Latest news with #Hajri
Muscat Daily
14 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Eco, heritage tourism drive South Sharqiyah's rise as travel hotspot
Sur – South Sharqiyah continues to be one of Oman's most visited regions, drawing thousands of visitors with its diverse natural landscapes and deep cultural heritage. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) reported 38,793 tourist arrivals in the governorate in 2024, with the upward trend persisting into 2025. In the first quarter of this year, the region received 5,655 tourists. Known for its coastlines, wadis, mountain ranges and historical sites, South Sharqiyah has become massively popular among both domestic and international travellers. Its key attractions include the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Fatah al Khair Centre and Al Saleel Natural Park in the wilayat of Al Kamil Wal Wafi. The governorate is also home to a number of forts and castles that reflect Oman's rich architectural and maritime legacy. These sites, alongside traditional shipbuilding workshops and local heritage experiences, form the backbone of its tourism offering. Abdullah bin Rashid al Hajri, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in South Sharqiyah, attributed the governorate's rising profile to its year-round appeal and geographical diversity. 'Several wilayats enjoy mild summer weather, which enhances the visitor experience,' he said. 'The combination of sea, mountains and desert offers endless possibilities for adventure seekers.' Hajri added that the region supports a range of activities, including camping, fishing, kitesurfing, and turtle watching – especially between June and August, when green turtles arrive to nest along the shores. He also urged travellers to explore key heritage sites such as Bilad Sur Fort, Al Snaisilah Fort, Ras al Hadd Fort, Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan Fort and Al Ayjah Fort, as well as natural landmarks such as Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi, Masirah Island, Mibam Village, and the Unesco-listed Falaj al Jeela and Kubaykib Tombs. South Sharqiyah's growing reputation is part of Oman's broader strategy to diversify its economy by boosting tourism. The focus is on leveraging local resources to attract sustainable visitor flows while generating employment and supporting the national GDP. New projects to support tourism In a move to improve tourism infrastructure and promote domestic travel, South Sharqiyah governorate has announced several new development projects across the region. The Governor's Office has floated tenders for the construction of a waterfront promenade in the Al Barr area of Sur and a public park in Jaalan Bani Bu Ali. These initiatives aim to create integrated recreational spaces for families and tourists, while supporting environmental and tourism-related activities. Additionally, consultancy services are being sought for the design and technical supervision of the Ras al Hadd waterfront development project. Ras al Hadd is internationally recognised as an eco-tourism destination and nesting site for sea turtles. Interested companies have been asked to submit proposals by June 11, in accordance with the terms specified in the tender documents. The initiatives form part of the governorate's coordinated strategy, in collaboration with various government bodies, to enhance public services, promote sustainable tourism, and stimulate local economic growth through job creation.
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Muscat Daily
South Sharqiyah registers growth in tourism, unveils new projects
Sur – South Sharqiyah continues to be one of Oman's most visited regions, drawing thousands of visitors with its diverse natural landscapes and deep cultural heritage. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) reported 38,793 tourist arrivals in the governorate in 2024, with the upward trend persisting into 2025. In the first quarter of this year, the region received 5,655 tourists. Known for its coastlines, wadis, mountain ranges and historical sites, South Sharqiyah has become massively popular among both domestic and international travellers. Its key attractions include the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Fatah al Khair Centre and Al Saleel Natural Park in the wilayat of Al Kamil Wal Wafi. The governorate is also home to a number of forts and castles that reflect Oman's rich architectural and maritime legacy. These sites, alongside traditional shipbuilding workshops and local heritage experiences, form the backbone of its tourism offering. Abdullah bin Rashid al Hajri, Director of the Heritage and Tourism Department in South Sharqiyah, attributed the governorate's rising profile to its year-round appeal and geographical diversity. 'Several wilayats enjoy mild summer weather, which enhances the visitor experience,' he said. 'The combination of sea, mountains and desert offers endless possibilities for adventure seekers.' Hajri added that the region supports a range of activities, including camping, fishing, kitesurfing, and turtle watching – especially between June and August, when green turtles arrive to nest along the shores. He also urged travellers to explore key heritage sites such as Bilad Sur Fort, Al Snaisilah Fort, Ras al Hadd Fort, Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan Fort and Al Ayjah Fort, as well as natural landmarks such as Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi, Masirah Island, Mibam Village, and the Unesco-listed Falaj al Jeela and Kubaykib Tombs. South Sharqiyah's growing reputation is part of Oman's broader strategy to diversify its economy by boosting tourism. The focus is on leveraging local resources to attract sustainable visitor flows while generating employment and supporting the national GDP. New projects to support tourism In a move to improve tourism infrastructure and promote domestic travel, South Sharqiyah governorate has announced several new development projects across the region. The Governor's Office has floated tenders for the construction of a waterfront promenade in the Al Barr area of Sur and a public park in Jaalan Bani Bu Ali. These initiatives aim to create integrated recreational spaces for families and tourists, while supporting environmental and tourism-related activities. Additionally, consultancy services are being sought for the design and technical supervision of the Ras al Hadd waterfront development project. Ras al Hadd is internationally recognised as an eco-tourism destination and nesting site for sea turtles. Interested companies have been asked to submit proposals by June 11, in accordance with the terms specified in the tender documents. The initiatives form part of the governorate's coordinated strategy, in collaboration with various government bodies, to enhance public services, promote sustainable tourism, and stimulate local economic growth through job creation.
Khaleej Times
20-02-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Some teachers still reluctant to use AI, says top educator
Many teachers in the UAE remain hesitant to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom due to concerns about its impact on learning, ethical considerations, and a lack of proper training. A top UAE educator on Wednesday highlighted that while AI offers significant benefits — such as automating administrative tasks, personalising learning, and enhancing student engagement — many teachers still feel unprepared or are skeptical about its integration. Speaking to Khaleej Times, on the sidelines of The AGF Summit 2025, Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, said, 'As I see it, one of the biggest challenges in implementing change at a university, from my perspective as a President, is the resistance of educators to adaptability and innovation. This reluctance to embrace change is perhaps the most significant hurdle any university faces when trying to evolve. He added, 'Some educators say how can we trust students with new technologies? But if we look at history, human beings have consistently adapted to technological advancements over hundreds and even thousands of years. In most cases, technology has been used responsibly, with only a small percentage of misuse.' Citing the example of the time when PayPal first emerged, Hajri highlighted how several people were hesitant to enter their credit card details online. 'But today, almost every household has credit or ATM cards, and incidents of fraud for the average person remain relatively low. Similarly, I don't believe AI presents a fundamentally different scenario. Instead of viewing AI as a threat, we should see it as an opportunity to create more good than harm. Some will misuse it, but as human beings, we have the conscience and responsibility to harness it for positive change,' he added. Why should institutions invest in AI literacy programmes? Experts emphasised that to overcome these barriers, educational institutions and policymakers should invest in AI literacy programmes, offer hands-on training, and highlight AI as a tool that supports — rather than replaces — teachers while assisting students in their learning. Alavikunhu Panthakkan, Associate Professor and Research Scientist in AI, University of Dubai said, 'If faculty members are reluctant to adopt technology, they risk becoming obsolete in the market. The new generation of educators understands that embracing cutting-edge technology is not optional, it is mandatory. In the past, teaching could rely on lecture slides and textbooks alone, but today, the scene is very different.' He pointed out that students now have access to AI tools and advanced technologies that allow them to verify and expand upon what educators teach in classrooms. Panthakkan noted, 'As educators, we must ensure that our content is accurate, engaging, and aligned with these evolving learning methods. In my lectures, I focus on delivering knowledge in a way that encourages students to validate and deepen their understanding using these tools. 'AI is not replacing educators, instead, it is enhancing teaching efficiency and enabling the creation of personalised learning materials. In the past, faculty members were confined to using specific textbooks. However, with the emergence of generative AI, we now have access to a vast array of resources that allow for more tailored and effective learning experiences. Likewise, in this era of advanced technology, assessment methods for students must evolve. While students can make use of technology, they must ensure they grasp its (any topic's) underlying concepts,' he added.
