Latest news with #SouthAlBatinah
Times of Oman
20-07-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Al Alya Mosque in Rustaq: A Religious, Scientific, and Architectural Landmark
Muscat: Al Alya Mosque in the Wilayat of Rustaq, South Al Batinah Governorate, is one of the most prominent religious and historical landmarks in the Sultanate of Oman. Its spiritual, scientific, and architectural value reflects the depth of the Islamic cultural heritage for which the Wilayat has been known for centuries. The mosque's construction dates back to the reign of Imam Nasser bin Murshid Al Ya'arubi in the seventeenth century AD. The mosque is located in the heart of Al Alya village, approximately 800 meters from Rustaq Fort. Its central location serves the residents of Al Alya for prayers and social gatherings. It was built on land approximately 6 meters above the falaj channel and is surrounded by various orchards, some of which are endowments, such as the "Furod" orchard in the south and the "Jahal" orchard in the east, reflecting the mosque's economic and social importance in its surroundings. Engineer Ahmed bin Saif bin Khamis Al Mazrouei, one of the administrators of the Al Alya Mosque endowment in Rustaq, explained that the mosque has significant endowment assets, most notably 47 water features in the Al Maysar Falaj, estimated to be worth approximately OMR 94,000 , in addition to orchards containing more than 553 palm trees and prayer niches, estimated to be worth approximately OMR 166,000 . Al Mazrouei added that the mosque was previously used to distribute zakat and food supplies to the village's beneficiaries on occasions such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. It was also a venue for weddings and funerals until recently, before being moved to the Alaya Sabla. The mosque hosted meetings of "people of influence" to discuss village affairs. It was also a popular destination for imams and governors, where reconciliation and adjudication sessions were held. A designated area was also designated for providing drinking water via a series of "jahals" (clay containers) filled with water from the Al-Maysar Falaj and hung in their designated places. Engineer Al Mazrouei emphasised that the mosque was not only a center for prayer, but also a prominent academic and social environment. A number of scholars and sheikhs studied there, most notably Sheikh Suleiman bin Abdullah Al-Luwaihi, embodying its historical role as a pioneering educational and community institution in the Wilayat of Rustaq. Architecturally, the mosque is 21 meters long and 12 meters wide. It features 10 columns, dividing it into six longitudinal and three transverse lanes. A central hall measuring 4 x 3.5 meters is located below it, previously used for ablution and heating. It is likely that there was a well underneath, connected to a drainage unit that led to the falaj canal. The mosque's mihrab is two meters wide and four meters high. It features simple, beautiful inscriptions, featuring the Shahada (the two testimonies of faith) written on several levels. The mihrab was widened during recent restorations, adding a distinctive aesthetic touch to the mosque. The mosque used to have three doors: two in the east and one in the north. However, after Friday prayers were approved, a new door was added on the south side for the preacher and people with disabilities to enter. The northern door was closed. The mosque retains a traditional vertical staircase made of "alalan" wood, measuring 6 meters in length and embedded in the mosque walls. This staircase has remained in place since its construction until today. The mosque also contains a 15-meter-long, 12-meter-wide building that once housed students and a storage room for mosque supplies, as well as a drinking water supply area for worshippers and passersby.
Khaleej Times
19-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Oman: Two arrested after massive drug haul seized from fishing vessel
In a significant anti-narcotics operation, authorities in Oman intercepted a fishing vessel attempting to illegally enter its territorial waters and arrested two individuals of Iranian nationality on charges of drug smuggling. The Omani Coast Guard, in co-ordination with the South Al Batinah Governorate Police, intercepted the boat. Authorities confirmed that the suspects were in possession of large quantities of crystal meth, hashish, marijuana, and more than 68,000 psychotropic pills. The suspects are currently in custody, and legal procedures are underway. On May 27, two individuals were arrested for possession of more than 20kg of drugs in the Sultanate. The General Directorate for Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances at Royal Oman Police said that the two — an Egyptian and a Sudanese — were apprehended for possessing more than 20kg of crystal methamphetamine and hashish. Oman has been stepping up its crackdown on narcotics in recent years, focusing on intercepting drug smuggling networks and dismantling distribution channels.
Times of Oman
18-07-2025
- Times of Oman
Two foreign nationals arrested for attempting to smuggle drugs, enter Oman illegally
Muscat: The Police Coast Guard, under the Police Command of South Al Batinah Governorate, has arrested two Iranian nationals for attempting to smuggle large quantities of drugs into the Sultanate of Oman, said the Royal Oman Police (ROP). The suspects were transporting the drugs via a fishing boat and entering the country illegally. Crystal meth, hashish, marijuana, and over 68,000 tablets of psychotropic substances were seized. Legal procedures are being completed against them.
Times of Oman
14-07-2025
- Times of Oman
Expats arrested for gambling in South Al Batinah
Muscat: More than 15 expats have been arrested for gambling in a residential building in the Wilayat of Barka, South Al Batinah Governorate Police. A statement issued online by Royal Oman Police (ROP), said : "South Al Batinah Governorate Police Command arrested 19 Bangladeshi nationals while they were gambling in a residential building in the Wilayat of Barka. Legal procedures are being completed."
Times of Oman
07-07-2025
- Science
- Times of Oman
'Summer of the Future' program continues at UTAS–Al Mussanah with strong community engagement
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences – Al Mussanah continues to deliver its 'Summer of the Future' program, drawing wide participation from various community groups. The program reflects the university's deep commitment to its societal mission and its pivotal role in human development. This initiative is part of a broader series of community-centered programs launched by the university to enhance life skills, cultivate innovation, and foster entrepreneurship among youth, aligned with a clear vision that sees education to empower a capable generation contributing effectively to national development. Dr. Nasser Salem Al Baimani, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of UTAS–Al Mussanah, emphasized that the university plays a vital role in supporting comprehensive development through educational and training programs that respond to community needs. 'The Summer of the Future program is a practical embodiment of the university's societal responsibility. We view education as a tool for building both individuals and society,' he said. He added that community engagement is a top priority, particularly in the South Al Batinah Governorate—a region full of developmental potential requiring collective academic and societal efforts. Dr. Al Baimani also noted the university's focus on nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, encouraging scientific research that addresses local issues and supports sustainable development. He stressed that such initiatives contribute to preparing national talents capable of participating in building a sustainable knowledge economy, in line with Oman Vision 2040. He concluded by reaffirming the university's commitment to expanding its societal impact through strategic partnerships and dynamic programs that keep pace with rapid changes and invest in young minds—the true foundation of any sustainable renaissance. As the program continues, it offers a diverse range of technical, soft skills, and creative workshops, tailored to meet the participants' needs and interests. This variety enhances the initiative's overall positive impact, both individually and socially. With growing momentum, UTAS–Al Mussanah aspires to expand this impactful initiative through strong collaborations with civil society and both public and private sectors, ensuring lasting value and contributing to a cohesive knowledge-driven society where non-traditional education plays a key role in supporting Oman's modern development.
