Tag: OMAN

Mall of Oman finally opens its door to customers in Sultanate

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 12 September 2021
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Mall of Oman_

Mall of Oman is Majid Al Futtaim’s fifth and largest shopping destination in the Sultanate…reports Asian Lite News

Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia has opened the doors of the eagerly awaited Mall of Oman in Muscat. The opening of the mall marks an important milestone for Majid Al Futtaim as it continues to play a significant role in supporting local communities by enhancing the Sultanate’s retail and entertainment offerings for both residents and tourists.

A recipient of the LEED Platinum certificate for its commitment to sustainability, resource efficiency, health and wellbeing, the new super-regional mall combines a selection of curated stores that bring the very best in retail, leisure, entertainment, and dining, as well as experiential offerings for all ages. Those visiting the mall can now experience Oman’s largest VOX Cinemas — complete with 15 screens — as well as the only IMAX experience in Oman, the first GOLD experience in Oman, and the largest Magic Planet in the country, which features award-winning rides, games and attractions. Plus, those looking for dining options can indulge at Kitchen 35, the VIP Lounge (GOLD) and Nutella.

Alongside this offering, customers can also enjoy a host of brands including a 9,000 square meter Carrefour Hypermarket as part of Majid Al Futtaim and several brands from the Landmark and Apparel groups. In addition, Mall of Oman offers famous outlets such as DKNY, Nespresso, G-SHOCK, Homes R Us, Tavola and Al Khalili Buildex, ensuring there is something for everyone.

HUSAM AL MANDHARI, DIRECTOR, MAJID AL FUTTAIM, OMAN: “We are pleased to welcome residents and tourists to the brand-new Mall of Oman – Sultanate’s flagship destination for retail, leisure and entertainment. This is another achievement for us as we continue to position ourselves as a retail pioneer that offers unique experiences and unmatched value, whilst contributing to the local economy. Providing 3,500 new jobs in the region, Mall of Oman offers multiple first-of-its-kind experiences in the Sultanate, which allows us to continue to create memorable moments for our customers that they can cherish with their family. At Majid Al Futtaim, we are committed to place the people and communities we serve at the heart of everything we do, and this new opening demonstrates this.”

ALSO READ: Dubai set for the first and largest Megamarket

This September, families at Mall of Oman can also embark on the ultimate adventure with Dino World, an interactive dinosaur experience. In collaboration with EventBox, the new family offering will have visitors travelling back in time for an exciting and educational journey showcasing the history and evolution of dinosaurs, life size dinosaur installations, a “roaming dino” interactive experience and augmented reality.

Plus, with 80% of Mall of Oman’s gross leasable area leased, the mall is set to welcome over 300 additional retail outlets in the coming months. And for those looking to go on a culinary journey, Mall of Oman has unveiled a 1,000 plus seater food court which will offer a selection of global chains. Meanwhile, those looking for more indulgent cuisine options from across the globe, will soon be able to visit various cafés and restaurants at the mall including over 50 dining options. Mall of Oman is also pleased to announce that it will launch the largest indoor snow park in the Sultanate next year, spanning over 14,000 square meters.

Mall of Oman complements Majid Al Futtaim’s strong regional presence that includes 29 existing malls across the GCC.

Tags BUSINESS, EVENT, OMAN

Arab News News Travel & Tourism

Oman resume to GCC and western tourists

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 10 September 2021
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Al Wusta - Artisans in Al Wusta, Oman

Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is all set to welcome visitors from GCC and western countries…reports Asian Lite News

Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is now ready and eager to welcome travellers and visitors from GCC and western countries, backing on the Supreme Committee’s decision to permit anyone holding an approved vaccine certificate to enter the country from September 1.

The Sultanate has eased its travel restrictions, lifting flight prohibition for people travelling from previously banned countries with reference to a statement issued by the Omani Supreme Committee, that is in charge of examining the mechanism of dealing with developments resulting from the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid_19) on August 19, 2021, and the circular issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Sultanate.

Castle Al Dakheleyah – Jabreen Castle (62)

All Omani citizens, residents, those who don’t require a visa to travel to Oman, and those who can obtain a visa on arrival are allowed into the country in accordance with the pre-COVID-19 protocols. Visitors will be required to present a vaccine certificate containing a QR code that states they have received two doses of a vaccine that is approved in Oman which are – Pfizer Biontech, Oxford AstraZeneca, Sputnik, Sinovac, Moderna, Sinopharm, Cofshield AstraZeneca, or one dose of Johnson’s vaccine. The last dose of the vaccine needs to have been received not less than 14 days before the arrival date.

ALSO READ: UAE to open up tourist visas

Commenting on the foregoing, Haitham bin Mohammed Al Ghassani, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said, “The decisions issued by the concerned authorities in the Sultanate regarding easing travel restrictions will contribute to the return of the tourist movement to the Sultanate of Oman. This is a perfect opportunity for visitors to explore the splendour and magnificence of Oman, as well as get a chance to enjoy the experiences on offer. “

According to the circular issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Sultanate of Oman, a few guidelines have been outlined that will contribute to the protection of all visitors coming to the Sultanate and enhance the Sultanate’s commitment towards the security and safety of visitors. These measures are already in place in different countries of the world, including submission of a negative PCR test result prior to travel, which must be performed within 96 hours prior to the scheduled arrival time for international flights more than eight hours and 72 hours for shorter flights.

Tags OMAN, tourism, travel

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Britain believes Iran attacked Israeli-managed tanker off Oman

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 2 August 2021
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Iran and Israel have traded accusations of carrying out attacks on each other’s vessels in recent months, reports Asian Lite News

Britain said on Sunday it believed Iran carried out an attack on an Israeli-managed petroleum product tanker off the coast of Oman on Thursday that killed a Briton and a Romanian, and said it was working with partners on a “concerted response”.

Iran earlier on Sunday denied it was involved in the incident, after it was blamed by Israel.UK assessments had concluded that it was highly likely that Iran had used one or more drones to carry out the “unlawful and callous” attack, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said.

“We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran,” he said on Sunday. “The UK is working with our international partners on a concerted response to this unacceptable attack.

“Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had accused Tehran of “trying to shirk responsibility” for the attack, and called its denial “cowardly”.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told a weekly news conference on Sunday that the “Zionist regime (Israel) has created insecurity, terror and violence…These accusations about Iran’s involvement are condemned by Tehran”.

“Such accusations are meant by Israel to divert attention from facts and are baseless,” Khatibzadeh said.

The Briton and Romanian were killed in the incident involving the Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned ship managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime.

The US Navy, which was escorting the tanker with its aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, said on Saturday that early indications “clearly pointed” to a drone attack.

Speaking during a weekly meeting of his cabinet on Sunday, Bennett said: “I declare unequivocally: Iran is the one that carried out the attack on the ship,” adding that intelligence supports his claim.

“We, in any case, have our own way to relay the message to Iran,” Bennett said. Israel’s foreign minister said earlier the incident deserved a harsh response.

There were varying explanations for what happened to the tanker.

Zodiac Maritime described the incident as “suspected piracy” and a source at the Oman Maritime Security Center said it was an accident that occurred outside Omani territorial waters.

US and European sources familiar with intelligence reporting said Iran was their leading suspect for the incident.

Iran and Israel have traded accusations of carrying out attacks on each other’s vessels in recent months.

Tensions have risen in the Gulf region since the United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in 2018 after then-President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with major powers.

ALSO READ-UK reports 24,470 Covid-19 cases, 65 deaths

Tags Britain, OMAN

-Top News Arab News

Oman’s Eid lockdown comes into effect

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 20 July 2021
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This prohibition on mass gatherings includes family reunions, Eid greeting assemblies and collective celebrations of Eid….reports Asian Lite News

Oman has completely banned business activities and movement of individuals and vehicles on Tuesday as part of the country’s efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19 during the Eid holiday.

The new restrictions will end on July 24, 2021, national daily Times of Oman reported.

The sultanate’s Supreme Committee, an inter-agency body tasked with addressing COVID-19 concerns and issues, earlier banned Eid Al-Adha prayers, traditional pre-Eid souks (habta) as well as mass gatherings, according to Arab News reported.

This prohibition on mass gatherings includes family reunions, Eid greeting assemblies and collective celebrations of Eid.

The committee however allowed limited movement of individuals and the opening of some business in the Wilayat of Sur, which was impacted by heavy rains and flooding.

“The Committee took note of the impacts of heavy rains and flooding of wadis on public and private properties in the Wilayat of Sur, despite the efforts undertaken by the authorities concerned,” the Arab News quoted a statement from the committee.

“To help bring life back to normal in a manner that does not contradict the measures and procedures endorsed to curb the pandemic… the COVID-19 Supreme Committee has decided to allow the movement of individuals and the opening of service outlets in the Wilayat of Sur,” it added.

The curfew will be lifted from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21, it was reported.

Oman Sultan due in Saudi Arabia

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 10 July 2021
No Comments on Oman Sultan due in Saudi Arabia

Haitham bin Tariq

The two-day visit is Haitham bin Tariq’s first foreign visit since he became the Sultan in January 2020 after the death of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, reports Asian Lite News

Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq will embark on his first visit to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, the official media in Riyadh confirmed.

According to a Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report on Friday, the two-day visit is also his first foreign visit since he became the Sultan in January 2020 after the death of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

He was invited by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying.

It aims to strengthen relations and cooperation in various fields for the interest and steady progress of the peoples of the two countries, the SPA added.

Tags Haitham bin Tariq, OMAN, Saudi Arabia

Arab News Sport Sports

Oman Cricket in talks with BCCI to host T20 WC matches

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 6 June 2021
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Oman is one of 16 participating nations at this year’s T20 World Cup and cricket in the country is run entirely by a business conglomerate…reports Asian Lite News

International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are in talks with Oman Cricket over hosting of some of the T20 World Cup matches later this year in the gulf nation, a top Oman Cricket official has confirmed.

The ICC had, earlier this week, given BCCI a month’s time to show its readiness to host the tournament in October-November. With India’s chances to host it unlikely due to an expected third wave of Covid-19 pandemic, and things not improving drastically over the last few days, the world body has started to look at a venue besides United Arab Emirates (UAE) which is already on standby.

“We have been approached by ICC and the chairman of Oman Cricket, Pankaj Khimji, is in talks with the BCCI which is due to host the tournament,” Madhu Jesrani, the Oman Cricket secretary, said from Muscat.

“The talks with BCCI have just started. The ICC asked us for certain things that they are looking at in a hosting venue and we have given them the details. We have told them that we are ready. We have two turf pitch grounds, including one with floodlights,” added Jesrani.

Oman is one of 16 participating nations at this year’s T20 World Cup and cricket in the country is run entirely by a business conglomerate, Khimji Ramdas, which is an Indian-origin business family.

Jesrani said both the grounds are inside Muscat.

“The Al Amerat Cricket Stadium has floodlights and it is 15-20 km from the airport,” he added.

The ground was established in 2012 and has hosted ICC’s lower-division matches.

The BCCI has already announced that the remaining Indian Premier League (IPL) matches will be held in the UAE from mid-September to mid-October, which is the time when the T20 World Cup will start.

While there are concerns the pitches at the three UAE venues won’t last two tournaments (76 matches in total), the burden would be eased by shifting some games to another country like Oman.

On Tuesday, the ICC issued a statement saying, “The ICC Board has requested management [to] focus its planning efforts for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 on the event being staged in the UAE with the possibility of including another venue in the Middle East.”

Jesrani says they will wait until June 28 when ICC’s deadline to BCCI expires.

“We are waiting till June 28 when the ICC deadline ends and a final decision will be made,” he said.

ALSO READ: Russian Fm due in Saudi, Qatar

Tags OMAN, t20, WORLD CUP

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