Latest news with #MuscatDaily
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
New online platform 'Aks' to showcase Oman's film productions
Oman's film industry gets a global boost with the launch of 'Aks' – a major milestone in the evolution of Omani cinema and a strategic step to promote independent productions – in Osaka In a landmark move to support the sultanate's cultural and creative industries, Omani director Fahad Ramadan al Maimani has launched Aks, the first Gulf platform dedicated exclusively to showcasing Omani films. The announcement was made on May 23, 2025, at the Omani Pavilion during Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Aks is a pioneering initiative that aims to strengthen Oman's presence on the regional and global cultural map. More than just a digital platform, it represents a promising cultural project that heralds a new era for independent digital filmmaking in the region. Speaking to Muscat Daily from Japan, Maimani described Aks as an independent cultural and cinematic platform created to stimulate the artistic movement in Oman and enhance the visibility of independent cinema. The platform, he explained, provides a modern digital space where filmmakers can share their stories with both, local and international, audiences. Maimani said he deliberately chose to unveil Aks during Expo 2025 in Osaka because of the event's global scale and multicultural reach. 'Expo 2025 brings together countries and cultures from across the world under one roof. It's the perfect stage to announce a platform like Aks which is built on the values of cultural dialogue, creativity, and innovation,' he said. 'By launching at the Expo, we wanted to signal that Omani cinema is ready to step onto the world stage.' He further highlighted that Aks was developed to overcome persistent challenges faced by independent filmmakers, chief among them weak distribution networks and limited audience access. He emphasised that Aks is part of a broader global movement that positions culture not only as a form of soft power but also as an economic opportunity and a developmental responsibility. 'The platform's vision goes beyond traditional exhibition,' he added. 'It seeks to redefine the relationship between audiences and cinema, between ideas and sound, and between image and belonging.' Explaining the name, Maimani said Aks is inspired by the visual language of photography and filmmaking, drawing from icons and symbols commonly found in cameras, editing software, and film equipment. This visual connection, he noted, gives the platform a strong identity while evoking a sense of creativity and belonging in the audiovisual space. Currently, Aks features a digital library with a curated selection of short narrative and documentary films, including White Gold, Never Dive Alone, ROPE, Loss, The Art of Life, Rhythm, Athar Fatima, and Color. Maimani revealed that the platform will soon expand with the launch of a smart application that promises a unique and immersive viewing experience. The app – also named Aks – will be available on Apple Store and Google Play before the end of the year, offering audiences in Oman and beyond easy access to the country's growing body of cinematic work. He described the launch of Aks as a major milestone in the evolution of Omani cinema and a strategic step toward enabling independent productions to assume a more influential role in both the Gulf and global cultural arenas. The platform, he said, seeks to empower filmmakers from all of Oman's governorates while building a comprehensive digital archive of local film productions. In addition to promoting Omani voices, Aks is also designed to support the creative economy and attract investment into the sultanate's burgeoning film industry. (Audiences can access the platform and explore its growing collection of Omani films by visiting
Muscat Daily
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Omani film Never Dive Alone wins top prize in Morocco
Muscat – Omani filmmaker Fahad al Maimani's Never Dive Alone has won the Best Documentary Film Award at the sixth Ad Dakhla International Film Festival in Morocco, marking its 12th international accolade. The festival, held from May 22 to 24, featured 24 films from various countries. Oman was represented by two entries – Dahjan Al Ward by Mohammed Al Ajmi, and Never Dive Alone, which emerged as the winner in the documentary category. Fahad al Maimani 'This film was born from friendship and a sincere human moment on a simple Omani beach,' Maimani told Muscat Daily. 'We wanted to express that loyalty is not measured by time, and that the beauty of the Sea of Oman is incomplete without the stories of the people who have lived there and embraced it. This award is a testament to the noble relationship between people and place.' The documentary, shot in the Daymaniyat Islands, explores the bond between communities and their environment. Maimani's direction, particularly the visual narrative, has drawn international attention. 'My happiness has doubled with this award,' he said. 'Each festival – from Russia to Spain, Italy to the United States, Morocco to Egypt – has reaffirmed that a true story finds its way to hearts, regardless of language.' The film was developed by an all-Omani team, including screenwriter Amjad al Kalbani, director of photography Nasser al Darai, and photographers Elias al Rahbi and Yousef al Mukhaini. 'Their combined expertise contributed significantly to the film's impact,' Maimani said.
Muscat Daily
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Muscat Daily
Omani teen taekwondo star wins second gold in month
Muscat – Omani taekwondo athlete Al Muhannad Tawfiq al Balushi secured his second international gold medal in less than a month, winning in the 45kg category at the Krasniqi Open 2025 in Geneva on Saturday. The 16-year-old from Muscat triumphed at the 2-star ranked tournament, organised by the Swiss Taekwondo Federation. The event drew more than 800 competitors from over 30 countries, making it one of the largest on the European circuit. Named after Olympic gold medallist Distria Krasniqi of Kosovo, the competition is regarded as a key event for athletes aiming to advance in the global rankings. Al Muhannad's latest victory follows his historic gold at the Estonia Grand Prix, an elite 8-star tournament where he defeated the world number one in his weight category. That win placed him among the top five globally – a first for any Omani athlete in the sport. Competing in Geneva under the national team coach Adel al Wahaibi, Al Muhannad was praised for his consistent performance. 'Al Muhannad has shown a level of maturity and discipline far beyond his years,' Wahaibi told Muscat Daily. 'These victories are not just personal milestones but a huge boost for Omani Taekwondo on the world stage.' Al Muhannad began training at age six at Majan Taekwondo Academy. In 2022, he made his mark by winning Oman's first bronze medal at the Asian Cadets Championship in Vietnam. His father, Tawfiq al Balushi, pointed to the hard work behind the scenes. 'My son trains three times a day – early morning, afternoon, and evening – to ensure he's physically and mentally ready for any challenge,' he said. The young athlete's focus is now on upcoming tournaments including the 2025 Asian Championship, World Taekwondo Grand Prix events in China and Bosnia, and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The Oman Taekwondo Committee has praised his achievements and reaffirmed its support for his international participation and training programme. Al Muhannad's rise is viewed as a milestone for the sport in Oman, and a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the region.
Muscat Daily
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Qurum beach and park redevelopment on the anvil
Muscat – Muscat Municipality is planning to redevelop Qurum Beach and Qurum Park to transform these iconic areas into sustainable and community-centric spaces. What changes and amenities would you like to see in these places? Here is what Muscat Daily readers said – Nabeela al Hinai, Homemaker I would love to see more native trees and local flowers, and shaded walking paths powered by solar lights. Adding eco-friendly stalls selling local food would boost sustainability. Educational signboards about Omani flora and marine life could engage families and children, turning the park and beach into both a leisure and learning space. Ahmed al Busaidi, Architect Qurum Beach and Qurum Park are part of our city's identity. I hope the redevelopment respects Omani heritage while adding modern touches – like open-air art spaces, amphitheatres and water features that cool naturally. The spaces must also include more accessible zones for persons with disabilities. Mariam al Balushi, Student It would be amazing to have a sustainable youth zone with outdoor study pods, Wi-Fi spots powered by solar energy and also a skate park. Adding small performance areas for local musicians or poetry nights would bring people together. Rohan Mehta, IT professional Qurum Park is a weekend favourite for many Indian families. I'd suggest picnic spaces with shades and solar-powered grills, more restroom facilities and a jogging track. On the beach, eco-friendly cafés serving vegetarian snacks, beach yoga zones and a library with newspapers and magazines would be great. Priya Verma, Homemaker Families with children would love shaded play areas on green grass. There could be a corner to stage street plays for performers. The beach could benefit from lifeguard towers, rental kiosks for paddleboards and clean changing rooms. Arif Khan, Digital creator Qurum Beach is perfect for photography, but better viewing decks and lighting would help highlight its beauty. I'd love to see artistic walls, native flower beds and space for photo exhibitions. Introducing nature trails in the park with birdwatching zones would blend creativity, leisure and education.
Gulf Insider
23-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Insider
Eid Al Adha 2025: Oman To Observe Five-Day Holiday
The Sultanate of Oman will observe the first day of Eid Al Adha on Friday, June 6, 2025, said Dr. Subaih bin Rahman Al Saadi, an Omani expert in celestial sciences, according to Muscat Daily . Al Saadi's prediction follows precise astronomical calculations indicating the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent moon on the evening of Tuesday, May 27. 'The conjunction of the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH with the sun will occur at exactly 7:03:29 am local time on May 27,' Dr. Saadi added. He noted that the moon will set approximately 36 minutes after sunset in Muscat, positioned 8 degrees from the sun and elevated 7 degrees above the western horizon—conditions favorable for sighting the crescent. 'These astronomical indicators confirm that Wednesday, May 28, will be the first day of Dhul Hijjah. Consequently, the Day of Arafah will fall on Thursday, June 5, and Eid Al Adha will begin on Friday, June 6,' Dr. Saadi stated. In accordance with Royal Decree No. 88/2022, Oman will observe the Eid Al Adha holiday from Dhul Hijjah 9 to 12. As the first day of Eid falls on a Friday this year, an additional compensatory day off will be granted to ensure a full holiday period for the public and private sectors. If Eid Al Adha begins on Friday, June 6, as expected, Omanis will enjoy an extended holiday period. With the official holiday starting from Dhul Hijjah 9 to 12 and a compensatory day granted for Friday, the public can expect a long weekend stretching from Thursday, June 5, till Monday, June 9.
