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Danube Home launches new garden theme catalogue

The richness of designs and the incredible depth of the collection will allow customers to create countless arrangements that will enhance your outdoors, giving it a distinctive personality…reports Asian Lite News

Just in time for winters, Danube Home, the leader in home furnishing and home improvement industry, is inviting everyone to live a little bigger outdoors, to weave a little piece of heaven in the urban jungle, with the launch of its new Garden Collection in stores in the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain and online at www.danubehome.com. With over 2500 outdoor furnishings, themed furniture pieces, and garden accessories – Danube Home is the ultimate winter weather destination for your front-yard, back-yard, terrace, and balcony needs.

Danube Home launches new garden theme catalogue

Whether you wish to cover your outdoor space with emerald-green, silky, fine grass dotted with geometrically aligned pebbles, in the midst of which squats a fountain elegantly squirting water into a basin, while a golden lamp accentuates your themed outdoor furniture, where in the winter-time you can share a hearty laughter with your loved ones, Danube Home gives you a luxurious opportunity to reconnect with nature through its “My Style, My Way” garden collection. Artistically incorporating the vision for simplicity, sophistication, and functionality of design into this year’s Garden Collection, customers are offered an eclectic choice of popular colour pallets, hard & soft top gazebos, quirky & fun kids play items, outdoor furniture, BBQ sets, camping equipment, décor pieces & fountains, grass carpets, and everything that can elevate any outdoor space into a family retreat.

MR. ADEL SAJAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR DANUBE GROUP: “With special attention paid to aesthetically combining comfort, craft, and functionality, Danube Home’s My Style My Way themed Garden collection stands a cut above the rest because it offers our valued customers a bewildering array of choices, exceptional value, great comfort, and functionality without compromising on style. With winter arriving soon, Danube Home’s My Garden Collection ensures that your outdoors could be the most emphatic statement of self-expression.”

The new Family Collection includes larger lounge sets that fit the whole family to smaller lounge sets that most elegantly fit into your space. Whether you have a large outdoor space or relatively small, My Style My Way themed gazebos, umbrellas, sofas, and dining collection ensure consistency of style and colour and comfort. On top of that, you can take your outdoor game up a notch by customizing your pillows to perfectly match your furniture. With the bewildering selection of pieces perfect for even the smallest of space, your balcony or terrace could be a perfect statement of style.

Imbibing the spirit of space travel & mimicking candy-land, the themed garden collection for kids includes a selection of swings, slides, & trampolines to create a perfect setting for mischief and play.

Focused on elevating your backyard game to chime in perfectly with your dreams, Danube Home has launched its game-changing Pool & Landscaping Services that sets out to become the most preferred choice of customers in the UAE for decorating, designing, and refurbishing swimming pools and other outdoor spaces. Danube Home has put together a highly experienced team of designers and landscapers to transform your landscape into a scrumptious piece of visual delight.

Danube Home launches new garden theme catalogue

Mr. Shubhojit Mahalanobis, Director Retail & Danube Hospitality Solutions, was quoted as saying, “anticipating a hike in spending on outdoor furniture in preparation for the start of winter season in the Gulf Region in the coming weeks, we have launched our much-awaited Garden e-Catalogue boasting an incredible array of choices and unbelievable product depth, so much so that consumers can make their outdoors spaces as fun and relaxing as possible. As a customer-focused retailer we understand that, with the advent of cooler weather, people are gearing up to spend more time with friends and families in their back-yards, front-yards, patios, terraces, and balconies, therefore we want to have those things that make their stay meaningful, exciting, and pleasing. There is an increased interest right now in improving and enjoying the outdoors of homes. That is why we have strategically shifted our focus on ways to make outdoor spaces into staycation destinations.”   

ALSO READ: Bloomsbury partners with Airinz to expand across UAE

Mr. Syed Habib, Director Business Development Franchise & e-Commerce, speaking candidly on the occasion said, “The Pandemic has had a profound effect on the concept of outdoor spaces and garden furniture. The search for safer outdoor hangouts became a hot trend among homebound people and that explains the increased focus on sprucing up the outdoor living spaces. This trend has attained permanence. Keeping tabs on the pulse of market and changing consumer preferences, Danube Home has launched My Style My Way Garden. We believe that every single person is different. People have experiences, opinions, emotions, and sense of style that are unique to them. And people like their clothing, homes, and immediate environments to be representative of what makes them unique. So, why our outdoors should be left behind? We, at Danube Home, clearly understand this. That is why this year’s My Style My Way Garden e-Catalogue sets out to achieve just that, helping our customers in transforming their outdoors to be a statement of their uniqueness. On the basis of our years of exhaustive research and through a year-long meticulous planning, we have put together a garden collection of the highest quality, incomparable range, and ready availability that would allow you to set up your outdoors in innumerable number of ways, and each of them will be a hit.”    

The new collection is exciting, ingenious, and fun in aesthetically pleasing ways. The richness of designs and the incredible depth of the collection will allow customers to create countless arrangements that will enhance your outdoors, giving it a distinctive personality.

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-Top News Arab News India News

Naval Chief on Oman visit to strengthen defence ties

Admiral Singh will also be interacting with the senior hierarchy of Oman’s armed forces…reports Asian Lite News

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh arrived in Oman on Sunday on a visit to consolidate bilateral defence relations with Oman and explore new avenues for defence cooperation.

During his three-day official visit which begins from Monday, the Chief of Naval Staff is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser bin Mohsen Al-Rahbi, Commander of Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) in Muscat.

Admiral Singh will also be interacting with the senior hierarchy of Oman’s armed forces, the Ministry of Defence said.

They include Vice Admiral Abdullah Khamis Abdullah Al Raisi (Chief of Staff Sutan’s Armed Forces), Maj Gen Matar Bin Salim Bin Rashid Al Balushi (Commander of Royal Army of Oman), Air Vice Marshal Khamis Bin Hammad Bin Sultan Al Ghafri (Commander of Royal Air Force of Oman) and Mohammad Bin Nasser Bin Ali Al Zaabi (Secretary General, MoD).

He will also visit key defence installations like Muaskar Al Murtafa (MAM) Camp, Maritime Security Centre (MSC), Said Bin Sultan Naval Base, Al Musanna Air Base and National Defence College, Oman.

This official visit of the CNS to Oman highlights the growing cooperation between Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman, the defence ministry said.

The Indian Navy cooperates with the Royal Navy of Oman on many fronts. These include operational interactions, training cooperation, and exchange of Subject Matter Experts in various fields.

The Navies of both countries have been participating in the biennial maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr since 1993. This exercise was last conducted in 2020, off Goa and the next edition is scheduled in 2022. (India News Network)

ALSO READ: India Inks Major Deal With Airbus For 56 Military Jets

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Arab News Travel Travel & Tourism

5 reasons why The Chedi Muscat should be on your bucket list

As Oman announced its reopening to vaccinated visitors this September, guests looking for luxury and a peaceful getaway can explore The Chedi Muscat, a mountainous haven of wellness and tranquillity in the Gulf…reports Asian Lite News

CMU – Architectural Detail

1. Explore sophisticated and symmetrical surroundings

Located by the Al Hajar Mountains with its own private beach, The Chedi Muscat’s serenity is created by the imaginative design of its pristine buildings and manicured grounds. A superb confluence of elegant touches of traditional Omani architecture and Asian-inspired motif envelopes the property with an aura of elegant simplicity.

The symmetry of the gardens and ordered pools provide a peaceful backdrop that fashions an air of restful, sophisticated style. The hotel’s entrance is an enchanting white stucco building of arches and domes resembling a grand Omani palace.

The resort was designed by Jean-Micheal Gathy, celebrated for creating harmony between the architecture, interior, and landscape that incorporates local style into a stunning contemporary design. The 21 acres of gardens and water features were designed in a simple restful Zen-ordered style by renowned landscape architect Karl Princic.

Starting at OMR 90, GCC guests can take advantage of the”SAtay 3 Pay 2 GCC Residents Offer” which provides three nights stay for the price of two so they can take the time to relax and explore Muscat!

2. Savour traditional and international flavours

CMU-Dining-The Restaurant

Dining at The Chedi Muscat resonates understated elegance and commitment to superior service. From the electrifying ambience of entertaining show kitchens, the romance of a moonlit dinner on a private beach, the stylish surroundings of a private dining room or a picturesque courtyard, one can select a scene to fit every mood.

Guests can enjoy expertly prepared meals at the award-winning, The Restaurant as its outstanding chefs dazzle and delight with their cooking skills in the venue. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an elegant chandelier-lit indoor dining area, on a spacious outdoor terrace or in one of the chic private rooms, and offers live piano music late into the evening.

CMU-Dining-The Beach Restaurant

From October to April, epicureans can feast on seafood at The Beach Restaurant whilst The Arabian Courtyard serves Arabic mezze, Shawarma and Kebabs to the tune of gentle music, al fresco.

For more relaxed dining, the Shisha Lounge with its comfortable divans and traditional water pipes completes the experience. Guests can also take shade at the poolside cabanas, enjoying Japanese cuisine at The Long Pool Cabana, and light International dishes at The Serai Pool Cabana or The Chedi Pool Cabana.

3. Retreat into a world of understated peace

CMU – The Spa

The Spa at The Chedi Muscat offers an extensive variety of beauty rituals based on the holistic principles of aromatherapy, Ayurveda and herbalism. Visitors can retreat into a world of understated elegance, enveloped by a soothing peacefulness, as they relax under the healing touch of trained therapists in one of the 13 meditative spa suites, that combine dramatic Omani architecture with calming Asian interiors. 

The Spa embraces eastern philosophy with Asian oriental rituals, and also offers an extensive variety of beauty rituals based on the holistic principles of aromatherapy, Ayurveda, and herbalism by Ren, Voya, Ila, and Tiyya.

Guests can select from an incredible array of treatments from tip to toe. The Indulgent Oriental Rituals uplift and soothe the body, the Reviving Body Polishing Rituals rejuvenate the skin and the Rejuvenating Beauty Rituals offer an array of finishing touches such as deluxe facials, waxing, manicures, and pedicures. Couples can unwind and relax with the Romantic Bathing Ritual in the spa’s deluxe double suites starting with a private steam shower and then enjoying one of the exceptional bath and aromatherapy options. 

4. Unwind and restore energy at the longest pool

CMU – The Long Pool Cabana

Another unique design feature including the 103-meter infinity The Long Pool, the longest in the Arabian Peninsula, and the 800 sqm Asian-style spa, one of the largest in Muscat. Guests can relax and recharge as they escape into the luxurious world of The Chedi Muscat. With a special daycation offer, they can enjoy day access to all facilities and an OMR 20 hotel credit to spend on F&B and Spa, wander around refreshing gardens, and relax in one of the three stunning swimming pools.

5. Explore the exceptional heritage of Oman

Muscat

The Chedi Muscat offers exceptional experiences to explore the destination and dive into its culture. Whether guests choose to take in frenetic souks scented by coffee and frankincense, timeless fortresses, vast deserts, soaring dunes, or romantic seascapes, The Sultanate of Oman inspires a diversity of exceptional natural and manmade experiences. On the outskirts of Muscat, it’s possible to sniff the world’s most expensive perfume by Amouage, to view turtles at the Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve, or capture the colours and characters at the weekly livestock market at Nizwa.

Those looking for adventure can head into the rolling Wahiba Sand dunes, summit Oman’s highest peak Jebel Shams in a 4×4, or hike to the Sultanate’s remote mountain villages where artisans still craft traditional pottery by hand. Alternatively, travelers can watch the equally skilled craftsmen build dhows at the harbour in Sur and visit the Corniche at dusk when the lights come on around Muttrah’s souk, a hive of Omani social activity late into the Arabian night.

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Arab News Events UAE News

Shamsheer’s Firm lists on ADX Second Market

AlphaDhabi’s Response Plus Medical Holding lists on ADX Second Market…reports Asian Lite News

Response Plus Medical Holding (RPM), an associate of ADX-listed Alpha Dhabi Holding PJSC (AlphaDhabi), made its market debut today on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) Second Market.

Trading under the ticker RPM, Response Plus Medical Holding is one of the UAE’s largest providers of on-site healthcare management, with over 1,600 employees and paid-in capital of AED 200 million. Established in 2010, the company specialises in medical emergency transfers from remote work sites with over 260 medical facilities, as well as a fleet of over 160 ambulances, one of the largest in the region.

AlphaDhabi’s Response Plus Medical Holding lists on ADX Second Market

RPM, which provides medical support for the oil and gas sector, chemical industries, construction sites, has operations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, and is implementing a strategy to expand further in the GCC, Africa and India over the next five years.

Hamad Al Ameri, Managing Director and CEO of AlphaDhabi, said: “We are excited to be bringing RPM, on to the ADX Second Market. RPM has grown rapidly into a leader in healthcare management and medical emergency transfers, providing innovative and accessible solutions to corporate clients. The company is executing a well-defined five-year strategy to expand into new markets, and to integrate and launch new services. By taking RPM public, we can share this exciting growth prospect with a broader base of investors.”

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi Chamber Chief Lauds UAE’s progress

Alpha Dhabi Holding PJSC, which listed on the main board of ADX in June 2021, is one of the fastest-growing investment holding companies in the Middle East, and a leading real estate and construction company in the UAE.

SAEED HAMAD AL DHAHERI, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ADX: “I am pleased to welcome RPM as the latest listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. ADX is becoming increasingly vibrant due to a strong pipeline of listings, and a broadening offering of products and services. By connecting growth companies such as RPM to significant pools of regional liquidity and major global investors, the exchange will play a key role in the region’s economic development in the coming years.”

RPM is the 13th company to list on ADX’s Second Market since it was established in 2014. Market capitalization of the Second Market, by the end of August, reached AED 38 billion an increase of 273% compared to the same period last year.

DR. SHAMHEER VAYALIL, CHAIRMAN, RPM: “Listing on ADX is a major milestone in RPM’s development into a leading healthcare company in the region. The company has built a strong track record in serving the specialist medical needs of major industries such as energy and construction. We are now expanding geographically and enhancing our offering of services, ensuring that the company benefits even further from economies of scale and opportunities to grow our client base significantly. This is an exciting time to be part of the RPM growth story.”

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Arab News Business Events

Mall of Oman finally opens its door to customers in Sultanate

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.

Mall of Oman_

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.

Mall of Oman_

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.

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Arab News News Travel & Tourism

Oman resume to GCC and western tourists

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.

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-Top News UK News

Britain believes Iran attacked Israeli-managed tanker off Oman

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

READ MORE-UK offers discounts on shopping, pizza for Covid shots

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-Top News Arab News

Oman’s Eid lockdown comes into effect

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.

ALSO READ: Arab League chief backs Libya polls

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-Top News Arab News Saudi Arabia

Oman Sultan due in Saudi Arabia

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.

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Arab News Sport Sports

Oman Cricket in talks with BCCI to host T20 WC matches

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.

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