Latest news with #MoCSY
Observer
25-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
MoCSY unveils key digital transformation initiatives
MUSCAT: MUSCAT: In a move aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) announced the launch of several ambitious digital transformation initiatives during a media forum held in Muscat on Sunday. The event was attended by Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture; Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth, and a number of senior ministry officials. LAUNCH OF 'SHABIK' PLATFORM A major highlight of the event was the official launch of the 'Shabik' mobile application, the Ministry's new e-ticketing system for cultural, sports and youth events. The platform was inaugurated by Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidy and is designed to streamline ticket booking, enhance user experience, and facilitate community engagement in public events. The platform also offers the Ministry critical tools for data analysis and crowd management, contributing to smarter event planning. The initiative reflects a significant milestone in the Ministry's digital agenda and supports Oman's broader vision for digital government services. The event concluded with a workshop titled "Enhancing Readiness for Change at the Individual and Institutional Level," delivered by change management expert Hanan al Salmi LAUNCH OF OMAN'S LARGEST HACKATHON PROGRAMME Another cornerstone initiative is the launch of the largest Hackathon programme in the Gulf region, an eight-week national challenge bringing together programmers, innovators, and creatives. The goal is to develop practical digital solutions that support and advance the Ministry's work across culture, sports, and youth sectors. Sultan al Subhi, Director of the Digital Transformation Programme, affirmed that the Ministry's recent efforts to digitise and refine sector data towards applying a structured methodology based on understanding, analysis, and implementation to drive real results. During the forum, the MoCSY signed six key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with local and international partners, including: Aman Company — to improve digital excellence indicators, Sohar International Bank — as a strategic partner for the Hackathon, Al Qala'a — for cybersecurity collaboration, Cisco — to explore advanced technology applications, Tatweer — for software and application security testing, Tanafos — for digital solution development support Capacity-Building Workshop. The event concluded with a workshop titled "Enhancing Readiness for Change at the Individual and Institutional Level," delivered by change management expert Hanan bint Hamed al Salmiyah. The session focused on the human dimension of digital transformation and stressed the importance of preparing employees for rapid shifts in technology and digital services.
Observer
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Omani rally drivers all set for the new challenge in Jordan
The Omani rally drivers Abdullah al Rawahi, Zakariya al Amri and Abdullah al Zubair, are all set and prepared to take part in upcoming challenge in Jordan International Rally, the fourth round of the Middle East Rally Championship, which will gear up on Friday and Saturday with wide participation from different countries and competitors, including championship's leader, Qatari Nasser Al Attiyah, and the Saudi Rakan Al Rashid who is second overall and the third in the championship Abdullah al Rawahi. The Dead Sea stages and Jordan valley host the rally this year as usual, which consists of 12 stages over two days in Baptism, Panorama, Suwyma, Karamah, Tal Hilal and Wadi Nar, covering a distance of approximately 200 km as Special Stages. The Jordan International Rally, which is considered one of the toughest rallies in the region and also one of the most enjoyable at the same time, will of course witness strong competition between the most prominent names, Nasser Al Attiyah and Rakan Al Rashed, the Omani Abdullah al Rawahi, and the Qatari Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, in addition to a group of Jordanian drivers. In Merc 2 group the competition will be strong between Omanis Abdullah al Zubair and Zakariya al Amri for the lead in the Merc 2 (N category), as Al Amri still leads the category by 15 points over Al Zubair. A quick review of this rally shows that competition will not be easy between Al Attiyah and Al Rawahi, as both have long experience in the Jordan International Rally, Al Attiyah is the most successful driver there, meanwhile Al Rawahi is building his ambitions to win the rally, given that he started his rally carrier in Jordan rallies and has won numerous titles there, both in the Jordan National Rallies and the International Rallies including the MERC championship in 2023. Al Rawahi, who will be accompanied by Jordanian Atta Al Hamoud in the navigation seat, and on board a Skoda Fabia, explained that he will do his best in terms of effort and work inside the car to win this time and remove the bad luck that has plagued him in the past three rallies this year, despite many differences in the participating teams in terms of capabilities, technical teams and support. He said, "First, I would like to thank the supporters and sponsors , the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY), the Oman Automobile Association, OQ Group, National Finance, Al Manar, WMS, Strike, Size, and Zamakan for standing behind us in this championship'. He added that as everyone knows, the Jordan Rally is difficult especially in the Dead Sea and Jordan valley, in the hot weather and varied terrain, the other competitors' cars are better and newer than mine, but will not stop me from working on the stages and focusing on the race and we will leave the results until the end." As for the competitor Zakariya al Amri and his navigator Mohammed al Mazroui, on board a Subaru Impreza (N14), he has classified the rally as one of the most rugged rallies in some places, but we are now focused on maintaining the lead in the category and we are working on that in this rally. I am ready with my colleague Mohammed and we look forward to continuing the lead in the category and presenting a strong race. I would like to thank the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Oman Automobile Association and Al Fayhaa Real Estate Development for their support of this championship. Our other competitor, Abdullah al Zubair, and his well-known co-driver, Taha Soomar, are also participating in the rally in a Subaru Impreza. He is currently in second place in the Merc 2 category behind Zakariya al Amri and is aiming to reach the podium after his strong and distinguished performance in the Saudi Rally.
Observer
14-03-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman's Taha claims long jump bronze in New Delhi
AHMED AL KAABI MUSCAT, MARCH 13 Omani national team athlete Taha al Harrasi secured the bronze medal in the long jump competition at the Grand Prix Athletics Championship for Athletes with Disabilities, held in the Indian capital of New Delhi from March 9 to 15. With this achievement, Al Harrasi raised his medal tally to two, having previously won the gold medal in the 100-metre race. He managed a leap of 5.13 metres in the long jump, securing third place. Nepal's Matvil Lakshov claimed first place, followed by his compatriot Sharmin Kuisov in second place. The championship features more than 280 athletes representing 20 countries, competing in an intense and high-level tournament. Meanwhile, Omani athlete Mohammed al Mashaykhi continues his preparations for the shot put and club throw competitions. He aims to add more medals to Oman's tally in this prestigious event, which is one of the key championships on the calendar of the World Para Athletics Federation. The competition attracts wide participation from various countries striving for achievements and podium finishes. Mohammed al Hinai, Secretary-General of the Oman Paralympic Committee, expressed his pride in the achievements of the national team athletes at the Grand Prix Athletics Championship for Athletes with Disabilities. He emphasised that these successes reflect the growth of Paralympic sports in Oman and the ability of Omani athletes to compete internationally. Al Hinai praised Taha al Harrasi's outstanding performance, noting his success in winning the 100-metre gold and the long jump bronze. He affirmed that these accomplishments were not coincidental but the result of dedicated efforts by the athletes, coaching and administrative staff, as well as the support provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY), which facilitated the team's participation and ensured the necessary resources for these honourable results. He also highlighted that Mohammed al Mashaykhi continues intensive training in preparation for the shot put and club throw competitions, aligning with Oman's aspirations to claim more medals in the championship. Additionally, Al Hinai stressed that the Oman Paralympic Committee follows a clear strategy to support athletes with disabilities by providing a comprehensive training environment, participating in international tournaments, and fostering partnerships that enhance the development of para-sports. He emphasised that these championships serve as significant opportunities to elevate performance levels, refine athletes' skills, and prepare them for upcoming global Paralympic events.
Observer
02-03-2025
- Sport
- Observer
OOC prepares for 3rd GCC Beach Games
MUSCAT, MARCH 1 The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) in collaboration with Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) beside the sporting associations organised the first meeting of the directors of the sports missions who will participate in the 3rd GCC Beach Games 'Muscat 2025' in presence of the representatives of the gulf countries. During the meeting, all the latest preparations and arrangements were reviewed as Muscat will host the prestigious gulf event during April 5 to 11, 2025 in different venues across Muscat Governorate. The tournament will feature participation of all the gulf countries including: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the hosts Oman. Eight sports featured in this edition of the Games including: beach soccer, beach handball, beach volleyball, beach athletics, marine sports, open water swimming, air sports and equestrian (tent pegging). Taha al Kishry, Secretary-General of OOC and Director General of the Games, began the meeting with a warm welcoming to all the attendees. 'Oman is hosting this prestigious sporting event underscores its leadership in organising major sports tournaments. Oman had managed to host different regional and continental events during the past years. These events reflects the country's commitment to promoting beach sports. Oman's unique location and extensive coastline provide an ideal setting for such competitions. The event also reflects Oman's dedication to strengthening sports cooperation among GCC countries and supporting the development of beach sports in line with international standards,' he said These efforts reflect Oman's commitment to enhancing its national teams' competitiveness and preparing them to achieve top positions on the podium,' OOC Chief ended. Rashid al Kindi, Chairman of the Technical Committee for the Beach Games, delivered a comprehensive visual briefing. ' The 3rd GCC Beach Games is a distinguished regional event featuring a diverse range of sports and activities. Officially recognised on the GCC sports calendar as the event is organised under the directives of the GCC Olympic Committee Chairmen. The organising committee is committed to delivering a world-class event that contributes to the expansion of beach sports in the region,' he added Several subcommittees have been established to ensure smooth execution including committees for technical affairs, sports facilities, public relations, security, medical and anti-doping, finance, IT, media and marketing, opening and award ceremonies; and coordination and secretariat. The opening ceremony is scheduled on April 5, 2025. The Beach soccer competitions will be held at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex during April 7-11 while Beach volleyball at Athaiba Beach during April 8-11. The action of Beach handball will take place at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex From April 5 to 11 while Long-distance swimming will be at The Wave, Muscat and North Al Hail Beach starting from April 9 until April 11 and Sailing events will be at North Al Hail Beach during April 6-10. Tent pegging (equestrian) competitions will take place at Al Rahba Farm from April 8 to 10 while Beach athletics at Al Athaiba Beach from April 8to 10. Paragliding competitions to be held at North Al Hail Beach from April 5 to 7. A total of 43 medals across 30 events will be comprised in these competitions. Group Draws and Competition Schedule As part of the meeting, the group draws for the team sports were conducted in presence of team's representatives. Oman will begin their campaign at Beach Handball competition against Bahrain on April 5. The final rounds will be held on April 10 and 11. Beach Soccer competitions will start on April 7 as Oman will take on Bahrain in the opener while they will take on Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia in the other rounds. The finals are scheduled on April 11.
Observer
31-01-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman Broadband Governorates Marathon held in Suhar
Suhar: The Oman Broadband Governorates Marathon, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY), successfully took place in Suhar for its second edition. The marathon brought together runners, fitness enthusiasts and families for a day filled with sport and community engagement. The event's starting point was the historic Sohar Fort, providing a stunning backdrop for participants and spectators alike. Building on the success of last year's event, which attracted over 1,500 participants, this year's marathon aimed to be even more inclusive, with multiple race categories catering to all ages and fitness levels. This event is aligned with national initiatives to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among both Omani citizens and residents. It also serves as a platform to nurture community spirit, celebrate athleticism and position Suhar as an emerging destination for sports tourism. Oman Broadband Governorates Marathon was held in Sohar on Friday The MoCSY remains committed to promoting fitness and well-being across Oman. The event not only encourages physical activity but also supports sports tourism. The Oman Broadband Governorates Marathon reflects this vision by offering an opportunity for individuals of all backgrounds and ages to participate in an event that fosters physical activity and social connections. Mohammed al Amri, General Director of the Activities Department at the Ministry, highlighted, 'This year's marathon features a variety of race categories, including a 10 km race, a 5 km fun run and a children's race. A newly introduced 2.5 km fun run caters to beginners, ensuring a welcoming experience for all fitness levels. Additionally, the event provides local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a chance to showcase their products and services at the marathon village and during race-day activations.' Suhaila Nakhaei from Iran, a first-time participant in the marathon, shared her excitement: 'It's my first time visiting Suhar and participating in such an event. By joining this marathon, we have the chance to explore historical sites in Oman like Sohar Fort. Events like these are truly fascinating.' She also noted that the timing of the event, the pleasant weather and the location that promotes both tourism and sports were key highlights. The event was sponsored by Oman Broadband, which plays a crucial role in supporting the marathon's goal of fostering a healthier and more connected society. Engineer Sultan al Wahaibi, CEO of Oman Broadband, remarked, 'At Oman Broadband, we believe in the power of connectivity — not only through technology but by bringing people together. The Governorates Marathon aligns with our commitment to community well-being while contributing to tourism and economic activity in Suhar.' With its growing reputation, the Oman Broadband Governorates Marathon is expected to attract more local participants and visitors from across the region, further establishing Suhar as a prominent hub for sports and tourism.
