Latest news with #Yousif
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Blowholes draw huge crowds at Al Mughsail
SALALAH, JULY 28 The iconic Al Mughsail Beach and the natural blowholes of Al Marnif Cave are roaring back to life this khareef, with a surge in visitor numbers driven by the cool monsoon weather and Dhofar's lush transformation. Tour operators, local vendors and road officials report a sharp increase in footfall compared to last year. Oman Observer field observations confirm that traffic to western Salalah has surged in recent days, with parking lots near the site reaching full capacity by early afternoon. Families, adventure seekers and tourists from across Oman, the Gulf and beyond are flocking to witness the dramatic sea geysers — water columns erupting from underground rock chambers — alongside sweeping cliff views. 'I've travelled across the Gulf, but I've never seen anything like this,' said Yousif Ali, a Kuwaiti visitor. 'It feels like the Earth is alive.' In response to growing numbers, authorities have ramped up facilities at the site. Roads now have clearer signs and improved safety turns. New shaded viewing decks and railings have been installed near Al Marnif Cave, while municipal teams ensure cleanliness and smooth crowd movement. The Royal Oman Police and Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority have increased their on-ground presence, especially during peak hours, ensuring visitor safety. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Dhofar Municipality are enhancing multilingual signage and visitor materials. Al Mughsail's fame soared earlier this year after Condé Nast Traveler named it the 5th best beach in the world. The international recognition has boosted Dhofar's profile among eco-tourists, photographers and nature lovers, and is now central to Oman's seasonal tourism campaigns. The blowholes, which can erupt as high as 30 metres during high tide, create a thunderous roar that resonates along the cliffs. The adjacent Al Marnif Cave provides the best viewing point, now upgraded with accessible walkways and smoother paths. Beyond the blowholes, visitors can explore khareef gems like Wadi Darbat, Ayn Jarziz, Old Salalah's heritage souqs and Unesco-listed Frankincense sites. While Al Mughsail's wild beauty draws crowds, officials remind the public that swimming is prohibited at the beach between June 21 and September 21 due to strong currents and high waves. Tourism experts are calling for sustained, responsible development. Their main recommendations include highlighting seasonal and natural uniqueness, strengthening eco-friendly infrastructure, improving waste management and emergency response and training local guides and supporting small tourism businesses. 'This place doesn't need malls or towers — it just needs to be protected and shared,' said Yousif. 'Everyone should see this part of Oman at least once.' As visitor numbers climb, Al Mughsail stands as a shining example of Dhofar's sustainable tourism future, combining raw natural power with thoughtful stewardship.
Sharjah 24
4 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Wadi Al Helo and Mleiha to join Sharjah's World Heritage map
Global recognition and national benefit In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Yousif explained that the successful nomination of Jebel Faya received scientific support from 13 out of the 21 countries on the World Heritage Committee, which represents international recognition of the site's authenticity and importance. He pointed out that this achievement brings strategic benefits to the UAE and "Sharjah" by positioning the region as a key location in human history, encouraging specialised and sustainable cultural tourism, and creating diverse job opportunities, such as heritage-guided tours. Collaboration between key Sharjah authorities These objectives, he noted, were achieved through close institutional collaboration, notably with the leading role of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) through the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, and the contribution of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority through the Jebel Buhais Geological Park, which plays multiple scientific roles. The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority also plays a vital role in promoting tourist centres. Jebel Faya's nomination timeline and scientific value Yousif also reviewed the history of the nomination file titled 'The Cultural Landscape of the Prehistoric Faya Region,' noting that the first discoveries began in 2003 by a German mission led by Dr Sabah Jasim. The site was added to the Tentative List in 2012, and in 2020, the nomination file was reformulated to focus on the site's outstanding value as the earliest desert settled by humans during the Palaeolithic era. Discoveries confirmed that Jebel Faya was the southern route to the Arabian Peninsula around 200,000 years ago. Visitor accessibility and environmental care Kholoud Al-Houli Al-Suwaidi, Director of the Tangible Cultural Heritage Department at the Authority, told WAM that the site's management plan was fully prepared before the nomination was submitted. She emphasised that Jebel Faya, unlike many other global sites, is open and ready to receive visitors. The Mleiha Archaeological Centre provides special tours, guided by trained guides who alter vehicle routes every two weeks to reduce environmental impact. Ongoing commitments and future reporting Al-Suwaidi noted that the inscription entails a major commitment to submit annual conservation plans and five-year monitoring reports to the World Heritage Centre to ensure the site's protection for future generations—an obligation based on decades of research and documentation. Geological uniqueness of the Faya range She also highlighted the site's unique scientific value, as the Faya mountain range is composed of rare ophiolite rocks representing the Earth's mantle, making it one of the top three sites worldwide for geological study and the most accessible compared to the Hajar or Himalaya mountains. Support from Sharjah leadership and local entities Both officials stressed that this achievement is safeguarded by an integrated legal framework issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who provided unlimited support for the project. The Legal Department and the Department of Planning and Survey further backed the accomplishment by issuing development regulations for the protected zone. Special thanks were also extended to Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the file's ambassador, for her pivotal role in overcoming challenges, as well as to 12 local departments that contributed to this milestone.
Al Etihad
29-05-2025
- Al Etihad
Sharjah Archaeology Authority concludes its exhibition at Colosseum in Rome
29 May 2025 11:21 SHARJAH (WAM) The Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA) has concluded the activities of its international archaeological exhibition titled 'From Sharjah to Rome via the Spice Route', held at Curia Julia, the historic Roman Senate building located within the Colosseum Archaeological Park in Rome, from February to May 2025, the exhibition welcomed more than 600,000 visitors from exhibition reflected the deep historical ties between Sharjah and the Roman world, shedding light on the vital role played by key archaeological sites such as Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn along the ancient Silk and Spice Routes, particularly in the spice trade that once linked the Arabian Gulf to the Mediterranean part of the accompanying programme, SAA produced an interactive documentary film illustrating the commercial and cultural exchanges between Rome and the eastern Arabian Peninsula—particularly Mleiha and Dibba Al-Hisn—during the Roman period. The film was praised by visitors and historians alike for its accurate visual portrayal of economic life, maritime routes, and the cross-cultural connections between the two Yousif, Director-General of the SAA, stated, 'This exhibition successfully reintroduced Sharjah to a global audience through a new lens. Hosting more than 600,000 visitors in just three months is a testament to the growing interest in Sharjah's archaeological legacy."The exhibition allowed international visitors to engage closely with Sharjah's rich history—not only through the artefacts on display but also through the immersive experiences and scientific interpretation that accompanied them, which helped reinforce a dignified cultural image of Sharjah and elevated its presence on the global cultural scene."Yousif further emphasised that this participation reflects the broader vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in reinforcing Sharjah's cultural identity, promoting civilisational dialogue and fostering global openness. His Highness's continuous support for the cultural sector was a cornerstone in achieving this international exhibition also featured a specialised academic lecture bringing together a group of Emirati and Italian scholars. The session explored various aspects of historical connectivity between Sharjah and the Mediterranean world, with a focus on advanced technologies in heritage conservation and archaeological addition, official meetings were held between the Sharjah Archaeology Authority and the management of the Colosseum Archaeological Park to exchange expertise and establish the foundations for long-term cooperation in research, exhibitions, and training initiatives. The exhibition presented more than 110 rare archaeological artefacts from major sites across the Emirate of Sharjah. These were displayed using augmented reality (AR) and 3D visualisation technologies, offering visitors a uniquely educational and engaging experience that enhanced their understanding of Sharjah's deep-rooted heritage and historical influence.
Daily Tribune
17-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Joins Regional Effort to Strengthen Animal Disease Control Measures
A delegation from the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, led by Dr. Ibrahim Yousif, Assistant Undersecretary for Animal Wealth, took part in a high-level international workshop in Riyadh focused on combating Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). The event was jointly organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the European Commission for the Control of FMD (EuFMD), and brought together experts and officials from across the region. The workshop aimed to review the current epidemiological status of FMD and PPR, evaluate the progress made in implementing previous disease control strategies, and develop an updated action plan. This plan includes regional priorities and practical recommendations, alongside strengthening collaboration among member states in surveillance and emergency response. Key outcomes included the update of the regional roadmap for disease control, identification of new priorities based on each country's epidemiological situation, and enhancement of diagnostic and vaccination capabilities to better respond to outbreaks. The workshop also recommended the formation of specialized technical committees to monitor the implementation of recommendations at the regional level. Representing the Kingdom of Bahrain alongside Dr. Yousif were Dr. Fajer Sabah Al Salloom, Director of the Animal Health Directorate and Bahrain's representative to WOAH (also serving as the organization's Vice President), and Dr. Shaima Jihad, a veterinary specialist from the Animal Disease Control Department.
Observer
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Why many abuse victims choose silence
I must admit that am not a big fan of Arabic drama but when I heard about the Egyptian series 'Lam shamsiya' I was curious to check it out. The 15-episode series centres around an 8-year-old boy called Yousif who is subjected to abuse from Wisam his teacher and father's best friend. We learn that Wisam is a respected university professor who is married and has a teenage daughter. When Yousif's stepmother discovers the abuse no one believes her and the abuse continues. We discover that Wisam uses the code 'our secret game' for his encounter with the boy and gives him a star for each time they 'play'. Yousef then finds out that other boys receive similar stars from Wisam which means they are victims too. The series explores the sensitive topic of abuse from a realistic point of view, showing the abuser as someone trusted by the child and how some children don't speak out. We also see the stepmother who was the whistleblower being called a lair because others were fooled by Wisam charismatic persona. Working as a psychiatrist, I came across a few victims and sometimes perpetrators of abuse and have witnessed the fear, guilt and confusion experienced by victims, and how sometimes families resolved to keep quiet about it which allows perpetrators to continue abusing others. In some occasions, victims of abuse become perpetrators which is known as 'the cycle of abuse'. The psychological impact of abuse on the victims and their families is devastating as most victims start distancing themselves from others, become withdrawn from school and experience sudden mood changes. In many occasions, the abuse causes long-lasting emotional scars that can affect the victim's development, self-image and relationships for a lifetime. People who read or hear about abuse often wonder why some victims remain silent. This can be because most abusers say manipulate the victim by saying 'This is our special secret' or 'No one will believe you'. In many cases, the child is too young to understand what is happening is actually abuse. Victims who are emotionally neglected can mistake attention for love, especially when it comes from a trusted person like a sibling, a parent or a teacher. So, how can we help victims of abuse? Psychological therapies such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing are reported to help victims regain a sense of safety, self-worth and control over their lives. However, such therapies take time and need to be delivered by an experienced therapist who is also compassionate. By shedding light on stories like Yousif's, society can begin to break the silence and stigma surrounding abuse. Protecting children is not just about reacting after the fact — it's about building environments of trust, awareness and courage, where children are heard, believed and protected.
