THURSDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2023 | RABEE AL AWWAL 26, 1445 AH VOL. 42 NO.

332 | PAGES 20 | BAISAS 200

HM, SISI DISCUSS

BILATERAL TIES
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik
received a phone call on Wednesday from
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of the Arab
Republic of Egypt. During the phone call,
the two leaders reviewed bilateral
relations and means of enhancing them in
SHURA COUNCIL’S
various fields. They also exchanged views
10TH TERM
on several regional and international
MEMBERSHIP
matters of mutual interest. — ONA

Established 1981. Editor-in-chief: Abdullah bin Salim al Shueili [email protected]

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS APPROVE

PROMOTION FOR STATE EMPLOYEES
HM REAFFIRMS SOLIDARIT Y WITH PALESTINIANS

SATISFACTION DEVELOPING
WITH FISCAL MEDIA SECTOR
PERFORMANCE TO REALISE
OVER THE PAST NATIONAL
3 YEARS OBJECTIVES

REVIEW OF PROMOTION OF
2024 DRAFT GOVERNMENT
BUDGET IN EMPLOYEES AS
CONSISTENT PER SCHEDULED
WITH PLAN PLAN
GOALS

SPORTS CITY AFFIRMS OMAN’S

TO GROOM SOLIDARITY
YOUTH FOR WITH THE
SUBSEQUENT PALESTINIAN
GENERATIONS PEOPLE

CITIZENS TOLD CALL FOR

TO TAKE PART DE-ESCALATION;
IN MAJLIS END ATTACKS
ASH’SHURA ON CHILDREN,
ELECTIONS INNOCENTS
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik chairs a meeting of the Council of Ministers at Al Barakah Palace on Wednesday.

MUSCAT: His Majesty Sultan Haitham that, he said, strongly contributed to directives to begin steps to carry out a UPGRADING OF SERVICES The Council of Ministers hailed
bin Tarik chaired a meeting of the consolidating the growth of the gross project for establishing an integrated Then, His Majesty the Sultan preparations for the Majlis Ash’shura’s
Council of Ministers at Al Barakah domestic product (GDP), upgrading Sports City capable of hosting regional reviewed the outcomes of assessment elections that were undertaken by the
Palace on Wednesday. At the outset of the country’s financial and economic and international tournaments and of all government units and their Ministry of Interior and all departments
the meeting, His Majesty the Sultan indicators and generating some financial competitions. rates of performance during the first concerned, to elect members for the
gave thanks and praise to the Almighty surplus that will be utilised in meeting a In this context, His Majesty the half of 2023. He commended the Majlis Ash’shura’s 10th Term.
Allah for the bounties of prosperity and number economic and social priorities. Sultan gave directives to develop tangible progress in the performance In this context, His Majesty the
stability. He prayed to the Almighty to To this end, the Council of Ministers infrastructure for camel races, serving as of most government units. He also Sultan underscored the need for all
perpetuate these bounties on Oman, to reviewed the draft of the State’s Budget one of major sports events to which the gave directives to exert more efforts citizens’ dedicated participation in the
grant all health and to culminate their 2024 deemed consistent with the goals activities of a large number of citizens and sustain them over the upcoming elections and the selection of competent
endeavours in success. of the 10th Five-Year Plan. are linked. These include furnishing period to help raise the standard members who are capable of imparting
Then, His Majesty the Sultan In affirmation of his Royal attention main racecourses in the governorates of government performance, with their expertise, since the power of the
reviewed domestic affairs. He expressed to the care and welfare of youth — of Oman in coordination with offices emphasis on improving the governance Majlis Ash’shura is strongly linked to
his satisfaction with Oman’s fiscal including proper grooming of youth of governors and Oman Camel Racing of procedures, organising business the those who would be elected by the
performance over the past three as the best asset for subsequent Federation. This is envisaged to activate practice, gaining the confidence of voters.
years. He valued the good outcomes generations, His Majesty the Sultan gave tourism activities in the governorates. beneficiaries and upgrading services. TURN TO P2

As war rages, Israeli forces kill 27 Palestinians in West Bank

RAMALLAH: As Israel declared On Wednesday, three been on high alert, carrying out That prospect seems as far
war on Hamas and pounded Palestinians were shot dead arrests and thwarting possible away as ever amid expanding
Gaza following Saturday’s by Israeli security forces and attacks. Israeli settlements on Palestinian
devastating attack by the masked Jewish settlers in By Wednesday, military land, cutting communities from
movement, violence has risen in Qusra village near the northern checkpoints remained closed and each other, and a freeze in US-
the occupied West Bank, risking West Bank city of Nablus, the roads in several parts of the West sponsored negotiations.
escalation after more than a year Palestinian Foreign Ministry Bank were blocked with mounds Human rights groups
of continuous flare-ups. said, after the Israeli army said it of dirt, restricting movement. have said Israeli authorities
Israeli security forces have was supplying licensed citizens After hundreds of thousands have systematically repressed
killed at least 27 Palestinians with thousands of firearms “to of Palestinians were forced out Palestinians for decades in
during clashes in the West Bank bolster defence systems” across of their homes in the 1948 war policies that amount to apartheid
since Saturday, as Palestinians the country. surrounding Israel’s creation, and since 2007 have imposed a
called on people in the The Israeli military has said it Palestinians have sought an crushing land, air and sea closure
Palestinian territory to join the is prepared for an escalation in A girl attends a demonstration in support of Gaza at the Bourj Barajne Palestinian independent state in the West on Gaza’s population.
fight against Israel’s occupation. the West Bank and its forces have refugee camp in Beirut on Wednesday. — AFP Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. MORE REPORTS ON P5

WEATHER MUSCAT: Max 350 C Min 270 C SALALAH: Max 320 C Min 250 C NIZWA: Max 390 C Min 240 C PRAYER TIMINGS SUNRISE: 06:02 FAJR: 04:47 DHUHR: 11:59 ASR: 15:20 MAGHRIB: 17:50 ISHA: 19:01
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HM PRESIDES OVER CABINET MEETING

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik presided over the Council of Ministers meeting at Al Barakah Palace on Wednesday.

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS APPROVE

PROMOTION FOR STATE EMPLOYEES
FROM PAGE 1 of its developments in a manner that to upgrading the overall government Sultan reviewed the critical developments His Majesty the Sultan called for
contributes to realising the national performance, disseminating the ‘culture of and the violence taking place in the a resumption of the peace process to
NATIONAL ACTION objectives of Omani media. performance’ and developing the spirit of Palestinian arena. In this context, His enable the Palestinian people to regain
This approach assumes significance PROMOTIONS innovation and excellence. Majesty the Sultan reaffirmed the all their legitimate rights, notably the
because the upcoming stage of national The Council of Ministers approved the After the Council of Ministers’ Sultanate of Oman’s solidarity with the establishment of their independent state
action calls for combining all efforts and promotion of Omani employees at units reviewing a progress report about Al Palestinian people. He reiterated Oman’s on the 1967 borders, with Al Quds Al
utilising innovative and modern methods of the State’s Administrative Apparatus Batinah Coastal Road project, His Majesty support for all efforts calling for de- Sharqiyah (East Jerusalem) as its capital,
in order to safeguard the country’s gains (seniors of 2013 to 2016), so that the the Sultan gave directives to accelerate escalation, notably cessation of attacks on as per the principle of the Two-state
and accomplishments, contribute to employees could access higher grades the steps undertaken by the Council of children and innocent civilians. Solution, the Arab Peace Initiative and all
strategic planning and push the march of during 2024 and 2025, in accordance with Ministers to address the challenges and His Majesty the Sultan also called relevant UN resolutions.
progress forward. the scheduled programme. difficulties facing the implementation of for releasing hostages in accordance At the conclusion of the meeting, His
In line with rapid growth seen in all This was pursuant to the attention the project. The Royal directives also point with the principles of the international Majesty the Sultan gave directives to
segments of the media sector, notably accorded by His Majesty the Sultan to to finalising related cash compensation humanitarian law. He urged the address various matters of interest to the
the updates to modern media platforms, social affairs and in complementation of before the end of 2023. international community to shoulder its country and citizens.
the Council of Ministers underlined the the system of assessment of individual REGIONAL AFFAIRS responsibilities by protecting civilians and He wished all success in realising the
importance of developing this sector and performance of employees and Speaking about regional and lifting the illegal siege on Gaza and the good of the nation and its loyal people.
devising active plans to take advantage institutional achievement with a view international affairs, His Majesty the rest of the Palestinian territories. — ONA
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WORLD-
PALESTINE: WITH PALESTINE: SUCCESS: COMMITMENT CLASS SPORTS
HIS MAJESTY CALLS FOR HIS MAJESTY LAUDS TO EMPLOYEE HUB: OMAN’S
ADVOCATES PEACE AND OMAN’S GROWTH: OVER INTEGRATED
TWO-STATE HUMANITARIAN IMPRESSIVE 62,000 PROMOTIONS SPORTS CITY
SOLUTION AID GROWTH IN 2024-2025 TAKES SHAPE

Ǜ ǜ ǝ Ǟ ǖǕ
HIS MAJESTY’S COUNCIL OMAN INVESTING IN CAMEL RACING
VISION: DECISION: GALLOPS PROGRESS: REVIVAL:
A THRIVING PREPARATIONS FORWARD: RO 52 MILLION RO 6.5 MILLION
OMANI FOR SHURA CAMEL RACING FOR AL FOR 11 NEW
SPORTS CITY COUNCIL INFRASTRUC- BATINAH TRACKS
FOR GLOBAL ELECTIONS TURE UPGRADE COASTAL ROAD ACROSS
TOURNAMENTS HAILED IN FULL SWING COMPENSATION OMAN
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HM GCC culture ministers Judicial Council exerts

greetings efforts to develop system
to King of
Spain
review 10-year strategy MUSCAT: The courts of the
Sultanate of Oman handled
143,960 lawsuits during 2022, an
increase of 13,000 lawsuits over
His Majesty Sultan 2021 figures. The lawsuits were
Haitham bin Tarik has undertaken by 59 courts, among
sent a cable of greetings them 45 courts of first instance,
to King Felipe VI of the 13 courts of appeal and one
Kingdom of Spain on Supreme Court.
The courts of the Sultanate of Oman
his country’s National As many as 8,824 were handled 143,960 lawsuits during 2022
Day. In his cable, His adjudicated by the Supreme
Majesty expressed his Court, where 75 per cent of them Accordingly, the number of
heartfelt sentiments were settled. The courts of appeal judges during 2022 was increased
and best wishes to undertook 42,845 cases, with a to 324 judges, from 293 in 2021.
King Felipe VI and the final decision rate of 64 per cent, The report showed that
people of Spain. while the courts of first instance the number of notary public
— ONA adjudicated and sealed 67 per departments in the governorates
cent of the lawsuits filed to them. of Oman stood at 61. Notary
A report issued by the Supreme public departments registered
Judicial Council stated the 194,717 new contracts by 2022,
Oman council’s keenness to expand the
scope of judicial competencies.
in addition to non-marriage or
widowhood attestations. — ONA

participates
in tsunami His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham bin Tarik al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth, extended honours to a
Furniture factory fined
exercise select group of cultural, heritage, and artistic luminaries from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries

BALQEES AL ORAIMI
for using old material
MUSCAT, OCT 11
AFRAH AL BALUSHI
The twenty-seventh assembly @afrahalbalushia
of culture ministers of the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) In a significant crackdown,
countries wrapped up its three- authorities have seized nearly
day session in Muscat on 4,000 kilogrammes of discarded
Wednesday. This significant event materials, including sponges,
The practice involved recycling
addressed an array of pivotal worn cloth, used wood, and old discarded materials through grinding
The exercise aims to evaluate
effectiveness of the early warning issues, reinforcing the cultural furniture, which were being used
system against the danger of endeavours within the GCC to manufacture furniture and used furniture, stored without
tsunamis in the Indian Ocean countries and the cultural strategy mattresses falsely presented as maintaining health standards.
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman spanning from 2020 to 2030. new. These materials were reused
on Wednesday took part in the His Highness Sayyid Theyazin The Consumer Protection and processed with specialised
regional exercise “IOWave23” bin Haitham bin Tarik al Said, Department in Al Batinah South machines and then distributed
which aims to evaluate and Minister of Culture, Sports, and Gulf Cooperation Council meeting addressed an array of pivotal issues, Governorate made the seizures in as new furniture and mattresses
enhance the effectiveness of the reinforcing the cultural the cultural strategy spanning from 2020 to 2030
early warning system against the Youth, extended honours to a Al Rustaq to curb the violations to specialised stores across the
danger of tsunamis in the Indian select group of cultural, heritage, GCC countries’ cultural strategy, age-old customs and traditions. by unscrupulous suppliers Sultanate of Oman.
Ocean. and artistic luminaries from which had inspired many projects, Underlining the imperatives and prevent the circulation of This devious practice involved
The drill was held at regional the Gulf Cooperation Council events, and collaborative cultural of cultural work, the meeting unauthorised products. recycling these discarded
and national centres in countries countries. These accolades programmes. underscored the need for constant Mohammed bin Khalid bin materials through grinding and
adjoining the Indian Ocean rim.
The Sultanate of Oman was recognised their significant These efforts not only adapted progression and the adoption of Hamoud al Hinai, Head of crushing machines, followed by
represented in the drill by the contributions towards enriching to the evolving regional, Arab, ambitious strategies and plans. Market Control Department, shaping and cutting to produce
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the cultural landscape of the GCC and global landscapes but also These measures are necessary to explained the circumstances furniture and mattresses.
the Ministry of Information, countries. advanced the mission to uphold attain the lofty strategic objectives leading to the raids. During a Besides financial implications,
Royal Oman Police (ROP).
Further, the drill is considered Chairing the meeting, Said bin cherished cultural identities and set forth by the ministers, as they routine inspection of various such practices have health
an opportunity to test readiness Sultan al Busaidy, Under-Secretary safeguard Arab and Islamic values. seek to foster well-rounded citizens commercial establishments in repercussions. The Consumer
in receiving tsunami warnings of the Ministry of Culture, This commitment to nurturing a and conscientious individuals the governorate, officials visited a Protection Department took
and assuring that all people in Sports, and Youth for Culture, robust intellectual and knowledge who contribute meaningfully furniture and mattress supplier’s swift legal action against the
society are warned, as well as
conducting tsunami scenarios. reflected on the meeting’s context. system becomes all the more to holistic development. The factory. There, they discovered culprits. The seized items were
Further, the drill is conducted He lauded the achievements, crucial in a world increasingly meeting concluded with a set of excessive waste materials, such investigated promptly destroyed,
once every two years. — ONA including the formulation of the exposed to ideas that challenge recommendations. as wood, sponge, worn cloth, and and the factory was fined.

‘Seekers of Horizons’ bag first place in NASA Space Hackathon

SIHAM AL SAIDI Central to their project with the data necessary to make
MUSCAT, OCT 11 stands a documentary film. Safa informed decisions for the
al Alawiyah, one of the team betterment of our planet.
In a remarkable demonstration members, said, “The film is In a world with an urgent need
of innovation and unwavering an exploration of our planet’s to combat climate change, the
dedication, a University of environmental dilemmas. Through remarkable accomplishment of
Technology and Applied Sciences a skilful blend of literature, visual the Seekers of Horizons showcases
Rustaq team named ‘Seekers of media, theatrical performances, the power of innovation and the
Horizons’ clinched the coveted top music, and art, we have ingeniously importance of global awareness.
prize at the esteemed NASA Space crafted a narrative suitable for all Their project earned accolades and
Applications Hackathon 2023. ages. The film narrates the saga aligned seamlessly with Oman’s
This global event, hosted at of NASA’s mission to monitor strategic vision. Initiatives like
the enchanting Jawharat Alwasel our atmosphere, with a specific these, supported by organisations
resort in Bidiyah, showcased their focus on Precursor 5-Sentinel, a like NASA, arm people with the
winning project, a work that not mission of paramount importance means to confront our planet’s
only captured imaginations but in comprehending and addressing environmental challenges and
also greatly enhanced awareness climate challenges.” secure a sustainable future.
about the critical climate challenges The team recalled the The Seekers of Horizons have
The showcased winning project, a work that not only captured imaginations but also greatly enhanced awareness about the
our world faces. catastrophic Australian wildfires critical climate challenges not only claimed a prestigious prize
The ‘Seekers of Horizons’ of 2019-2020, which unleashed but have also etched their names
consisting of Rawaa bint Abdullah approximately 700 million satellite is designed to monitor global interest in climate action. immediate climate action. as champions of climate change
al Farsiyah, Safaa bint Ahmed al metric tonnes of carbon dioxide Earth’s atmosphere, collecting Their work sheds light on the The significance of the awareness in Oman. Their story
Alawiyah, Asmaa bint Abdulrab into the atmosphere. The global high-quality data on various indispensable role that space Copernicus programme’s serves as a compelling reminder
al Balushiyah, Amjad bint ramifications of this disaster atmospheric components and agencies like NASA play in 5P-Sentinel satellite in climate that dedication and creativity can
Abdullah al Maawaliyah, and underscored the urgent need for pollutants, particularly those addressing climate challenges and monitoring cannot be overstated. drive transformative change, with
Ahmed bin Said al Harathi, were climate change mitigation. In this crucial for air quality, climate advancing environmental research. It serves as an invaluable tool in today’s youth demonstrating a
duly honoured with the title of crucial endeavour, NASA played change monitoring, and Their recognition also underscores comprehending the composition profound understanding of global
the finest project in the open a pivotal role by deploying the environmental research. their exceptional efforts in of our planet’s atmosphere. Its focus climate issues and their significant
science category, highlighting 5P-Sentinel satellite, a component The winning ‘Seekers of uncovering the underlying on air quality, climate patterns, contribution to raising awareness
their remarkable dedication to of the European Space Agency’s Horizons’ team is delighted over factors behind natural disasters, and environmental research and advancing research on a global
confronting climate-related issues. Copernicus programme. This the recognition. It has ignited a underscoring the urgency of equips scientists and policymakers scale.
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Youth Centre concludes
2023 summer programmes
AFRAH AL BALUSHI
Youth Centre. income for them.
@afrahalbalushia It was a great learning The second was the consulting
experience for the participants, as track, which provided consulting
MUSCAT: The Youth Centre the event was supported by Oman programmes including
celebrated the conclusion of the Liquefied Natural Gas Company aspects of mental health, legal,
2023 summer programmes in (LNG) and other public and entrepreneurial and vocational
the Wilayat of Sur in the South private partners. consulting, and others.
Al Sharqiyah Governorate, under The Youth Centre held more The third track was
the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr than 80 programmes from June entertainment, which created Omani hospitality champions for 2023 were honoured in which awards in 28 categories were awarded
Adham bin Turki al Said in the to August 2023, benefiting 5,431 events and recreational activities
presence of Dr Yahya bin Badr al young men and women from for young people that contribute
Maawali, Governor of South Al
Sharqiyah, and Basil bin Ahmed
various governorates of the
Sultanate of Oman.
to their recreation.
Apart from this, there were
Hospitality champions winners feted
al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the The programmes were aligned virtual programmes to reach the
Ministry of Culture, Sports and on three main tracks, the first largest segment of young people. MUSCAT: The Omani resorts who have shown the way These awards have been instituted
Youth for Sports and Youth. being the talent and skills track. The Youth Centre implemented Hospitality Champions 2023 for the new generation over the not just to reward excellence in
The closing ceremony It took care of the talents and summer programmes in all winners were honoured on years. the hospitality industry on varied
included a visual presentation abilities of young people and governorates of the Sultanate of Tuesday. The awards in 28 The 28 categories included fronts, but also to encouraging
about the summer programmes worked to implant the idea of Oman this year, aiming to refine categories were shortlisted from regular awards for front office, young Omanis to consider
presented by Maryam bint Nasser transferring skills and talents and develop young people’s skills 146 nominations received from housekeeping, mastery in the fulfilling careers in this field.”
al Kharbushi, Acting CEO of the for the economy and additional and capabilities. 24 properties across Oman. kitchen, as well as special awards Robert MacLean, Principal,
The awards function was held for ‘Unsung Hero’, and ‘Young NHI, the architect who crafted
on October 10 at Sheraton Oman Hotelier of the Year’. A new these awards to encourage
under the auspices of Sayyid category - Lifetime Achievement young Omanis to bring in more
Tarik bin Shabib al Said, Director, Award – was introduced for an professionalism in this field, said,
Renaissance Services, in the individual who has dedicated “These awards have been designed
presence of Azzan bin Qassim a significant number of years to celebrate the contributions of
al Busaidy, Under-Secretary, to working successfully in the Omani talent in the hospitality
Ministry of Tourism. industry. The selection is done sector in Oman. I am particularly
The event, organised jointly based on testimonials from his/ impressed by the calibre of the
by Apex Media and National her management and colleagues, nominated individuals from
Hospitality Institute (NHI), is besides guest feedback. various properties. The judges
considered a morale booster Laila Zakwani, Executive would have had a tough time
for young Omanis to join Director, Apex Media, said, shortlisting the ‘best from among
the hospitality industry and “It was great to see the awards the best’. I congratulate those who
take up diverse roles. It is also growing in strength every year made it to the top this year and
an acknowledgement of the – which was quite evident from hope they will continue in the
professionalism shown by senior the overwhelming number of same spirit as well as provide an
About 5,431 men and women benefited from programmes held by the Youth Centre from June to August employees in varied hotels and nominations received this year. example for others to follow suit.”

Muscat Clearing signs MoU with Qatar CDC

MUSCAT: Muscat dealing with cooperation Mohammed bin Said al in all fields related to
Clearing and Depository and coordination among Abri, CEO of MCD and central clearing and
(MCD) on Tuesday central depository units Shaikh Saif bin Abdullah al depository and settlements
signed a memorandum in the Sultanate of Oman Thani, CEO of Edaa. The in a bid to keep pace with
of understanding (MoU) and the State of Qatar. MoU aims to exchange international standards.
with Edaa (Qatar CDC) The MoU was signed by knowledge and expertise — ONA

Acting RNO chief receives

Chinese Navy Fleet chief

MUSCAT: Commodore Mohammed bin Hamoud

al Zedjali, Acting Commander of the Royal Navy
of Oman (RNO), received at Muaskar Al Murtafaa
on Wednesday the Commander of the Chinese
Navy Fleet (156) and his accompanying military
delegation.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged
views on several naval matters of mutual interest.
— ONA

Large drug haul seized

MUSCAT: The police command in Al Dakhiliyah

Governorate, in cooperation with the Directorate-
General of Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances, foiled an attempt by an international
drug smuggling ring to smuggle more than 3,740,000
captagon tablets that were concealed inside wooden
school furniture.
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Israel pounds Gaza as death tolls NORWAY URGES DONORS TO

MAINTAIN AID TO PALESTINIANS

on both sides rise sharply OSLO: Norway, which chairs an

international donors group for
Palestine, on Wednesday urged
the international community to
maintain its aid to Palestinians
GAZA CITY: The death toll from following the Israeli-Hamas
fighting. “The situation will
five days of ferocious fighting only deteriorate further if
between Hamas and Israel rose the international community
sharply overnight as Israel kept suspends or reduces its
up its bombardment of Gaza on assistance at this critical
juncture,” Norwegian Foreign
Wednesday after recovering the Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said.
dead from the last communities After Saturday’s bloody Shells from Israeli bombardment land in the
near the border where Palestinian attack on Israel, several water in the Gaza City seaport. — AFP
fighters had been holed up. countries, including Austria,
Denmark, Germany and Sweden, announced they were suspending their
In Israel, the death toll from development aid — but not humanitarian aid — to the Palestinians.
Saturday’s shock cross-border “As chair of the international donor group AHLC, Norway encourages
attack by Hamas rose to 1,200, the international community to continue its financial assistance to the
making it the deadliest attack Palestinian people,” Huitfeldt said.
“This includes support to the Palestinian Authority channelled through
in the country’s 75-year history, the World Bank, assistance via international organisations such as the UN
while Gaza officials reported more system, and support to humanitarian organisations and to the Palestinian
than 900 people killed as Israel civil society.”
pounded the territory with air She said Norway was maintaining its aid while “continuously assessing
strikes. the viability of advancing ongoing projects in Gaza”, currently being
pounded by heavy artillery strikes by the Israeli army.
Hamas said two of its top “There is no reason to suspect that any financial assistance from Norway
officials had been killed, while has benefited Hamas or affiliated groups,” she said. — AFP
Israel’s military said the bodies of
roughly 1,500 Hamas fighters had
been found.
Fears of a regional conflagration
POPE URGES HOSTAGES FREED,
have surged ahead of an expected
Israeli ground incursion into Gaza.
WORRIED ABOUT GAZA SIEGE
At least 30 people were killed VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis
and hundreds wounded as Israel called on Wednesday for
pounded the Gaza Strip with People watch as a firetruck is deployed outside a burning collapsed building following Israeli bombardment in Gaza City. — AFP the immediate release of
hundreds of air strikes overnight, hostages taken in fighting
between Hamas and Israel, and
officials said on Wednesday. water, electricity and fuel to the The United Nations Hamas said the strikes killed expressed his concern over the
The strikes destroyed several already blockaded enclave. two of its senior figures: Zakaria siege of Gaza.
buildings of the Islamic University In announcing Israel’s latest said more than 263,000 Muammar led its economics “I ask that the hostages
in Gaza City, a university official death toll on Wednesday morning, people had been section, and Jawad Abu Shamala be released immediately,”
the 86-year-old head of the
said. army spokesperson Lieutenant displaced inside Gaza, coordinated ties with other
worldwide Catholic Church
The Israeli military confirmed Colonel Jonathan Conricus said most taking shelter in Palestinian factions. said at the end of his weekly
it had hit dozens of Hamas targets the figure was rising not because of Eight Palestinian journalists audience at the Vatican.
during the night. the ongoing fighting, but because
UN schools have also been killed in the strikes, He added: “It is the right
It said fighter jets destroyed “we are discovering bodies of according to media unions and of those who are attacked to
defend themselves, but I am
“advanced detection systems” dead Israelis in the various were largely back in control. officials. very worried about the total
that Hamas used to spot military communities.” But late on Tuesday, in the The United Nations said more siege in which the Palestinians
aircraft. The Israeli army has called up southern Israeli city of Ashkelon, than 263,000 people had been live in Gaza, where there have Relatives of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes,
react at a hospital in Gaza City. — AFP
They also hit 80 targets in 300,000 reservists and massed troops backed by helicopters and displaced inside Gaza, most taking also been many innocent
victims.
the Beit Hanoun area of the tanks and other heavy armour drones exchanged fire with several shelter in UN schools. “Extremism does not help reach a solution to the conflict between the
northeastern Gaza Strip, including both near Gaza and on the militants, leaving three fighters White smoke billowed from Israelis and Palestinians, but fuel hatred, violence, revenge and only make
two bank branches the military northern border with Lebanon. dead, the army said. among fishing boats after an both sides suffer.
said. The military said its forces Israeli munitions have air strike on Gaza’s port, and in “The Middle East does not need war but peace, a peace built on justice,
dialogue and the courage of fraternity.”
In response to Saturday’s attack, had dislodged holdout Hamas continued to hammer Gaza, a Jerusalem the deserted streets The death toll from five days of ferocious fighting between Hamas and
Israel imposed a “total siege” on fighters from more than a dozen densely populated city of about 2.3 were targeted by Hamas rocket Israel rose sharply overnight as Israel kept up its bombardment of Gaza on
Gaza, suspending supplies of food, communities near the border and million people. fire. — AFP Wednesday. — AFP

China seeks to work with

Egypt on Israel-Gaza war Jordan’s king says no stability in
region without Palestinian state
AMMAN: Jordan’s King Abdullah said
on Wednesday no peace was possible in
the Middle East without the emergence
of an independent Palestinian state
alongside Israel.
The latest violence — which broke
out when Hamas fighters attacked Israel
at the weekend — showed the region
would not “enjoy stability, security or
peace” without a sovereign Palestinian
state on land that Israel had captured in
the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, he said.
A two-state solution was the only
Smoke billows during an Israeli air strike in Rafah in the southern Gaza. — AFP option, the monarch told deputies
in a speech at the opening of a new
BEIJING: China is seeking to work with Meanwhile in Gaza, officials have parliamentary session.
Egypt to help ease the Israel-Hamas war reported more than 900 people killed as “Our region will never be secure
that erupted after a deadly attack by the Israel pounded the territory with air strikes. nor stable without achieving just and
Palestinian group, its Middle East envoy has Since the assault, Egypt has intensified its comprehensive peace on the basis of the
said as he urged a ceasefire. push for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the two-state solution,” the monarch said.
Zhai Jun spoke by phone with Egypt’s spiralling violence. A two-state solution has long
An Israeli army self-propelled howitzer fires rounds near the border with Gaza in southern
assistant minister for the Palestinian Egypt has historically been a key mediator been the bedrock of international Israel. — AFP
territories, according to a readout of the between Israel and the Palestinians, and was peacemaking efforts, but the process
conversation published by Beijing. the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty has been moribund for years and the in Amman.
“China is willing to maintain with Israel in 1979. possibility of it happening has dimmed “A Palestinian independent and
communication and coordination with China has positioned itself in recent even before the renewed bloodshed. Our region will never sovereign state should be on June 4th,
Egypt, push both parties of the conflict months as a mediator in the Middle East, King Abdullah has since the start 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its
be secure nor stable
to cease fire and stop violence as soon as brokering a restoration of ties in March of the latest conflict been engaged in a capital, and so that the cycles of killing,
possible,” Zhai said. between Saudi Arabia and Iran. flurry of diplomatic efforts with Western without achieving just and whose ultimate victims are innocent
He also urged “the international Zhai added that the “fundamental and regional leaders urging swift action comprehensive peace on the civilians, end,” King Abdullah said.
community to form a joint force and provide solution lies in the implementation of a ‘two- to de-escalate the situation, officials say. basis of the two-state solution The outpouring of anger against
humanitarian support to the Palestinian state solution’”, calling on key players in the Officials said the monarch, whom US Israel also fuelled a large rally in
people”. conflict to “make practical efforts” towards President Joe Biden called, will voice the downtown Amman, where several
Thousands of people have been killed this end “with the greatest sense of urgency”. kingdom’s concerns with US Secretary
JORDAN’S KING thousand protesters chanted slogans in
since Hamas’s shock assault on Saturday. — AFP of State Antony Blinken when he arrives ABDULLAH support of Hamas. — Reuters
 world
omanobserver.om/podcast
OMANDAILYOBSERVER
T H U R S DAY l O C TO B E R 1 2 l 2 0 2 3 7
In brief
MEXICO CITY Russia says ‘improved’ position
around east Ukraine town
MOSCOW: Russia on Wednesday
said its forces had strengthened
LIDIA SLAMS COAST their position on the frontline
LEAVING WIDESPREAD near Avdiivka, a day after Ukraine
DAMAGE warned Moscow was stepping up
strikes to encircle the eastern town.
Rescue workers on Wednesday
were scrambling to clean up the Avdiivka is symbolically and
mess left by Hurricane Lidia, strategically important to Kyiv,
which slammed into Mexico’s lying just north of the Moscow-
Pacific coast overnight, leaving controlled city of Donetsk that was
one person dead in the western seized by separatist forces in 2014.
state of Nayarit. Lidia, which It has since become a symbol
has weakened to a Category 2 of Ukrainian resistance against
storm with maximum sustained Moscow, with Kyiv clinging on
winds of 110 km/h, is expected there despite relentless Russian
to continue producing heavy attacks during the Kremlin’s
rainfall and gusty winds as it almost 20-month long offensive.
moves inland over west-central “Actions from the southern
Mexico. group of forces supported by
Lidia made landfall as a aviation, artillery fire and heavy
Category 4 storm triggering flamethrower systems, improved
torrential downpours, causing the situation along the front line
rivers to overflow, toppling in the vicinity of Avdiivka,” the
trees and leading to significant Russian defence ministry said.
flooding in numerous western Local Ukrainian officials said
states of Mexico. — Reuters that Moscow’s forces had launched
an artillery attack on the town
NIAMEY Ukrainian servicemen ride atop a tank near the frontline town of Bakhmut. — Reuters file photo
in the morning and were firing
incessantly.
“Battles continued throughout “Our defenders repelled all during a donors’ conference on Mines have proven to be a
the night” in the north and south enemy attacks and prevented the demining in the Croatian capital formidable obstacle in slowing
of the town, the head of the town’s loss of lines and positions,” military Actions from the Zagreb. Ukrainian and Russian advances
administration Vitaliy Barabash spokesman Andriy Kovalyov said. Shmyhal said up to six million across the battlefield.
southern group of forces
said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, — Ukraine on people were actively at risk from Even as the war rages on, Kyiv
Barabash said Ukrainian troops Wednesday called for greater
supported by aviation, extensive mining across Ukraine. has called on international partners
were “most likely finishing” global support to help with artillery fire and heavy If the demining efforts are with experience in demining to
MILITARY ORDERS repelling Russian forces. demining large swaths of the war- flamethrower systems, not increased “it will take many help clear the ordnance.
UN OFFICIAL OUT Ukrainian officials were torn country’s land, warning that improved the situation decades to clear Ukraine of mines”, Ukraine has made demining a
WITHIN 72 HRS “engaged in persuading people to up to a third of its territory could along the front line in the Shmyhal noted. priority, while dozens countries
evacuate everyday”, he said. be contaminated with ordnance. vicinity of Avdiivka Ukrainian forces are currently and partner organisations having
Niger’s post-coup military Ukraine’s armed forces said “Russian mines and shells in locked in a bitter counteroffensive pledged some 300 million dollars
regime has ordered the United Russian forces had “intensified Ukraine are a problem that must against entrenched Russian to help with the effort, Shmyhal
Nations coordinator in the
actions” in several areas including be solved together,” Prime Minister
RUSSIAN DEFENCE positions along the heavily-mined said.
country to leave within 72
Avdiivka. Denys Shmyhal said via video link MINISTRY front line. — AFP
hours. It comes a day after the
United States cut off more than
$500 million in assistance to
Niger and as France begins US House Republicans eye
withdrawing troops after they
were also ordered out.
The Nigerien foreign
Nato to respond if Baltic Sea Scalise, Jordan in speaker race
pipeline damage deliberate
ministry said in a statement on
Wednesday that the government WASHINGTON: Republicans in
was expelling Louise Aubin, the the US House of Representatives
UN’s resident and humanitarian met on Wednesday to choose
coordinator, “to take all between two candidates — Steve
necessary measures to leave BRUSSELS: Nato will discuss Scalise and Jim Jordan — to lead
Niamey within 72 hours”. damage to a gas pipeline and data their narrow majority a week
The military regime has cable running between member after a small group of dissidents
already criticised “the perfidious states Finland and Estonia, ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
actions” of the UN chief, saying and will mount a “determined” As lawmakers gathered for
they were “likely to undermine response if the cause is proven the closed-door vote, neither
any effort to end the crisis in our to be a deliberate attack, Nato candidate appeared to hold a
country”. — AFP Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg clear advantage. Scalise, who is
said on Wednesday. No. 2 on the leadership ladder, US House Majority Leader Steve
TOKYO Scalise (R-LA) speaks with the media
The damage on the has drawn the support of many as he arrives to join House
Balticconnector pipeline and veteran and establishment Republicans meeting on Capitol Hill
telecommunications cable was Republican lawmakers, while in Washington. — Reuters
confirmed on Tuesday after one Jordan, an outspoken leader of
of the two pipeline operators, the party’s right wing, had the Scalise and Jordan told
Finland’s Gasgrid. backing of many conservatives. Republicans at a closed-door
Helsinki said the damage McCarthy could be in the mix forum on Tuesday night that they
was likely caused by “outside as well, as he has not discouraged would each back the candidate
activity” and the cause was being talk of a comeback, as could chosen as nominee, an agreement
CHINESE SCIENTISTS investigated, stoking concern Patrick McHenry, the acting that could help expedite matters.
JOIN FUKUSHIMA over regional energy security and speaker. “My unfortunate estimation
WATER REVIEW A view of the Balticconector pipeline as it is pulled into the sea in Paldiski. — Reuters
pushing gas prices higher. The secret-ballot vote is the is that it will take several rounds
Chinese scientists will this “The important thing now and gas system operator Elering were caused by sabotage. start of what could be a long and and maybe even days of voting,”
month take part in extensive is to establish what happened and Finnish gas transmission Henri Vanhanen, research messy process to install a new Republican Representative Ben
sampling of Fukushima’s coastal and how this could happen,” system operator Gasgrid, which fellow at the Finnish Institute speaker after a small faction of Cline said in an interview.
waters for the first time since Stoltenberg told reporters in each own half of the pipeline. for International Affairs, said the far-right Republicans deposed It took only eight Republicans
the release of treated wastewater Brussels ahead of a meeting of The Kremlin described the central issue would be how Nato McCarthy last week and threw to oust McCarthy last week, a
from its stricken nuclear plant the military alliance. incident as “disturbing” and said it would react if there was evidence the chamber into chaos. fact that could make leading the
began, Japanese officials said on “If it is proven to be a was awaiting further information. of a state actor behind the Baltic Before lawmakers start voting caucus a challenge for any new
Wednesday. deliberate attack on Nato-critical Russia’s Nord Stream pipelines Sea pipeline damage. on a speaker, they are expected speaker.
Experts from China will join infrastructure then this will be, of were damaged by an attack in the “I think the big question in the to decide on what threshold is Representative Ken Buck, one
those from Canada, South Korea course, serious, but it will also be Baltic Sea, Kremlin spokesman long term is that do we have a clear needed to win: a simple majority of the eight, said a “significant
and the UN’s International met by a united and determined Dmitry Peskov said at a regular set of potential countermeasures of Republicans, or an absolute number” of Republicans could
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) response from Nato” news briefing on Wednesday, for such activities? What is the total of 217 votes, enough to decline to vote for a candidate in
in collecting samples of water, The pipeline, between Inkoo in referring to an incident in deterrence?” he said. ensure victory in the full House. Wednesday’s first ballot.
sediment and marine creatures Finland and Paldiski in Estonia, September 2022. The Finnish government said Representative Tom Cole said Buck said Jordan and Scalise
from October 15 to 23. crosses the Gulf of Finland, part Sunday’s incident came about a preparedness levels had been raised the higher threshold could allow provided unsatisfactory answers
The survey will also collect of the Baltic Sea which stretches year after the larger Nord Stream at critical infrastructure, as officials a handful of holdouts to create on the question of reining in
seafood samples from the eastward into Russian waters and gas pipelines, which cross the including President Sauli Niinisto gridlock, as they have repeatedly spending on Tuesday night. He
region’s markets, the import ends at the port of St Petersburg. Baltic Sea between Russia and were given a situational overview done this year. “It’s just overly predicted that more candidates
of which has been banned by Balticconnector is jointly Germany, were damaged by at an extraordinary meeting on complicated and we ought to just could join the race.
Beijing. — AFP operated by Estonian electricity explosions that authorities said Wednesday. — Reuters pick a winner,” he said. — Reuters
 8 Opinion THURSDAY OCTOBER 12, 2023
OMAN DAILY OBSERVER

Exploring the roots and nurturing communication

M
ale inexpressiveness is the most male counterparts but find it difficult to engage in The workplace pressures, the daily exhaustion,
challenging trait to deal with expressing their feelings towards their wives. and the ruthless world that a male deals with on
for most of the women. The role The latter is more encountered in society across an everyday basis to safeguard his loved ones also
they play in providing for the all cultures. contribute to speaking less about his daily ordeal and
family in terms of protection and Over the years, the vague standards of societal he feels at ease by saying little or not saying anything
guardianship is the backbone of raising a strong and masculinity have jotted the dots with not at all and keeps himself confined in his cave where
responsible household. expressing their emotions out to be an applaudable only selective folks get entry to share.
Yet they are often questioned for their trait. IT IS EVEN MORE The problem pops up because the female system is
Dr Nisma Haris inexpressive attitude and approach in day-to-day They have been considered strong enough to not designed by nature to expect expressions of love and
PIVOTAL TO
family life. express and hold their emotions back and this has UNDERSTAND comfort and consoles.
The writer is a general But what has shaped this attitude and what goes shaped this behaviour to a substantial extent. A female needs a sense of security through the
THE FACT THAT
physician and content through their minds; let’s dig in. If we rewind to their adolescence, they had spent caring words being said. And when this expectation
INEXPRESSIVE-
creator To begin with, it is important to understand that a less time with their mothers or sisters and there is met with an inexpressive attitude, the collision
female mind and a male mind are entirely different. developed a void in understanding how to share NESS SHOULD occurs.
Their thought processes and their perception of and express their feelings with the female family NEVER BE Albeit, a female knows pretty firmly that her
society and the world are entirely different. members. EQUATED WITH partner cares for her, she constantly needs verbal
Here, there is no question of who is wrong and However, the good news is this trend is changing CARELESSNESS assurance.
who is right but getting to know the foundation of over time and men are becoming more expressive If we as males and females understand our roles
inexpressiveness. than they used to be in the earlier days. It’s even and stop pushing one another to the extremes that
Well, it can be of varied kinds. One is about more pivotal to understand the fact that this can go a long way toward dissolving this issue.
being ‘totally inexpressive’ towards fellow male inexpressiveness should never be equated with So next time, when gentlemen sometimes express
or female friends or wives and another type can carelessness. themselves and ladies, just let them be when they are
be ‘selective expressiveness’; they are comfortable They do care and work hard to sweat in order to not willing to; as this is how our programming is set
and able to express their heart out among their provide all the comfort for their household. by nature!

Economic
concerns loom What does a ‘complete siege’
large as Poles
prepare to vote
of the Gaza Strip mean?
I
srael’s defence minister’s order
STANISLAW WASZAK to place a “complete siege” on
the Gaza Strip came on top of

A
head of Sunday’s elections in a 16-year blockade that Israel,
Poland, petrol is being sold by the often along with Egypt, has
state energy giant Orlen at budget imposed on the coastal territory.
prices in what experts called “an The announcement by Defence
election present”. For analysts this Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday
is just one example of an economy managed for that Gaza would receive “no
political gain by a government that is putting off Emma Bubola electricity, no food, no water, no
difficult choices for later. fuel” after a major incursion by
“The peculiarity of this government is an The writer is a reporter Palestinian gunmen left hundreds
economic policy that is totally dominated for NYT based in dead has led aid agencies to warn of
by the short-term effect without long-term London an exacerbated humanitarian crisis.
considerations,” said Witold Orlowski, head of Under the long-standing
experts at the consultancy PwC Poland. blockade, the densely populated
Since the populist Law and Justice (PiS) party strip, with more than 2 million
came to power in 2015, Poles have enjoyed high residents, nearly half of whom
social welfare benefits while the government has are younger than 18, faces severe
made enormous investments in infrastructure restrictions on the movements of
and defence. Many experts question whether goods and people.
these are the signs of a flourishing economy or of Most commodities in Gaza, from
a government that is managing the accounts to foodstuffs to construction supplies,
make things seem better than they are. are imported from Israel through
The opposition has made economic worries official border crossings, according
The ruins of the Yassin Mosque in the Shati refugee camp, just outside Gaza City.
part of its election campaign, while the to the United Nations.
government has focused on national security, Gaza gets most of its electricity
sovereignty and migration. Ben Hubbard via Israeli power lines, and produces Shalom Crossing for cargo and the have to do so without reliable access
Whether or not PiS win a third term or are some at a power plant in Gaza with Erez Crossing for people. to electricity,” Mahmoud Shalabi,
defeated by the liberal Civic Coalition opposition The writer is the fuel imported from Israel. It receives “Before things were restricted, a senior programme manager for
on Sunday “it is clear that the economic situation Istanbul bureau chief a smaller number of goods through now they are blocked entirely,” said Medical Aid for Palestinians, a
will not be easy to handle” for any government, for NYT its much shorter border with Egypt. Tania Hary, the executive director charity based in the UK, said in an
Orlowski said. Electricity shortages are chronic, of Gisha, an Israeli nonprofit that email.
The focus so far has been on consumption with power often available for focuses on free movement of Egyptian officials have not said
rather than dealing with debt and inflation or only 12 to 15 hours per day. That Palestinians in Gaza. whether Israel’s announced siege
boosting investments -- measures that would spur undermines health services, water of Gaza would affect their policy
long-term growth. pumping and purification and the toward the movement of goods and
Inflation has remained high in Poland, with the area’s fragile economy, aid workers people in and out of the territory.
EU forecasting a figure of 11.4 per cent for 2023. say. Gaza’s border with Egypt
Investments meanwhile have fallen to just 16.7 Movement of people in and out HUMANITARIAN OFFICIALS remained open with limited traffic
per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) -- the of Gaza was heavily restricted before SAID A COMPLETE on Tuesday, and truckloads of food,
lowest level in 20 years, below the EU average of the attacks, with Israel and Egypt construction material, fuel and
BLOCKADE WOULD CREATE
22.5 per cent. granting small numbers of people emergency medical supplies entered
Growth is expected to remain sluggish with permission to travel, mostly for work MORE SEVERE SUFFERING over the weekend. But Egypt also
a forecast of 0.5 per cent expansion in 2023, or medical care. FOR PALESTINIAN heavily controls the movement of
according to the EU. On Saturday, after Palestinian CIVILIANS IN GAZA. people and goods across its border
Even if public debt in Poland remains relatively shooters began their assault inside crossing, opening and closing it in
low at around 49 per cent of GDP “we do not Israel, Israeli authorities stopped response to security conditions.
know the full extent of debt because the data has supplying electricity, leaving Gaza’s Even if Egypt left its crossing
been distorted or disguised by the government,” residents with only about three open, experts said, it could not fill
Orlowski said. or four hours of power per day, Humanitarian officials said a the gaps left by the complete closure
“This lack of transparency in public finances is according to the UN’s humanitarian complete blockade would create of Israel’s crossings.
scandalous” particularly since the government has office, which said Gaza’s power plant more severe suffering for Palestinian In 2022, some 32 per cent of
recently made large arms purchases from South might soon run out of fuel. civilians in Gaza. goods entering Gaza came from
Korea and the United States after Russia’s attack of Now, Israel has closed both of “Overwhelmed hospitals treating Egypt, Gisha said in a report.
Ukraine. — AFP its crossings with Gaza, the Kerem thousands of wounded will now — The New York Times

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OMAN DAILY OBSERVER
THURSDAY OCTOBER 12, 2023
Opinion 9

A GIANT AQUARIUM
Pandemic preparedness cannot wait

A
s a firm believer in already experiencing more climate-
multilateralism, I was related health emergencies, including
heartened that the outbreaks of infectious diseases such as
United Nations General cholera and yellow fever.
Assembly adopted a The good news is that some progress
political declaration on pandemic is already being made on this front.
prevention, preparedness, and response The Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access
at its first-ever high-level meeting on (COVAX) facility, established in 2020
the subject in September. It confirms by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (whose
that world leaders recognise the José Manuel Barroso board I chair), the Coalition for
existential threat of pandemics and Epidemic Preparedness Innovations,
are committed to breaking the panic- The writer is a former the UN, and the WHO, has delivered
neglect cycle, whereby policymakers president of the nearly two billion doses of vaccines.
pull out all the stops to fight disease European Commission The vast majority went to lower-
outbreaks, only to turn their attention and prime minister of income countries, where 81 per cent
elsewhere once the crisis ends. Portugal, is Chair of of health workers and 67 per cent of
The landmark declaration has older people received at least two doses.
the Board of Gavi, the
generated much-needed momentum Averting more than 2.7 million deaths,
for a global pandemic treaty, which Vaccine Alliance the initiative is undoubtedly the most
is currently under development at successful response to a global health
the World Health Organization. But emergency in history.
translating a political commitment As we prepare to phase out COVAX
into a meaningful agreement requires at the end of the year, Gavi has already
significant buy-in from WHO member devoted considerable effort to assessing
states, and negotiations are sure to be the facility’s shortcomings and has
arduous. taken practical steps to do better next
As this process unfolds, we must time. That means, from the outset,
implement practical measures to having enough cash to preorder
preserve the knowledge gained vaccines on behalf of lower-income
during the Covid-19 pandemic, countries — just like wealthier countries
and to improve upon the innovative reserved Covid-19 doses. It also means
mechanisms that emerged from it. Any incentivising investment in vaccine-
eventual treaty can thus enter into force production capacity across Africa and in
with many working parts already in other underserved regions that were hit
place. And, in the meantime, the world AS hard by export bans.
will be better prepared for the next MULTILATERAL Building up manufacturing networks,
infectious-disease emergency. if done right, is a multi-year process. But
INSTITUTIONS
The pandemic may have faded it is necessary, as is immediate access to
from our collective consciousness, but DEBATE HOW cash, to counter the tendency, apparent
with official Covid-19 deaths nearing TO MITIGATE during the pandemic and rooted in
seven million and the pandemic’s cost FUTURE DISEASE national self-interest, to direct scarce
to the United States economy alone OUTBREAKS, supplies to the countries with the most
reaching $14 trillion, it is clear that WE CAN TAKE money rather than the most need. And
a more strongly coordinated global PRACTICAL more needs to be done to ensure that
response is required to protect against countries are prepared, to improve
STEPS TO
future threats. And make no mistake: vaccine readiness, and to sustain a broad
another pandemic is an evolutionary IMPROVE UPON coalition of partners ready and willing to
The remains of a giant aquarium are seen in Berlin. A final report on what led a giant Berlin aquarium to
certainty. In addition to the current THE INNOVATIVE implement a coordinated response. burst last December, sending 1,400 tropical fish gushing into a hotel lobby, came back inconclusive on
rise in Covid-19 cases, the world is MECHANISMS © Project Syndicate, 2023 Wednesday. — AFP

Conservationists push ‘nature positive’

as biodiversity’s net zero
JACK GRAHAM
companies use carbon markets to would eventually need to offset the potential for its dilution by Forum and published guides for

A
coalition of reach ‘net zero’ instead of cutting a significant portion of their companies looking to use the companies in 12 different sectors.
conservation and their own emissions. environmental impacts, even if slogan, but not transform how Meanwhile, an international
business groups is Despite the involvement of strong actions were taken to avoid they operate in practice. working group of business and
calling for governments large conservation organisations and reduce them first. Marco Lambertini, special finance executives launched a set
and companies to adopt like WWF and the International “We can’t solve these problems envoy for WWF International, of guidelines from the Taskforce
a global ‘nature positive’ goal of having Union for Conservation of Nature by just protecting wild nature,” said it was not meant to be a on Nature-Related Financial
more of the natural world left in 2030, (IUCN), some campaigners doubt she said. “All analysis shows that buzzword, but a measurable Disclosure for companies to
but critics say the aim is too vague and the power of nature positive as we have to protect wild nature global goal to “inject a clear, high report their nature-related risks
may be open to abuse. a tool to stem environmental and we have to change our supply level of accountability”. and impacts.
From deforestation and pollution destruction. chains - and this net argument is He said many companies had Lambertini said biodiversity
to overfishing, human actions are Marília Monteiro Silva, fundamental to that.” been cautious in embracing it in was “by definition local”, meaning
causing often irreversible biodiversity senior portfolio manager in She said work was being done the absence of clear guidance, but restoration work must be local
loss, while eroding nature’s ability to nature finance at Greenpeace to create standardised biodiversity initiative partners were releasing too, such as regenerating a
absorb planet-heating carbon dioxide International, believes it is a metrics which were appropriate more resources on how to degraded area of the Amazon
emissions and ward off the worst of “problematic” concept as the term to local contexts, but could be disclose and take action on nature rainforest.
global warming. is being used before there is a compared at scale, such as the impacts. Last month, Business That, he argued, could make it
The Nature Positive Initiative aims “clear and aligned understanding” Accounting for Nature framework for Nature and the World easier to ascertain whether efforts
to create a collective mission around of what it means. developed in Australia. Business Council for Sustainable to protect it were doing what they
nature, much like the 2015 UN Paris Silva said biodiversity was too A major challenge facing Development, for example, promised.
Agreement to limit global warming to complex to measure in a similar the Nature Positive Initiative is worked with the World Economic “It has to be like for like. It
1.5 degrees Celsius that sent a signal to way to carbon emissions, and has to be local compensation,”
policymakers, markets and the public, that doing so neglected nature’s he said. But many companies
said Eva Zabey, CEO of Business for intrinsic value. have a long way to go to even
Nature, a corporate coalition. “You’re basically talking about understand the effects of their
Originally launched at COP15 measuring what is unmeasurable,” operations and sourcing on
UN nature talks in Montreal last she said. But those involved nature. Marissa Balfour, a
December, campaigners now want to with the initiative say companies corporate engagement adviser
put some meat on the bones - to better must avoid and reduce their own at US-based non-profit The
define their goals and how companies damage before looking to increase Nature Conservancy, said she was
THE NATURE
and other institutions measure their nature elsewhere and transform surprised by the lack of visibility
contributions towards them. POSITIVE how they interact with nature companies had throughout their
“Ultimately, it’s about strengthening INITIATIVE AIMS more broadly. supply chains when she worked in
our accountability systems in order TO CREATE A “We need to hold people the textile and apparel industry.
to be able to increasingly make sure COLLECTIVE to account, particularly for “A huge barrier is lack of
companies are held responsible MISSION AROUND irreplaceable parts of nature,” said traceability into a company’s value
for their impacts on nature and NATURE, MUCH E J Milner-Gulland, professor of chains,” she said, particularly for
biodiversity,” Zabey said. biodiversity at the University of the raw material stage - which
LIKE THE 2015 UN
But critics say the terms of nature Oxford and co-lead of the Nature is where the largest impacts on
positive are unclear and could be PARIS AGREEMENT Positive Universities network. nature tend to happen.
used to offset destruction in one place TO LIMIT GLOBAL But she said organisations and A fisherman throws a net from his canoe in Xokleng Laklano indigenous land Santa — Thomson Reuters
with restoration in another, like some WARMING companies her team had analysed Catarina state, Brazil. — Reuters file photo Foundation
THURSDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2023 | RABEE AL AWWAL 26, 1445 AH

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SOHAR THUMP BAHLA TO GO TOP

AHMED AL KAABI
MUSCAT, OCT 11

Sohar thrashed Bahla 3-0 in the

seventh round of the Omantel
League at the Nizwa Sports
Complex on Tuesday.
Bahla, entering the match
with high hopes to overturn their
previous defeats, faced a well-
organised Sohar. Sohar skillfully
orchestrated their attacks and
coordinated passes, effectively
neutralising Bahla’s attempts to
advance. Despite Bahla’s efforts
to create opportunities, the first
half concluded in a goalless draw.
The second half saw minor
changes at the beginning, yet
both coaches made strategic
substitutions to reinvigorate
their players. Bahla’s offensive
attempts, however, were
thwarted by Sohar’s solid
defence. In the latter part of the Sohar and Bahla players fight for the ball during the Omantel League seventh round match at the Nizwa Sports Complex. Ibri players celebrate a goal against Dhofar.
match, Bahla’s offensive strategy
backfired, leading to defensive Nahdha. Meanwhile, Bahla find Dhofar dominated the ball Ibri leading 2-0. AL WAHDA EDGE
errors. Capitalising on this, themselves temporarily in the and created chances from the Dhofar entered the second AL SHABAB
Sohar’s Mohsin Jawher opened 11th position, holding 4 points. beginning of the match but The surprise win half with enthusiasm, but they In another match, Al
the scoring in the 81st minute Bahla’s struggle continues failed to effectively exploit couldn’t score against a well- Wahda defeated Al Shabab
lifted Ibri from
with a successful shot, followed this season with their fifth loss, them against Ibri defence, who defended Ibri goal. The two 1-0 at the Al Rustaq Sports
by another goal in the 84th adding to the complexity of their relied on counter-attacks. Ibri
the last position teams continued to exchange Complex.
minute. Daniel Etor sealed the position in the league. With only took advantage of one of these temporarily to the attacks until the end without a Al Wahda’s goal was scored
victory with a third goal in the one victory in the first round, counter-attacks in the seventh ninth position with change in the score. Ibri secured by Walid al Saadi in the 59th
90+6th minute, concluding the the team faces a growing risk of minute, as their professional six points, while the victory with a 2-0 score, minute, after following up on
match with a decisive 3-0 win for descending to the 12th and last player Bruno scored the opening Dhofar remained earning the three points. a corner kick that bounced off
Sohar. position. goal. Despite repeated attempts at seven points, This result lifted Ibri from the Al Shabab’s defence.
Following this victory, by Dhofar, they were unable last position temporarily to the Al Wahda raised their
Sohar temporarily ascended IBRI STUN DHOFAR to break through Ibri defence.
holding the ninth position with six points, tally to 7 points, advancing
to the top position in the Ibri defeated Dhofar 2-0 at Khalid Al Ghatrifi reinforced seventh position while Dhofar remained at seven to eighth place. Al Shabab’s
league, accumulating a total the Al Saada Sports Complex on Ibri lead with a header from a set points, holding the seventh balance is frozen in sixth
of 14 points, tying with Al Tuesday. piece, ending the first half with position. place with 8 points.

Third national camel race concludes today

WALEED AL JAHWARI claimed by ‘Al Gathabah’, owned
MUSCAT, OCT 11 by Bader bin Saud al Moonsi and
finally ‘Al Shamhek’, owned by
More than 1,800 camels Hamed bin Gedayer al Gedali,
competed in the third race of the finished first in the 12th round.
21th edition of national camel On Wednesday competitions
event at Al Bashayer Camel in Al Bashayer field, ‘Shaqrah’
Racing Track in Adam and in grabbed the 6 km race, owned
Royal Camel Crops (RCC) Track by Hatim bin Said al Gahafi, the
in Barka. second race was won by ‘Ertwaz,
Tomokazu Harimoto and Hina Hayata in action.
The race is organised by owned by Bader bin Hamed al
Oman Camel Racing Federation Jenaibi, the third winner was
from October 10 to 12, with
wide participants from various
‘Al Baz’ owned by Mohammed
bin Al Abed al Harsoosi and the
HARIMOTO, HAYATA PROGRESS
governorates, competing in 88
races divided into three days.
fourth race was won by ‘Romyah’
owned by Saleh bin Ali al Wahibi. IN WTT CONTENDER
Eighteen races were held on the ‘Nothaa’ claimed the fifth race,
while quarterfinals in men’s,
first day for Hagayeg category for owned by Hamed bin Musalam ADIL AL BALUSHI
women’s and mixed doubles
3 km. Twelve races were held on al Ghafo, ‘Al Fares’ finished first MUSCAT, OCT 11 categories and semifinals in mixed
the second day for Lagaya for 4 in sixth race, owned by Said bin doubles will also be staged.
Japan’s mixed double duo, World
km, in addition to two 2 km races Mubark al Amri, the seventh No 4 Tomokazu Harimoto and Spanish duo of Maria Xiao and
for human riders. Twelve races race was won by ‘Zahyah’, owned World No 8 Hina Hayata beat Alvaro Robles secured slot in the
are scheduled for the third day, by Humaid bin Mohammed Puerto Rico’s pair of Daniel quarterfinals after they stunned
Gonzalez and Adriana Diaz 3-0 Hong Kong duo of NG Wing Lam
6 races for Al Yethaa category al Jenaibi. ‘Musyha, owned by
(11-3, 11-5, 11-3) to advance into and Wong Chun Ting 3-2 in a tight
for 5 km, 3 races for Thanayaa Mohammed bin Shutayet al quarterfinals of mixed doubles clash. Mixed pair of Singapore
category for 6 km and 3 races for Habsi, snatched the eighth round, event at WTT Contender Muscat comprising Wong Xin Ru and Pang
Al Hool category for 6 km. ‘Shaheen’, owned by Nasser bin 2023 on Wednesday. Harimoto Yew En Koen will meet the Spanish
At Barka track on Wednesday, Al Abed al Harsosi, claimed the and Hayata will meet their paddlers in the quarterfinal as they
‘Shorot’ and ‘Zeyarah’, owned ninth round, 10th race was won teammates Miwa Harimoto and won against Anna Hursey and Liam
Sora Matsushima in the Pitchford 3-1.
by Amer bin Salim al Zaree, by ‘Ramez’, owned by Al Hamdi quarterfinals as they defeated Zhu Oman’s doubles duo of
snatched the two opening titles in bin Salim al Daree, the 11th race Chengzhu and Lam Siu Hang from Muhanad al Balushi and Asad al
human rider races. was claimed by ‘Melan’, owned by Hong Kong 3-1 (13-11, 11-7, 7-11, Raisi received a 3-0 loss against
‘Al Shaheanyah’, owned Khalifa bin Hoeden al Mahri and 11-5). Bence Majoros and Avatar Nandor
Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto Ecseki from Hungary. The triumph
by Saud bin Salim al Manee, finally ‘Mukhaseem’, owned by also sealed berth in the last 16
emerged winner in first 6 km Said bin Ali al Malki, claimed the moved the Hungarian paddlers to
round in the men’s singles event as
the quarters.
race, the second race was won by honours in the last round. he defeated Martin Allegro from
Sweden’s men’s doubles team
‘Al Aalamyah’, owned by Hamed The top ten winners in all Belgium 3-1 (12-10, 11-9, 7-11,
11-2). Japan’s Hina Hayata also featuring Anton Kallberg and
bin Mohammed al Wahibi, the races (88 rounds) will get cash Kristian Karlsson registered a 3-1
progressed to the last 16 round in
third race was won by ‘Al Wadeh’, Hamed al Zaree, ‘Mohatem’ al Ghufali, snatched the eighth prizes. the women’s singles event as she win over South Korea’s Lim
owned by Hamood bin Abdullah finished first in sixth race, owned round, ‘Nassee’, owned by The fourth national race beat Tatiana Kukulkova 3-0. Jonghoon and An Jaehyun to
al Moharbi and the fourth race by Salim bin Al Beed al Wahibi, Waleed bin Sulaiman al Rushaidi, will be held from October 31 The third edition of WTT enter the quarterfinals. The
Contender Muscat 2023 reached Swedish paddlers will meet
was won by ‘Jalmodah’ owned by the seventh race was won by ‘Al claimed the ninth round, 10th to November 2 at Al Bashayer
to its excited final rounds. On Germany’s Dang Qiu and Benedikt
Mohsin bin Ali al Wahibi. Shaheanyah’, owned by Hamood race was won by ‘AlHaylah’, Camel Racing Track in Adam Thursday, the mega event will Duda as they beat Li Hon Ming
‘Khazamah’ claimed the fifth bin Hamed al Wahibi. ‘Khayal, owned by Naseer bin Salim and in Royal Camel Crops (RCC) feature Round of 16 matches of (Hong Kong) and Ludovic Gombos
race, owned by Humaid bin owned by Abdullah bin Sultan al Masoodi, the 11th race was Field in Barka. women’s singles and men’s singles (USA).
 sport
OMANDAILYOBSERVER
T H U R S DAY l O C TO B E R 1 2 l 2 0 2 3 11
Alcaraz dumped out by Dimitrov
the set when Alcaraz shanked his
return.
They went to a decider and an
unusually flustered Alcaraz was
broken in the third game after yet
another unforced error.
Alcaraz let out a roar of anger
as the match slipped away from Ruwi Rangers crowned champs
him.
Dimitrov held his nerve to MUSCAT: Ruwi Rangers clinched claiming a three-wicket haul.
serve out his first victory over the the first title of the 2023-24 Oman Chasing a modest target,
Spaniard on his second match domestic season in style as they Hannan Rizwan’s 60 off 57 and
cruised to a seven-wicket victory a fiery knock by Khalid Kail,
point. over Bousher Busters in the Oman who smashed 35 off 20, steered
“I knew what I had to do,” said D20 final at the Oman Cricket Rangers to victory. Wasim Ali, Aqib
Dimitrov. Academy ground in Al Amerat on Ilyas and Sufyan Mahmood picked
“I knew I had to apply constant Tuesday night. a wicket each.
The T20 tournament pitted the Rizwan was adjudged Player
pressure against him. eight top-flight teams vying for the of the Final. Aqib Ilyas of Bousher
“Even if I was down, even if coveted crown over 14 days with a Busters was adjudged the Player
my shots were not good enough, I total of 32 matches being played. of the Tournament for his allround
had to put him in uncomfortable It was the second time in the performance that saw him gather
three-year D20 tournament history 405 runs at a strike rate of 162+
positions. that Ruwi Rangers emerged and claiming nine wickets in nine
“He doesn’t like being on the as champions, having won the matches of the tournament.
back foot.” inaugural title in 2021. Defending Paul Sheridan, Oman Cricket
Alcaraz, who had been the champions Darsait Titans bowed (OC) vice-chairman, handed the
out in the Eliminator. champions trophy to Rangers’
favourite for the Shanghai crown The final was expected to be skipper Mohammed Nadeem.
Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov hits a return to Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz during the Shanghai Masters tournament. — AFP in Djokovic’s absence, said he had a thriller with both the teams Speaking after the title win,
always been up against it. reaching the summit clash with Nadeem said, “It was absolutely
SHANGHAI: Grigor Dimitrov Tsitsipas, Holger Rune and Jannik Dimitrov broke for 3-2 in the “He was on another level today, maximum number of wins in the a great tournament for us. We
fought back to beat top seed Sinner. first set with a vicious whipped this Grigor,” said Alcaraz, who group stage. Ruwi Rangers won six displayed collective team effort
of the seven games while Bousher in all departments. We have a
Carlos Alcaraz in three sets Russia’s Andrey Rublev is the forehand return. lost to Sinner in the semi-finals in Busters claimed five victories from good bunch of experience in
and reach the quarterfinals on highest remaining seed left in the Dimitrov was broken back as Beijing and won’t look back on his seven. Mohammed Naseem, Bilal Khan,
Wednesday in the latest upset at draw at five. World number one he served for the set in a riveting visit to China with much fondness In fact, Ruwi Rangers had an Kaleemullah, Karan Sonavale and
the Shanghai Masters. Novak Djokovic is not in China. 10th game involving two thrilling as a result. upper hand going into the final as myself and some young talent like
they had defeated Bousher Busters Adeeb Usmani and Khalid Kail.
The 18th seed won 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 “I’m still here, I’m not going rallies that both times saw Alcaraz “I was all the time defending, in Qualifier 1. Bousher Busters I thank our team management,
against an out-of-sorts Alcaraz as anywhere,” the 32-year-old come out on top. I could not find the way to put then booked a place in the final co-owner Chaitanya Khimji, team
the Bulgarian steps up his pursuit Dimitrov said after dismissing Alcaraz held and then broke myself in a position to attack.” after they defeated Amerat Royals manager Vinu Mathew and our
of a first ATP title since 2017. Alcaraz. again to wrap the set up in just The efficient Rublev beat the in Qualifier 2. Amerat Royals had coach Prashant Chandran. We
won the Eliminator against Darsait also thank Oman Cricket and the
He will next face the 22nd- Spain’s Alcaraz, the world under an hour. American 12th seed Tommy Paul Titans. ground team staff for providing us
seeded Nicolas Jarry after the number two, was chasing a But rather than power on to 7-5, 7-5 in their last-16 encounter Put to bat, Bousher Busters excellent facilities.”
Chilean defeated wild card Diego seventh tour-level title of the victory, Alcaraz let the match get in the late-night match. had a decent start as Mohammed Duleep Mendis, OC Chief
Schwartzman 6-3, 5-7, 6-3. season but he uncharacteristically away from him. Rublev meets Ugo Humbert of Adeeb Usmani playing a sedate Development Officer handed the
innings of 69 off 61 balls. They runners-up trophy to Bousher
The first Shanghai Masters crumbled after winning the first The clean-hitting Dimitrov France in the quarter-finals after were restricted to a paltry 133, Busters skipper Sufyan Mahmood
since the pandemic has opened set. gathered himself to race into a the 32nd seed demolished JJ Wolf, with Rangers’ pace duo of Bilal while Ashley Fernandes, ITW,
up for Dimitrov after the exits The 20-year-old Alcaraz 2-0 lead in the second set, then also of the United States, 6-1, 6-2 Khan and Kaleemulaah picking presented the Player of the Final
of Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos took time to find his range and broke again for 5-2, before sealing in just 57 minutes. —AFP two wickets each and Sanju Sajeev trophy to Hannan Rizwan.

Aditya to skipper Oman in

ACC U19 Premier Cup BankMuscat honours 20 Green Sports teams

MUSCAT: Aditya Gurumukhi and newcomers. The team

will lead a bunch of talented has been training hard from
Oman U19 cricketers at the past two months, which
the forthcoming ACC U19 included a few practice games
Premier Cup Malaysia with quality senior sides and
2023, which will be played inter-squad games to work on
from October 13-24. match situations.
The U19 50-over “The boys are confident
tournament, organised by the and positive. We are looking MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the the sports and cultural domains. The for young Omanis to develop their also emphasised that the winning
Asian Cricket Council (ACC), forward to play quality cricket leading financial service provider support provided by the programme talents, thanking the teams for sports team will successfully
is a qualifying event for the in the coming few days. We in the Sultanate of Oman, recently includes greening of football pitches, their cooperation in making the complete developing the green fields
ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup to be certainly aim to do well and organised an event celebrating the water desalination and lighting. In programme a grand success. partnering with the bank, thanking
held in Pakistan in bring glory, more importantly, 20 winning teams for this year’s addition, the programme annually He also emphasised that Bank Bank Muscat for this one-of-a-kind
December this year. qualify for the Asia Cup.” 12th edition of the ‘Green Sports’ receives excellent participation Muscat will continue supporting communal and societal initiative
Oman have been placed The top three teams from programme, with the attendance by sports teams from across the and developing the Green Sports that contributes to the achievement
in Group B in the 16-team the tournament will qualify for of Shaikh Waleed bin Khamis governorates desiring to enhance programme to keep pace with of direct and indirect objectives.
tournament along with Qatar, the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup. al Hashar, Bank Muscat Chief green spaces for the Omani youth the recent developments in this From his side, Juma Bin Abdullah
China and fancied UAE. OMAN U19 SQUAD Executive Officer, in addition to to improve their sporting skills by prominent sector, especially when it Al Sulaimi, the manager of the Itihad
The other three groups Aditya Gurumukhi (C), Aryan Bisht other executives from the bank and equipping these spaces with sports comes to equipping the green spaces Imti Sports and Cultural Team from
comprise Nepal, Bahrain, Saudi (VC), Narayana Satish, Mustaqeem representatives of the winning sports facilities. This year, 124 teams have with modern infrastructure facilities Izki, also said the programme plays
Arabia, and Iran in Group A, Asif, Ashish Valappil, Rahil teams. competed, thereby asserting the necessary to create an ideal platform a vital role in enhancing the sports
Singapore, Kuwait, Thailand, Habibulla, Varshieth Sai, Prathiesh Since its inauguration in 2012, programme’s success and popularity for social engagement among the teams’ contribution to developing
HR, Arafat Islam, Giriharan K,
and Maldives in Group Aditya Girish, Saumya Sampat, the programme has benefitted 183 among Omani youth. youth, encouraging the winning the Omani community and
C and Hong Kong, Malaysia, Adharsh Srinivasan, Wajih Abbas. teams with over 50,000 members During the celebration, Sami Bait sports teams to continue their efforts enhancing the infrastructure needed
Japan, and Indonesia in Group Officials: Coach: Syed Aamir across the Sultanate of Oman. These Rashid, Assistant General Manager, to serve the community better at the to improve the football green fields.
D. The matches will will be Kaleem, assistant coach: Amir Ali, sports teams attract a large number Meethaq Personal Banking, Bank sports, social, and cultural levels. Expressing his pride in being one of
manager: Sher Mohammed, and
staged at three venues. The top physio: Sarvanan T of young people in Oman, helping Muscat, said that year after year, Expressing his happiness and the winning teams and happiness
teams from each group will Oman’s games (all matches them showcase their talents and the programme sees excellent pride in the Kamazar Sports Team with the support provided by the
qualify for the semifinals. begin at 5.30am, Oman time): providing them with opportunities participation by sports teams from from Khasab Musandam, Shaikh program, Al Sulaimi further added
Speaking ahead of the Oct 13: Oman vs Qatar (YSD UKM for physical, emotional, and mental across Oman confirming the bank’s Zaid bin Mohammed al Kamzari, that this programme is of huge
Oval), Oct 16: Oman vs UAE (YSD
team’s departure, Oman coach UKM Oval), Oct 18: Oman vs
development. tremendous support in making the the winning sports team manager, importance in terms of improving
Syed Aamir Kaleem said: China (Bayuemas Oval); Oct 22: The Green Sports programme programme a great success among said that ‘Green Sports’ represents an the Omani youth’s sporting skills
“The squad is balanced with Semifinals; Oct 24: Final and 3/4th is one of the bank’s flagship CSR the Omani youth. He further added important initiative for developing and equipping them with convenient
a combination of experienced place. programmes aiming at sporting that it will continue its commitment the sporting skills and talents of space to practice various cultural
skills of the Omani talented youth in to providing ample opportunities the Omani youth. Al Kamzari and sporting activities.
 OMANDAILYOBSERVER

T H U R S DAY l O C TO B E R 1 2 l 2 0 2 3

ROHIT FLATTENS AFGHANISTAN

I N D I A P O S T S E C O N D W I N A F T E R 8 - W I C K E T R O M P

NEW DELHI: World Cup trigger a mini-collapse denying the

hosts India cantered to their Afghans a late flourish that could
second successive win of the have taken them near the 300-
tournament after captain Rohit mark.
Sharma’s incendiary century set Rohit became the first batter to
up their eight-wicket thrashing of smash five hundreds in a single
Afghanistan on Wednesday. World Cup in the tournament’s
Rohit belted 131 off 84 balls, previous edition in England and
clobbering five sixes and 16 fours, Wales four years ago.
as twice champions India chased His appetite looked undimmed
down a 273-run victory target with as the elegant right-hander led
15 overs to spare at the Arun Jaitley India’s chase by example with his
Stadium. dazzling strokeplay.
Virat Kohli made 55 not, sealing Fazalhaq Farooqi suffered the
the easy win with a boundary as most as Rohit stepped out to hit
the tournament hosts maintained the left-arm quick over the long-off
their red-hot form ahead of rope and smash back-to-back fours
Saturday’s much-anticipated clash in that same over to set the tone for
against arch-rivals Pakistan in their chase.
Ahmedabad. Rashid Khan was Afghanistan’s
Electing to bat, Afghanistan best bet against a rampaging Rohit
were 63-3 in the 14th over before but the spinner was introduced
skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi only in the 15th over with India
(80) and Azmatullah Omarzai (62) sitting pretty at 125 for no loss.
combined in a 121-run stand to Rohit raced to a 63-ball
frustrate India. hundred, taking a single off
A total in the vicinity of 300 Mohammad Nabi, but Rashid
looked within their reach but struck in his third over dismissing
Afghanistan lost a clutch of wickets Ishan Kishan (47) to break the 156-
towards the end to settle for a total run opening stand.
which proved inadequate against Rohit treated Rashid with
India’s formidable batting line-up. disdain, hitting him for back-to-
“It was a good pitch to bat. I was back fours and following it with a
backing myself to play my natural six, but the spinner eventually had
game,” Rohit said after collecting his revenge. Rohit lost his stumps
the player-of-the-match award. to Rashid attempting a slog-sweep
“It’s my responsibility to give but Kohli stayed put to guide India
the team a good start as much as home. — Reuters
possible. It’s something I’ve done
for a while and love.
“It doesn’t always come off but
need to keep the mindset positive.”
India had to wait until the
SCOREBOARD
AFGHANISTAN
seventh over for a breakthrough R Gurbaz c Thakur b Pandya ....................21
after Hashmatullah elected to bat at I Zadran c Rahul b Bumrah .....................22
a venue, which produced a 754-run R Shah lbw Thakur ..................................16
H Shahidi lbw Kuldeep ...........................80
slugfest on Saturday. A Omarzai b Pandya ................................62
Jasprit Bumrah (4-39) drew M Nabi lbw Bumrah ...............................19
N Zadran c Kohli b Bumrah .......................2
first blood when he had Ibrahim R Khan c Kuldeep b Bumrah ...................16
Zadran caught behind for 22. M Ur Rahman not out .............................10
Naveen-ul-Haq not out .............................9
While Mohammed Siraj served Extras (b2, lb3, nb2, w8) ........................15
the occasional freebies, Bumrah Total (8 wickets, 50 overs) ............272
Fall of wickets: 1-32, 2-63, 3-63, 4-184,
stifled the Afghan batters in his 5-225, 6-229, 7-235, 8-261
impeccable first spell which read Bowling: Bumrah 10-0-39-4, Siraj 9-0-
76-0, Pandya 7-0-43-2, Thakur 6-0-31-1,
4-0-9-1. Kuldeep 10-0-40-1, Jadeja 8-0-38-0
Following the dismissal of India (target 273)
R Sharma b Rashid ............................... 131
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rahmat I Kishan c Ibrahim b Rashid ....................47
Shah, Hashmatullah forged a V Kohli not out ........................................ 55
S Iyer not out ..........................................25
121-run partnership with Omarzai Extras (b1, lb4, w10) ..............................15
to arrest their slide and frustrate Total (2 wickets, 35 overs) ............273
Fall of wickets: 1-156, 2-205
India. Bowling: Farooqi 6-0-50-0, Mujeeb 8-0-
Hardik Pandya hit the top of 64-0, Naveen 5-0-31-0, Omarzai 4-0-34-0, India’s Rohit Sharma hits a sixer. — Reuters
Nabi 4-0-32-0, Rashid 8-0-57-2
Omarzai’s off-stump and Kuldeep Result: India won by 8 wickets
Yadav removed Hashmatullah to

South Africa start as favourites against faltering Aussies

F
ive times World Cup 2-0 down to beat the Australians 3-2 Makram, Rassie van der Dussen, African juggernaut. In the past World
champions Australia clash and would like to continue that when Henrich Klassendn and David Miller Cup, noticeably the 1999 World Cup,
against an in-form South they meet them at Lucknow pitch. all looking in prime form. Australia Australia won two games against
Africa in Lucknow on Australia’s problem is spin and skipper Pat South Africa from a losing position to
Thursday and will have to South Africa have willy Keshav Cummins win that World Cup and go on to win
up their game and get their first points Maharaj and Chinaman Tabraiz will have in 2003 and 2007 too but South Africa
of the World Cup after going down to Shamsi along with Aiden Makram to get his will hope they can turn this time
India in their first game. South Africa ANIS SAJAN who too is quite handy with his act right in around against their rivals.
hammered the highest score so far off-spin. Whereas Australia’s containing the After a long time, South African
in the tournament against Sri Lanka Adam Zampa struggled against attacking South team looks a well-balanced side, but
and must be very high on confidence India in spin friendly conditions African batsman. can they pass the acid test of a World
against a team whom they have not in Chennai. Mitchell Starc and Cup where they have faltered at the
done well in World Cups. South Africa’s batting Josh Hazzelwood both end many times, time will tell but
In the 5-match series before the looks very strong with looked good against India and watch out for this South African side
World Cup, South Africa came from Quinton de Cock, Aiden will hope to stop the South today.
THURSDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2023 | RABEE AL AWWAL 26, 1445 AH

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Pact signed to develop sustainable aviation fuel in Oman

MUSCAT: The Civil Aviation plans aimed at achieving zero potential in the field of green
Authority (CAA) signed a joint neutrality by 2050 and working fuel, especially with regard to
memorandum of cooperation with partners in this field, which the possibility of producing
with the OQ Group and Sky allows for evaluating the best ways sustainable aviation fuel, which
Energy Company to study the to enhance the green economy. contributes to reducing carbon
development of a facility to Al Abri stressed CAA’s emissions resulting from the
manufacture sustainable aviation continuous work to enhance aviation industry in the medium
fuel in the Sultanate of Oman. efforts to reduce the and long term.
The signatory parties will environmental impacts of civil This, according to him, is
identify the basic capabilities aviation activities in accordance compatible with the government’s
necessary to establish a unit in with the Civil Aviation Law issued plans to reach zero neutrality by
this field and build capabilities by by Royal Decree No. 76/2019, 2050 and position the Sultanate of
benefiting from global expertise in which gave CAA the authority to Oman as a global centre for green
this field. issue regulations to protect the industries. For his part, Meijerink
The memorandum of environment from the effects of added that this partnership reflects
cooperation also stipulates civil aviation activities based on the efforts made by the Civil
examining the technologies used international standards and the Aviation Authority and the OQ
in manufacturing sustainable legislation in force in Oman in Group in promoting green fuel in
green aviation fuel. coordination with the relevant the Sultanate of Oman, stressing
Eng Nayef bin Ali al Abri, Ghalib bin Said al Maamari and Oscar Meijerink pose for photo during the ceremony.
The agreement was signed authorities. the company’s commitment to
by Eng Nayef bin Ali al Abri, Meanwhile, Al Maamari supporting these efforts and
President of the Civil Aviation Alternative Energy Sector at OQ at Sky Energy. Sultanate of Oman playing a vital said that this step reflects the harnessing its capabilities and
Authority, Ghalib bin Said al Group, and Oscar Meijerink, This strategic cooperation role in the production and use of continued exploration of the expertise in the field of sustainable
Maamari, Vice-President of General Manager of Future Fuels reflects the shared vision of the green fuel by implementing joint Sultanate of Oman’s promising aviation fuel globally. — ONA

$7.5m polymer products project to

come up in Samayil Industrial City
FAO says coastal women
BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, OCT 11
play vital role in Oman’s
Oranss Technology Company and Mobel Polymers
have signed an agreement to establish polymer
products manufacturing factory in Samayil Industrial
fisheries sector
City, with an investment value of $7.5 million for its
initial phase. QASIM AL MAASHANI
An agreement was signed by the Public MUSCAT, OCT 11
Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) for
The partnership represents the strong bond between the
setting up a polymer products manufacturing factory Sultanate of Oman and Egypt.
The fisheries sector in Oman
in Samayil Industrial City with an investment of $7.5 plays an important role in
million in the first phase. Numani pointed out that the factory’s output will achieving food security and
Signing on behalf of the project investors serve as a pivotal source of raw materials for various eradicating poverty, according
were Sharifa al Numani, Chairperson of Oranss manufacturing sectors within Oman, which were to Hasna al Harthiyah ,
Technology Board of Directors, and Dr Hany Makary, previously reliant on imports, thereby catalysing the Assistant Representative of
Chairman of Mobel Polymers Board of Directors. growth of Omani industries. the Food and Agricultural
The signing took place in the presence of Eng “The partnership forged between Oranss Organisation (FAO) in the
Dawood bin Salim al Haddabi, CEO of Madayn, Technology and Mobel Polymers represents the Sultanate of Oman. More than
on the sidelines of the Home and Building Expo at strong bond between the Sultanate of Oman and 90 per cent of fisheries in the
Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Egypt, encouraging innovation, economic growth, country are small-scale, and
Commenting on this agreement, Sharifa al and international cooperation,” she said. coastal women play a vital Despite their important
role in the sector, specifically contributions, coastal women
in post-harvest activities, she More than 90% in Oman often face challenges
noted. in access to markets, finance,
The FAO recently conducted
of fisheries in the and training.
a socio-economic survey in country are small- FAO is working with the
cooperation with the Ministry scale, and coastal government and other partners
of Agriculture, Fisheries and women play a vital to address these challenges and
Water Resources on the cost of empower coastal women to
production in fisheries.
role in the sector, play an even greater role in the
The survey showed that specifically in post- fisheries sector. For example,
small-scale fisheries generated harvest activities FAO is implementing a project
high returns from investments to develop the capacities
and showed good economic HASNA AL of coastal women in small-
performance. This is due to scale fisheries. The project is
the good management and HARTHIYAH providing training in a variety
abundance of the productive Assistant Representative, of areas, including business
marine resources of the FAO Oman management, marketing,
country. and food processing. FAO
The value of production in a variety of tasks, including is also working to connect
was estimated at about RO 240 collecting shells, picking sea coastal women to markets and
million and the average landed cucumbers and collecting financial services.
value was RO 0.7 / kg. oysters, sewing nets, and By supporting coastal
The survey also highlighted manufacturing and marketing women, FAO is helping to
the vital role that coastal marine products. Some also ensure the sustainability of the
women play in fishing activities help their husbands and family fisheries sector in Oman and
along the entire coast. members with artisanal fishing improving the livelihoods of
Coastal women are involved activities. coastal communities.
advertorials
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14 OMANDAILYOBSERVER
T H U R S DAY l O C TO B E R 1 2 l 2 0 2 3

FORD UNVEILS NEXT-GEN Ooredoo celebrates strong

enterprising women across Oman
FORD EVEREST IN OMAN
MUSCAT: Recently Ford Motor ambient lighting and a dual-panel
Company unveiled the all- sunroof.
new Ford Everest 4x4 SUV at On the outside, the Limited
an exclusive GCC distributor comes with exclusive 21-inch
meet in Oman. Providing on- alloy wheels and a variety of
ground support was Ford’s chrome accents.
Oman distributor — Arabian Car The Next-Gen Ford Everest
Marketing Company. is also equipped with an 8- inch
The Next-Gen Ford Everest digital instrument panel in
made its Middle East debut for addition to large, high-resolution
the first time ever, blending portrait 10.1-inch or best-in-class Participants of the sixth Ooredoo Omani Women’s Incubators Forum
adventure-ready capability 12-inch touchscreens.
with exceptional comfort and Next-Gen Ford Everest is MUSCAT: Marking Omani Women’s incubators also
customer-focused technology in a loaded with Ford’s latest SYNC 4A Women’s Day, Ooredoo showcased their products
rugged, refined, and fun-to-drive system, which comes customer- recently held the sixth from which winners were
SUV. ready with its voice-activated Ooredoo Omani Women’s selected.
Engineered to excite, the market, to meet the needs of Ford a svelte new leather trimmed communications, entertainment, Incubators Forum under the Moreover, an upcoming
Next-Gen Ford Everest has been customers. e-Shifter, and an electric parking and information systems. auspices of HH Sayyidah skills and creativity workshop
built for the adventurous – with Everest’s wider track and longer brake. The Ford Everest will soon be Meyyan bint Shihab al was introduced, while
capability at its core. Inside, wheelbase enabled designers Access to the third row is much available at Ford showrooms in Said and in collaboration sessions focused on social
premium levels of craftsmanship to create a more progressive, easier thanks to second-row seats Oman. Arabian Car Marketing with the Ministry of Social media content creation,
have created a quiet and refined muscular appearance. Designers that slide further forward than Company has been bringing Development. empowering small and
sanctuary for up to seven, while also put a lot of thought into the before. smiles to customers with Ford’s The event brought together medium enterprises, and the
class-leading technology and function and feel of the interior, Additionally, all occupants spectacular range of vehicles for participants in Ooredoo’s art of merchandising.
safety features offer driver and taking inspiration from modern now have places to store their more than three decades. With women-dedicated incubators Other activities included
passengers comfort and peace of homes and bringing in plush things and depending on the its team of talented professionals, to celebrate their projects and the ‘Best Omani Traditional
mind on every journey. materials, premium finishes, model, charge their devices with easy availability of spare parts ability to achieve a work-life Dress and Poetry’ contests.
To showcase this, three trims and ambient lighting in areas power outlets in all three rows. and full-fledged service facilities, balance, while contributing to The Omani Women’s
of the Next-Gen Ford Everest customers will appreciate them The Everest Limited trim Arabian Car Marketing Company Oman’s economy. Incubators Forum was partly
were presented at the reveal; XLS, best. further elevates the interior and enhanced experiences for Ford Ooredoo believes that supported by Otaxi Oman
XLT and Limited. A range of The XLT and Limited trims are exterior experience with a best-in- customers, giving them several supporting the skills and part of the ‘Ooredoo
different variants and models will equipped with integrated wireless class Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker opportunities to enjoy a fulfilling development of strong Goodwill’ programme, which
be available, depending on the charging, while all series receive system delivering premium audio ownership period. Omani women drives covers various CSR activities
growth for their families, and initiatives enabling
communities, and the Ooredoo to make a real

Unimoni opens remodelled branch in Avenues Mall economy.

After all, “women hold up
half the sky,” as the saying
difference in the communities
it serves.
To date, at least ten
goes, and, in Oman, women thousand Omani women
MUSCAT: Unimoni Exchange, With more space and new multiple touch-points such as retail were once famously described have benefitted from
a leading remittance and foreign look, it gives a fresh feel to our stores, digital and mobile solutions, by His late Majesty Sultan Ooredoo’s incubators.
exchange brand in the Sultanate of customers with same commitment and self-service kiosks, across the Qaboos as one of the wings These learning hubs
Oman, has opened its refurbished of unmatched customer service. Sultanate of Oman. Oman requires to “soar high” support them in developing
branch in Avenues Mall, with a Our remodelled branch is Unimoni Oman commenced its in that same sky like a bird. skills and setting up
fresh look and feel, the new location well equipped to provide greater operation in the Sultanate of Oman The event celebrated the businesses in information
is spacious and bright with modern experiences and enhanced in the year 1995. ‘Upgrade Your Incubator’ technology, beauty, cooking,
fitout and technology, which makes convenience to the customers. The brand offers its customers competition held for Omani sewing, and handicrafts.
it more convenient for our valued We look forward to welcoming money transfer and foreign women to win prizes Through such initiatives,
customers. our existing and new customers,” exchange services. towards the digitalisation Ooredoo acts as a catalyst to
“In our constant endeavour said Boban MP, CEO Unimoni An ISO-certified brand and of marketing by using build a supportive ecosystem
to provide the best customer Oman. member of prestigious global technology and social media and empower women
experience we are glad to open our Unimoni Oman offers a suite associations have been recognised to drive the visibility and with skills, visibility, and a
refurbished outlet in the Avenues Unimoni Exchange’s remodelled branch of services for consumers and and awarded for its quality and profitability of their projects. network.
Mall, Al Ghubra. in Avenues Mall corporates, delivered through business excellence over the years.

Interns get to work after being selected

for OAB’s Ruwad Al Arabi programme
MUSCAT: 30 young Omani Al Muaiyid al Khalasi, a participant
prodigies began their journeys in Ruwad Al Arabi who is a
with Oman Arab Bank (OAB) graduate of the University of
OOMCO celebrates further by participating in the Ruwad
Al Arabi (Leaders of Tomorrow)
Technology and Applied Sciences
said: “Being part of this initiative

operations expansion in Saudi Internship Programme.

The interns are currently
has already given me a true image
of corporate life and work, with a
gaining hands-on experience great understanding of how things
MUSCAT: Marking the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s 93rd National Day, Oman across various banking operate behind the scenes in the
Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) recently celebrated opening three departments, providing them with banking sector.
additional service stations in the Western Region. The company’s network in a unique opportunity to develop So far, I have been lucky
KSA expanded this year by 10 sites bringing the total number of operational their skills and knowledge in a enough to work on several events,
service stations to 26.
The Oman-based fuel marketer announced that it aims to operate 30 real-world setting. which gave me an appreciation
stations across Saudi Arabia by the end of 2023, which aligns with its aim to The programme has received of event management and the
become one of the top five fuel marketers in the Gulf Cooperation Council by an overwhelming response from people who work in this area, as
2026. young Omanis, with around 2,000 30 young Omani interns began their journeys with OAB’s internship programme well as observing the team during
OOMCO celebrated Saudi National Day at select service stations across the
rapidly developing Kingdom. It hosted festive and family-friendly activities applicants vying for the prestigious negotiations and improving my
at three of its sites in Jeddah in the West and at four stations in Al Ahsa, internship programme. University This educational journey marketing, and finance. They comprehension of that aspect of
Dammam, and Al Qatif in the East. and college graduates were promises to be mutually beneficial also had the opportunity to meet, the business. I’m excited to learn
“The International Monetary Fund recently confirmed that the Kingdom carefully selected after a thorough in terms of what they will learn be trained, and be mentored by much more in the weeks ahead.”
of Saudi Arabia was the fastest growing G20 economy in 2022.
By further expanding our operations, we are not only serving a vast interview process, ensuring and what we will learn from them. experienced OAB professionals. The goal of Ruwad Al Arabi is
market with a multitude of opportunities, but we are also allowing our that the most enthusiastic, During their 12 months with us, The one-year programme to improve the employability of
business to grow. hardworking and willing-to-learn they can expect to grow and learn provides participants with young Omanis while growing the
We are pleased an Omani has successfully travelled across borders,” said graduates were chosen. new skills, making them ready for meaningful work experience workforce.
Jaber Mansour al Wahaibi, General Manager of International Retail, Business
Development, Strategic Planning, Marketing and Digital at Oman Oil Sulaiman al Harthy, CEO of work. I can already see that we and the skills required to bolster As OAB celebrates its
Marketing Company. Oman Arab Bank, said: “I have have unearthed some talents who employment prospects within, or 50th anniversary, the bank’s
Serving a wide variety of customer segments and as part of its non-fuel been delighted to see so many will undoubtedly be assets to the outside, the banking sector. commitment to nurturing young
growth and retail transformation process, OOMCO service stations have enthusiastic young new faces bank.” With such an initiative, OAB talent and promoting financial
developed into welcoming one-stop destinations where customers can buy joining the organisation as Ruwad Ruwad Al Arabi interns have is not only investing in the literacy is a testament to its
quality fuel, lubricants, and other products and services.
OOMCO’s successful business model is a source of competitive advantage Al Arabi really kicks into gear, been actively involved in various future of the banking industry, dedication to the people of Oman
transferable across the region and Africa, including Tanzania and Egypt, bringing a wealth of fresh ideas departments, including customer but also contributing to the and its vision for a prosperous
among the other key growth markets for the Oman-based fuel marketer. and energy to the bank. experience, digital banking, development of Oman’s economy. future.
 business
business OMANDAILYOBSERVER
T H U R S DAY l O C TO B E R 1 2 l 2 0 2 3 15
Weed growth erodes output of Omani wheat: Study
QASIM AL MAASHANI illegal imported herbicides. and raising awareness among
MUSCAT, OCT 11 Nevertheless, due to a lack of farmers about the significance of
knowledge and technical expertise weed management and the safe
A comprehensive research study in deploying chemical pesticides and effective use of herbicides
conducted at Sultan Qaboos for weed control, this approach has According to Eng Fael al Jahfali
University has revealed a not proven effective in curbing the of the Ministry of Agriculture,
persistent issue in the extensive economic losses caused by weeds. Fisheries and Water Resources,
wheat fields of Najd in Dhofar The team’s conclusion emphasised invasive weeds pose a significant
Governorate: the rampant growth the urgent need for proactive threat crop cultivation in Dhofar
of weeds. and effective weed management Governorate, with resultant
These weeds relentlessly strategies in wheat fields. impacts for the environment,
compete with wheat plants for Implementing these strategies livestock and agricultural
essential resources such as food, is projected to increase wheat production.
water and sunlight, ultimately production by 20-30 per cent, He called for collaborative
leading to reduced yields and thereby contributing significantly efforts involving specialised
economic returns for farmers. to Oman’s pursuit of food security. institutions, farmers, and other
The study, titled “Effective The research team has proposed stakeholders to implement
Strategies for Weed Management a set of measures to combat the effective control measures,
in Wheat Fields to Enhance weed problem in wheat fields, including planting resistant
Food Security,” was conducted thereby contributing to enhanced varieties, chemical control and
by a team of experts: Dr food security and environmental mechanical control.
Mohammed Farouk, Head of the Wheat cultivation is an increasingly important agricultural activity in Oman. protection. Al Jahfali highlighted that
Plant Sciences Department and These measures include: Using invasive weeds can reduce
Associate Professor; Dr Walid bin The research team closely decomposed, and unheated costly and inefficient mechanical certified wheat seeds free of weed agricultural crop production,
Mubarak al Busaidi, a Gardening observed a mix of fine grasses and animal manure, significantly control methods. seeds; applying well-decomposed harm trees and wild plants, deplete
Researcher; and Dr Ali bin broad-leaved herbs in the Najd contributed to the proliferation of The team also highlighted the animal manure; implementing soil fertility, and increase the risk
Masoud al Subhi, a Researcher wheat fields. They found that the weeds. fact that chemical pesticides for integrated weed management of desertification. Some invasive
specialising in Plant Diseases, in use of wheat seeds containing Unfortunately, many farmers weed control are prohibited in (IWM) practices that combine weed types have adapted to the
the Faculty of Agricultural and harmful weed seeds, along with have been neglecting proper weed the Sultanate of Oman. However, cultural, mechanical, biological, desert environment, making them
Marine Sciences. the application of fresh, partially management, often relying on some farmers have resorted to and chemical control methods; even more challenging to control.

Integrated residential Oman oil exports reach 205 million barrels until end-August
neighbourhoods MUSCAT: The total quantity of oil exports of
the Sultanate of Oman by end of August 2023
reached 205.012 million barrels, by calculating
countries reached 6.748 million barrels.
The data pointed out the total domestic
production and import of natural gas amounted

showcased at Home the average price per barrel at $79.8. The

country’s oil exports represented 80.1 per cent of
its total oil production, reaching 255.814 million
to 35.860 billion cubic metres till end of August
2023, up by 1.8 per cent, compared to the
same period in 2022, when the total domestic
barrels. production and import of natural gas at that time

& Building Expo The statistics data issued by the National

Centre for Statistics and Information showed the
total production of crude oil in Oman decreased
was 35.242 billion cubic metres.
Statistics showed that the industrial projects
accounted for 58.5 per cent of natural gas uses
by 2.5 per cent, reaching 199.497 million barrels, in the Sultanate of Oman till the end of August
while the total production of the condensate 2023, where uses for industrial projects reached
oil increased by 7.4 per cent, reaching 56.316 20.968 billion cubic metres.
million barrels. The average daily production of The total use of natural gas by oil fields
oil reached 1.052 million barrels till end of August An oil rig in Oman is seen in this illustration picture. reached 9.011 billion cubic metres, the uses of
2023. natural gas by the power plants reached 5.704
China has topped the oil-importing countries million barrels, followed by Japan with 7.384 billion cubic metres, and 175.200 million cubic
from the Sultanate of Oman at end of August million barrels, then India with 2.716 million metres of natural gas used by industrial estates in
2023, with total exports amounting to 186.212 barrels, while the oil exports of Oman to other the Sultanate of Oman till end of August 2023.

One of the exhibits is seen at the Home & Building Expo.

OCCI participates in governance
NASRULAH AL AJMI
MUSCAT, OCT 11
opportunities for residents.
These housing options are both
modeling conference in Istanbul
diverse and characterised by
The Integrated Residential their distinctive designs, which BUSINESS REPORTER
Neighbourhoods Programme hold the potential to stimulate MUSCAT, OCT 11
(Souroh) — a far-reaching economic growth in the region.
sustainable housing solution On display at the Home & The Oman Chamber of Commerce
supported by the Ministry of Building Expo is the model of and Industry (OCCI) participated
Housing and Urban Planning Al Naseem neighbourhood, a in the ‘Governance Modeling
(MoHUP) — is among the flagship of the Ministry’s Souroh Roadmap to Stimulate Sustainable
key attractions of the Home initiative. The exhibit offers Development’ conference, in
& Building Expo currently a glimpse into the Ministry’s Istanbul on October 10-12, 2023.
underway at Oman Convention vision by showcasing its target The Chamber’s participation
and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). audience, available facilities and aims to activate the principle
The Souroh housing initiative services. of governance and urge private
exemplifies the Ministry’s As the pioneering residential sector institutions and companies
commitment to promoting development under the to apply governance in procedures
sustainable urban planning and Ministry’s purview, Al Naseem and businesses in a way that
revitalising the housing and real neighbourhood is poised to have creates a competitive environment
estate sector. a substantial economic impact in capable of keeping pace with
A crucial focal point in Oman. regional and global changes
this year’s October Urbanism In addition to spotlighting in order to invest in available
campaign is the Ministry’s active Al Naseem neighbourhood, the opportunities and enhance Delegates are seen during the conference.
participation in the Home & Ministry has unveiled site plans economic competitiveness.
Building Expo 2023. Through for the development of new The delegation was headed justice. us to learn about the importance of the institutions under my
its presence at the 3-day expo, integrated neighbourhoods in by Eng Ibrahim bin Abdullah For his part, Dr Yahya bin of governance in managing management and responsibility,
the Ministry is keen to introduce other parts of Oman. al Hosni, Chairman of OCCI’s Khamis al Husseini, member companies’ business and expansion and growth will not be
its landmark housing initiative, These new sites are Digital Economy and Artificial of OCCI’s Labour Market controlling the quality of executive achieved unless there is a system
among other projects, to a strategically designed to align Intelligence Committee, who Committee, presented a processes in institutions.” characterised by honesty, integrity
broader audience. with the objectives of October stressed that governance is paper entitled “Indicators of Karim al Balushi, an Omani and transparency.”
The Souroh programme Urbanism, which places a strong an important element for the sustainable development and delegate, said that he benefited Another delegate, Omar al
serves a dual purpose: the emphasis on creating a culture of success of any institution and their relationship to governance”, from discussions with a group Mundhiri said that participation
construction of comprehensive sustainable urban planning and the implementation of its presenting the experience of of businessmen, lawyers and in the conference enriched the
residential neighbourhoods flexible adaptability to changing development strategy capable of the Sultanate of Oman”, where lecturers at the conference audience about the concept
from the ground up, beginning life dynamics. achieving the goals. He added it is discussed sustainable who have experience and high of governance and its role in
with essential infrastructure The goal is to construct an the conference worked on laws development indicators, their academic degrees and who have institutions and companies.
and extending to recreational urban economy that caters to and legislation and their impact availability, the challenges facing extensive experience in the field Several topics on governance
facilities, while also nurturing the needs of both individuals on implementing the good their application, and current and of governance. He added, “As a and the problems arising from
the growth of sustainable and communities, generating governance system and enhancing future work to address them. businessman in Oman and one not applying the correct rules of
communities that generate employment opportunities and combating corruption to achieve Meanwhile, Fahd al Sunaidi of those who aspire to continue governance and solutions to them
investment and employment fostering economic growth. a system of transparency and said, “This participation allowed and work to expand the activities were discussed.
 16 Opinion THURSDAY OCTOBER 12, 2023
OMAN DAILY OBSERVER

Citizens need to elect the best in Shura elections

I
n two weeks, the Sultanate the candidate. It will also depend best solutions to mitigate these be made accountable.
of Oman is all set to on the candidate’s relation with impacts on the local population. Today, candidates use social
hold elections for the the voter. Merit should be taken Hence the need to vote only for media and public engagements
Majlis Ash’shura 10th into account when choosing a the most responsible candidates. to reach out to their constituents.
Term. There are many candidate. Shura members or those Nowadays, voters choose their
challenges that the citizens face. It is imperative that voters elected to other representative candidates based on a loose set
The government agencies need cast their ballot for the most bodies have a great responsibility of criteria, and not on his/her
SHURA MEMBERS OR THOSE
to heed to the recommendations competent candidate. This in handling issues of import to competence. This shortcoming
ELECTED TO OTHER
and suggestions of the Majlis will ensure that only the wise, the community, and the country should be addressed, so it does
HAIDER AL LAWATI REPRESENTATIVE BODIES
Ash’shura. enlightened and responsible in general. The government, for not become a norm when future
[email protected] HAVE A GREAT
Hence the question comes... candidates will be elected to the its part, must take into account generations cast their ballots.
RESPONSIBILITY IN HANDLING
The author is a Muscat- do voters care about the electoral Majlis Ash’shura. The elected the opinions, suggestions and Today, there are dozens of
based economic analyst who ISSUES OF IMPORT TO THE
programmes presented by members should also ideally have recommendations submitted challenges facing the Omani
previously worked for the COMMUNITY, AND THE
some candidates contesting the analytical skills, deep insight by the Majlis Ash’shura. This society that require the new
CBO and OCCI COUNTRY IN GENERAL
elections which will be held on of issues of significance to approach will enhance the Majlis Ash’shura to focus on in its
October 29. his community, and issues of prestige of the elected members discussions and proposals. The
Based on feedback from the national interest. and encourage them to be issue of job-seekers, low salaries,
public, I believe that eligible voters As we are impacted by global fair and committed to their laid-off workers, supply shortfall
will choose their candidates based events and developments, it is constituents. At the same time, in housing, among other social
on their affiliations, and not the only the knowledgeable and whose actions and deeds violate and economic issues, require
capabilities and competencies of insightful can come up with the local laws and legislations must appropriate solutions.

Fragile global economy faces new crisis

T
he International
Monetary Fund
said on Tuesday
that the pace of the
global economic
recovery is slowing, a warning
that came as a new war in the
Middle East threatened to upend
a world economy already reeling ALAN RAPPEPORT
from several years of overlapping
crises. The writer is an American
journalist. He is currently an
The eruption of fighting economic policy reporter at
between Israel and Hamas over The New York Times, based
the weekend, which could sow in Washington.
disruption across the region,
reflects how challenging it has
become to shield economies
from increasingly frequent and
unpredictable global shocks. The
conflict has cast a cloud over
a gathering of top economic
policymakers in Morocco for the
annual meetings of the IMF and
the World Bank.
Officials who planned to
grapple with the lingering
economic effects of the pandemic PATRICIA COHEN
and Russia’s war in Ukraine now
face a new crisis. The writer is the global
“Economies are at a delicate economics correspondent,
based in London, and the
state,” Ajay Banga, the World author of “In Our Prime:
Bank president, said in an The Fascinating History and
interview on the sidelines of the Promising Future of Middle
Age” (Scribner).
annual meetings. “Having war
is really not helpful for central
banks who are finally trying to
find their way to a soft landing,” World Bank President Ajay Banga speaks on the second day of the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, in Marrakech, Morocco. — Reuters
he said. Banga was referring to
efforts by policymakers in the
West to try to cool rapid inflation Reichlin said, “we have two the likelihood of more large the euro, the IMF predicts that estimates that within the next
without triggering a recession. fronts, Russia and now the natural disasters caused by growth will slow to just 0.7% decade, trillions of dollars in
Banga said that so far, the Middle East.” climate change. this year from 3.3% in 2022. new financing will be needed
impact of the Middle East attacks Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, Europe’s economy, in Germany, Europe’s largest to mitigate devastating climate
on the world’s economy is more the IMF’s chief economist, particular, is caught in the economy, is expected to contract change in developing countries.
limited than the war in Ukraine. said it was too early to assess middle of growing global 0.5%. One of the biggest questions
That conflict initially sent oil whether the recent jump in oil tensions. Since Russia attacked High interest rates, persistent facing policymakers is what
and food prices soaring, roiling prices would be sustained. If it Ukraine in February 2022, inflation and the aftershocks impact China’s sluggish economy
global markets given Russia’s is, he said, research shows that European governments of spiralling energy prices are will have on the rest of the world.
role as a top energy producer a 10% increase in oil prices have frantically scrambled also expected to slow growth in The IMF has lowered its
and Ukraine’s status as a major would weigh down the global to free themselves from an Britain to 0.5% this year from growth outlook for China twice
exporter of grain and fertiliser. economy, reducing output 0.15% overdependence on Russian 4.1% in 2022. this year and said on Tuesday
“But if this were to spread THIS NEXT-GENERATION and increasing inflation 0.4% natural gas. Sub-Saharan Africa is also that consumer confidence
in any way then it becomes OF SOVEREIGN DEBT next year. In its latest World They have largely succeeded caught in the slowdown. Growth there was “subdued” and
dangerous,” Banga added, saying CRISIS IS PLAYING OUT Economic Outlook, the IMF by turning, in part, to suppliers is projected to shrink this year that industrial production
such a development would result IN A WORLD THAT IS underscored the fragility of the in the Middle East. by 3.3%, although next year’s is weakening. It warned that
in “a crisis of unimaginable COMING TO TERMS recovery. It maintained its global Over the weekend, the outlook is brighter, when growth countries that are part of the
proportion.” WITH A REAPPRAISAL OF growth outlook for this year European Union swiftly is forecast to be 4%. Asian industrial supply chain
Oil markets are already jittery. GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS at 3% and slightly lowered its expressed solidarity with Israel Staggering debt looms over could be exposed to this loss of
Lucrezia Reichlin, a professor IN ADDITION TO forecast for 2024 to 2.9%. and condemned the surprise many of these nations. The momentum.
at the London Business School GROWING Although the IMF upgraded attack from Hamas, which average debt now amounts In an interview on her flight to
and a former director general of GEOPOLITICAL its projection for output in controls the Gaza Strip. to 60% of the region’s total the meetings, Treasury Secretary
research at the European Central RIVALRIES. ADDED TO the United States for this year, Some oil suppliers may take output — double what it was Janet Yellen said she believed
Bank, said, “The main question is THE COMPLEXITIES ARE it downgraded the euro area a different view. Algeria, for a decade ago. Higher interest China has the tools to address
what’s going to happen to energy ESTIMATES THAT WITHIN and China while warning that example, which has increased rates have contributed to soaring a “complex set of economic
prices.” THE NEXT DECADE, distress in that nation’s real estate its exports of natural gas to Italy, repayment costs. challenges” and that she does not
Reichlin is concerned that TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS sector is worsening. criticised Israel for responding This next-generation of expect its slowdown to weigh on
another spike in oil prices would IN NEW FINANCING “We see a global economy with airstrikes on Gaza. sovereign debt crisis is playing the US economy. “I think they
pressure the Federal Reserve and WILL BE NEEDED TO that is limping along, and it’s not Even before the weekend’s out in a world that is coming face significant challenges that
other central banks to further MITIGATE DEVASTATING quite sprinting yet,” Gourinchas events, the energy transition to terms with a reappraisal of they have to address,” Yellen said.
push up interest rates, which she CLIMATE CHANGE IN said. In the medium term, “the had taken a toll on European global supply chains in addition “I haven’t seen and don’t expect a
said have risen too far too fast. DEVELOPING picture is darker,” he added, economies. to growing geopolitical rivalries. spillover onto us.”
As far as energy prices, COUNTRIES. citing a series of risks including In the 20 countries that use Added to the complexities are — The New York Times

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this page are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the opinion of the Observer.
 THURSDAY OCTOBER 12, 2023 | RABEE AL AWWAL 26, 1445 AH

Classified Section
94501166
Mohammed al Rashdi: 99841230 Ali al Maashari: 99639264 Saada al Rashdi 24649593
[email protected] [email protected] 95919344 24649595

SIT. WANTED

ACCOUNTANT
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for a suitable position.
Contact: 99685330.
Email: hussain_ca87@
yahoo.com
LIFESTYLE MUSIC
An Afghan man rides a horse as the
sun sets in Dawlatabad district of Uruguayan rock
Balkh province. — AFP band Buitres lead
singer Gabriel Peluffo
performs at the
Teatro de Verano, in
GUITAR Montevideo. — AFP

Martin Nolan,
Executive ENTERTAINMENT
Director, Chief
Financial Officer, A cyclist rides past pedestrians
and a principal of sitting on the banks of the
Julien’s Auctions, Garonne River at sunset
shows Eric Clapton next to the Dome de la Grave
Fool guitar during landmark (CL), in Toulouse,
the media preview PRINCESS southwestern France. — AFP
for Julien’s played, Britain’s Catherine, Princess of
worn, torn rock Wales, reacts during a visit to
‘roll iconic guitars Nottingham Trent University,
and memorabilia’ in Nottingham, central
in Gardena, England. — AFP
California. — AFP

THURSDAY
&
| OCTOBER 12, 2023 | RABEE AL AWWAL 26, 1445 AH

An expression of
social engagement
through art

BUTHAINA AL RIYAMI maternal love and affec-

tion.

F
or centuries, art The son sculpture is
has been known very close to the mother
for speaking on sculpture, showing the
behalf of the artist essence of expressing
and a critical response to maternal love, affection
the artist’s surroundings. and care. The harmony
Artists continue to use art between the two sculp-
to reflect their critical tures allows viewers to
perspectives on certain feel that it is exactly the
situations and discuss same as maternal love in
social situations. real life, leading to the ste-
Abdullah al Kalbani is reotype that “mother is
an Omani artist whose the only source of emo-
artworks are themed tion between parents”.
around social issues and The father sculpture is
situations because he placed a little bit far away
believes that art can from the son sculpture.
depict every psychologi- However, when the viewer
cal and social scene deep- in some of his work, he always finds himself members: mother, father deforms the father’s love. looks closer, he can see
ly. finds himself in a position drowning in its details and and son. The three sculptures that the father sculpture’s
Al Kalbani insists that where he must hold and concepts that it holds. In his work, Al Kalbani are placed very carefully attention and concern are
art is a message that plac- deliver the message of art Cats are an important ele- criticises the stereotype to convey the artist’s per- focused on his son. It can
es the onus on its people to stimulate and cause ment in this artwork, as in of the emotional role; the spective, emphasising the be seen that a father’s
to grasp. Thus, even if he social changes. most of his works. Three mother is always the presence of fatherly love love usually appears in
believes in ‘Art for the “Family” is one of the sculptures are used to source of emotion in the and affection, albeit of a different ways, always
sake of art’ and follows it artworks that Al Kalbani show different family family structure, which different nature than ready to protect.
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Riyadh
Hosts 2-Day
KCON
Concert
THE MOHAMMED Abdu Theater
in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, wit-
nessed an exceptional two-day
KCON concert that featured an
incredible lineup of artists. The
event attracted a massive crowd
of Korean music enthusiasts, who
gathered to enjoy performances
by their favourite groups.

fies the growing international col-

laboration in the music industry,
promoting cultural exchange and
bridging gaps between different
powerful and unforgettable per- communities. The event’s ability to
On the first day, the theatre attract a diverse audience from
came alive with electrifying perfor- formances, showcasing their tal-
ent and captivating the audience. various backgrounds highlights
mances from Super Junior D&E, the universal appeal of Korean
HIGHLIGHT, HYOLYN, EVERGLOW, The Mohammed Abdu Theater
was transformed into a hub of music.
KARD, 8TURN, and RIIZE. The audi- In the aftermath of the concert,
ence was treated to a series of music and entertainment,
equipped with cutting-edge sound the audience expressed their ela-
energetic and captivating shows tion and satisfaction, praising the
that left them enthralled. and lighting systems to enhance
the concert experience for the exceptional performances deliv-
The excitement continued on ered by the talented artists. The
the second day as the stage wel- attendees. Fans from across the
Kingdom and beyond gathered in success of the two-day KCON event
comed Super Junior, OH MY GIRL, at the Mohammed Abdu Theater
TEMPEST, THE NEW SIX, EVNNE, Riyadh to celebrate Korean cul-
ture and share their love for K-pop. further solidifies its position as a
ELELTZ U+P, and DREAMCATCHER. premier venue for hosting world-
These renowned groups delivered The KCON concert at the
Mohammed Abdu Theater signi- class music events in Riyadh.

grips of the last Ice Age, as human ic particles that can create spikes nario, the impact could cost us
SCIENCES hunter-gatherers eked out a liv- in radiocarbon production occur- billions, or even trillions, of dollars
ing in difficult conditions in many ring over the course of a single in lost GDP,” Heaton added.
places around the world. year,” said Edouard Bard, a pro- The trees, buried at the end of
“At the time, those living on fessor of climate and ocean evo- the last glaciation period, had
Huge ancient Earth would have likely first seen
a bright solar flare - a flash in the
lution at the Collège de France
and the research centre CEREGE.
begun to fossilise but still retained
organic material.
solar storm sky,” said Tim Heaton, a professor
of applied statistics at the
University of Leeds in England
Nine such extreme solar
storms now have been identified
using tree-ring radiocarbon evi-
“The good preservation of the
trunks and their in-life position -
still rooted, with pieces of bark
revealed by and one of the authors of the
study published in the Royal
dence, with the most recent in 774
and 993 AD.
remaining - indicate that the trees
were rather quickly buried,” said
Society’s Philosophical The largest directly observed study co-author Cécile Miramont,
tree rings in Transactions A: Mathematical,
Physical and Engineering
solar storm, called the Carrington
Event, occurred in 1859, wreaking
a professor of paleoenvironments
and paleoclimates at Aix-
Sciences journal. havoc on telegraphs and creating Marseille University in France
French Alps “Then several hours later, they
likely would have seen a huge
a nighttime aurora so bright that
birds sang as if the sun was rising.
and the research institute IMBE.
“Subfossil wood originates when
aurora in the sky that would The one 14,300 years ago would wood is buried in an anaerobic
ANNUAL GROWTH RINGS inside extend much further towards the have been something like 10 times environment, with an absence of
the ancient remains of Scots pine equator than current auroras. more severe. microbial and chemical degrada-
trees in the Southern French Alps They wouldn’t have noticed the The effects of solar storms can tion.”
have revealed evidence of the high-energy particles or been disable electronics. The researchers corroborated
largest-known solar storm, one aware that they were experienc- “If similar solar storms hap- their findings by detecting a cor-
that might have fried satellites ing a geomagnetic disturbance,” pened today, they could be cata- responding spike in another
and knocked out electricity grids Heaton added. strophic for society, as we are so chemical isotope in Greenland
had it occurred today. Energetic solar particles would reliant upon technology,” Heaton ice-cores dating to the same year.
Researchers said on Monday have flooded Earth’s upper said. “We do not know what causes
the solar storm - the sun sending atmosphere, causing a chain of “They could do enormous dam- such extreme solar storms to
a large burst of energetic parti- nuclear reactions and leading to age to our electricity grids, poten- occur, how frequently they might
cles into space - occurred 14,300 a sudden spike in production of tially causing nationwide black- occur or if we can predict them,”
years ago. Evidence for it mani- radiocarbon that would have outs lasting months, permanently Heaton said. “This is the big ques-
fested as a huge spike in radio- been absorbed into the tissue of putting satellites out of action tion: will our communications,
carbon - an isotope, or form, of growing trees. with the huge bursts of energetic electricity grids and satellites
the element carbon - detected in “About 10 years ago, scientists particles destroying their solar mostly be able to withstand their
the growth rings of the tree discovered that extreme solar panels and stopping us communi- impacts and just suffer tempo-
remains along the Drouzet River events including solar flares and cating with them, and pose severe rary effects before quickly com-
near the town of Gap. coronal mass ejections can cre- radiation risks to astronauts and ing back online? Or will they cata-
Earth at the time was in the ate short-term bursts of energet- aviation. In the worst-case sce- strophically fail?” — Reuters
 THE CHANGING
WORLD

T H U R S DAY l O C TO B E R 1 2 l 2 0 2 3
Shaddad al Musalmy

‘Waiting time
too long to
bear’
So last week my seven-yea-old son
came back from school with high fever.
As always, we first administer a par-
acetamol dose and give it some time to
react, probably around forty minutes but
whenever it reoccurs again then we opt to
take him to the nearest health centre.
Health centres are a great opportunity
for us but to be honest the reception you
get can sometimes trigger your anger
MUSIC leading to lowering your self-esteem due
to the tension of seeing different patients
with different symptoms.
As I took my son to the health centre

Music too fast for feet around 9.30 pm, the queues were not as
long as during the day. So I was glad that
we would get quick medical attention for
my son as at this moment he was having a
very high fever and very weak that he
could not even stand or sit.
I immediately rushed to the triage room.
My token was not next but I thought I
would just get some emergency help at
least to cool down his temperature but to
my surprise before I could utter a word,
the duty nurse asked me if it was my
token. I said no but...
Before I could utter out “the but,” he
ordered me rudely to go sit and wait for
my token.
I tried to murmur that he should at
least give him something to cool his fever
but he again cut my words short and told
me to sit and wait.
Honestly, at this point, I lost my temper
and asked in an angry tone. “Even in a
matter of extreme illness you can’t attend
to us even if it is not my token yet?” He still
insisted that he has other patients to han-
dle.
I know whoever comes to any hospital
has a health issue but let us be realistic.
Not every patient’s situation is like the
other’s.
Some come for results collection from
their lab blood tests, others come for rou-
tine check up while others come for minor
cases and others are seriously unwell.
The waiting list of the long queues at
health centres are frustrating. When
IT WAS FRIDAY night, tronic music tracks of liners imitate their style gy as possible, and the someone is sick, the frustration becomes
and the clubgoers in 2022 had much faster to keep up the energy in high-octane results double as one has to endure both pain and
Sputnikhalle in Münster tempos than similar the club. “You can’t just be became a staple at then waiting and in some cases triple the
were primed to go hard. songs in 2016. Specialist a grandma and go, ‘Tra- Europe’s illegal pandem- pain as suddenly you are told there is a
Decked out in black dance music publications la-la, 120 BPM,’” he said, ic-era raves. system shutdown and so you have to wait
clothes and sunglasses, like Mixmag and adding that he believed Since coronavirus-pre- much longer.
despite the dim light, the Beatportal have noted the the trend still hasn’t vention measures were To make the story short, around 12.45
young crowd chanted the trend, and many of the reached its peak. relaxed last year, the am after midnight, I was lucky enough that
name of Héctor Oaks, a buzzy DJs of the moment, In an interview, Oaks sound has now transi- it was my token but prior to seeing the
doctor, I was again kept for more than half
Spanish DJ, as he began like Ukraine’s Daria said that he began devel- tioned to the continent’s an hour due to existing patients who came
playing his signature Kolosova and Polish DJ oping his sound in 2013, clubs, including in small- in to show the doctor their ECG findings.
muscular, fast techno. VTSS, are known for by melding traditional er cities like Münster, My turn finally arrived but as I entered
Standing on top of the cranking up the speed. techno sets with other which has a population of the doctor’s room, he again said he was
club’s risers, the crowd “I see it everywhere,” genres, including trance. about 300,000. Oaks is having a quick meeting with the same duty
barely tried to keep up said Casper Tielrooij, the Music played at a higher now regularly booked at nurse who had ignored me earlier so I had
with the beat. Instead of founder of Dekmantel, a speed, he said, causes venues in Ibiza, for to sit and wait. Then the moment came
moving their legs, many label and annual elec- dancers’ hips, rather than instance, which were when I finally went in again. However, I
just oscillated their hips. tronic music festival in their feet, to resonate, fos- previously known for was told there was a sudden system shut-
Neele Hoyer, 21, a col- Amsterdam. “It’s not only tering a movement more their softer, warmer down and tokens had mixed up.
lege student attending the techno, but jungle and akin to hovering than sound. I was fed up now and decided to lay my
complaints to the doctor until he was con-
event, explained that most trance and drum and dancing. “I’ve thought Tahliah Simumba, 25, a vinced to take my son in.
other German techno bass.” He argued that about this a lot,” he added. Scottish musician who As a nation, I believe Oman can do bet-
fans of her age had devel- although the zeitgeist He recalled that the DJs as TAAHLIAH, grew ter in terms of health centres. If a vote
oped affinity for such had started to change music he played was an her following during the would be casted, the majority, if not all,
breathless music. “It’s before COVID, the faster, outlier on the European pandemic with pop- would opt for the process to be shortened.
gone totally mainstream,” harder genre of techno club scene a decade ago. inflected sets that often Taking tokens, (which sometimes are
she said. Dancing to such had “exploded during the But he partly grew a culminated at 170 BPM. In offline) then waiting for the long triage
a fast beat could some- pandemic” and tastes following at Herrensauna, a recent phone interview, room queue and then again waiting for
times be strenuous, she were partly being shaped a Berlin-based party she said that TikTok, the the long queue to see the doctor is exas-
added, but “this is what’s by young people who had known for its harder video app, has been cru- perating.
normal to us.” spent their late teens or sound. The Herrensauna cial in shaping post-pan- I personally am of the view that since it
is a health centre where they expect hun-
In recent years, Oaks, early 20s in lockdown. DJs’ 2018 appearance on demic club culture. The dreds of patients on a daily basis, then
32, has become a promi- Luigi Di Venere, a tech- the influential Boiler app, which focuses on time wasted on the triage over tempera-
nent figure in a broader no and house DJ who Room platform, which snappy clips, has a large ture, weight and blood pressure checks
trend in electronic music. often plays at Berghain, a hosts livestreamed sets, user base of techno fans, can be done right inside the doctor’s office.
While conventional tech- Berlin techno club, said was a “turning point” for and its short videos It would be better if a token leads you
no is often played at that “there’s this idea that his kind of music, he said. favour fast-paced music. directly to the doctor’s room and from
around 120 to 130 beats they need to speed things “After that, you could see She added that, as a there to the pharmacy.
per minute, Oaks and up to make up for it, and everything switched.” younger DJ raised in an We are very thankful we get medical
other DJs often play at in case it happens again.” The style’s success was online environment, her help but we also believe something better
145 or above. The result- He added that the less likely fueled by other sound was largely devel- and less frustrating can be planned. Till
ing hard-charging, break- “organic” and more developments, including oped in isolation from the next...
neck sound has become “robotic” fast music suit- the proliferation of online dance floor. “I try not to
the defining sound of ed a generation of club- DJ streams, like Hör, dur- be held back by hierar- Shaddad al Musalmy is a seasoned
Europe’s dance floors goers more connected to ing the pandemic’s lock- chical idea of what DJing Omani journalist who worked for top
since the lockdown phase online culture. downs. According to Di is,” she said. “I want to be newspapers in the country. He’s currently
of the pandemic. He argued that the Venere, because these having as much fun as one of Oman Observer’s senior editors and
contributes across different beats. His com-
A data analysis by brisk sound is partly sus- streams were often possible, and what is mentaries about life in general paints a vivid
German public broad- tained by a kind of feed- shorter than normal club DJing, after all, other than picture of the changing landscape in Oman.
caster RBB this summer back loop: As some DJs sets, DJs were pushed to playing music you like?”
found that the top elec- play faster, their co-head- squeeze in as much ener- — NYT FOR FEEDBACK, EMAIL THE AUTHOR AT
[email protected]