Latest news with #TimesofOman
Times of Oman
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
OHA chief lauds team's resilience after historic AHF Cup success
Muscat: Dr. Marwan Al Juma, President of the Oman Hockey Association (OHA), praised the team's resilience and strategic planning after the national team won gold at the 2025 AHF Cup. Al Juma noted that the success was built on lessons learned from past near-misses. 'At last, we were able to break Bangladesh's streak. It was the result of dedication and strategic planning after the finals in 2022, where we lost to Bangladesh in a shootout,' he said. Al Juma added: 'Prior to the 2022 finals in Jakarta, we had also lost to Bangladesh in the final in 2012 in Bangkok and also in 2008, played in Singapore. Speaking from Jakarta, Al Juma said: 'We are proud to say that we dominated this tournament and won gold with our own 100% Omani technical team, which is a first.' Shakir Munir, OHA Technical Director, expressed his delight in the team's accomplishment, calling it a 'dream come true'. 'Witnessing our team clinch the first-ever AHF Cup is nothing short of a dream come true,' he told Times of Oman from Jakarta. 'This victory is not just a testament to our players' hard work and dedication but also a reflection of our hockey association's growing prowess in the world of hockey.' Munir credited the team's preparations, emphasising the importance of the intense training and strategic planning that led to the victory. He said: 'From the intense training sessions to a pre-tournament camp in Pakistan, careful planning has led us to this historic achievement.' 'This triumph ignites a new era for Hockey Oman, inspiring the next generation and heralding Oman's potential in the global hockey family.' With the victory now in the books, Oman's focus shifts to the upcoming Asia Cup in India. Mohammed Al Gharabi, the administrative supervisor of the team, outlined the future plans for the team. 'We will continue to intensify training in the coming period to prepare for the Asia Cup. The focus will be on refining individual skills, tactical drills, and further enhancing physical readiness,' he said. 'We are confident these preparations will significantly raise our performance level.'
Times of Oman
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Mirrors
In a world teeming with questions—where certainties waver and directions fade—youth emerge as the enduring truth. They are not only the answer to a fragmented present, but the very essence of the nation: its memory, its voice, and its beautiful unrest. Yet this restlessness is not a sign of confusion—it reflects a keen, deliberate awareness of the challenges ahead, rooted in an unwavering sense of belonging. Omani youth have consistently demonstrated that their strength lies not in empty slogans or noise, but in clarity of vision and moral discernment. This is why I have chosen to contribute to Times of Oman—a platform synonymous with informed engagement and purposeful dialogue. It is not merely a publication, but a dynamic space where national aspirations are examined, ideas are challenged, and a collective future is shaped. 'Times of Oman' serves as a bridge—connecting young Omanis with the evolving narrative of a nation grounded in identity and striving toward innovation. Oman, a nation renowned for its assured wisdom and composed dialogue, has long entrusted its future to its youth—individuals who honor their heritage, remain anchored in their roots, and embrace the future with clear-eyed conviction. This series is not a chronicle of what is, but a celebration of what can be. It shines a light on the national energies that must not be overlooked or wasted. The present reality of Omani youth is deeply intertwined with the vision of His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham bin Tarik and His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham bin Tarik—and above all, with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, who has placed youth at the center of the national agenda. In their voices and presence, he sees the contours of Oman's tomorrow—when the country breathes through their actions and speaks through their words. These writings are more than a recounting of events—they are part of a living narrative, a thread woven from a luminous past through a vibrant present, and into a safeguarded future. We cannot reshape our awareness without honoring the values that formed our land and our people. My aspiration for this series is not simply to analyze, but to resonate—to blend historical perspective with emotional connection, interweaving social realities with the geography of place and the human voice. The title 'Mirrors' was chosen not for their reflection of appearances, but for their invitation to introspection. These mirrors provoke thoughtful questions, not shallow admiration. They serve as tools for deeper self-awareness, rather than surfaces for self-display. Let us forever perceive Oman—not merely through words, but as a nation alive in the soul—a presence transcending language, and an ever-evolving journey.
Times of Oman
21-04-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Believers in Oman pay tribute as world mourns Pope Francis
Muscat: The Roman Catholic community in Oman joined millions around the world on Monday in mourning the death of Pope Francis, remembered as a humble shepherd of peace and a tireless voice for the poor. The Vatican confirmed that the 266th pope passed away earlier in the day at the age of 88. Reflecting on the late pontiff's life and legacy, Fr. George Vadukkut OFM Cap, Priest-in-Charge of Catholic Churches in Oman and Parish Priest at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Ghala, offered a heartfelt tribute that resonated with the faithful across the Sultanate. 'Today, Heaven welcomes a shepherd of souls, a prophet of peace, a friend of the poor,' Fr. George said. 'The Church has lost a father, but Heaven has gained a saint.' Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, Pope Francis entered the Jesuit order in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. He rose through the Church's hierarchy with a pastoral heart rooted in service to the marginalised, eventually becoming Archbishop of Buenos Aires and later, a cardinal. His election to the papacy on 13 March 2013 marked a turning point in the modern Church - he became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi. Fr. George recalled, 'He signalled a vision for a Church that is 'poor and for the poor.' He chose simplicity over grandeur, mercy over judgment.' Pope Francis' pontificate was marked by an enduring commitment to interfaith dialogue, environmental responsibility, and global solidarity. For Catholics in Oman, one of the most significant milestones during his leadership came when the Holy See formally established diplomatic ties with the Sultanate of Oman - a gesture that deepened mutual respect and recognition between the Vatican and the Muslim-majority country known for its religious harmony. 'That moment meant a great deal to us here in Oman,' Fr. George told Times of Oman on Monday. 'It symbolised the growing friendship between faith communities and reinforced Oman's role as a land of peace and coexistence.' Another historic chapter in Pope Francis' life was his 2019 visit to the Arabian Peninsula, the first ever by a pope. During the trip, he signed the Document on Human Fraternity with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in Abu Dhabi - a call for global unity and interreligious understanding. Fr. George, who had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis on multiple occasions, said: 'Each encounter with him was a moment of grace. His gentle eyes conveyed the very presence of Christ.' As Oman's Catholic community mourns this immense loss, Fr. George said the best way to honour Pope Francis' memory is to live the values he preached. 'He taught us to build bridges, not walls. To walk with the wounded. To serve the least among us. His message remains a living Gospel.' A special memorial mass is expected to be held in Muscat this week as the faithful gather to offer prayers of thanksgiving for a life that inspired millions.
Trade Arabia
16-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Omans's tourism sector on track to create 500,000 jobs by 2040
Oman's tourism sector is poised for significant growth, with plans to create over 500,000 jobs and attract investments totalling around OMR19 billion ($49 billion) by 2040, according to Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. Addressing the Shura Council, Al Mahrouqi outlined a comprehensive strategy to boost the sector, which is set to contribute OMR3 billion, or 3.5 percent, to the country's GDP by 2030 - a marked increase from previous years, reported Times of Oman. This growth is aligned with Oman Vision 2040's broader economic diversification goals, positioning tourism as a cornerstone of the nation's future development. The Minister highlighted that the contribution of the tourism sector has risen from OMR1.8bn in 2019 to OMR2 billion in 2023. The sector's direct added value also grew from OMR873 million in 2019 to OMR1 billion in 2023, signalling a positive trend that is expected to accelerate in the coming years. Speaking about domestic tourism, the Minister said that the number of local visitors increased from 10 million in 2019 to 13 million in 2023, while domestic tourism spending grew from OMR732 million in 2019 to OMR830mn in 2023. This growth is driven by ongoing investments and a focus on developing and renovating key tourist destinations across Oman.
Times of Oman
08-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Stock markets end with gains
Muscat: Stock markets in the Gulf region, including Oman, India and Asia closed higher on Tuesday, recovering from global selling on hopes that the United States is willing to negotiate some significant import tariffs. However, on Monday, major stock indices had plunged mainly due to the impact of reciprocal tariffs imposed by China. Speaking to Times of Oman, R. Madhusoodanan, a former SBI official and financial expert said, the reasons attributed to the steep fall are both global and domestic. The global markets have taken cues from the fall of stocks in Wall Street, he said. The Trump administration's announcement of higher tariffs has not been taken positively by the investors across the globe including that of the US, he added. All the economies of the world including emerging markets (EM) are very much concerned about the outcome, he said. This has created a panic and uncertainty in the global trade. The global investing community is more worried about the unpredictable announcements of the US administration, he said. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has remarked that the proposed tariffs are 'larger than expected'. The experts predict a global recession. This Fear of a looming recession coupled with high inflation and interest rates in the US can adversely affect the economic growth of the US in the short term to medium term horizon. This was one of the reasons for tumbling of the US stocks. The US Dollar Index (DXY) , which is a measure of the strength of the US dollar against a basket of major currencies, is also down at 102.88 levels. The retaliatory tariffs imposed against the US products by countries like China, Mexico and Canada is another reason. The industries in the US too are affected in the tariff war. The US dairy product export is over $8 billion annually. China and Mexico have already hiked the tariffs on dairy products of the US, which made the industry in uncertainty Madhusoodanan added.
