OMAN: Inauguration of ‘UNESCO Chair for World Heritage Management and Sustainable Tourism’ at the German University of Technology (GUTech). The First UNESCO Chair in the field – World Heritage for the Arab region.

The UNESCO Chair for World Heritage Management and Sustainable Tourism at the German University of Technology in Oman was inaugurated Under the patronage of H.E. Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi; Minister of Heritage and tourism and with the participation of H.E. Shaikha Mai Bint Mohamed Al Khalifa; Chairperson of the Board of directors of the Arab the Regional Center for World Heritage.

Prof. Dr. Michael Braun, Rector of the University, introduced the university and its commitment to research and innovation; and commented that the chair comes as a great accomplishment on the university’s 15th anniversary.

Chairholder Professor Dr. Heba Aziz of the UNESCO chair at GUtech stated: “The establishment of the UNESCO chair at GUtech offers new research, teaching and learning opportunities at GUtech and is a further recognition of GUtech’s academic focus on the field of cultural heritage and sustainable tourism management”

The Chairholder Professor Aziz added “Oman’s vision 2040 remains at the core of the chair’s activity. National priorities focusing on Citizenship, Identity, National Heritage and Culture, sustainable cities and governorates and employment and labour markets are the compass that directs the chairs activity. The chair will work closely with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to make sure that it provides the necessary scientific research and labour force to achieve its vision.”

World Heritage Sites draws international attention to heritage sites of outstanding universal value and is expected to increase the number of visitors to these sites. The chair aims to support the role of world heritage in contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals by employing tourism in its comprehensive and sustainable manifestation to drive socio-economic development and to maximize benefits to the communities surrounding these sites.

The Chair is established in partnership with the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, a UNESCO Category II Centre based in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The center serves 19 Arab States in the promotion and management of cultural and natural sites by providing technical support and reinforcing the implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention in the region.

The chair complements the role that of the center and will introduce several academic programs in the field of tourism management in World Heritage sites, digitization of heritage, heritage narrative and interpretation and heritage economics. GUtech will also introduce Master’s degree in World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism management in collaboration with the Arab Regional Center for World Heritage.

The chair team consists of Jokha Al Saqri, researcher in Heritage studies, Prof. Dr. Osman Barghouth co-chair holder and Prof. Dr. Heba Aziz, UNESCO chair holder

This is the first chair specialized in this field and the first UNESCO chair concerned with the field of World Heritage for the Arab region as a whole.

source/content: timesofoman.com (headline edited)

__________

_________

OMAN

Omani Diver Omar Al Ghailani Sets Record for the 3rd Time ‘Deepest Asian Record in Dual Fins ‘, AIDA Freediving World Cup, Egypt

Omani diver Omar Al Ghailani achieved the deepest Asian record for the third time in the dual fins specialty with a depth of 92m CWTB in the diving championship held in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt – AIDA Freediving world cup – May.

Omar Al-Ghilani said that he is determined to achieve more national numbers in the coming days, noting that the feeling is different every day in the atmosphere of the tournament.

Al-Ghilani said: Every day I develop a plan and scenario for the next day, but changes occur that can change everything, explaining: Sometimes there are unexpected waves or the water temperature changes, and these are some conditions that can affect concentration and readiness to dive.

Al-Ghilani confirmed that his diving experience made him ready to perform better and enjoyable despite all circumstances, adding: I am still learning and developing myself in this field.

Omani diver Omar Al Ghailani achieved a national record on the second day of the championship, as he managed to dive to 92 meters in free diving.

It is worth noting that the Omani champion Omar Al Ghailani is the world record holder in free diving and has strengthened the position of the Sultanate of Oman in regional and international forums.

source/content: arabiandaily.com (headline edited)

_________

_________

OMAN

Omani Azaan Al Ruhmy sets Records to Win the ’48th Muscat Open Golf Championship 2022′

Local favourite Azaan Al Ruhmy became the champion of the 48th Muscat Open Golf Championship 2022.

 Azaan set a new course record of 69 (-2 under par) on day 1, and then repeated this score on day 2, giving him a total score of 138 (-4 under par) and a victory by 10 shots from 2nd place Nasser Yaqoob (Awali Golf Club).

Another local favourite Badr Alaamri sealed third place with a score of 150. The leading junior in the gross category was Darsh Pawani with a score of 157.

It was a very proud moment as Azaan was presented with the trophy by. Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy, the Minister of Energy and Minerals and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Petroleum Development Oman.

This was for the 6th time Azaan has won this tournament and he commented afterwards, “this tournament is the most prestigious golf event in Oman, if I can pick one tournament to win in Oman then it would be the Muscat Open. It was my first two back to back rounds in the 60s. I wish to thank the sponsors, the organizing committee and my family for all of their support”.

The net prize this year went to Tore Solberg (134) who was closely followed by junior Ras Al Hamra golfer Juan Moreno (136) and Salim Al Harthy (138).

Ras Al Hamra Golf Club Captain, Simon Walker commented, “Congratulations to Azaan on winning this coveted championship for the 6th time. The course is in superb condition due to the tireless work from our team. We were delighted to welcome such a high caliber of golfers to the club; golf is thriving in Oman and visitors are always welcome to our club which is the only floodlit course in the country”.

The 2022 Muscat Open Golf Championship was organized at Ras Al Hamra Golf Club on the 11th and 12th of March.

There was a full field of 92 golfers from Oman and the GCC who competed for the longest-running amateur golf competition in Oman and the GCC.

Prize Winners :

1st Gross & Muscat Open Champion Azaan Al Rumhy -4 (138)

2nd Gross Nasser Yacoob +6

3rd Gross Badr Al Amri +8

Junior Best Gross DarshPawani +1

1st Nett Tore Solberg -8

2nd Nett Juan Moreno -6

3rd Nett Salim Al Harthy -4

Plate H.E. Rr Al Rumhy 70

Daily Prizes

Best Gross Day 1 Kieran Tumilty 76

Best Gross Day 2 Fahad Al Kitani 76

Best Nett Day 1 Simon Walker 68

Best Nett Day 2 Hussain Dad 70

source/content: timesofoman.com (edited)

__________

This was the 6th time Azaan has won this tournament

________

OMAN

Oman’s Ahmed Al Maskari Wins Silver at ‘Arnold Classic Europe 2021’, Spain

Ahmed bin Saleh al Maskari. Athlete. Body Building.

Oman’s Ahmed bin Saleh al Maskari won silver medal in the 90kg weight category at the Arnold Classic Europe 2021 bodybuilding championship held in Spain from September 16 to 18.

Badr al Amri, head of the Technical Committee of the Oman Committee for Weightlifting and Bodybuilding, supervising the player’s training, said that Maskari was able to make his presence felt among the world’s most experienced bodybuilders.

“The Arnold Classic is one of the biggest bodybuilding tournaments in the world, and Maskari proved his mettle as he prepared well for it,” Amri said.


“Maskari is an important member of the national bodybuilding team. He has achieved great success and brought laurels for the sultanate in many international and local events.”

source/contents : muscatdaily.com

_________

________

OMAN

Karwa Motors Manufacturers of the First Made-in-Oman Bus

Coinciding with the country’s 51st National Day celebrations, Karwa Motors has rolled out its first Karwa-branded bus proudly bearing the ‘Made in the Sultanate of Oman’ tag called ‘Salam’.

The company has a manufacturing facility in the Duqm Special Economic Zone.

The event also marks the start of manufacturing operations for the joint investment project between Oman and Qatar, which in its first phase aims to produce 500 buses annually.

Karwa Motors is a joint venture between Mowasalat Qatar, the state-owned transport company of Qatar, and Oman Investment Authority’s sovereign wealth fund.

Commenting on the new facility, Dr Ibrahim al Balushi, chief executive officer of Karwa Motors, said, “Located on a 600,000sqm site, the manufacturing facility is outfitted with the latest in technology. Our factory will also create job opportunities for Omanis, whether they are regular jobseekers or have experience in the automotive field.

“The first phase of ramp-up will be focused on producing the first of three Karwa-branded buses – Salam – which will be used at the FIFA World Cup 2022. 

source/content: muscatdaily.com

______________

_________

OMAN

Oman’s Ibrahim al Salatni Breaks Asian Free Diving Record

Ibrahim al Salatni has broken the Asian record for free diving, clocking a time of nine minutes and 13 seconds. The previous record of eight minutes and 45 seconds was held by a Chinese national.

Salatni’s record was set at a tournament organised in Egypt held under the umbrella of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).

Salatni’s success follows intensive training over five years and he now aims to be among the top ten free divers in the world.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, he said, “The event was held exclusively for me over two days on December 27 to 28 to break the previous record. I’m so happy to break the previous record. I dedicate this achievement to my country.

“It was not easy to set this record. Ever since I began free diving as a hobby in 2014, my aim was to achieve a record for Oman, and now I have achieved that goal. I am looking for even more.”

He also holds the national, Arab and continental records in static apnea – holding breath under water – of eight minutes and seven seconds, and the national and GCC record in dynamic apnea (dynamic with fins and dynamic without fins), diving 150m underwater in one breath.

Free diving is practised without the use of any breathing apparatus. “You dive holding your breath to save oxygen.”

His future plans include participating in the World Free Diving Championship that will be held in Bulgaria in 2022 where he aims for a podium finish.

source/content: muscatdaily.com

___________

________

OMAN

Omani Photographers Sulaiman AlShuaili, Mahir AlKhusaibi & Zamzam Oraba – Bag World Cups – International Federation of Photographic Arts (FIAP) : December 2021

Mohammed Sulaiman Al Shuaili. Mahir Naseer Al Khusaibi. Zamzam Bain Oraba.

For the 5th time in a row, the Sultanate of Oman has won the two world cups of the International Federation of Photographic Arts (FIAP) in its 40th round, within the age-group of 16 years and the age-group of 21 years.

Oman bagged 462 points through the presentation of 20 works submitted by 13 of its photographers.

In the age-group of 21 years, Oman bagged 457 points through the entries of 13 photographers who submitted 20 works.

In the age-group of 21 years, Mohammed Sulaiman Al Shuaili won gold medal for his photograph titled “Tafkeer” (Thinking), while Mahir Naseer Al Khusaibi bagged silver medal for his photo titled “Iltwaa” (inflection) and Zamzam Bani Oraba won the bronze for her photo titled “Talashi” (blackout).

source/content: omannews.gov.om

__________________

Mohammed Sulaiman Al Shuaili – “Tafkeer” (Thinking)
‘Iltwaa’ by Mahir Naseer al Khusaibi
‘Talashi’ by Zamzam Bani Oraba

_________

OMAN

Oman’s Hamad Al Riyami Wins ‘Best Jockey’ title at International Tent Pegging Championships : December 2021

The Omani jockey Hamad Al Riyami won the title of best jockey in the championship after topping the overall ranking points

Hamad Al Riyami is the best jockey and Oman national team is second at the conclusion of the International Tent Pegging championships in Duqm, Al Wusta Governorate.

In the overall ranking of the championship, the Iraqi team came first, the Sultanate of Oman ranked second, and Sudan ranked third. .

source/content : timesofoman.com

_________

Supplied Image / timesofoman.com

________

OMAN

First Omani to Get a ‘Volunteering Passport’ from Arab Union for Voluntary Work

Bakheet Al Amari.

The first Omani to obtain a volunteering passport from the Arab Union for Voluntary Work, Bakheet al Amari is proud to be able to contribute to the global humanitarian effort to make the world a little bit better.

Through the volunteering passport, Bakheet will be able to travel to perform hours of service for civic, charitable or humanitarian efforts — something that the world badly needed right now especially that many countries all over the world especially the developing ones are suffering from refugee and humanitarian crisis.

“I received many awards, the latest of which was from the Ministry of Social Development. I was honoured among the most prominent volunteer figures in the Governorate of Dhofar’’, Bakheet shared. These accolades inspire him to work harder to make a big difference.

“I volunteered with the Executive Office of the Ministers of Labour Council and the Council of Ministers of Social Affairs in the GCC countries. I obtained the Volunteering passport from the Arab Federation for Voluntary Work to be the first Omani to obtain this passport. The work doesn’t really stop and the more people freely volunteer their time, experience and knowledge, the better it is for the world’’, he said.

source/content: omanobserver.com

________

pix: omanobserver.om

________

OMAN

ESO launches Unique Atlas on Sultanate’s Whales and Dolphins

A new e-book ‘Marine Mammal Atlas of Oman’ released by the Environment Society of Oman (ESO).

Produced by Five Oceans Environmental Services LLC, with sponsorship from Renaissance Services SAOG and supported by the Environment Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources and the Natural History Museum, this full-colour photographic book is the culmination of 20 years of scientific research, providing a thorough geographical representation of the Arabian whales and dolphins that call the Northern Indian Ocean their home.

‘Marine Mammal Atlas of Oman’ is freely available online on the following link: www.eso.org.om/index/images/file/2021-08/MarineMammal_2_.pdf

source/content: omanobserver.om

__________

pix: omanobserver.om

________

OMAN