Latest news with #HE
Muscat Daily
2 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Bousher Bikers explore Pakistan's rugged north in 2,500km ride
Muscat – Inspired by renowned Pakistani motorcycle adventurer Muhammad Iqbal Ghangla and lured by the dramatic landscapes of northern Pakistan, nine members – seven Omanis and two Pakistanis – of Bousher Bikers recently completed a 12-day ride through the country, covering 2,500km of varied terrain. From the bustling streets of Rawalpindi to the stark grandeur of the Pakistan-China border, the group traversed mountains, valleys, deserts and rural backroads. Their experience, marked by both the thrill of adventure and the warmth of local hospitality, was shared at a reception hosted by H E Syed Naveed Safdar Bokhari, Pakistan's Ambassador to Oman, in Muscat on Tuesday. 'Pakistan, particularly the northern region, offers some of the most stunning mountain and countryside scenery anywhere in the world,' said H E Bokhari. 'This journey highlights the potential for deeper tourism ties between Oman and Pakistan, as visitors experience not just nature but also the country's welcoming spirit.' Led by Issa al Hassni, the team rode daily from 9am to evening, averaging 300km a day. Their route wound through remote villages and across high-altitude passes before culminating at the border with China. The team opted to hire motorcycles in Pakistan ranging from 150cc to 750cc for the trip. Accompanied by an ambulance and a government convoy throughout, the bikers reported no issues with food, security or logistics. Hassni informed that this was the group's first venture beyond the GCC. 'What stayed with us the most wasn't just the scenery, but the people's warmth,' he said. 'In many places, locals treated us like family – some even refused payment because we were guests. The kindness of the people, the police and the military left a deep impression.' The journey was born out of an encounter with Ghangla during his visit to Oman. That meeting sparked the idea for the ride, and as part of the 54th anniversary of Oman-Pakistan diplomatic relations, the Pakistan Embassy in Muscat helped coordinate arrangements, finalising plans within just 28 days. Founded in 2016, Bousher Bikers has 40 members from several countries and regularly organises long-distance rides. Following its first international ride outside the GCC, the group now plans to tour Iran and Turkey. View Preview
Biz Bahrain
3 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
NCSC announces third edition of Arab International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition (AICS 2025)
On Tuesday morning, a press conference was held to announce the launch of the third edition of the Arab International Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition (AICS 2025), under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister. The event is scheduled to take place from November 5 to 6 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, officially organised by Faalyat, a leading company in international event management. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will host the third edition of the conference and exhibition in collaboration with the global DEF CON conference, one of the most prominent and specialised cybersecurity conferences worldwide. His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of the NCSC, expressed pride in hosting the third edition of AICS under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, which reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain's continued commitment to consolidating its position as a leading global centre in the field of cybersecurity. HE emphasised that the partnership between the NCSC and DEF CON provides an opportunity for exchanging international expertise and establishing strategic partnerships, in addition to showcasing the latest solutions and technologies that play a pivotal role in enhancing cybersecurity readiness both regionally and internationally to address escalating and evolving cyber threats. HE also commended the ongoing cooperation with the official organising company, Faalyat, recognising its deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, and experiential design, which reflects a shared commitment to positioning Bahrain as a global leader in cybersecurity. The CEO pointed out that the previous two editions achieved remarkable success in terms of participation numbers and the diversity and richness of training workshops and panel discussions led by distinguished cybersecurity experts from the region and worldwide, reflecting growing regional and international confidence in Bahrain's ability to host and organise specialised international technology events. HE added that the third edition aligns with the NCSC's vision to enable secure digital transformation, foster innovation, develop future defence mechanisms against rising cyber threats, and strengthen regional and international cooperation to enhance Bahrain's cybersecurity ecosystem. During the press conference, a partnership agreement was signed between the National Cyber Security Centre and the global DEF CON conference, announcing the regional launch of the specialised DEF CON Villages focusing on artificial intelligence, space, cloud security, and industrial control systems, alongside interactive Demo Labs offering innovative technical and practical experiences. This initiative aims to provide researchers, students, and startups with opportunities to showcase their innovations and projects before a global group of experts in an engaging environment. Additionally, a cooperation agreement was signed between the NCSC and the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) to enhance efforts and collaboration in cybersecurity capacity building through specialised training programmes to prepare current and future national talents for the upcoming conference. The press conference also announced the formation of DEF CON Group Bahrain, a community bringing together leading experts, students, and those interested in digital safety and cyber resilience, focusing on discussing key defensive cybersecurity practices within Bahrain. It is expected that the third edition of AICS will attract over 10,000 participants from 50 countries to attend specialised panel discussions featuring more than 100 global cybersecurity experts. The event will also include international pavilions and youth empowerment programmes aimed at preparing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders through mentorship, training, and practical experience. The conference will include DEF CON Villages and interactive Demo Labs presented by distinguished cybersecurity experts from around the world, technical workshops, and training programmes tailored to the needs of professionals and institutions. Furthermore, it will feature a Capture the Flag (CTF) competition and other exciting cybersecurity contests designed to showcase local and international cybersecurity skills and talents. The event will also host a technology exhibition displaying the latest global solutions and innovations. BNA(R)
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
SalamAir reconnects Muscat and Beirut with direct flights
SalamAir, Oman's low-cost airline, proudly announces the return of Beirut, Lebanon, to its flight schedule, with direct flights operating twice a week starting December 3rd, 2025. This move comes as part of SalamAir's broader strategy to expand its regional network and enhance air connectivity across the Middle East and beyond. The reintroduction of Beirut marks a key milestone in the airline's continued growth and commitment to offering affordable, flexible and various travel options to its customers. Beirut is a cultural and historical gem offering stunning Mediterranean coastlines, world-class cuisine, and a rich blend of ancient and modern heritage. The city attracts tourists year-round, and its significance as a regional hub for business and leisure makes it a highly desirable destination for travelers from Oman and beyond. Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir, commented: 'Bringing Beirut back to our network reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening air connectivity and enhancing travel options for our guests. There is a significant Lebanese population in Oman, and currently, there are no direct flights between the two countries. Our new service aims to fill that gap, offering greater convenience and supporting increased tourism, trade, and business opportunities. This move also aligns with the broader objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in advancing the tourism and logistics sectors and driving economic diversification. As always, we continue to expand with competitive Lite Fares and easy add-ons to ensure real value for our guests.' H E Albert Samaha, Ambassador of Lebanon to Oman, welcomed the resumption, stating: 'These long-awaited flights serve as a vital link for the Lebanese community residing in Oman and facilitate easier access to their homeland. It also paves the way for enhanced tourism, cultural interaction, and bilateral cooperation between our two nations. We sincerely thank the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman and SalamAir for realizing this shared vision.' This addition affirms SalamAir`s role as one of the region's fastest-growing low-cost carriers and a key contributor to Oman's Vision 2040 goals of enhancing tourism, connectivity, and economic diversification. Passengers can book their tickets via SalamAir's website and the mobile app.
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Oman leads Arab support for Syria amid Israeli airstrikes
Muscat – Arab foreign ministers, including Oman's H E Sayyid Badr al Busaidi, have condemned Israel's recent air strikes on Syria, calling these a violation of international law and a threat to the its sovereignty and stability. In a series of consultations over two days following the Israeli bombardment last week, H E Sayyid Badr spoke with counterparts from Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon and Egypt. The ministers issued a joint statement denouncing the attacks and expressed unified support for Syria's territorial integrity. The statement reaffirmed rejection of any foreign interference in Syria's internal affairs and welcomed recent efforts to defuse tensions in the southern Suwayda governorate. The ministers backed an agreement aimed at ending unrest in the area and commended Syrian President Ahmad al Shara's pledge to hold those responsible for violations against civilians accountable. The ministers also voiced support for national efforts to restore security and uphold the rule of law across Syria, stressing the need to reject violence, sectarianism and hate speech. They warned that Israeli strikes not only violate Syria's sovereignty but also undermine efforts to stabilise the country and rebuild after more than a decade of conflict. 'Syria's security and stability are essential to regional security and represent a shared priority,' the statement said. The ministers called on the international community to support the Syrian government's reconstruction plans and urged the UN Security Council to take action to stop Israeli aggression and ensure full withdrawal from occupied Syrian territory.
Qatar Tribune
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar and Tajikistan hold political consultations
QNA Doha The fourth round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Qatar and Tajikistan was held in Doha on Tuesday. The Qatari side was chaired by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, while that of Tajikistan was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Farrukh Sharifzoda. During the political consultations, they reviewed cooperation between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.
