Latest news with #Haitham
Middle East
a day ago
- General
- Middle East
OPEN// President Sisi receives phone call from Sultan of Oman
CAIRO, June 4 (MENA) - President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received a phone call on Wednesday from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman who extended his heartfelt greetings to the Egyptian leader on the occasion of Eidul Adha. Sultan Haitham wished the Egyptian people and government more prosperity, praising the strong fraternal ties between the two countries. President Sisi expressed his appreciation for Sultan Haitham's kind gesture, lauding deeply-rooted relations between Egypt and the Sultanate of Oman. He reiterated both nations' commitment to further developing cooperation in the different domains. (MENA) S R E
Arab News
6 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Charity urges Starmer to allow 2 children from Gaza entry to UK for lifesaving treatment
LONDON: A medical charity has written to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pleading with him to allow two severely ill children from Gaza to be flown to the UK for lifesaving treatment. One of the children, three-year-old Haitham, was badly burned when an Israeli airstrike hit the family home, killing his father and pregnant mother, Sky News reported. He has been left with burns across 35 percent of his body and is being treated in Nasser hospital, the last working medical facility in southern Gaza. UK charity calls on government to rescue two children in Gaza. Our special correspondent @AlexCrawfordSky spoke with doctors treating Haitham who are worried he might not survive. Watch our special programme on the impact of the war in Gaza at 9pm BST — Sky News (@SkyNews) May 29, 2025 British surgeon Dr. Victoria Rose, who is treating Haitham, said she is worried he might not survive because the hospital no longer has the resources to look after him properly. 'It's a massive burn for a little guy like this,' Rose said. 'He's so adorable. His eyelids are burnt. His hands are burnt. His feet are burnt.' Referring to the renewed violence in Gaza, she said: 'Every time I come, I say it's really bad, but this is on a completely different scale now. It's mass casualties. It's utter carnage. 'We are incapable of getting through this volume. We don't have the personnel. We don't have the medical supplies. And we really don't have the facilities. 'We are the last standing hospital in the south of Gaza. We really are on our knees now.' Haitham's grandfather, Hatem Karara, said Haitham had also suffered internal bleeding. He said: 'What did these children do wrong to suffer such injuries. To be burned and bombed? We ask God to grant them healing.' The second child identified by the UK-based charity Project Pure Hope is one-year-old Karam, who is suffering from a rare birth defect in which nerves are missing from parts of the bowel. His protruding intestine could easily be operated on with the right skills and equipment available in the UK. An initial operation was carried out in Rafah, but when his family was forced to flee to Khan Younis, Karam's condition worsened, his mother Manal Nayef Mostafa Adra said. She said a foreign doctor told her that the surgery needs to be redone outside of Gaza. Omar Dinn, co-founder of Project Pure Hope, said the charity would fully fund bringing the children to the UK. He said the UK government had made strong statements recently condemning Israel's killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the blocking of aid supplies, and now had the opportunity to act. 'We're giving them an action, which is the ability to allow two more children to come to the UK for privately funded medical treatment and to save their lives,' he said. 'If we don't act for these two children now, it's very likely that the outcome will be nothing but death.' Two girls from Gaza with serious health conditions were flown to the UK earlier this month for specialist treatment. But only three Palestinian children have been allowed into the UK for healthcare since Israel launched its devastating offensive in Gaza 20 months ago. Of the nearly 54,000 Palestinians killed in the war, 16,000 have been children.
Observer
13-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Muscat: The bridge between East and West
In an increasingly fragmented world, where mistrust and rivalry often dominate international headlines, the Sultanate of Oman, with Muscat at its helm, offers a striking counter-narrative, one of quiet diplomacy, cultural coexistence, and strategic connectivity. Nestled at the crossroads of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman has long played a pivotal role in facilitating trade and dialogue between East and West. Today, this historical legacy is reflected in Muscat's role as a modern capital that connects regions geographically and brings together diverse cultures, economies, and political ideologies. Muscat is not merely the administrative centre of Oman; it is a symbol of the country's enduring ethos of moderation and balance. Oman's foreign policy, shaped by the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, has consistently focused on neutrality, non-interference, and bridge-building. Upon assuming power in 2020, Sultan Haitham explicitly reaffirmed the nation's commitment to these guiding principles, pledging to preserve Oman's peaceful and constructive regional actor role. These principles have enabled Muscat to be a trusted venue for high-level dialogue, often behind the scenes. For instance, Oman was key in facilitating talks between the United States and Iran over the latter's nuclear programme. This is a testament to the trust it commands in both geopolitical divides. In a region often marked by competing interests and shifting alliances, Muscat's ability to maintain equidistance and promote diplomacy positions it uniquely as a capital of quiet influence. Oman's diplomatic credibility is further supported by its commitment to regional stability, particularly in conflict zones such as Yemen. Muscat has served as a backchannel and peace broker to end the humanitarian crisis there, working discreetly with international actors and local factions. Such efforts are not driven by self-interest, but by a deep-rooted belief in the power of dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. This principled foreign policy approach has made Oman a preferred interlocutor for global powers seeking to navigate complex regional challenges without adding to the volatility. However, Muscat's role as a bridge between East and West is not confined to geopolitics alone. Oman's ambitious national strategy, Vision 2040, positions the country as an emerging hub for global trade, sustainable development, and technological innovation. Under this blueprint, Muscat transforms into a gateway city where East meets West in commerce and investment. The government's progressive reforms, including 100% foreign ownership in various sectors, streamlined business regulations, and public-private partnerships, attract interest from Asian and Western investors. Economic zones like Duqm, Sohar, and Salalah reinforce Oman's role in global supply chains, making Muscat a diplomatic capital and a business-friendly epicenter for East-West collaboration. Furthermore, Oman's unique cultural identity is another layer of its bridging role. Rooted in a centuries-old maritime heritage, Omani society has long been shaped by interactions with Africa, India, Persia, and the Arab heartland. This heritage has fostered a tolerant and pluralistic ethos proudly upheld today. Muscat embodies this spirit of inclusivity, reflected in its harmonious coexistence of diverse religious and ethnic communities. The government's proactive promotion of interfaith dialogue, notably through initiatives like the 'Message of Islam' exhibition, which has toured over 30 countries, clearly reflects Oman's soft power. These cultural engagements dispel stereotypes and serve as diplomatic tools that build bridges where political discourse sometimes fails. In a global context where misinformation and cultural misunderstanding fuel division, Oman offers a living example of moderation and respect. Surveys indicate high satisfaction levels among expatriates living in Oman, many of whom cite the country's safety, openness, and tolerance as key reasons for their contentment. Muscat, in particular, has become a multicultural hub where global citizens can live, work, and thrive in an atmosphere of mutual acceptance. This openness, combined with Oman's stable governance, makes it an ideal venue for international conferences, educational partnerships, and cultural exchanges. Looking forward, Muscat's role as a connector between East and West will likely grow significantly. As the world navigates a new multipolar order, smaller states like Oman find increased space to contribute meaningfully to global affairs. By investing in education, green energy, and digital innovation, Oman is preparing its youth for the future and setting the stage for international collaboration. Muscat's emerging sectors—from logistics to clean energy—offer immense potential for joint ventures with partners from both Eastern and Western economies. In conclusion, Muscat is far more than the political heart of Oman. It is a living embodiment of the Sultanate's identity as a nation of peace, pragmatism, and partnership. Whether through diplomacy, economic policy, or cultural engagement, Muscat continues to link continents, ideologies, and civilizations in ways few cities can claim. In a time when building walls has become a common impulse, Oman stands out for building bridges. As such, Muscat deserves global recognition—not only as a capital city, but as a capital of connection. Dr Umair Waqas The writer is Assistant Professor- Supply Chain Management at the College of Commerce and Business Administration, Dhofar University
The National
27-04-2025
- General
- The National
Oman's Crown Prince Theyazin bin Haitham marries in private ceremony at Al Alam Palace
Oman's Crown Prince Theyazin bin Haitham has married in a private ceremony in Muscat. The wedding was held on Thursday, April 24, at Mazay Hall in Al Alam Palace. Oman's Sultan Haitham attended the wedding ceremony alongside members of the royal family and senior officials. Images shared on Omani media and social platforms showed the Crown Prince and his bride alongside family and close relatives during the celebration. The bride, Sayyida Alia bint Mohammed Al Busaidi, is from a prominent Omani family. Her uncle Sayyid Saud Al Busaidi, is the governor of Muscat and her other uncle Ahmed bin Hilal Al Busaidi is Oman's ambassador to the UAE. Prince Theyazin was born in 1990. He was made Oman's first Crown Prince in 2021 after constitutional amendments that formalised the royal succession process. He studied at Oxford and Oxford Brookes universities in the UK and graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2022. Before his appointment he served as minister of culture, sports and youth. The marriage was widely welcomed across Oman. Citizens shared congratulations and blessings on social media. The Omani Crown Prince obtained a bachelor's degree at the University of Oxford and a master's in history at Oxford Brookes.
The National
24-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
Sharjah Ruler meets Sultan of Oman in Muscat
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, met the Sultan of Oman after arriving in Muscat on Thursday. The Ruler of Sharjah was received by Sultan Haitham at Al Alam Palace in the Omani capital, state news agency Wam reported. Sultan Haitham praised Sheikh Dr Sultan for his contributions to preserving Arab culture and identity by documenting its history, referencing the Sharjah Ruler's book The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman, Events in Annals from 1497AD to 1757AD. Sheikh Dr Sultan also appeared at the Muscat International Book Fair where he signed copies of his book. Sultan Haitham emphasised the strong relations between the UAE and Oman while the Sharjah Ruler spoke of his desire to see continued prosperity for Oman and its people. Sheikh Dr Sultan was greeted on arrival at the Royal Airport by Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of Diwan of the Royal Court.
