Latest news with #Ruwi
Zawya
2 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Oman: Shoppers buy ‘green' bags as third phase of plastic ban rolls out
MUSCAT: Shoppers in Muscat were taken aback when they discovered on Wednesday that some supermarkets had stopped giving plastic bags with the items they had purchased. 'When I paid for the products, I had to purchase a green bag for 125 baisas at a supermarket in Ruwi as I was left with no other choice than to carry the products to my car without the bag,' said Sujata, an Indian expat living in Rex Road. This comes after Oman rolled out the third phase of its plastic bag ban on Tuesday, July 1, in accordance with the approved timeline in Decision No. (8/2024). Officials said if the regulations are violated, they can be fined ranging from OMR50 to OMR1,000. The Environment Authority (EA) said that the activities in this phase included sale of vegetables, fruits, grocery, foodstuffs, sweets, gifts and bakery stores. Regarding the alternatives, the Environment Authority suggested use of fabric bags and paper bags. The EA issued a statement, highlighting the long-term dangers of single-use plastic bags on marine life and the broader environment. 'A single plastic bag may seem harmless, but it leaves a profound impact on marine life and our environment for decades! Your simple decision to use sustainable alternatives makes a big difference,' it stated. The EA detailed the consequences of plastic pollution on ocean ecosystems. 'Fish, turtles, and whales may mistake plastic bags for food and swallow them, leading to suffocation or blockages in their digestive systems, which can result in death. Then the marine creatures like turtles or birds may get entangled in plastic bags, causing them to suffocate or suffer serious injuries,' it said. Sujit Kumar went to the supermarket to get essentials as he was expecting some guests at his home for lunch on Wednesday. 'I went to the supermarket to buy some juices and food packets but the person at the billing counter reminded me of the plastic bags directive from July 1.' Similarly, Sohail, a Pakistani expat, had been to a nearby supermarket in Qurum to shop for his daily essentials. Without knowledge of the ban, he purchased his monthly groceries, but he did not have any bags to carry the items. Therefore, he had to purchase a reusable bag. 'From now on, I will be keeping these bags in my car and whenever I go shopping, I will use them,' added Sohail. Phase one of the plastic ban was implemented on July 1, 2024, targeting single-use plastic bags thinner than 50 micrometres. The second phase began on January 1, 2025, and it included textile shops, tailoring shops, mobile shops, watch shops, retailers, etc. The third phase was introduced from July 1, 2025.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- General
- Times of Oman
Shoppers buy ‘green' bags as third phase of plastic ban rolls out
MUSCAT: Shoppers in Muscat were taken aback when they discovered on Wednesday that some supermarkets had stopped giving plastic bags with the items they had purchased. 'When I paid for the products, I had to purchase a green bag for 125 baisas at a supermarket in Ruwi as I was left with no other choice than to carry the products to my car without the bag,' said Sujata, an Indian expat living in Rex Road. This comes after Oman rolled out the third phase of its plastic bag ban on Tuesday, July 1, in accordance with the approved timeline in Decision No. (8/2024). Officials said if the regulations are violated, they can be fined ranging from OMR50 to OMR1,000. The Environment Authority (EA) said that the activities in this phase included sale of vegetables, fruits, grocery, foodstuffs, sweets, gifts and bakery stores. Regarding the alternatives, the Environment Authority suggested use of fabric bags and paper bags. The EA issued a statement, highlighting the long-term dangers of single-use plastic bags on marine life and the broader environment. 'A single plastic bag may seem harmless, but it leaves a profound impact on marine life and our environment for decades! Your simple decision to use sustainable alternatives makes a big difference,' it stated. The EA detailed the consequences of plastic pollution on ocean ecosystems. 'Fish, turtles, and whales may mistake plastic bags for food and swallow them, leading to suffocation or blockages in their digestive systems, which can result in death. Then the marine creatures like turtles or birds may get entangled in plastic bags, causing them to suffocate or suffer serious injuries,' it said. Sujit Kumar went to the supermarket to get essentials as he was expecting some guests at his home for lunch on Wednesday. 'I went to the supermarket to buy some juices and food packets but the person at the billing counter reminded me of the plastic bags directive from July 1.' Similarly, Sohail, a Pakistani expat, had been to a nearby supermarket in Qurum to shop for his daily essentials. Without knowledge of the ban, he purchased his monthly groceries, but he did not have any bags to carry the items. Therefore, he had to purchase a reusable bag. 'From now on, I will be keeping these bags in my car and whenever I go shopping, I will use them,' added Sohail. Phase one of the plastic ban was implemented on July 1, 2024, targeting single-use plastic bags thinner than 50 micrometres. The second phase began on January 1, 2025, and it included textile shops, tailoring shops, mobile shops, watch shops, retailers, etc. The third phase was introduced from July 1, 2025.
Times of Oman
10-06-2025
- Times of Oman
Eid Al Adha celebrations wrap up as Oman gets back to business
Muscat: Eid Al Adha festivities came to an end on Tuesday as Oman resumed its regular workweek, with businesses reopening and daily routines returning to normal after days of celebration and holiday spirit. The festive five-day Eid Al Adha holiday was filled with joy, family gatherings, and travel as thousands returned from mountain retreats, beach outings, and overseas trips. The extended break saw a remarkable surge in domestic tourism, with resorts, historical sites, and family farms bustling with activity and laughter. The green terraces of Jabal Akhdar (Green Mountains) welcomed numerous families and tourists eager to escape the coastal heat and enjoy cooler climates. 'The views were stunning, and the weather up there was refreshing. It felt like a completely different world,' shared K Abhishek, an Indian expatriate who stayed with his family at dusitD2 Naseem Resort. Jabal Shams, Oman's highest peak, was equally popular. 'The temperatures here were around the low 30s during the day,' said Sharmila, another expatriate who enjoyed hiking in the mountain's pleasant climate. The freshwater wadis — Wadi Shab, Wadi Bani Khalid, and others — also attracted visitors seeking respite from the summer heat. Picnic and beach spots, including Qurum, Azaiba, and Shatti, came alive in the evenings with families enjoying barbecues, games, and strolls by the sea. 'We spent our evenings on the beach and dined out most nights,' said D Manoj, a longtime Ruwi resident. 'The restaurants were buzzing, and there was a real festive atmosphere. It was great to see people enjoying themselves.' Eid Al Adha traditions unite families At the heart of Eid celebrations across Oman was the beloved tradition of preparing shuwa, a marinated meat dish slow-cooked underground in earthen ovens. 'Preparing shuwa with my family is something I look forward to every Eid,' said Badr Al Wahaibi from Quriyyat. 'We gathered at my grandfather's farm to prepare Shuwa. The smell and taste brings everyone together — it's more than food, it's our heritage.' The holidays were also a time for extended family visits, exchanging greetings, and sharing festive meals. 'Eid is a time when the entire family — sometimes four generations — comes together under one roof,' said Saada Al Rawahi, a schoolteacher from Nizwa. 'We wear our finest traditional clothes, share sweets, and spend the evenings with family and relatives. Despite the heat, the spirit of togetherness shines.' Visitors like MaryAnn Davis, vacationing from Dubai, summed up the experience. 'We wanted something peaceful this Eid. Oman offered that — great hospitality, breathtaking scenery, and a lot of warmth. It was magical.' 'Al Amerat Events' to continue till 14 June Meanwhile, the ongoing 'Al Amerat Events' at Al Amerat Park continues to draw crowds. Launched on 25 May and running until 14 June, this vibrant community festival, supervised by the Wali of Al Amerat's office, attracts families and visitors of all ages from the region. The event features a diverse range of programmes, including displays of products from productive households, folk arts performances, children's games, and authentic Omani cuisine. Visitors also enjoy educational and recreational activities such as 'Reptiles World,' equestrian and camel shows, classic car displays, and daily competitions with motivational awards. 'This event supports cultural and social engagement, inspires local entrepreneurs, and promotes local tourism during the summer holidays,' said a spokesperson from the organisers. 'It reflects the diversity and cultural spirit of Al Amerat while enhancing community participation.'
