Latest news with #OFA
Observer
a day ago
- Sport
- Observer
Oman placed in Pot 1 for AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers draw
MUSCAT, July 28 The Oman Under-17 team was placed in the first pot for the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup qualifiers draw which is scheduled to take place on August 7 at the headquarters of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Being seeded in Pot 1 was based to the national team's results in the last edition of AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia besides the 2023 edition of the same event. The top-seeded teams in Pot 1 included: Oman, Australia, Yemen, Iran, Thailand, China and Vietnam. These teams are considered regional powerhouses based on their recent performances and rankings at the continental level. The draw will also include teams placed in other pots according to their seeding as Pot 2 featured teams of Afghanistan, India, Malaysia, Iraq, Bangladesh, Laos and Kuwait. Bahrain are placed in Pot 3 besides Myanmar, Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Palestine. Pot 4 comprised Syria, Mongolia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Jordan, Chinese Taipei and Brunei while Pot 5 saw teams of Nepal, Bhutan, Mariana Islands, Guam, Maldives, Timor-Leste and Lebanon. The last and concluding Pot 6 included: Macau, Sri Lanka and Pakistan teams. The qualifying matches are scheduled for November 2025 as the top teams will book their tickets to the AFC U17 Asian Cup finals while it is expected to be opportunities for the best runners up to join the teams in the Asian finals. In preparation for the qualifiers, the Oman Football Association (OFA) is expected to announce a new coaching team soon following the replacement of coach Anwar al Habsi, the former head coach. The announcement will be part of the OFA's wider plan to enhance technical readiness and ensure optimal performance during the qualifiers. Oman's U17 side showed solid performance during the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2025 which was held earlier in April. Despite the top performance by Oman team boys, the team narrowly missed out on qualification to the Fifa U17 World Cup. Oman began their campaign with a 2-1 loss to Tajikistan, but bounced back impressively with a historic 2-1 win over Iran, followed by a 2-2 draw with North Korea. Unfortunately, the result against North Korea meant Oman finished third in Group D with four points, just one short of North Korea's five points, who advanced as group runners-up. Tajikistan topped the group after stunning Iran 3-1 in the final group match.
Observer
6 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
Queiroz proud to lead Oman as new coach
MUSCAT: The newly appointed head coach Carlos Queiroz expressed his deep sense of pride and responsibility in leading Oman's national senior football team, calling it a 'great gratitude and huge honour' to be entrusted with such a role. This statement was part of his first official interview published in different channels of the social media accounts of Oman Football Association (OFA) following his appointment and official signing function which took place earlier this week at OFA headquarter in Seeb Stadium. The veteran Portuguese tactician highlighted during the interview passionately about his ambitions, strategic approach and message to Oman's audience and fans. Acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, Queiroz stated in his initial remarks, 'I understand it is a huge challenge and it is not an easy task. However, it can be better challenge through our work and clear commitment. In my definition, it could be easy and simple as well. At the end of the challenges, you will feel the sweat as the reward after achieving the target through hard work in smart way.' As Red Warriors are gearing up for the decisive final round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to the Fifa World Cup 2026, Queiroz outlined his roadmap to success. ' My plan is to study the current situation thoroughly by reviewing the team, assessing the players, gathering detailed information about our opponents beside building the best preparation plan for our squad. In addition to that, Smart planning, clear goals, team discipline, and ambition will form the core of the best technical strategy, ' he added Coach Queiroz also delivered a heartfelt message to the Omani fans, calling on them to become an active force in the team's journey. 'Be the player No. 12. Wear the national team shirt not only during matches but also during training moments. You are the power behind the team.' Carlos Queiroz, who signed a one-year contract with OFA earlier this week, will bring with him a wealth of global coaching experience. Under his leadership, Red Warriors will enter the forthcoming playoff stage of the Asian qualifiers — Road to 26 with top ambitious as Oman aim for its first-ever appearance at the Fifa World Cup. A press conference has been scheduled for the new coach and his assisting team on August 5 where Coach Queiroz will unveil his full technical program and plans leading up to October's qualifiers.
Hamilton Spectator
7 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Ontario's new Jupiter grape ‘tastes like candy' and is ready for harvest in September. Here's what's in season right now while you wait
With summer halfway through, the sunshine and occasional rainstorm are nurturing Ontario's farm fields to provide tasty offerings. And there's a new flavour on the block you might want to hunt down later this summer. The new Jupiter grape is making a splash in Ontario. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture calls the fruit the 'new kid on the Ontario grape block.' 'Ontario Jupiter grapes have oval shaped, blueish-purple seedless berries on large clusters,' said on its website. 'The skins are not too tough or too tart. They have a mild, but pleasant flavour and a distinct flowery 'muscat-type' aromatic profile.' Muscat flavour profiles have distinct sweet and musky notes. The Jupiter grape was developed by the University of Arkansas and introduced in the Niagara area around 2014, according to . Some say it 'tastes like candy.' Jupiter grapes are different from the regular grapes sold at the supermarket, the website added. They should be ready in September, and even available around Thanksgiving. has many recipes to try with the Jupiter grape, from a pico de gallo, to an olive oil cake and a mocktail. While those grapes wait to ripen on the vine, many other Ontario fruits are ready for the picking, including strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. 'There is nothing quite like the taste of fresh Ontario fruit — the flavour and sweet taste is a reminder of the beauty and bounty of Ontario agriculture,' Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) director Bill Groenheide said in a press release . 'We are so privileged here in Ontario to have the weather, the environment and the soil to grow such a wide range of fresh fruit. It's also a reminder of how important it is to keep farmland for food production and other agricultural uses.' Groenheide pointed to the OFA's Home Grown campaign, which is raising awareness of the importance of preserving Ontario's farmland. 'Buying local fruit not only supports Ontario agriculture — a critically important sector of the economy — but it is also better for you and for the planet,' he added. Once fruit is harvested, its nutrient value starts to deteriorate, so the closer to home it's harvested, the tastier and healthier it is. Buying local also means there's less transportation involved, which lowers the environmental footprint, including fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Here's a list of some of the fruit available at local farms and grocery stores in June, July and August: Peak strawberry season is June and July, but fresh local berries are available right into the fall from Ontario farms. The cherry season is short, so you have to move fast. Sweet and sour Ontario cherries can be found in July and August. Ontario's peaches, apricots, nectarines and plums are typically available in July through September. The peak summer months of July and August are also when you will find delicious Ontario raspberries, blueberries and watermelon widely available. Currants and gooseberries are in season in July. Here's is some fresh Ontario produce to look forward to in August: Coming mostly from Muskoka and the Ottawa area, Ontario cranberries are available in August and September, just in time to stock up for Thanksgiving. Early varieties of apples and pears can be ready as early as late August, but it is really from September through to November that they are in the prime harvest season. While a lot of Ontario grapes are grown for winemaking, local table grapes are also available in August and September. The Jupiter grape, a tasty red table grape, should be ready in September. Muskmelon and nectarines should also be ripe in August. If you're looking to save money on buying local vegetables, many nutritious varieties are available now. To find a farm near you, visit to see the interactive map, which also shows grocery stores and retailers that sell fresh Ontario produce. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Business Upturn
23-07-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
OFA Group Rings Nasdaq Closing Bell and Reaffirms Commitment to $100 Million Bitcoin Strategic Digital Asset Treasury Initiative
Ceremony celebrates momentum in AI innovation within architecture, real estate development, and senior care initiatives Los Angeles, CA, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OFA Group (Nasdaq: OFAL) ('OFA' or 'the Company'), an integrated architecture and technology firm, rang the Nasdaq closing bell today in celebration of its initial public offering during the previous quarter and to commemorate its recent progress in building a high-margin, innovation-driven ecosystem. The ceremony marks a key moment in the Company's evolution and highlights the growing relevance of its AI and architecture platform. In conjunction with this milestone, OFA provides a shareholder update on its strategic initiative to establish a digital asset treasury as part of the Company's broader strategy to incorporate crypto assets onto its balance sheet. This marks the beginning of OFA's comprehensive approach to diversifying its treasury holdings and positioning the Company to leverage digital assets for enhanced financial flexibility. The formation of a digital asset treasury represents a forward-thinking capital strategy designed to generate yield opportunities that can provide working capital for the Company's operations and growth initiatives. By strategically allocating crypto assets on its balance sheet, OFA aims to create additional revenue streams while maintaining operational flexibility. Bitwise Asset Management has been appointed as the digital asset treasury's manager, focusing on strategic crypto asset accumulation, responsible yield generation, and comprehensive treasury diversification. This treasury diversification strategy will support funding for OFA's core verticals: AI Innovation in Architecture – Expanding PlanAid , which automates building code compliance, and launching a new platform to generate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing blueprints directly from architectural layouts – Expanding , which automates building code compliance, and launching a new platform to generate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing blueprints directly from architectural layouts Real Estate Development – Integrating OFA's proprietary AI tools currently under development with architectural expertise to improve development speed, reduce costs, and increase asset returns – Integrating OFA's proprietary AI tools currently under development with architectural expertise to improve development speed, reduce costs, and increase asset returns Senior Care Infrastructure – Scaling OFA's role in the planning, design, and buildout of senior living facilities using AI to enhance safety, efficiency, and user experience The Company believes that establishing a crypto treasury represents a disciplined approach to modern capital allocation and demonstrates its commitment to building a sustainable, innovation-driven business model that leverages both traditional and digital financial instruments. This strategic positioning reflects the evolving landscape of corporate finance, where innovative companies are pioneering new approaches to treasury management. OFA's COO Thomas Gaffney commented, 'As we celebrate these important milestones today through this stirring ceremony and tradition, we reflect on how far OFA has come and our future trajectory. The establishment of our digital asset treasury positions us at the forefront of corporate treasury management, enabling us to harness the potential of crypto assets to generate yield and provide non-dilutive capital for strategic initiatives. This represents the beginning of our broader strategy to thoughtfully integrate digital assets into our balance sheet, creating new opportunities for value generation while continuing to execute on our strategy of fusing architectural excellence with transformative AI. Combining real estate innovation with disciplined digital asset strategy reflects the kind of leadership and vision the next decade of corporate finance demands. We remain focused on delivering long-term value by building a high-margin, innovation-led ecosystem across construction, real estate, and care infrastructure, while keeping a consistent priority on providing shareholder value.' About OFA Group OFA Group, through its wholly owned operating subsidiary, Office for Fine Architecture Limited, provides comprehensive architectural services, including design and fit out services for commercial and residential buildings. The Company's mission is to leverage its expertise in architectural design to maximize the potential of every property, ensuring that its unique attributes are highlighted and enhanced. At the forefront of architectural innovation, the Company is developing proprietary AI technologies that aims to enhance the Company's architectural design services by integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence with human expertise. The Company is committed to innovation, efficiency, and scalability at the intersection of architectural excellence and technological advancement. For more information, please visit Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts. The words 'believe,' 'may,' 'will,' 'estimate,' 'continue,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'expect,' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to the expected use of proceeds of the ELOC, the Company's ability to raise funds under the ELOC, if at all, the Company's implementation of its crypto treasury strategy, the Company's operations and business strategy and the Company's expected financial results , including creating additional revenue streams through crypto, if any. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on management's current expectations and are subject to substantial risks, uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the uncertainties related to market conditions, and other factors discussed in the 'Risk Factors' section of the prospectus filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by federal securities laws, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Investor & Media: CORE IR(212) 655-0924 [email protected]
Times of Oman
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
Portuguese coach Queiroz signs one-year deal to lead Oman national football team
Muscat: The Oman Football Association (OFA) on Monday officially signed a one-year contract with Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz to take charge of the national football team, marking the start of a new chapter ahead of a critical phase in the Asian qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup. The formal signing took place on Monday evening at the OFA's technical headquarters. Sayyid Sulaiman bin Hamoud bin Ali Al Busaidi, Chairman of the OFA Board of Directors, signed the contract on behalf of the association. Although Queiroz's appointment was confirmed last week, Monday's signing formalises the agreement, positioning the vastly experienced coach at the helm of the national side for the coming year. With a coaching career that includes high-profile stints with Portugal, Iran, Colombia, Egypt, and Qatar, the former Real Madrid manager brings a wealth of international experience and is expected to elevate Oman's competitive standing in the region. The OFA and Queiroz have expressed a shared ambition to guide the team through the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers and beyond, with a focus on consistency, tactical discipline, and youth development. A press conference is scheduled for August 5, where Queiroz will outline his roadmap and vision for the team. The OFA described the partnership as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the national squad's technical foundation and international competitiveness. The one-year contract sets the stage for what could be a pivotal period for Oman's football ambitions on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
