Latest news with #MinistryofHeritageandTourismforTourism
Observer
26-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Workshop seeks to strengthen governance of heritage and tourism
MUSCAT: A national workshop focused on improving the governance of heritage and tourism development with Oman's governorates kicked off on Monday, May 26, in Muscat. The four-day event brings together representatives from 11 governorates, 17 government and support agencies; and a host of experts in governance, planning and tourism. Organised by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit; and other public and private entities, the workshop aims to enhance institutional integration, promote decentralisation and find sustainable solutions to key challenges in the heritage and tourism sectors. The effort aligns with broader goals to boost public-private partnerships, empower local communities and raise institutional performance. Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, noted that the initiative is part of a series of specialised workshops designed to address sector-specific challenges. 'Our objective is to develop effective governance mechanisms that not only support the national economy but also strengthen Omani cultural identity,' he said. The workshop focuses on three strategic pillars: 1. Governance and Institutional Integration: Enhancing coordination among entities to achieve unified development goals. 2. Investment and Tourism Development Governance: Improving the investment landscape to unlock growth opportunities. 3. Development of Tourism Facilities and Public Services: Advancing infrastructure and services to improve visitor experience and support long-term planning. Participants will also explore best practices and models for tourism management governance to ensure sustainable resource use and balanced development. Discussions are shaped in part by feedback from governors and high-level officials, emphasising the importance of inclusive, locally driven solutions. The workshop features visual presentations on the role of governorates in tourism development, the Ministry's responsibilities and the benefits of decentralisation. It is part of a broader initiative to support Oman Vision 2040 by fostering integrated development across all governorates. — ONA
Observer
29-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Khareef Dhofar from June 21, Global Village to be new attraction
Muscat: The activities of Khareef Dhofar 2025 will begin on June 21 and continue until September 20, coinciding with the astronomical start of the khareef season, according to Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality. He revealed that Heritage Village will be transformed into a global village on similar lines such as Khan Al Khalili (Egypt), Souq al Hamidiya (Syria), and Souq Waqif (Doha) The Ittin Square will be a hub for global events, featuring an integrated shopping area, an open theater, a modern gaming area, and revamped lighting and laser shows. The Awqad Park will be dedicated to family entertainment, while Salalah Public Park will be dedicated to various sporting activities throughout the Khareef season. Al Murooj Theater will host cultural events with local and international participation. Events will feature a new look that embodies aspects of traditional Omani life from various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman The Chairman of Dhofar Municipality indicated that the municipality will work to expand the scope of events to include some of the governorate's coastal wilayats affected by the Khareef season, with a variety of cultural, sports, and commercial activities. His Excellency Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, revealed the growth of the tourism sector in the Sultanate of #Oman, in addition to its ability to attract investments, noting that efforts are continuing to raise the sector's contribution to the tourism sector's GDP from 2.5% to 5% by 2030. This was during the press conference being held now to reveal the events of the #Dhofar_Khareef_Season for the year 2025, on the sidelines of Oman's participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2025. Azzan al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said the tourism sector's GDP is expected to increase from 2.5% to 5% by 2030. He said a few new hotel facilities will open this year and the Dhofar Governorate currently has 83 hotel facilities with 6,537 licensed rooms of various categories. Earlier updates The Ministry of Labor in the Dhofar Governorate has said that employers or businesses will be granted temporary work permits to bring in expatriate workers during the khareef season. These facilities aim to regulate the labor market and support employers in dealing with the increased demand for services during the Khareef season. They also aim to avoid violations and penalties for employing illegal expatriate workers, and to support the temporary activities offered by Dhofar Municipality during the Dhofar khareef season. It may be noted that Khareef season in Dhofar attracted around 1,048,000 visitors between June 21 and September 21, 2024, reflecting a 9 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023, when the number of visitors reached 962,000.
Times of Oman
29-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman announces plans for Dhofar Autumn Season 2025
Muscat: The Dhofar Autumn season in 2025 will begin astronomically on 21 June. His Excellency Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, announced at a press conference on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai that the activities and events for the Dhofar Autumn Season in 2025 will commence with the astronomical start of the season on 21 June and continue until 20 September annually. "The Attin Square site will be a global events hub, featuring a comprehensive shopping area, an open-air theatre, a modern gaming area, and a revamped lighting and laser show," the Chairman of Dhofar Municipality stated. His Excellency indicated that Awqad Park will be dedicated to family entertainment through its activities, while Salalah Public Park will be designated for various sporting activities throughout the autumn season, and Al Marooj Theatre will be dedicated to diverse cultural events with local and international participation. His Excellency stated, "The 'Return of the Past' events this season will feature a new look that embodies aspects of traditional Omani life from across the Sultanate of Oman's governorates," noting that the event site has undergone extensive development work to enhance its heritage character. His Excellency the Chairman of Dhofar Municipality indicated that the municipality will work to expand the scope of activities to include some of the governorate's coastal wilayats affected by the autumn season, with a variety of cultural, sporting, and commercial activities. "Dhofar Municipality has implemented development projects in cooperation with government and private entities, including enhancements to natural viewpoints and some tourist sites, the paving of internal roads, and the beautification of cities to improve the visitor experience and enhance the tourism infrastructure." His Excellency the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism indicated that several new tourism and hotel facilities will open this year. Dhofar Governorate has 83 hotel facilities with 6,537 licensed rooms across various categories, ready to accommodate visitors. "The Ministry has begun implementing a number of promotional programmes and activities for the Dhofar Autumn Season, starting with participation in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, advertising campaigns in various Arab media outlets and social media platforms, and direct marketing campaigns in Gulf and regional markets," His Excellency added.
Observer
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman secures top spot in GCC Beach Games
MUSCAT, APRIL 12 Oman athletes presented top show from the recently concluded GCC Beach Games (Muscat 2025) on Friday night in Muscat beaches after securing 45 medals and ending in the top spot of the overall order. Oman's medal tally ended with an impressive 45 medals including 20 gold, 18 silver, and 7 bronze. United Arab Emirates ended the games as runners up with 22 medals (8 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze) and it is followed by Saudi Arabia in third place with 18 medals (4 gold, 6 silver, and 8 bronze). Bahrain came fourth with 17 medals (4 gold, 4 silver, and 9 bronze) while Qatar ranked fifth with 7 medals (3 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze). Kuwait came sixth with 8 medals (2 silver and 6 bronze). The tournament ran for seven days and featured participation of all the six GCC countries. On the final day of the tournament, Oman national beach soccer team was crowned champion for the third consecutive time after a resounding 7-2 victory over their Saudi Arabia counterparts in the match held on Friday night. The UAE team came in second place, while the Saudi team finished third in the overall tournament standings. The closing ceremony of the tournament was held under the auspices of Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, and attended by Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth. During the ceremony, the winning teams were honoured. The tournament flag was also lowered and handed over to Abdullah Hassan Hashem, head of the Qatari delegation participating in this edition. UAE secures second place with commanding 5-1 win over Kuwait. Saudi Arabia settled for third place and the bronze medal with 6 points. Oman's beach handball team also secured the gold medal after defeating Saudi Arabia 2–0 in the final match. Bahrain took the silver medal while UAE claimed the bronze. In beach volleyball, Oman's team (2), composed of pair Mazin al Hashmi and Hood al Jalbobi, earned the silver medal after losing in the final to Qatar's team (1) in straight sets. Oman's team (1) finished fourth after a loss to Bahrain's team (2) who took third place in the third and fourth playoff. Oman's Swimmer impress Oman's open water swimmers delivered a successful campaign as they won the gold medal in the 5-kilometre race with Saudi Arabia taking second and Bahrain third. In the singles 5-kilometre race, Oman's swimmer Ayman al Qasmi won silver while his teammate Nidhal al Harrasi claimed bronze and Saudi Arabia swimmer Mohammed al Zaki took gold. Oman had earlier won gold in the team 10-kilometre race and followed by Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. In the singles 10-kilometre event, Ayman al Qasmi again won silver and Nidal al Harrasi secured bronze while Mohammed al Zaki won gold. Top show by Athletics team Oman's athletes concluded the tournament strongly on the track as they bagged five more medals on the concluding day of competition. Shaikha al Hinai delivered an outstanding performance to win gold in the women's triple jump, while her teammate Alaa al Zadjali secured silver. The bronze went to UAE's Abeer al Balushi. The men's 4x60 metre relay team worked hard as one team to clam gold with a strong and synchronised performance ahead of the UAE and Saudi Arabia teams. It was the same scenario by the women team in the women's 4x60 metre relay as Oman dominated once again by securing gold, with the UAE in second and Bahrain third. In the women's high jump, Alia al Mughairi of Oman delivered an exceptional performance to claim gold, followed by the UAE's Alia al Hammadi and Saudi Arabia's Raghad Bouareesh. On the second day of athletics, Oman added five more medals as Mazoon al Alawi grabbed gold in the women's long jump while her teammate Alaa al Zadjali took silver and Saudi's Maryam al Mutairi claimed bronze. In the mile race, Bahrain's Abdulghani Mohammed took first place, followed by Oman's Mohammed al Suleimani in second and Bahrain's John Kipet in third. In the men's high jump, Oman's jumper Salim al Rawahi won gold, and Salim al Yaarubi took silver, while Saudi Arabia's Yahya Majal secured bronze. In the women's mile race, Bahrain's Marta Herbato won gold, her compatriot Bontio Idaw took silver and the UAE's Ruqayya al Marzooqi came third. On the opening day of athletics, Oman's athletes commenced their campaign strongly by winning six medals as Mulham al Balushi won gold in the men's 60-metre sprint followed by his teammate Rashid al Asmi in second and Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Abdullah in third. In the women's 60-metre sprint, Bahrain's Layla Esbezar won gold, while Mazoon al Alawi took silver for Oman and Bahrain's Zainab Mohammed finished third. In the men's high jump, Oman's Fatak Bait Jaboob took gold, Qatar's Hamad Ali finished second and Kuwait's Khalid al Masaad came third. In the men's long jump, Oman's Salem al Yarubi won gold, his teammate Salim al Rawahi earned silver and Kuwait's Mohammed Ahmed took bronze. Sailing claim medals In sailing various events, Oman young sailors dominated with seven medals. In the Optimist general category, Khamis al Shammakhi won silver and teammate Tarteel al Husaini claimed bronze while UAE's Khalifa al Rumaithi won gold. In the girls' Optimist category, Tarteel al Husaini worked hard to claim won gold, Bahrain's Malak al Dosari took silver, and UAE's Madiya al Neyadi claimed bronze. In the Optimist juniors' race, Mohammed al Qasmi won silver, behind UAE's Zayed al Hosaini who took gold, and Qatar's Tamim Khalid took bronze. In the ILCA 4 girls' event, UAE's Marwa al Hammadi took gold, her teammate Al Yazi al Hammadi silver, and Bahrain's Amina Al-Sadiq bronze. In the ILCA 4 boys' race, Oman's Abdul Latif al Qasmi won gold followed by UAE's Mohammed al Marzooqi and Bahrain's Khalifa al Dosari. In the ILCA 6 girls' event, UAE's Dohaa al Bashar won gold, Kuwait's Amina Abdullah took silver and UAE's Kamilia Khalifa won bronze. In the ILCA 6 boys' event, UAE's Othman al Hammadi took gold, Bahrain's Dawood Abdullah came second, and Oman's Mutasim al Farsi claimed bronze. In the ILCA 7 boys' category, Oman's Hassan al Jabri won gold, followed by UAE's Adil al Baskiti and Bahrain's Ahmed Sadiq. On the first day, Oman won silver in the team Optimist event, while the UAE took gold and Kuwait bronze. Bahrain and Qatar placed fourth and fifth respectively. Oman's tent pegging team also excelled by winning two medals on the concluding day. In the singles lance, lemon, and relay events, Aahed al Balushi took silver, while Qatar's Rashid al Dosari won gold and Ali al Adhbah took bronze. In the team event, Oman won gold with riders Hamad al Riyami, Hamed al Raisi, Aahed al Balushi, Safwan al Maamari, and Mohammed al Siyabi. Saudi Arabia came second and Qatar third. On the second day of tent pegging, Hamed al Raisi won gold in the singles sword event, Kuwait's Abdullah al Dehani took silver, and Saudi's Hassan al Asiri won bronze. In the team sword event, Bahrain won gold, Saudi Arabia took silver and Kuwait bronze. On the first day, Oman's Hamed al Riyami won bronze in the singles category, with Qatar's Ali al Adhbah and Saudi's Hassan al Asiri claiming gold and silver respectively. Oman also secured silver in the team event, behind Saudi Arabia and ahead of the UAE. Oman's powered paragliding team won gold in the team event.
Observer
12-03-2025
- General
- Observer
New converts experience holy month to the fullest
Those who have recently converted to Islam are fully embracing iftar and suhoor alongside their predecessors, sharing their experiences with the world. Speaking at the eighth edition of Taaruf, an annual event aimed at promoting understanding of Islam among non-Muslims and new converts, Sarah, a French national fasting for the second time in her life, shared her preparation process. She began fasting intermittently a month before Ramadhan, gradually adjusting her body to the practice. Sarah found fasting during Ramadhan easier than in other months, attributing her success to her preparation. Ulrica, a German national who adopted the name Alia after converting to Islam, expressed her smooth journey, particularly with the support of her Bahraini husband. She shared that she was initially drawn to fasting during Ramadhan for both religious and health reasons, having fasted even before her conversion. Ulrica emphasised the importance of fasting as a means of self-care, allowing time for reflection and mindfulness in the midst of daily life. Mary, a domestic worker from Nairobi, shared her experience of converting to Islam with her employer, who supported her decision. Mary expressed her admiration for the closeness to God, love for others and kindness displayed by Muslims, which ultimately drew her to the faith. She described her joy in participating in her first Ramadhan alongside her mentor, Umm Kulthoom. The event, organised by the Department of Introduction to Islam and Cultural Exchange at the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, was held under the theme 'Quran for Every Soul'. It was attended by Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism and Islamic preacher Abdur Raheem McCarthy on March 7 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC).
