Latest news with #SaifbinAhmedalRamadhani
Observer
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Oman to participate in regional traffic legislation workshop in Riyadh
The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and two ministries, will participate in a major regional workshop aimed at strengthening traffic legislation and its enforcement within the framework of the Secure and Safety System approach in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The workshop will be held in Riyadh from April 28 to 30, according to sources at the ROP. A delegation of five officials — three from the ROP, one from the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and one from the Ministry of Health — will attend the workshop, which seeks to introduce reforms and timely updates to existing traffic laws and regulations. Organised by the General Secretariat of the Ministerial Committee for Traffic Safety of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with the World Health Organization's Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, the workshop will identify gaps in current road safety legislation, explore implementation challenges and share evidence on risk factors and interventions. It will also highlight practices from the GCC countries, the European Union, and other global best practices to boost regional cooperation. 'The workshop relies on in-depth consultations between national specialists from the traffic police, health and transportation sectors, along with international experts, to discuss traffic legislation and enforcement from a Gulf perspective. We are proud to represent Oman at this important event,' said Lieutenant Colonel Saif bin Ahmed al Ramadhani, Director, Executive Office, National Committee for Road Safety, DG of Traffic Safety, ROP. The six main strategic objectives of the workshop include: Legislation related to key risk factors, introduction of a graduated driving licence programme, vehicle safety standards aligned with UN regulations, enforcement of speeding traffic legislation, measures to deter other risky behaviours, and enhancement of assessment and monitoring processes.
Observer
13-04-2025
- Observer
Gulf Traffic Week 2025 begins
The General Directorate of Traffic at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) launched the 37th edition of the GCC Traffic Week along with the rest of the GCC under the auspices of Issa bin Hamad al Azri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Judicial Council on Sunday. The Week, themed 'Driving Without a Phone' will also be marked with a series of events and educational sessions including an intensive awareness exhibition on various aspects of traffic safety at the Mall of Oman ensuring the participation of the public from various quarters. 'This year's Gulf Traffic Week is paying enormous attention to the fact that the majority of the accidents are caused by recklessness and usage of mobile phones while driving,' said Lieutenant Colonel Saif bin Ahmed al Ramadhani, Director, Executive Office, National Committee for Road Safety at the DG of Traffic Safety, Royal Oman Police. According to him, the major reasons behind traffic accidents in Oman are three. "Major reasons behind road accidents are speeding, usage of mobile phones and driving when one is tired and according to studies, the root cause of 87 per cent of the accidents is attributed to human error," he said. "Accidents happen predominantly due to human behaviour, human errors and reckless driving and a small number of accidents are caused by faulty vehicles because our departments pay careful attention to decide the safety measures of the vehicles from time to time. When it comes to road factor, the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Information Technology (MoTCIT) is sparing no stone unturned and is building better roads and other infrastructure for better transportation," he added. 'Of course, there needs to be a certain amount of public awareness as pedestrians using wrong areas to cut across the road also cause accidents, another major concern as unscientific usage of roads by pedestrians can result in major accidents.
Observer
01-04-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Road accidents decline 16% in Ramadhan
Road traffic accidents in the Sultanate of Oman during the holy month of Ramadhan have shown a drastic decline, thanks to the all-around efforts of governmental as well as non-governmental agencies, according to the Royal Oman Police (ROP). According to the Directorate General of Traffic Safety, road accidents reduced by 16 per cent compared to last year's Ramadhan, as did the casualties and injuries. "From our statistics, the number of accidents in the country during the holy month of Ramadhan has reduced by 16 per cent compared to last year's Ramadhan," said Lieutenant Colonel Saif bin Ahmed al Ramadhani, Director, Executive Office, National Committee for Road Safety at the DG of Traffic Safety, Royal Oman Police. Al Ramadhani said that the all-around efforts of the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and other authorities have paid off and the rates of accidents are under control compared to some 10 years ago. "Based on the available statistics, there has been a decrease in traffic accidents by 16 per cent in March 2025, compared to March 2024. Generally speaking, the overall reduction amounts to 24 per cent compared to last year. The increasing awareness campaigns and educational initiatives have worked over a period of time," he said. According to him, the major reasons behind traffic accidents in Oman are manifold. "Out of the major reasons behind accidents, speeding, usage of mobile phones and fatigue driving are the three main reasons for accidents in the country; and the root cause of 87 per cent of accidents is attributed to human error," he said. "Human behaviour, human errors and reckless driving are the main reasons followed by vehicle factors. Our departments pay careful attention to decide the safety measures of the vehicles from time to time; and the road factor where the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) is building better roads and other infrastructure," he added. Pre-Iftar time constitutes the highest number of accidents: Out of the total accidents, the pre-Iftar period was highly volatile in terms of accidents and fatalities as people rushed to reach their destinations before breaking fast, constituting 35 per cent of accidents. Most of the accidents took place between 1 pm to 5 pm. This is followed by the peak traffic time in the late morning from 9 to 12 pm, which constitutes 21 per cent of the total number of accidents. He further urged all motorists to pay more attention and be extra cautious on the road as traffic accidents usually show a spike during the holy month, during the pre-Iftar hours in particular.
Observer
17-03-2025
- General
- Observer
Changes in behavioural patterns...
Human behaviour changes according to circumstances, and we can see that during the holy month of Ramadhan. This is one of the important lessons we can learn from the holy month that sees millions of people fast from dawn to dusk. Food and water, factors that are essential, are often taken for granted on normal days. Then comes Ramadhan when people refrain from water and food until it is time to break the fast. This is an opportunity to understand the value of water to quench thirst. We begin to value food as a source; we appreciate the farmers and the people who cook it. Most importantly, we are able to practice empathy. We understand the significance of food in providing us with the required energy to function. Our brain, our mind, and our body need it. So imagine the plight of people who are deprived of it. That is deprived of proper food not just for a month, but as a regular reality. The time of Iftar is when the fast is broken, and it becomes a special moment, especially when everyone gathers together. Breaking the fast together, praying together, and have food together creates a unique bond in a world of individualism. The beauty of mass Iftars held in Oman is the fact that most of the people may not even know each other. Expatriates from different countries and different cultural backgrounds sit together and have the same food. Another feature is sitting on the ground. Many mosques in Oman become important venues for people to gather for Iftars. Some people find the occasion a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the welfare of society by providing cooked food and fresh fruits. Rusayil roundabout has a story to convey during this year of fasting. The round has been seeing traffic jams for longer periods during this Ramadhan. Lt Col Saif bin Ahmed al Ramadhani, Director of the Executive Office of the National Committee for Road Safety, explained that this year more and more people are choosing to go to their hometowns on a daily basis during the holy month. The reason? He explained that people are eager to spend the Iftar moments with their family members. Before, the trend was to spend the weekdays in Muscat and then go home for weekends. Eating together, whether with family, friends, or colleagues, has numerous benefits that extend beyond simply sharing a meal. Some of the key advantages are enhanced social bonds, a sense of belonging, improved communication skills, listening skills, better mental health, stress reduction, mindful eating, passing down traditions, exploring culinary practices, and most importantly, mindfulness and gratitude. Attending community Iftars brings in strengthened relationships because shared meals foster connection. Eating together allows individuals to engage in conversation, share stories, and build stronger emotional ties. Regular communal meals create a feeling of community and belonging, which is essential for emotional well-being. The gatherings are perfect places to practice conversations leading to improved interpersonal interactions. Discussions during meals encourage active listening and attention to others, which are vital social skills. These are great opportunities for the youth. The gatherings are great to reduce loneliness because communal eating can combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, enhancing overall mental health. Another wonderful initiative to indulge in is to be a volunteer. There is more to sharing a meal because it can provide a sense of comfort and relaxation, reducing stress levels and allowing for a break from daily pressures. Another advantage to eating together is that it encourages more mindful eating practices, promoting awareness of food choices and portion sizes. Communal gatherings could encourage balanced food intake, as families and groups often prepare balanced meals, leading to healthier diets compared to solo eating, which may lean towards foods of convenience. Shared meals offer an opportunity to pass down cultural and family traditions related to food, fostering a sense of identity and continuity at the same time as a platform to try different dishes together and enjoy diverse dishes and promote cultural understanding. Eating together is more than just a routine; it is a powerful activity that can enhance relationships, improve mental and physical health, and promote cultural traditions, and it has benefits for both individuals and communities.
