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Observer
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Veteran broadcaster, writer Mahmood Al Hasani passes away
Muscat: Oman's popular actor, writer, director, and owner of a voice that captivated the hearts of radio listeners bid farewell forever on Sunday morning, on June 1, 2025. He was extremely active on social media, but his last post on Instagram was a voice over on verses that convey 'Glory to God', posted on January 31, 2025. By afternoon, on June 1, 2025, family and friends were returning from the funeral in Seeb; many were speechless, finding it difficult to accept that smile and cheer will never be experienced again. Mahmood loved making people laugh. There was always something to be cheerful about when Mahmoud was around. His voice was distinc,t and his mind was creative. This is how he was when he was a child too. He was born in Muttrah; that is where he chose to live throughout. Murtada al Lawati was his childhood friend. "Mahmood Obaid from his childhood days was quite social. He showed his leadership qualities when the children used to play football or if they had gatherings. He was good at talking, and once he joined media, everybody knew the kind of boost he gave to the Omani media. He loved Muttrah. His heart was full of love for Oman and its heritage,' reflected Murthada. Why did Mahmood love Muttrah? "He lived there all his life. I remember as children we used to look at his grandfather's house, which was quite big. He knows all the streets of Muttrah, and because he was a person who would listen to everyone's issues and problems, he would advise people. I remember him since then. We lost contact when we grew up, but whenever we caught up, he would talk nicely. If you ask around in Muttrah, Mahmood Obaid is a friend of everybody. Even the streets of Muttrah will miss him. He used to talk about hidden parts of Muttrah. It is indeed a big loss because he was a very kind person who was loved. Mahmood Obaid will remain a figure in Oman, where the coming generations will somehow, I wish, talk about and cherish him. Mahmood Obaid was a real gentleman," concluded his childhood friend, Murthada, who went on to become an artist and businessman. By 1990, Mahmood had chosen media as his career. Renowned filmmaker Mohammed al Kindi and Mahmood began their careers on the same day. "We were employed by the Ministry of Information on the same day and at the same time. He went to the radio side, and I chose television. He went on to become a writer, actor and director and later worked in television series. He was a presenter as well. That was the practical side, pointed out Mohammed: "Mahmood was very kind. He was open to other people's opinions about his programs and critiquing. He was accessible. I personally had the opportunity to work on his radio series. He was extremely gifted in discovering new talents as writers and directors." Mohammed said that Mahmood will always be remembered by the way he used to teach others and how willingly he shared his knowledge. When he retired, he used to spend time at the Oman Film Society editing his YouTube series on Muttrah, which he filmed on his own. "We spent hours together at the Oman Film Society talking about the future of drama and theatre. Then there was a gap, and after a while I reached out, and he said he was not keeping too well but assumed that he would soon meet. He came back and was energetic, and I did not even have to ask him how he was doing. He did not speak of any ailments. But he became silent again, and when inquired, he sent a reply about his ailment," recollected Mohammed. Radio Oman broadcaster Nada al Balushi had worked with Mahmood in numerous programs in the last 30 years. "We worked in many programs, characterized by unforgettable spirit, voice, and creativity. Today we lost Mahmoud, the person, artist, teacher, and friend. We lost him, but his impact remains, and his spirit remains alive with what he left in terms of unforgettable moments, attitudes, feelings, and deeds. "You are but a line in the book of loyalty, a thread in the fabric of the homeland, and a voice that God once gave us, then gently reclaimed," wrote Ibrahim Ali al Batashi in his tribute to the national broadcaster. Moved by the loss of a voice that everyone identified with, he wrote, "Today, as we write about him, we are not only mourning him but also a time when the radio was a father, when the broadcaster was a friend to the family, and when Mahmoud Al-Hasani was all of Oman... in one voice." He writes, "Mahmood was not just a broadcaster... he was an Omani chronicle read across the airwaves. Whenever he spoke, you felt the Sultanate of Oman, in all its majesty—its white robe, its carved dagger, and its sublime serenity—stood behind the microphone."
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Laos strengthens efforts to attract Chinese tourists
Chinese tourists take photos in front of the Patuxay monument in Vientiane, Laos, May 1, 2024. - Xinhua VIENTIANE: Laos' Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism held a signing ceremony for the terms of reference for the Lao Tourism Representative in China, aiming to more effectively promote the Lao tourism brand to Chinese travelers and further enhance bilateral tourism exchanges between Laos and China. During the event on Thursday (May 29), Lao Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Dalany Phommavongsa, presented the official appointment letter to the head of the Lao Tourism Promotion Centre in China, recognising their role in leading tourism promotion efforts in the Chinese market. In his speech, Vongdeuan Keosulivong, deputy director general of the ministry's Tourism Marketing Department, said that the Lao Tourism Promotion Centre in China has made significant contributions to advancing Lao tourism. He expressed hope that tourism exchanges between the two countries would continue to grow, helping to raise the international profile of Lao tourism. Since 2019, the ministry has established tourism promotion centres in China's Beijing and Changsha. The ministry has also developed and managed official online platforms to promote Lao tourism. - Xinhua
Shafaq News
4 days ago
- Shafaq News
Roadside bomb hits ambulance in Syria's Suwayda: Injuries reported
Shafaq News/ A roadside bomb struck an ambulance in western Suwayda, southern Syria, causing injuries, Syrian media reported on Thursday. The explosion occurred on the remote Areeka–Najran road as the vehicle was reportedly transporting dialysis patients, injuring at least six people. The province has seen repeated clashes in recent months between local and irregular factions. Fighting eased after a security deal with Damascus allowed Suwayda-based forces to integrate into the Syrian General Security Directorate. Last week, armed men stormed the provincial government building, briefly held the governor hostage, and secured the release of a detainee at gunpoint, according to Syria's Ministry of Information.
Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Platform 51 logs 20 million views in first year
KUWAIT: Kuwait's digital media initiative, Platform 51, has celebrated its first anniversary with major milestones, having garnered 20 million views from users in 190 countries, and more than 22 million hours of viewing and listening time. The platform also ranked at the top of regional app store charts, positioning itself as a strong contender among leading digital services in the Arab world. Minister of Information Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi highlighted the achievements during a ceremony marking one year since the platform's pilot launch. 'Digital platforms are now the primary source of information and entertainment for Arab youth, which is why we focused on building a strong digital infrastructure and creating an environment that supports project partnerships and good governance,' he said. Aimed at promoting sustainable media rooted in Kuwaiti identity, Platform 51 has particularly resonated with Kuwaiti students abroad, who have logged more than 300,000 views. The platform offers access to Kuwait Television and Radio services, live broadcasts, and valuable archival content in a safe, family-friendly environment. 'Our vision was to present content that reflects our values and identity while showcasing the creativity of our young people,' the minister added. Al-Mutairi also introduced the Shiraa Media Award to encourage excellence in content creation, reinforcing the platform's role as a hub for innovation. 'Success in media is not a final destination, but a continuous path of development and creativity,' he said, noting the ministry's integration of artificial intelligence and interactive technologies into future projects. Progress in digital archiving was another major highlight, with 200,000 hours of television content already preserved, and radio content archiving now underway — efforts credited to the dedication of national teams and ministry staff. Al-Mutairi concluded by reaffirming the Ministry of Information's commitment to expanding Kuwait's digital media presence, guided by national values and the vision of the country's leadership. He also extended his thanks to partners in the public and private sectors, civil society, and media professionals for their contributions to the platform's success. — KUNA
Arab Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait plays leading role in promoting culture, arts: Bulgarian envoy
KUWAIT CITY, May 25: 'Kuwait has a prominent position in consolidating the role of culture and the arts in the Arab world and beyond. Its openness to the cultures of the peoples of the world is remarkable and deserves everyone's appreciation,' says Bulgarian Ambassador to Kuwait Dimitar Dimitrov. Dimitrov made the statement during the celebration of the 'Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Enlightenment and Culture' -- one of the activities of Europe Month in Kuwait. Present at the event were Assistant Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Sheikha Dr. Al-Anoud Al-Sabah, European Union (EU) Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Kuwait Anne Koistinen, a number of EU ambassadors and members of the Bulgarian community. Dimitrov said the selection of Kuwait as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media is due to the prestigious role it plays in the field of culture and media -- both Arab and international. He affirmed that the two countries enjoy a rich history of international cultural activities and cooperation in multilateral forums. He stated 'we must explore opportunities for cooperation in the fields of studying and preserving historical heritage, and exchanging exhibitions and museums. Prospects for cooperation in education and Science must remain at the core of our attention, guided by the successes we have achieved over more than six decades of bilateral diplomatic relations.' He also praised the role of the Language Center at Kuwait University for its valuable support in teaching Arabic to specialists. 'As diplomats, we express our appreciation for Kuwait's achievements in the field of culture, and for the efforts of Kuwaiti entities working in the field of culture and the arts; particularly the Ministry of Information and NCCAL. They support international cultural exchange. They enable those interested in culture and the arts, and the Kuwaiti society in general, to learn about the cultures, traditions and achievements of countries around the world in the fields of Literature, Fine Arts, Music and other cultural activities,' he added. He expressed his deep appreciation for the Ministry of Information and NCCAL for their efforts in this field, and for their support in organizing an impressive cultural event in Kuwait with the participation of prominent artists from Bulgaria, European countries and other countries around the world. He also thanked the House of Islamic Antiquities 'for the longstanding, fruitful cooperation that enabled us to organize a series of influential concerts featuring talented Bulgarian artists in Kuwait.' He reiterated his country's commitment to further strengthen cooperation with Kuwait in the field of cultural diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of culture in building bridges between peoples. He said 'we believe in the power of cultural diplomacy.' Regarding the occasion, he disclosed 'the Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Enlightenment and Culture is one of the most important occasions in my country; as our letters, literature and cultural traditions have enabled the Bulgarian people to preserve their national identity among the peoples of Europe through centuries of historical change.'
