OMANI athlete Mubeen Al Kindi secures gold at Arab meet, sets national and championship records

Omani athlete Mubeen al Kindi secured gold in the hammer throw at the U-23 Arabian Athletics Championship creating not only a new Omani record but also the championship record by achieving a distance of 67.46m.

Speaking from Egypt to Muscat Daily, Kindi expressed his pride, stating, “I am delighted to have won gold in the hammer throwing competition and set both a new Omani record and a new championship record.”

This achievement is a testament to the tremendous efforts of the technical staff led by coach Saeed Al Harithy, who meticulously managed both technical and psychological preparations for each tournament, he added.  

“I am grateful for the unwavering support provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth throughout my journey. This participation marks the fourth Omani record achieved this year in the meet, fulfilling our ambitious goals.”

Reflecting on the tournament, he recounted, “I achieved this result after six throwing attempts: 67.46m in the first attempt, 66.71m in the second, 65.48m in the third, 65.63m in the fourth, 65.63m in the fifth, and finally 66.70m in the sixth and last attempt.”

Discussing his preparation for the championship, he said, “The preparation phase was extensive, focused on gradual improvement towards achieving a 67-meter mark. I had promising results during training camps, including in Egypt and the Egyptian Club Championship, where I reached 66.24m. Looking ahead, my goal is to hit cross the 68m mark next year as part of our planned progression. As I transition from junior to senior level in hammer throw with a 7.26kg weight, I am determined to achieve new milestones in my upcoming endeavors.”

Kindi expressed gratitude, saying, “I deeply appreciate the steadfast support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Omani Athletics Federation, and the Omani Olympic Committee.”

From the Omani delegation, Ali al Balushi won gold in 100m and 200m races, while Hussein al Farsi got bronze in 800m.

source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

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OMAN Wins “Excellence, Innovation Award” at 26th Gulf Engineering Forum, Bahrain

The Sultanate of Oman won the 26th Gulf Engineering Forum’s “Excellence and Innovation Award” through a project titled “Combined Combustion Truck for Carbon Reduction”.

The forum is being held in the Kingdom of Bahrain until 13 February 2025, under the theme “Challenges of Energy Conversion”. Oman is represented at the forum by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.

The project that won the award aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable mobility. Through this project, Blue Ice Oman is developing a combined combustion engine for trucks, using a blend of hydrogen and diesel. This contributes to 50 percent reduction of emissions. The initiative is in line with Oman’s Zero Neutrality Strategy 2050 to achieve zero emissions.

The 26th Gulf Engineering Forum brings together an elite group of experts specialized in the fields of environment conservation, energy and industry. The forum elaborates on engineering issues related to energy transformation and the challenges posed to this specialty. It seeks to reach the best innovative solutions, technologies and modern designs to address these challenges.

A number of dialogue sessions and workshops will be held during the three days of the forum. The activities will see the participation of a group of engineers, researchers and academics, who will exchange visions on energy transformation, renewable energy, decarbonization, technologies and innovations for devising a clean energy policy.

source/content: omannews.gov.om (headline edited)

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OMAN Across Ages Museum wins prestigious architecture award in Paris

 Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah has been honoured with one of the world’s most prestigious architecture awards – the Prix Versailles World Titles.

The museum received the ‘Special Prize for an Exterior’, while the ‘Special Prize for an Interior’ was awarded to the Smritivan Earthquake Museum in Bhuj, India. The grand prize, the Prix Versailles, went to the Simose Art Museum in Otake, Japan.

Granted annually at Unesco headquarters in Paris since 2015, the Prix Versailles celebrates architectural excellence by showcasing the finest contemporary achievements worldwide.

In June, for the first time, Prix Versailles unveiled its World’s Most Beautiful Museums List for 2024, featuring seven newly opened or reopened museums that embody creativity, local heritage, and ecological efficiency.

Among the listed museums was Oman Across Ages Museum, recognised for its exceptional impact on its surroundings. Other shortlisted museums included the A4 Art Museum in Chengdu, China; Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt; Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn, Netherlands; and the Polish History Museum in Warsaw, Poland.

This year’s ceremony was held on December 2, celebrating 70 of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful’ achievements across eight categories: Museums, Hotels, Restaurants, Emporiums, Airports, Campuses, Passenger Stations, and Sports.

This year’s finalists were selected through a rigorous process that reviewed new and recently opened sites across 31 nations. The 2024 World Jury, chaired by Benjamin Millepied, awarded three World Titles in each category.

Commenting on the event, Millepied said, “Architecture has the ability to display creative and stylistic diversity with great force. That diversity is the sign that the attention given to nature, togetherness, and different forms of expertise can help an environment emerge – one that is both receptive to expression and capable of harmony. Such an assembly of actors from every background reminds us of culture’s unique talent for leading humankind into dialogue.”

The recognition affirms Oman Across Ages Museum’s standing as a cultural and architectural beacon, reflecting the nation’s commitment to preserving heritage while embracing modernity.

source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

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OMAN

OMANI Researcher Dr Huda Mubarak Al Dai’ree Wins ‘ALECSO Innovation Award for Young Researchers’

The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) announced that Omani researcher Dr. Huda Mubarak Al Dai’ree won the “ALECSO Innovation Award for Young Researchers” due to her active role in promoting green economy.

The research that won the award was titled “Role of government school principals and teachers in endorsing green economy in education and activating it as one of the objectives of Oman Vision 2024.”

The award reflects ALECSO’s keenness on inspiring and supporting innovative Arab researchers who excel in the fields of technology and scientific applications. The award is an initiative undertaken by ALECSO to spread the culture of research and innovation among Arab youth.

source/content: omannews.gov.om

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OMAN: 03 Omani Doctors – 1st for the region: Drs Bader Al Rawahi, Ahmed Al Wahaibi & Jamila Al Ahri Win prestigious WHO awards at 77th World Health Assembly, Geneva

Eight medical professionals from around the world were feted for their unique roles and contributions to public health in their countries and the world at a special ceremony during the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva on Friday.

Of the eight, four recipients are from the Eastern Mediterranean Region of which three are from Oman, a first for a country in the region.

Dr Bader bin Saif al Rawahi

The Dr Lee Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health 2024 was presented to Dr Bader bin Saif al Rawahi, who leads a major public health programme as Director of Communicable Diseases and Control, and manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation at Ministry of Health (MoH).

Dr Rawahi has made considerable effort to leave no one behind in the immunisation programme, including migrants, displaced populations and underprivileged people.

Dr Ahmed Hamed Saif al Wahaibi, head of Elderly Care Section in Primary Health Care Department of MoH, and the Chinese Geriatrics Society, China, were jointly awarded the Sheikh Sabah al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah Prize for Research in Health Care for the Elderly and in Health Promotion.

Dr Ahmed Hamed Saif al Wahaibi

Dr Wahaibi is a family doctor who has made an important contribution to integrating high-quality care for older people within primary health care in Oman. He has also played a part in the development of a national programme for people aged 60 years and older that provides screening, assessment and early intervention as part of primary health care.

Dr Jamila Taiseer Yasser al Abri, a renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist with extensive experience and leadership in women’s health, currently Director of Department of Woman and Child Health, was honoured with the Ihsan Doğramacı Family Health Foundation Prize.

Dr Jamila has demonstrated significant leadership in teaching and managing national health programmes, including on breast cancer, mental health and autism spectrum disorders, besides other family health issues. She has played an important role in contributing to the strategic plans for women’s and children’s health as part of Oman’s long-term vision, Health Vision 2050.

Dr Jamila Taiseer Yasser al Abri

The United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize went to National Death Registry System, Saudi Arabia.

“I feel so proud to see four experts and institutions from the Eastern Mediterranean Region receive four of the eight highly valued WHO awards,” said Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

“This sends a strong message about how rich the region is in talented, distinguished and knowledgeable people. The awardees’ expertise and achievements, across different health fields, show that we have human assets who contribute to the improvement of regional and global health.

“Heartfelt congratulations and a big thank you to Saudi Arabia’s National Death Registry System and to Dr Rawahi, Dr Wahaibi and Dr Jamila from Oman. You have made us all very proud and filled us with hope and determination.”

The winners were awarded by Dr Edwin Dikoloti of Botswana, President of the 77th World Health Assembly, alongside high-level representatives of the foundations providing the public health awards and prizes and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of WHO and administrator for the prizes.

source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

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OMAN : Maria Mohammed Al Rahbi student of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) Wins 02nd place in International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) 2024 competition

Maria Mohammed Al Rahbi, a student of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), won second place at the individual level in the World Photography Cup for Universities and Higher Education Institutions 2024.

Maria Al Rahbi is a computer science major at the University’s College of Science and a member of the photography group at the Deanship of Student Affairs. She took part in the contest as part of a team representing SQU after the competition was announced to all higher education institutions around the world.

Each institution is allowed to participate with a maximum of 5 students. Each student can compete with 4 photos.

The competition was organized by the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) and it saw the participation of 88 universities from around the world.

The jury included prominent specialists in the world of photography, including photographers from National Geographic society, the Silk Road Photography Organisation, and officials from the International Federation of Photographic Art or “Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique” (FIAP).

It is worth noting that the award will be presented at a ceremony in China in October 2024 as part of similar events that include an international conference and a photography exhibition.

Fifteen of Maria Al Rahbi’s works of art will be displayed in FIAP wings. On the sidelines of the award ceremony, Maria will participate in a workshop to be attended by international photographers.

source/content: timesofoman.com (headline edited)

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    OMAN : Salalah Port ranks as second most efficient container port in the world

    The Port of Salalah retained its position as the second most efficient container port in the world, according to the 2023 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI). Additionally, Salalah Port claimed the top spot in the West Central and South Asia region.

    The CPPI, developed by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, is based on an extensive dataset from 405 ports worldwide, the largest to date. This dataset comprises over 182,000 vessel calls, 238.2mn moves, and approximately 381mn twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) for the full calendar year of 2023.

    Port performance is measured by the efficiency of vessel turnaround time, known as ‘Total Port Hours’ – the total duration from when a ship reaches the port limits, pilot station, or anchorage zone until it departs the berth after completing its cargo exchange.

    According to the report, the Port of Salalah, with 1,146 vessel calls, achieved 164.72 index points, ranking second only to Yangshan in China, which had 3,509 vessel calls and an index score of 177.9.

    Amidst the changes in global rankings caused by regional disruptions, China’s Yangshan Port retained its first-place position, while the Port of Salalah secured its second-place ranking. The Port of Cartagena in Colombia moved up to third place, Tanger-Mediterranean in Morocco held fourth, and Malaysia’s Tanjung Pelepas Port rounded out the top five.

    Salalah Port’s strategic location, expanding connectivity, and world-class operations provide its customers with a significant competitive edge in the region. As a vital transshipment hub, Salalah also plays a crucial role in boosting the local economy in Dhofar by offering exceptional connectivity for importers and exporters to trade globally.

    The port’s high efficiency enhances local business confidence and attracts investment, including foreign direct investment (FDI).

    The Port of Salalah is currently carrying out a $300mn container terminal upgrade and expansion project. Next week, the port will receive the final four out of ten new ZPMC ship-to-shore cranes. The first cranes, with a 75-meter/26-container outreach, arrived at the start of 2024 and are currently being commissioned and tested to start operations.

    Once the project is completed in the first quarter of 2025, annual capacity at the terminal will increase from 5mn to 6mn TEUs. The extra capacity will allow it to efficiently serve as a key hub for the Gemini Cooperation – a long-term operational collaboration between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, which will start in February 2025, with additional capacity available for other shipping lines.

    “Retaining this title for the third consecutive year reaffirms our strong commitment to continuous performance improvement, even during challenging times,” said Keld Christensen, CEO of the Port of Salalah.

    Scott Selman, Chief Operating Officer of Salalah Port, said, “I am pleased to see the Port of Salalah retaining our position despite the challenges to global container trade that have negatively impacted vessel schedules. The year 2023 has been particularly challenging operationally due to the ongoing Container Terminal upgrade construction.”

    source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

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    OMANI student Al Azhar Zahir Al Jabri develops Smart Glove for Paralytic Patients

    Al Azhar Zahir al Jabri, a 22-year-old Chemical Engineering student from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat, has developed a ‘Smart Medical Glove’ to assist patients suffering from hemiplegia – a condition that causes paralysis on one side of the body.

    Inspired by the memory of his late mother, who suffered from hemiplegia, Jabri embarked on this project in early 2021. 

    “After my mother’s passing, I wanted to do something for those people affected by hemiplegia, and so I started working on this project. It has now reached an advanced stage, and I hope to complete it early next year and introduce the glove for permanent use,” he said.

    The Smart Medical Glove has been developed for individuals with hemiplegia, muscular dystrophy, the elderly, and children. 

    “The glove aids in rehabilitating the affected hand through pre-programmed specialised movements stored in the device. It also connects to a mobile application that allows patients to communicate with doctors worldwide and displays health sensor readings,” Jabri explained.

    The glove includes simple daily movements that help patients perform certain activities independently. 

    “I faced several challenges, primarily because I’m not an expert in rehabilitation science. However, through consultations with specialists, I was able to identify the essential movements and ensure their accuracy,” he added.

    In 2022, Jabri secured a patent for his invention from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion. He believes the project represents a valuable economic resource for Oman. 

    “Projects like these are vital for keeping up with Oman’s ongoing development and vision.”

    Jabri recently represented Oman at the TEXPO exhibition in Malaysia, where he reached the final stages. He also collaborated with Khoula Hospital, which provided specialised consultations for the project and will continue to support its success.

    “My family has been my primary supporter, and Khoula Hospital’s expertise has been invaluable. I hope my project will soon see the light of day and become available in the market for the benefit of those who need it,” he concluded.

    source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

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    OMAN : Winners of 10th Sultan Qaboos Award for  Culture, Arts and Literature announced

    Delegated by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council handed over the 9th version of Sultan Qaboos Awards for Culture, Arts and Literature to the winners at Al Wahat Club.

    This edition is allocated for Omanis in areas of Omani heritage (culture category), theatre teams (arts category), and article (literature category).

    The Award’s handing over ceremony included a speech for the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science delivered by Habib bin Mohammed al Riyami, chairman of the centre during which he reviewed the march of the awards since its inception. He also congratulated the winners.

    Harith bin Mohammed al Batashi won the first place in the culture category for his investigation conducted on the book of Sheikh Said bin Khalfan Al Khalili. Al Dann Theatre Team won the first place in the theatre teams category whereas the writer Dr Muna Hibras al Sulaimi won the the first place in the literature category.

    During the event, fields of the 10th edition of the awards which will be dedicated for Omanis, as well as Arabs were unveiled. They include media and communication (culture category), cinema production (arts category), and novel (literature category).

    source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

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    SHARJAH Ruler releases last “Sultan of History” Encyclopaedia titled – ‘History of Oman from Human Settlement to the End of the Ibadi State’

    The last book of the “Sultan of History” encyclopaedia, titled “History of Oman from Human Settlement to the End of the Ibadi State,” was launched by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

    This volume completes the encyclopaedia, which is a thorough and authoritative study of Oman’s history. This is the 84th edition of His Highness’s varied works, encompassing several realms of study, including history, biography, literature, theatre, and more.

    The latest volume, “History of Oman from Human Settlement to the End of the Ibadi State” is a chapter of Oman’s historical encyclopaedia. His Highness selected a name for the Oman Historical Encyclopaedia that has precise connotations and profound allusions. He titled it the “Sultan of History” encyclopaedia, which means “Authoritative Reference to History.” The “Sultan of History” encyclopaedia is now complete with the current release.

    The “Sultan of History” encyclopaedia is divided into four main parts: Part One covers Oman’s history from human settlement until the end of the Ibadi state. Part Two tells the story of Oman’s Nabhani monarchs from 1154 to 1622 AD. Part Three details the history of Oman’s Yarubid dynasty from 1622 to 1747 AD. Part Four of the encyclopaedia covers the history of the Al Bu Said imams in Oman from 1749 to 1856 AD.

    Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, delved into the history of Oman from its first settlement until the end of the Ibadhi state in his current volume of the “Sultan of History” encyclopaedia.

    The 84th volume of publications has been divided into five chapters and five appendices. The first chapter focuses on human settlement in Oman, while the second delves into the history of Oman’s Azd monarchs. The third part focuses on Oman’s position throughout the early Islamic period and succeeding periods. The fourth and fifth chapters deal with Oman’s first and second Ibadhi states. Rare papers, one-of-a-kind maps, and significant archaeological objects discovered in Sharjah round out the encyclopaedia.

    Three years of thorough research and historical study went into this piece of work. His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Al-Qasimi meticulously tackled Oman’s past, incorporating his extensive understanding of history, geography, and archaeology with his extensive field experience.

    He also drew from his own library, which contained rare books, rare references, and priceless manuscripts, as well as historical records and maps. The encyclopaedia “Sultan of History” is a valuable historical resource, revealing major events and archaeological locations, and historical facts that add to our understanding of Oman’s past.

    source/content: sharjah24.ae (headline edited)

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    SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)