Latest news with #OfficeoftheWaliofTaqah
Observer
11-08-2025
- Observer
Volunteers unite to keep Wadi Darbat clean
SALALAH: The lush landscapes of Wadi Darbat became the focus of a major community clean-up and awareness drive, as the Taqah Charity Team partnered with Taqah Sports Club to host the 'Preserved Nature' event. The initiative sought to protect one of Dhofar's most visited natural sites while inspiring visitors to take an active role in safeguarding the environment. Volunteers of all ages joined forces for a large-scale clean-up across multiple points in the valley, collecting waste and restoring the area's natural charm. Children and visitors also enjoyed an interactive quiz on the environment and wildlife, with small prizes given to encourage eco-friendly habits. Organisers noted that the event is part of an ongoing effort to foster a culture of volunteerism and strengthen the community's sense of responsibility for Dhofar's natural heritage. 'We are grateful to all the institutions and sponsors who supported this initiative,' the organisers said, citing the Office of the Wali of Taqah, the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, Dhofar Municipality, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and the Environment Authority among their partners. - ONA
Observer
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
‘Land of the Coasts' event launched in Taqah
TAQAH: The 'Land of the Coasts' event opened at Taqah Park as part of the Khareef Dhofar Season 2025. Organised by Dhofar Municipality in collaboration with the Office of the Wali of Taqah, the event aims to enrich the tourism experience and provide a lively, family-friendly environment during the governorate's peak season. Ruqayyah al Harthy, the event's supervisor, said that the programme features a wide range of activities, including children's games, cultural performances, kiosks showcasing products from local families, and food outlets offering both traditional and modern cuisine. She noted that this year's edition reflects noticeable growth in both organisation and content, making it one of the standout attractions of the khareef season. Running until August 25, the festival in Taqah will also include cultural shows, theatre performances and sports activities, enhancing the overall tourism experience for citizens, residents and visitors. The event was inaugurated under the auspices of Shaikh Tariq bin Khalid al Hinai, Wali of Taqah. – ONA
Observer
24-06-2025
- General
- Observer
2nd Taqah Agricultural Forum to promote food security and rural development
TAQAH: The Wilayat of Taqah in Dhofar Governorate hosted the second edition of the Agricultural Forum on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, bringing together farmers, agricultural experts, government officials, and private sector partners to promote sustainable agriculture and support national food security efforts. The two-day forum, organised by the Office of the Wali of Taqah in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, aims to strengthen local farming practices, improve productivity, and expand rural economic opportunities. In his opening remarks, the Wali of Taqah affirmed that hosting the forum reflects the region's commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture as a cornerstone of food security and economic resilience. The Office of the Wali described the event as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and practical solutions to agricultural challenges, particularly in light of climate change and economic transitions. The Wali's Office also praised the collaborative efforts of farmers, government institutions, and private stakeholders, calling for sustained coordination and strategic planning to develop productive projects that enhance rural livelihoods and ensure national food security. Experts participating in the forum highlighted Dhofar's unique environmental advantage—its annual monsoon season, known locally as Khareef. The seasonal rains, which transform the Dhofar landscape from June to September, offer a valuable opportunity to revive traditional farming cycles and expand crop production. 'Historically, families in the Dhofar highlands have relied on Khareef as the beginning of their agricultural year,' said one agricultural expert. 'It provided rain-fed soil conditions ideal for growing crops and supporting livestock. Revitalising this seasonal pattern using modern techniques could enhance food security in a climate-resilient way.' One local farmer from the rural highlands of Dhofar spoke about the untapped potential of mountain agriculture. 'The highlands are fertile and suitable for cultivation, but they require effort and sustained support,' he said. 'Agricultural knowledge plays a major role in improving yields. We hope the government will allocate more land in mountainous areas to help farmers expand cultivation and increase productivity.' Throughout the day, attendees took part in technical sessions and working papers covering a range of topics, including pest control strategies, genetic improvements in livestock, and methods to enhance the value of local agricultural products. Other presentations explored how home-based farms and rural entrepreneurs can contribute to economic diversification and social development. The forum also included an agricultural exhibition showcasing local produce, agri-tech solutions, and services from public and private entities. Participating organisations included the Ministry of Agriculture, Dhofar Municipality, the SME Development Authority, and private agricultural suppliers. Farmers displayed a wide variety of high-quality products such as organic fruits and vegetables, natural honey, dairy goods, and livestock. Experts praised these goods for their quality and potential competitiveness in both domestic and regional markets. Participants agreed that Oman's agricultural sector is gaining momentum, supported by targeted policies, local innovations, and strategic investment. Stakeholders stressed the need for modern farming technologies, access to finance, and increased awareness of climate-smart agriculture. By linking local knowledge with advanced practices, events like this forum help position agriculture not only as a source of food but as a key pillar of economic diversification, rural employment, and national resilience. The forum will continue on June 25 with further panel discussions, capacity-building workshops, and policy dialogue. Sessions will address water management, market access, sustainable supply chains, and agricultural entrepreneurship for young Omanis. As Dhofar enters its monsoon season, the timing of this forum underscores a deeper message: Oman's future food security may well depend on how it integrates tradition, innovation, and environmental stewardship in its farming policies.
Observer
24-06-2025
- General
- Observer
Two-day agriculture forum opens in Taqah
SALALAH: The Second Agricultural Forum has officially opened today in the Wilayat of Taqah, located in Dhofar Governorate. The two-day event brings together agricultural experts, farmers, government officials, and rural entrepreneurs to discuss ways to modernise agriculture, support local communities, and strengthen food security in line with the national development strategy, Oman Vision 2040. Organised by the Office of the Wali of Taqah in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the forum features a series of technical presentations, case studies, and an exhibition showcasing innovative agricultural products and technologies. The programme includes key topics such as improving productivity in date palm cultivation, applying modern breeding practices and veterinary health standards in livestock farming, and enhancing the value-added potential of locally produced agricultural goods. The forum also promotes home-based farming and best practices in sustainable animal husbandry. As part of the activities, participants are competing for the Best Home Farm and Best Livestock Shelter awards. The event also includes the distribution of free seedlings and farming starter kits to encourage household-level food production and support small-scale farmers. The forum will continue tomorrow, June 26, with a focus on applied agricultural research and extension services. Presentations will cover pest management techniques, hydroponic farming systems, sustainable irrigation methods, and the development of home nurseries. These sessions will be delivered by specialists from regional agricultural directorates and research centres. Dhofar, known for its fertile landscape and monsoon season, plays a vital role in Oman's national food production. This forum reflects the country's commitment to diversifying the economy, empowering rural communities, and adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices in support of long-term sustainability goals under Oman Vision 2040.
Observer
18-06-2025
- Health
- Observer
Taqah hosts first camel milking contest
SALALAH, June 17 In a celebration of ancient desert traditions, the Wilayat of Taqah in Dhofar Governorate is preparing to host its first-ever camel milking competition, scheduled to take place from June 20 to 22. More than 80 camels are expected to participate in the inaugural edition of this unique event that aims to preserve a lesser-known aspect of Arabian Bedouin heritage. Unlike camel races — more familiar to international audiences — camel milking contests focus on the quality and quantity of milk. The contest offers a window into the deep-rooted pastoral traditions of Oman's nomadic and semi-nomadic communities, where camel breeding and milk production have long been linked to survival, prestige and cultural identity. Salim bin Saeed al Maashani, head of the organising committee, said the event will be held under the official supervision of the Office of the Wali of Taqah and coordinated with several government bodies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Dhofar Municipality, Royal Oman Police, Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority; and the Ministry of Health. A mobile veterinary clinic will be deployed at the venue to ensure animal welfare throughout the event, while a panel of judges — including a representative from Oman's national camel racing federation — will evaluate the camels based on lactation output, cleanliness and overall health. 'Camel milking contests are not merely competitive — they are a celebration of the deep bond between the herder and the animal,' said Al Maashani. 'They reflect centuries of knowledge in animal care, nutrition and desert resilience.' Though little known outside the region, camel milk is considered a nutritional staple across Oman's rural areas and has gained global attention for its health benefits. The event also serves as a platform to support small-scale camel breeders and rural families, many of whom rely on livestock as a primary source of income. The organisers aim to position the contest as a recurring cultural festival, with ambitions to open future editions to participants from across Oman and the wider Gulf region. In addition to public attendance, the competition has attracted support from local companies as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts, offering modest sponsorships to help fund logistics and prizes. Taqah, a coastal town just east of Salalah, is emerging as a hub for cultural tourism and rural entrepreneurship. The camel milking contest is expected to boost local tourism and community engagement, especially during the Khareef Dhofar Season, when Dhofar's lush landscapes attract thousands of domestic and regional visitors. Ultimately, the event ties into Oman's broader cultural preservation and rural development efforts under Oman Vision 2040, a national strategy to diversify the economy while safeguarding traditional knowledge.
