Tag: OMAN

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-Top News Arab News India News

India, Oman conduct joint naval exercise Naseem Al Bahr

The exercise lasted from October 13 to October 18…reports Asian Lite News

Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman recently concluded their bilateral naval exercise, ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ off the coast of Goa.

The exercise lasted from October 13 to October 18. The Indian Navy highlighted the details of the naval exercise on the social media platform, X.

As per the press statement, the exercise was conducted in two phases, with the harbour phase that lasted from October 13 to October 15, which was followed by the sea phase which was conducted from October 16 to October 18 onwards.

As part of harbour activities, personnel from both Navies engaged in professional interactions, including Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and planning conferences. In addition to this, sports fixtures and social engagements were also held.

During the sea phase of the exercise, both ships carried out various evolutions, including gun firings at surface inflatable targets, close-range anti-aircraft firings, manoeuvres, and Replenishment at Sea Approaches (RASAPS).

The integral helicopter operated from INS Trikand and undertook cross-deck landings and vertical replenishment (VERTREP) with RNOV Al Seeb.

Additionally, the Indian Navy’s Dornier aircraft provided Over-the-Horizon Targeting (OTHT) data with the participating ships. To further enhance interoperability, Indian Navy Sea Riders embarked on RNOV Al Seeb for a day.

The exercise helped strengthen interoperability and enhanced understanding of each other’s best practices. The exercise was a resounding success, achieving its aims of enhancing interoperability, fostering mutual understanding, and strengthening cohesion between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.

Earlier this year in June, India and Oman held the 6th edition of Staff Talks between Indian Navy (IN) and Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) in New Delhi towards further strengthening the existing Defence relations between India and Oman in the maritime domain.

Oman is India’s closest defence partner in Gulf region and defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between India and Oman.

Oman is the first Gulf country with which all the three wings of India’s defence forces hold joint exercises. Such exercises consolidate gains in naval cooperation and deepening the existing partnership between both Navies.

They further reaffirmed India’s commitment to constructive collaboration and mutual growth with like-minded nations in the Indian Ocean Region. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Stage set for crucial BRICS summit

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Arab News Business PAKISTAN

First ever Pak-Oman business meet held in Sultanate

Pakistan Embassy in Oman played a major role to bring the business community closer to Oman, reports Vinod Raghavan

IN a first ever multi-sectoral Pakistan-Oman Business meet, attended by reputed Pakistani business houses, displayed a variety of products, to a well attended nationals and expatriates in a city hotel in Al Khuwair, Muscat.

The two-day event organized by Pakistan Embassy in the Sultanate of Oman at the Intercity Hotel  Al Khuwair, Muscat, was inaugurated on Sunday by Faisal Bin Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman, Oman Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

The unprecedented event represented by around 100 Pakistani business houses from 10 different categories including textiles, clothing, fashion apparel, agricultural products, surgical instruments, sports goods, pharmaceuticals, handicrafts, hotel investment, were present in the event for the first time in Oman under one roof.

The event was attended by Sayyid Juland Bin Jaifar Al Said, Chairman, Pakistan Oman Investment Company, Sayyida Hujaija Bint Jaifar Al Said, International Ambassador for Social Responsibility, Nouman Ali, CEO Oman Investment Authority, Saqib Fayyaz Magoon, Vice President, FPCCI and prominent Pakistani and Omani businesspersons.

Pakistan Ambassador taking a round with dignitaries at the stalls 

The Forum is providing a platform for Pakistani businesses to showcase their high-quality products to the Omani market as well as an opportunity for Pakistani investors to look for investment opportunities in the brotherly country of Oman. The Forum facilitates direct interaction between Omani and Pakistani businesses which would result in future partnerships and collaborations, said, Imran Ali Chaudhary, Ambassador of Pakistan to Oman.

Separate sessions were held to apprise the Pakistani businesspersons about the legal mechanisms regarding opening and operating a company in Oman. Over 170 business delegates from top Pakistani companies are participating in the event, revealed Ishrat Hussein Bhatti, Commercial Counsellor at the Pakistan Embassy, who is one of the brains behind this get-together.

A visitor looking the fabric items

Speakers from both sides were of the view that the cordial relations that the two sides enjoy are not reflective of the true potential of the trade volume the two countries can have.

The Chairman of OCCI in his speech welcomed the exhibitors and business delegates from Pakistan and said that Pakistan and Oman can increase their trade manifold. 

Ambassador Imran Ali Chaudhry expressed his gratitude to the Government of Oman in providing facilitation in organizing the Forum. He said this forum marks a new chapter in the economic partnership between Pakistan and Oman. Making the business and trade communities to meet each other frequently sparks new opportunities of trade and investment, he said. He expressed his resolve to make this expo a yearly feature.

Ambreen Liyaqat, Embassy official who stood like a pillar to see the first meet goes off well.

Many Pakistani companies viz. Latifia Dairies from Lahore, Karachi based Shahabi Trading dealing in Basmati rice and has a dealer in Mabellah, Muscat, Hamitex Group of Industries manufacturing textile fabrics from Faisalabad in Punjab region, Brothers Fabric from Karachi. Zainee Sports, specialized in manufacturing Horse race products, which are very rare says its owner Kaukab Iqbal, who took over from his father who managed for nearly half a century, are very much positive and looking forward for distributors to market their wares in Oman.

Also companies from Oman also participated viz. Purshottam Kanji Exchange who has a Pakistan Corridor, catering to the Pakistani expats. Also Joy Alukkas, Global Money Exchange and Sarooj water amongst others.  

Ishrat Hussein Bhatti, Commercial Counsellor
Horse Bit used in Horse race. Kaukab IQBAL, 40 year old company dealing in Horse racing materials
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Arab News Europe Events

European films screening at VOX opens in Mall of Oman

Oman gets a week long treat of European Films at the first ever EUFF Festival until September 30, writes Vinod Raghavan 

MUSCAT: THE curtain for the first European National Film Festival (EUFF) in the Sultanate of Oman, was raised at the VOX Cinema, in Oman’s capital Muscat on Monday evening, in presence of dignitaries from the European countries and the film fraternity members.

The European Film Festival will showcase 15 films from nine EU countries for the week long festival until September 30, is organized by the French Embassy in Oman, in collaboration with the International Film Foundation of Oman (IFFO). 

Running from September 23 to September 30, the festival showcases films from nine countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Hungary, Austria, and Spain.

The festival opened with the Dutch documentary Iceberg Riders, a thought-provoking film on the impact of global warming on the Arctic region. The event offers a diverse range of genres, including drama, documentary and animation, making it a celebration of European cinema and culture.

Welcoming the guests Sudha Shah, Chairperson, International Film Fraternity Organisation (IFFO) said, “This marks a new era for cinema in Oman. We are thrilled to be the organizing partner in this collaboration and for the first time, Oman will host an anthology of films, bringing master filmmakers from around the globe. Our goal is to train and scout Omani talent and create six films in collaboration with foreign film industries.

 ALSO READ: European travelers will have to pay to enter UK in 2025

ALSO READ: Care 24 to Launch Advanced Rehab Center with modern technology in Ghala, Oman

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Arab News Europe Films

European films screening at VOX opens in Mall of Oman

Oman gets a week long treat of European Films at the first ever EUFF Festival until September 30, writes Vinod Raghavan 

The curtain for the first European National Film Festival (EUFF) in the Sultanate of Oman, was raised at the VOX Cinema, in Oman’s capital Muscat on Monday evening, in presence of dignitaries from the European countries and the film fraternity members.

The European Film Festival will showcase 15 films from nine EU countries for the week long festival until September 30, is organized by the French Embassy in Oman, in collaboration with the International Film Foundation of Oman (IFFO). 

Running from September 23 to September 30, the festival showcases films from nine countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Hungary, Austria, and Spain.

The festival opened with the Dutch documentary Iceberg Riders, a thought-provoking film on the impact of global warming on the Arctic region. The event offers a diverse range of genres, including drama, documentary and animation, making it a celebration of European cinema and culture.

Welcoming the guests Sudha Shah, Chairperson, International Film Fraternity Organisation (IFFO) said, “This marks a new era for cinema in Oman. We are thrilled to be the organizing partner in this collaboration and for the first time, Oman will host an anthology of films, bringing master filmmakers from around the globe. Our goal is to train and scout Omani talent and create six films in collaboration with foreign film industries.

 The film to be screened are:

Sept 24 Tuesday 8 pm Screen 4 – ICEBERG RIDERS – Dutch – Director: Ap Verheggen, Svebor Kranjc.

Sept 24 Tuesday 8 pm Screen 5 – WHEN WILL IT BE LIE IT NEVER WAS AGAIN – Germany – Director Sonja Heiss.

Sept 24 Tuesday 6pm, Screen 6 – CAMPENOES – Spain – Director Javier Fesser.

Sept 25 Wed 6 pm Screen 4 & 5 – SENIOR CITIZENS – Cyprus – Director Marinnos Kartikkis.

Sept 25 Wed 8 pm Screen 4&5 – HELLO AGAIN – A WEDDING A DAY – Germany – Director Maggie Peren.

Sept 26 Thursday 6 pm Screen 4 & 5 – THE SENTRIES OF THE DELTA – Romania – Director Liviu Marghidan.

Sept 26 Thursday 8 pm Screen 4 & 5 – YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME – Germany – Director Stefan Westerwelle.

Sept 27 Friday 8 pm Screen  – WAD – Netherlands – Director  Ruben Smit.

Sept 27 Friday 6 pm Screen 4 & 5 – GIRL FROM TOMORROW – Italy – Director Marta Savina

Sept 27 Friday 8 pm Screen  4 & 5 – TADEO JONES 3 – Spain – Director Enrique Gato.

Sept 28 Saturday 8 pm, Screen 5  – WHEN WILL IT BE LIE IT NEVER WAS AGAIN – Germany – Director Sonja Heiss.

Sept 28 Saturday 4 pm, Screen 4 & 5 – LO STO BENE – Italy – Director Donato Rotunna.  

Sept 29 Sunday, 8 pm. Screen 4 & 5 – CHECKER TOBI AND THE SECRET OF OUR PLANET – Germany – Director Martin Tischner.

Sept 30 Monday, 6 pm, Screen 4 & 5 – DIVERTIMENTO – France, Director Castille Mention – Schaar.

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ALSO READ: European travelers will have to pay to enter UK in 2025

Categories
Arab News Europe Films

Curtains Rise on Oman’s First European Film Festival

The festival, organized by the French Embassy in Oman and IFFO, runs from September 23 to 30, featuring 15 films from nine EU countries….reports Asian Lite News

The first European National Film Festival (EUFF) in Oman kicked off on Monday evening at VOX Cinema in Muscat, with dignitaries from European countries and members of the film fraternity in attendance.

Organized by the French Embassy in Oman in collaboration with the International Film Foundation of Oman (IFFO), the festival will run from September 23 to 30 and showcase 15 films from nine EU nations.

Films from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Hungary, Austria, and Spain will be featured throughout the week.

The festival opened with the Dutch documentary Iceberg Riders, which highlights the impact of global warming on the Arctic region. The event offers a variety of genres, including drama, documentary, and animation, celebrating European cinema and culture.

Sudha Shah, Chairperson of IFFO, welcomed guests and highlighted the festival’s significance for Oman: “This marks a new era for cinema in Oman. We are excited to be the organizing partner, and for the first time, Oman will host a collection of films by renowned filmmakers from around the globe.

“Our goal is to train and scout Omani talent, ultimately creating six films in collaboration with international film industries,” he added.

The following films are scheduled to screen:

  • Sept 24, 8 PM: Iceberg Riders (Dutch) – Directors: Ap Verheggen, Svebor Kranjc.
  • Sept 24, 8 PM: When Will It Be Like It Never Was Again (Germany) – Director: Sonja Heiss.
  • Sept 24, 6 PM: Campeones (Spain) – Director: Javier Fesser.
  • Sept 25, 6 PM: Senior Citizens (Cyprus) – Director: Marinnos Kartikkis.
  • Sept 25, 8 PM: Hello Again – A Wedding A Day (Germany) – Director: Maggie Peren.
  • Sept 26, 6 PM: The Sentries of the Delta (Romania) – Director: Liviu Marghidan.
  • Sept 26, 8 PM: You Gotta Be Kidding Me (Germany) – Director: Stefan Westerwelle.
  • Sept 27, 8 PM: Wad (Netherlands) – Director: Ruben Smit.
  • Sept 27, 6 PM: Girl From Tomorrow (Italy) – Director: Marta Savina.
  • Sept 27, 8 PM: Tadeo Jones 3 (Spain) – Director: Enrique Gato.
  • Sept 28, 8 PM: When Will It Be Like It Never Was Again (Germany) – Director: Sonja Heiss.
  • Sept 28, 4 PM: Lo Sto Bene (Italy) – Director: Donato Rotunna.
  • Sept 29, 8 PM: Checker Tobi and the Secret of Our Planet (Germany) – Director: Martin Tischner.
  • Sept 30, 6 PM: Divertimento (France) – Director: Castille Mention-Schaar.

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Arab News Asia News Nepal

Nepal celebrates National, Constitution Day in Oman with vibrant energy

H.E. Ambassador with H.E. Minister of Economy of the Sultanate of Oman (Guest of Honour)

Ambassador Dornath Aryal outlined that Oman and Nepal have been enjoying excellent state of relations based on friendship, mutual trust and understanding ever since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1977, reports VINOD RAGHAVAN

MUSCAT : IT was a camaraderieship in the air with the spirit and joy flowing, as the  Nepali community members attired in their  traditional dress celebrated their  National Day and Constitution Day on September 17 in Oman’s capital Muscat.

The Embassy of Nepal hosted the reception which was attended by His Excellency Dr. Said bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy, who was the Guest of Honour.

H.E. lighting the Panas

The government delegation from the Sultanate of Oman comprised of two members each from State Council and A’Shura Council, Head of Asia and Pacific Department and Head of Arab Department of the Foreign Ministry. Other participants in the reception were Heads of Diplomatic Missions, diplomats, media persons, tourism and business entrepreneurs, bloggers, representatives of Nepali community, Embassy staff etc. More than 230 guests took part in the program.

The formal occasion of the reception commenced after Dornath Aryal, Ambassador of Nepal to the Sultanate of Oman lighted the traditional ‘Panas Lamp’. Ambassador Aryal welcomed the guests and highlighted the salient features of the Constitution of Nepal. He elaborated how the constitution of Nepal has paved the way for peace, stability, economic and social progress. He explained that the constitution has institutionalized the values and norms of inclusive democracy and it has guaranteed 33 percent participation of women in every organ of the state.

H.E Ambassador’s Speech

The Ambassador outlined that Oman and Nepal have been enjoying excellent state of relations based on friendship, mutual trust and understanding ever since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1977. He highlighted the recent 2-day visit of His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, to Nepal last month. The 4-day visit of the Foreign Secretary Ms. Sewa Lamsal to Oman from 5 to 9 August to participate in the first meeting of Bilateral Consultations and the visit of a seven-member delegation under the leadership of  H.E. Ambassador Sulaiman Saud Ali Aziz Al Jabri, Head of Legal Department of the Foreign Ministry to Nepal from 01 to 05 August 2024 to discuss on various draft MoUs between Nepal and Oman.

H.E. lighting the Panas

His Excellency the Ambassador explained about the successful completion of the third investment Summit held in April 2024 emphasizing the Government’s priorities to facilitate the foreign Investment in Nepal. He underscored abundant water resources, enormous hydropower potentiality and tourism attractions of Nepal.

He also applauded the strategy of Oman Vision 2040 and extended gratitude to the Government of Oman for providing job opportunity to more than 22,000 Nepalis in various sectors.

Group Photo with the Delegation

A celebration cake was jointly cut by the Guest of Honour and the Ambassador. The Embassy had set up a “Nepali food Corner” serving Nepali dishes including MoMo, and displayed Nepali products, handicrafts and beautiful paintings. A tourism promotional video was displayed during the event.

Bishesh Kumar Sah, Second Secretary/DCM conducted the event and with his depth of knowledge he explained in detail about the Himalayan countries beautiful features for all types of people ranging from picnickers, trekkers, business scope amongst others.

Guests at the Event
Guests of the Event
Nepali Crafts and Paintings
Nepali FOOD CORNER
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-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

Afghanistan reopens its embassy in Oman

This move highlights the Taliban’s ongoing efforts to establish a more formal diplomatic presence…reports Asian Lite News

Afghanistan’s Embassy in Oman has officially reopened, signaling the Taliban’s growing diplomatic presence in the Gulf region. Zia Ahmad Takal, the deputy spokesman for the Foreign Ministry in Kabul, confirmed that the embassy in Muscat resumed operations on Sunday. This comes after the United Arab Emirates accepted a Taliban ambassador last month, and follows the Taliban’s July declaration that they no longer recognize diplomatic missions set up by the previous, Western-backed government of Afghanistan.

While there has been no immediate confirmation from Omani authorities, Takal emphasized that the embassy is now staffed by diplomats from the Taliban-led government. He noted that the resumption of the embassy’s activities, facilitated through cooperation with Oman, is expected to enhance political, economic, social, and religious relations between Kabul and Muscat. Takal also confirmed that 39 diplomatic missions globally are now under Taliban control.

This move highlights the Taliban’s ongoing efforts to establish a more formal diplomatic presence, despite most countries still not recognizing them as Afghanistan’s legitimate government. The Taliban have been in power for three years and continue to face limited internal or external opposition. Nevertheless, they have pursued closer bilateral ties with key regional powers.

In line with this diplomatic push, Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister, Abdulla Aripov, visited Afghanistan last month, making it the highest-level visit by a foreign official since the Taliban took control in August 2021. Meanwhile, embassies in London and Oslo have closed, reflecting the international community’s divided stance on how to engage with the Taliban as they extend their control over Afghanistan’s overseas diplomatic missions.

ALSO READ: Afghan embassy to close as Taliban sacks all staff

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-Top News Arab News Nepal

Nepal Foreign Secretary Holds Bilateral Consultations With Oman

Sewa Lamsal stresses to explore the untapped potential in economic, cultural and educational areas between Nepal and Oman in the coming years, reports Vinod Raghavan

MUSCAT : A top level first meeting of the Bilateral Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and the Sultanate of Oman was held in Muscat, Oman and reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction on the excellent state of relations existing between Nepal and Oman since 1977.

Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, who came all the way from the Himalayan nation, led the Nepali delegation and His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Alharthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs led the Omani delegation, discussed the  bilateral relations and agreed to promote cooperation encompassing all sectors, especially the exchange of high-level visits, trade, investment, economic cooperation, agriculture, energy, tourism, labour and foreign employment, culture, education and direct air connectivity, a top Nepal Embassy official said.

They expressed firm commitment to further enhance partnership in mutually agreed areas and to work together toward realizing economic opportunities for mutual benefits apart from creating more opportunity to promote people-to-people engagement, the official said.

Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal thanked the Government of Oman for providing employment to more than 21,000 Nepalis and emphasized on providing additional opportunities in view of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s Oman Vision 2040 strategy. She stressed the exploration of the untapped potential in economic, cultural and educational areas and proposed to establish meaningful collaborative partnership including in the private sector.

The Nepali Foreign Secretary, urged the Omani side to explore investment opportunities in Nepal including in hydropower, tourism sector and collaboration in green hydrogen sector. She requested the delegation to consider establishing Embassy of Oman in Kathmandu to further consolidate the long-standing relations.

Undersecretary Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Alharthy expressed willingness to promote the cooperation between Nepal and Oman in all the mutually agreed sectors and hoped to conclude the pending MOUs. He underscored the potential of the bilateral relationship and emphasized upon working together to realizing the actual benefits and also mentioned about the positive and hardworking nature of Nepali workers.

Both sides shared views on maintaining the tradition of regular exchange of high-level visits. They also expressed commitment to cooperate with each other at various multilateral forums including the United Nations. They deliberated to enhance the existing state of excellent relations through diversification of engagements in multiple sectors.

The Nepali delegation also comprised of Dornath Aryal, Ambassador of Nepal to the Sultanate of Oman, Joint Secretary Sharad Raj Aran, Head of the Central Asia, West Asia and Africa Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other officials from the Ministry and the Embassy.

While, the Omani delegation consisted of the Ambassador Dr. Mohammed Bin Ali Al Balushi, Acting Chief of Asia Pacific Department and other officials from the Foreign Ministry.

Following the meeting, the head of the Omani delegation hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting Nepali delegation.

Earlier this morning, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal paid a courtesy call on H.E. Dr Mahad bin Said bin Ali Baowain, Minister of Labour, Sultanate of Oman. Matters related to the mutual cooperation including MoU in the field of Labour and Manpower Exchange, employment opportunity, among others were also discussed, the official said and added, that the Nepal-Oman Bilateral Consultations Mechanism was established in 2017, and the next meeting will be held in Kathmandu on mutually convenient dates.

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Arab News Events Sport

Play your fav games in the cool confines of Oman Exhibition Centre

Escape the heat and spark your summer with endless energy at Oman’s premier indoor sports festival at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. This is a fantastic opportunity to stay fit, have fun, and connect with your community, reports VINOD RAGHAVAN

July is the month of summer and mercury touches 40+ degrees centigrade in the Sultanate of Oman, hitting badly sports enthusiasts, the health conscious  and physical fitness regulars have to curtail their routine outdoor activities as unable to bear the scorching heat.

But, no more, as Sports Spark! has arranged all your favourite sports under one cool-roof, to enjoy fitness fun at Muscat’s premier indoor summer sports festival  at the sprawling Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) during this summer for a month, until August 24.

However, get ready to dive into your favourite sports and enjoy fitness fun at Muscat’s premier indoor summer sports festival, Sports Spark!

The event, organised by the OCEC in collaboration with Muscat Governorate, with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth as a strategic partner, and logistical support from Sabco Sport, is poised to become a leading destination for locals looking to exercise and stay fit this summer, the organisers revealed at a press briefing at the sprawling newly decked sports venue.

Sports Spark is designed to provide the community with an exciting opportunity to stay active and healthy during the summer months. With a wide range of sports and fitness activities, participants of all ages can engage in their favourite physical activities in a comfortable, climate-controlled environment.

From football to cricket, volleyball or basketball, Table Tennis, Archery, Board games, Running tracks for athletes, Tennis amongst other sports available at Sports Spark with professional coach and trainers guiding participants through each sport. The event will include a daily morning summer camp from 9 am to 1 pm for children aged 6-14 and will be open until midnight daily, with activities available upon registration on the Sports Spark website, said Dr Hashil Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group and added, most the games are free and rest are charged a minimum.

Hosted and organised by the OCEC in collaboration with Muscat Governorate and OMRAN Group with strategic partnership of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and logistical support from Sabco Sport, this event highlights the shared commitment from various organisations in Oman to promote accessible physical activity and community engagement. With each facility created in collaboration with local SMEs and sports associations, the OCEC is confident that this event will appeal to a wide range of individuals, from children to well-known athletes, he said.

“We believe in the importance of promoting health and wellness among our community members,” commented Dr Mahrouqi, “Sports Spark is a fantastic initiative that encourages the community to stay active and healthy through a variety of sports and fitness activities. By supporting this event, we aim to provide a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their facilities and services, thereby contributing to the growth of our local economy. It is also a chance for families and friends to come together and enjoy shared activities, strengthening the bonds within our community.”

Engineer Said Al Shanfari, CEO of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, remarked: “We are thrilled to host such a fantastic event at the OCEC, underscoring our dedication to enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Sports Spark perfectly aligns with our mission to promote a healthy and active lifestyle in a secure environment, offering a diverse array of indoor sports and fitness options that keep the community engaged, energized, and healthy. Many of these activities are free to access, including our fitness corner and running track, ensuring everyone can benefit. I look forward to seeing everyone explore our facilities and register on our website to book their next fitness or sports session.”

Al Shanfari further said, “I am also deeply grateful to organise this event in collaboration with the Muscat Governorate and our strategic partner, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, with additional support from OMRAN Group and Sabco Sport. The long-lasting benefits for both physical and mental well-being are immense, and we are proud that these companies recognise the power of Sports Spark in fostering such positive outcomes.”

For more information, visit the Sports Spark

Categories
-Top News Arab News Asia News

Pak Governor felicitates Shaandar Bukhari for his noble cause  

Atoken of kind words and appreciation, carries a long way, for any human being who does a selfless job taking care of human beings… reports Vinod Raghavan who interacted with a Samaritan Shaandar Ali Shah Bukhari who was felicitated by the Punjab Governor in Pakistan.

It’s very difficult to find someone, who thinks for the well being of others, but here’s a Samaritan, Shaandar Ali Shah Bukhari, hailing from Pakistan’s Attock district, who was born and broughtup  in the Sultanate of Oman, is a multi-faceted personality covered with layers of  humbleness, sincerity and a concern for humanity. He is always available for the needy, cutting across regions, boundaries and religion.

As his name Shaandar which means (uniqueness) he often rushes on getting a call with a request for any types of help viz. providing free wheel-chairs for the disables or ailing elders. To help the hapless prisoners released after their jail-term with air tickets, arranging fees for the weaker sections of the community or taking efforts for coffins of expats back home to Pakistan, is not a small job but a noble cause, which only a few people does whole-heartedly.

This noble cause he has inherited from his late father Syedzada Sakhawat Ali Shah Bukhari, who was a teacher and landed in Oman in the early 70s, and had seen Oman developing from a single school in the Muscat governorate to scores of schools and colleges in every nook and corner of the Sultanate, thanks to the great visionary late Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

As a token of appreciation, Shaandar Bukhari, a philantrophist was felicitated by the Governor of Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, with the prestigious “Outstanding Citizen Award’ for his social welfare services for the expats and Pakistani communities residing in the Sultanate of Oman. It has helped in enhancing the bilateral relations and has strengthened the social fabric of both the societies (Oman and Pakistani).

Pakistan Ambassador in the Sultanate of Oman, Imran Ali Choudhary, conveyed his best wishes and appreciated his efforts and described him as a Pride of Pakistan and assured him the support of Embassy for noble causes.

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