofar. This year, the event has seen several upgrades – expanded display areas, improved public facilities and redesigned stalls modelled on traditional architecture. The enhancements aim to improve visitor experience and enhance the market's role in preserving and promoting heritage. Salem bin Abdullah Fadhel, supervisor of the market, said the scale and diversity of participation this year reflect the support extended by Dhofar Municipality. 'This is not just a market, but a cultural platform that showcases Dhofar's heritage,' he said. Products on display include handmade palm-frond items, incense burners, frankincense products and a variety of traditional Omani foods prepared by local families. Daily performances are staged from 4pm to midnight, featuring folk arts such as Al Habut, Al Bar'ah and Al Madima, as well as children's shows and musical sessions by Omani performers. The market will remain open till the end of the khareef season, reinforcing its role as a cultural and tourism destination while contributing to the local economy and supporting community-based enterprises.


Times of Oman
9 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Intensive efforts exerted, no new leaks detected in oil pollution on Salalah coasts
Salalah: The competent authorities in Dhofar Governorate continue to carry out intensive field operations to address the effects of recent oil pollution observed along the coast from Khor Salalah to the Hilton Hotel on Awqad Beach, as well as the western area of Raysut Beach. Authorities have confirmed no new leaks have been detected in the affected sites. Specialised technical teams from the Directorate General of Environment in Dhofar Governorate are participating in these efforts, coordinating with Dhofar Municipality and other relevant entities. They are working to remove pollutants using approved machinery under the National Response Plan, in collaboration with Salalah Port and specialized environmental protection companies. The response has also included field inspections of nearby beaches to ensure they remain free of pollution, along with precautionary measures such as closing some access points to the affected beaches in cooperation with Dhofar Municipality and the Royal Oman Police. These steps aim to ensure public safety and facilitate cleanup operations. Eng. Zahran Ahmed Al Abdulsalam, Acting Director General of Environment in Dhofar Governorate, confirmed that the prompt response enabled teams to contain the pollution and limit its spread. He explained that intensive cleanup efforts over several days have helped restore the beaches' cleanliness. He added that the efforts are not limited to removing visible pollution but also include protecting marine and coastal ecosystems due to their environmental and economic importance. Precise surveys have been conducted to identify pollution hotspots and develop a comprehensive response plan, focusing on the most affected areas using both manual and mechanical methods. Eng. Zahran commended the effective role of all participating entities, including the Dhofar Governor's Office, Dhofar Municipality, the Royal Oman Police, military sectors, and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority. He emphasised that this coordination has been instrumental in successfully addressing the environmental pollution. For his part, Mamdouh Salim Al Marhoon, Director of the Environmental Emergency Center, explained that the National Oil Pollution Control Plan (Level II) was activated immediately after the incident was detected. This, he affirmed, accelerated the response, mobilized necessary resources, and ensured efficient coordination. He noted that communication is ongoing with relevant international and regional organizations to identify the pollution source and take necessary legal action. On his turn, Hatem Salim Al Mahri, Acting Director of the Nature Conservation Department, affirmed that field operations are ongoing to ensure the removal of any remaining traces. He added that monitoring teams continue follow-up and evaluation efforts to ensure full restoration of the coastal environment and prevent future risks.


Muscat Daily
10 hours ago
- General
- Muscat Daily
Dhofar authorities respond swiftly to Salalah oil spill
Salalah – Authorities in Dhofar Governorate continue intensive efforts to address the oil pollution recently detected along sections of the coastline from Khor Salalah to Awqad Beach near Hilton Hotel, and parts of Raysut Beach. Officials confirmed that no new leaks have been recorded, and the affected areas are under active monitoring and cleanup. Specialized teams from the General Directorate of Environment, in coordination with Dhofar Municipality, the Royal Oman Police, and other agencies, are leading operations under the National Oil Pollution Response Plan. Cleanup efforts include manual and mechanical removal of pollutants, supported by environmental specialists and companies. Precautionary measures, such as beach access closures, were implemented to ensure public safety and to facilitate smooth field operations. Eng. Zahran bin Ahmed Al-Abdelsalam, Acting Director General of the Environment Directorate in Dhofar, confirmed that the prompt intervention helped contain the pollution and limit environmental damage. He stressed that beyond surface-level cleaning, efforts are focused on protecting marine ecosystems, conducting detailed surveys, and using targeted cleanup technologies for long-term impact mitigation. Mamdouh bin Salem Al Marhoon, Director of the Environmental Emergency Center, stated that the National Oil Pollution Control Plan (Level II) was activated immediately, enabling rapid mobilization and inter-agency coordination. Investigations are ongoing, with cooperation from international and regional organizations, to trace the source of the spill and initiate legal measures.