Blank outline maps of Oman - for schools etc
Just in case any teacher or pupil might want it, here's the link to a blank outline map of Oman.
Desert can be a challenge even for the experienced off-roader
I know this article is about UAE and doesn't mention Oman. All the same, it contains succinct advice for anyone intending to go wadi-bashing and exploring the desert in the Sultanate.
Venturing into the living vastness
The urge to explore the mysterious landscape is all too tempting for many, but the desert can be a challenge even for the experienced off-roader.
By Zoi Constantine and Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Reporters, Gulf News UAE, 30th December 2006
Dubai: Stunning, tranquil, mysterious and ever-changing. These are just some of the ways in which the UAE's vast expanses of desert have been described by those who prefer to spend their time navigating through sand dunes and sleeping under the stars.
Click here to see the map of popular desert areas in the UAE (pdf) (ed. visit the link to access the map)
However, while the urge to explore this unique, mysterious landscape is all too tempting for some, the desert can often be a challenge even for experienced off-roaders.
This hard truth was all too evident in May of this year, when the desert proved just how unpredictable an environment it can be. Two Ukrainian men were found dead after being lost for 20 hours near Ras Al Khaimah. et seq.
Venturing into the living vastness
The urge to explore the mysterious landscape is all too tempting for many, but the desert can be a challenge even for the experienced off-roader.
By Zoi Constantine and Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Reporters, Gulf News UAE, 30th December 2006
Dubai: Stunning, tranquil, mysterious and ever-changing. These are just some of the ways in which the UAE's vast expanses of desert have been described by those who prefer to spend their time navigating through sand dunes and sleeping under the stars.
Click here to see the map of popular desert areas in the UAE (pdf) (ed. visit the link to access the map)
However, while the urge to explore this unique, mysterious landscape is all too tempting for some, the desert can often be a challenge even for experienced off-roaders.
This hard truth was all too evident in May of this year, when the desert proved just how unpredictable an environment it can be. Two Ukrainian men were found dead after being lost for 20 hours near Ras Al Khaimah. et seq.
Healthcare planning forges ahead with fruitful results
By Hasan Kamoonpuri
(36th National Day briefing on healthcare in Oman)
OMAN'S healthcare sector has to its credit a host of impressive milestones in most areas, including life expectancy, infant mortality, human resources development, establishing public healthcare centres and expansion of private healthcare facilities. In the past 36 years, the country has witnessed rapid and significant changes in health and mortality patterns. The crude death rate had declined from 13.3 to only 2 per 1,000 people. Infant mortality rate and under-five mortality rate have declined to 10.3 and 11.1 per 1,000 live births, down from 118 and 181 respectively. Most importantly, the average life span in Oman has increased from 49 years in 1970 to 74 years today.
(36th National Day briefing on healthcare in Oman)
OMAN'S healthcare sector has to its credit a host of impressive milestones in most areas, including life expectancy, infant mortality, human resources development, establishing public healthcare centres and expansion of private healthcare facilities. In the past 36 years, the country has witnessed rapid and significant changes in health and mortality patterns. The crude death rate had declined from 13.3 to only 2 per 1,000 people. Infant mortality rate and under-five mortality rate have declined to 10.3 and 11.1 per 1,000 live births, down from 118 and 181 respectively. Most importantly, the average life span in Oman has increased from 49 years in 1970 to 74 years today.
Majlis emerges as representative institution of Omani society
_ By Ebby Chacko George _
The Council of Oman comprising the Majlis Addawla and Majlis Ash'shura, has evolved into a vibrant forum for discussion on social and economic issues in the highest traditions of the shura (consultation) process. Over the years, the two bodies have developed into a truly representative institution of Omani society
Oman's lofty institution of shura (consultation), which serves the nation as the people's voice at two distinct levels — Majlis Addawla and Majlis Ash'shura — took a full circle in November 2002 when His Majesty Sultan Qaboos issued a historic directive to expand citizens' participation in Majlis Ash'shura elections, offering franchise for all aged 21 years and above. The Royal directive stipulated that every Omani male and female citizen, aged 21 years and above, were eligible to vote, beginning from the fifth term of Majlis Ash'shura.
The Council of Oman comprising the Majlis Addawla and Majlis Ash'shura, has evolved into a vibrant forum for discussion on social and economic issues in the highest traditions of the shura (consultation) process. Over the years, the two bodies have developed into a truly representative institution of Omani society. Preparations to elect members of the sixth Majlis Ash'shura are presently under way. Sayyid Saud bin Ibrahim al Busaidy, Minister of Interior, recently highlighted the ministry's role in conducting the upcoming Majlis election.
The Council of Oman comprising the Majlis Addawla and Majlis Ash'shura, has evolved into a vibrant forum for discussion on social and economic issues in the highest traditions of the shura (consultation) process. Over the years, the two bodies have developed into a truly representative institution of Omani society
Oman's lofty institution of shura (consultation), which serves the nation as the people's voice at two distinct levels — Majlis Addawla and Majlis Ash'shura — took a full circle in November 2002 when His Majesty Sultan Qaboos issued a historic directive to expand citizens' participation in Majlis Ash'shura elections, offering franchise for all aged 21 years and above. The Royal directive stipulated that every Omani male and female citizen, aged 21 years and above, were eligible to vote, beginning from the fifth term of Majlis Ash'shura.
The Council of Oman comprising the Majlis Addawla and Majlis Ash'shura, has evolved into a vibrant forum for discussion on social and economic issues in the highest traditions of the shura (consultation) process. Over the years, the two bodies have developed into a truly representative institution of Omani society. Preparations to elect members of the sixth Majlis Ash'shura are presently under way. Sayyid Saud bin Ibrahim al Busaidy, Minister of Interior, recently highlighted the ministry's role in conducting the upcoming Majlis election.
Islands of birds, turtles and coral reefs - the Daymaniyat Islands
Islands of birds, turtles and coral reefs
Text and Photographs by KhamisAli al Moharbi kmoharbi@squ.edu.om
I carried my camera; hoping to reach Dimaniyat islands before sunset. The trip to the islands requires taking a boat ride.
We started our trip from Seeb beach to the north of Muscat Governorate. At the starting, the sea tides were a bit high, but after crossing half way to the islands, it began to get moderate and appeared as a clean mirror reflecting the beautiful sky mixing its light blue colour with the sunset red colour. The view was amazing with the birds flocking around the area. I was shifting my eyes between wonderful sunset and the coral reefs oasis of the islands.
The huge spectrum of migratory birds is one of the common features of the islands here. We could see the islands from a distance reflecting on the water surface as we neared to the place. Our trip today takes us about 17 kilometres offshore to one of the unique natural treasures of Muscat Governorate. It is the Dimaniyat Islands Reserve.
Dimaniyat Islands were declared as natural reserve in 1996. It is also considered as natural heritage museum surrounded by sea water as well as must-see for regular environmental tourism, taking into account the policies and regulation to be observed visiting such places.
The reserve is located to the north of Muscat Governorate and to the west of Barka and is an archipelago of nine small islands like (Al Jabal Al Kabeer) Big Mountain, (Al Jabal Al Sagheer) Small Mountain, Al Joune, Al Hayut, Al Kharabah and Al Mumallaha. They are surrounded by rocks and shallow seas.
The islands are also rich in their coral reefs which extend for about 15 kilometres along the rocky coastline. However, the reefs provide a high potential value for Oman’s tourism industry. The islands location is set to be a preserve of importance locally and internationally for its natural heritage and the resident and migratory birds that visit the islands especially during summer. The islands are also a paradise for green and other species of turtles that come out of the sea to lay their eggs on these beautiful peaceful beaches because of no human and animals intervention that could disturb their lives.
The islands are also important for the coral reefs that cover their clean beaches and extend to several kilometres along the coastline. It is really a delight for natural life explorers who wish to discover the nature’s wondrous attraction of this place.
This reserve is considered as a national treasure that should be kept intact and ensure it is not disrupted. The authorities concerned are giving restless efforts to make these islands national, natural and tourism reserves especially nowadays when the Sultanate is witnessing a great demand in eco-tourism.
Advice to Tourists
You must get permission from the authorities concerned, like Ministry of Municipalities and Water Resources and Sultan Qaboos Port Coast Guard. Pay the fees for swimming, diving and camping near the islands which are between RO 3 to 7.
Camping is only allowed in the (Al Jabal Al Kabeer) Big Mountain and Al Joune islands and you can only use the arranged places for barbecue and do not keep the fire on after 9 pm due to security reasons. Don’t disturb the lives of birds and turtles in the area. Keep the trees and coral reefs that grow in the islands. For environmental balance in the islands, don't take cats and dogs or other plants seeds that might grow in the area. Keep the place clean and throw the waste in the waste bins.
How to reach Dimaniyat islands
The nearest place to start the trip from is Manomah beach which takes almost one hour to get to the islands as well as Seeb or Barka beaches.
Oman Observer, 30th August 2006
Text and Photographs by KhamisAli al Moharbi kmoharbi@squ.edu.om
I carried my camera; hoping to reach Dimaniyat islands before sunset. The trip to the islands requires taking a boat ride.
We started our trip from Seeb beach to the north of Muscat Governorate. At the starting, the sea tides were a bit high, but after crossing half way to the islands, it began to get moderate and appeared as a clean mirror reflecting the beautiful sky mixing its light blue colour with the sunset red colour. The view was amazing with the birds flocking around the area. I was shifting my eyes between wonderful sunset and the coral reefs oasis of the islands.
The huge spectrum of migratory birds is one of the common features of the islands here. We could see the islands from a distance reflecting on the water surface as we neared to the place. Our trip today takes us about 17 kilometres offshore to one of the unique natural treasures of Muscat Governorate. It is the Dimaniyat Islands Reserve.
Dimaniyat Islands were declared as natural reserve in 1996. It is also considered as natural heritage museum surrounded by sea water as well as must-see for regular environmental tourism, taking into account the policies and regulation to be observed visiting such places.
The reserve is located to the north of Muscat Governorate and to the west of Barka and is an archipelago of nine small islands like (Al Jabal Al Kabeer) Big Mountain, (Al Jabal Al Sagheer) Small Mountain, Al Joune, Al Hayut, Al Kharabah and Al Mumallaha. They are surrounded by rocks and shallow seas.
The islands are also rich in their coral reefs which extend for about 15 kilometres along the rocky coastline. However, the reefs provide a high potential value for Oman’s tourism industry. The islands location is set to be a preserve of importance locally and internationally for its natural heritage and the resident and migratory birds that visit the islands especially during summer. The islands are also a paradise for green and other species of turtles that come out of the sea to lay their eggs on these beautiful peaceful beaches because of no human and animals intervention that could disturb their lives.
The islands are also important for the coral reefs that cover their clean beaches and extend to several kilometres along the coastline. It is really a delight for natural life explorers who wish to discover the nature’s wondrous attraction of this place.
This reserve is considered as a national treasure that should be kept intact and ensure it is not disrupted. The authorities concerned are giving restless efforts to make these islands national, natural and tourism reserves especially nowadays when the Sultanate is witnessing a great demand in eco-tourism.
Advice to Tourists
You must get permission from the authorities concerned, like Ministry of Municipalities and Water Resources and Sultan Qaboos Port Coast Guard. Pay the fees for swimming, diving and camping near the islands which are between RO 3 to 7.
Camping is only allowed in the (Al Jabal Al Kabeer) Big Mountain and Al Joune islands and you can only use the arranged places for barbecue and do not keep the fire on after 9 pm due to security reasons. Don’t disturb the lives of birds and turtles in the area. Keep the trees and coral reefs that grow in the islands. For environmental balance in the islands, don't take cats and dogs or other plants seeds that might grow in the area. Keep the place clean and throw the waste in the waste bins.
How to reach Dimaniyat islands
The nearest place to start the trip from is Manomah beach which takes almost one hour to get to the islands as well as Seeb or Barka beaches.
Oman Observer, 30th August 2006
Books on Oman
There are thousands of titles in several languages focusing on Oman and different aspects of the country
By Viju James
From time to time one comes across a comment that there are inadequate information resources on Oman. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are thousands of titles in several languages focusing on Oman and different aspects of the country. Some of these are outstandingly excellent and will always serve as a reference point for anyone pouring through the pages.
It is difficult to quantify the number of published books on Oman in different languages. A simple keyword search of the catalogue of the Library of Congress in Washington throws up hundreds of titles in several languages. To this one then has to add titles that can be found in the British Library, the libraries of the Asiatic Society in India and several of the libraries in Europe in each of the European language centres. Without duplication, the end results are impressive.
Most of the books in English on Oman have appeared in the 20th century and a large percentage of these after 1970. This is understandable because the environment for scientific study, research and recording where largely absent in the early decades of the century. Among the earliest books on Oman is the 1871 work of Salilibn-Razik titled: History of the Imams & Seyyids of Oman and Annals of Oman- Keshful-ghummeh by Sirhan Ibn Said published in 1874. Razik’s book originally written in Arabic is now available in English as well.
By Viju James
From time to time one comes across a comment that there are inadequate information resources on Oman. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are thousands of titles in several languages focusing on Oman and different aspects of the country. Some of these are outstandingly excellent and will always serve as a reference point for anyone pouring through the pages.
It is difficult to quantify the number of published books on Oman in different languages. A simple keyword search of the catalogue of the Library of Congress in Washington throws up hundreds of titles in several languages. To this one then has to add titles that can be found in the British Library, the libraries of the Asiatic Society in India and several of the libraries in Europe in each of the European language centres. Without duplication, the end results are impressive.
Most of the books in English on Oman have appeared in the 20th century and a large percentage of these after 1970. This is understandable because the environment for scientific study, research and recording where largely absent in the early decades of the century. Among the earliest books on Oman is the 1871 work of Salilibn-Razik titled: History of the Imams & Seyyids of Oman and Annals of Oman- Keshful-ghummeh by Sirhan Ibn Said published in 1874. Razik’s book originally written in Arabic is now available in English as well.
Architecture in Salalah
The Architecture of ‘The Gleaming One’
By Viju James
In the Journal of Oman Studies, P M Costa and Stephen Kite say that Salalah is the Arabic form of the Jibali name for the city which means “the gleaming one.” They explain that apparently the mountain tribesmen gave this name to the coastal town for the brilliant appearance of its tall, white houses standing out in the plain amidst the green patches of cultivation. This was strikingly different to the low, brown dwellings of the Jabal.
The skyline of Salalah has undergone dramatic changes since the two authors wrote about the city twenty years ago but traces of the old architecture can still be seen in some parts of the city. With the hectic pace of development and building activity it is difficult to say whether a structure that was there yesterday will still be around a month later. With a little bit of luck one can still locate and enjoy the work of the artisans of a bygone era.
The old quarters of the city include Al Husn and Al Haffa near the coast, Salalah proper, Awqad and the seafront village of Al Dahariz to the east. People believe that the name for the Al Dahariz area is taken from the Arabic word ‘dahriz’, which in the old architectural tradition of the place referred to a store for dried sardines.
By Viju James
In the Journal of Oman Studies, P M Costa and Stephen Kite say that Salalah is the Arabic form of the Jibali name for the city which means “the gleaming one.” They explain that apparently the mountain tribesmen gave this name to the coastal town for the brilliant appearance of its tall, white houses standing out in the plain amidst the green patches of cultivation. This was strikingly different to the low, brown dwellings of the Jabal.
The skyline of Salalah has undergone dramatic changes since the two authors wrote about the city twenty years ago but traces of the old architecture can still be seen in some parts of the city. With the hectic pace of development and building activity it is difficult to say whether a structure that was there yesterday will still be around a month later. With a little bit of luck one can still locate and enjoy the work of the artisans of a bygone era.
The old quarters of the city include Al Husn and Al Haffa near the coast, Salalah proper, Awqad and the seafront village of Al Dahariz to the east. People believe that the name for the Al Dahariz area is taken from the Arabic word ‘dahriz’, which in the old architectural tradition of the place referred to a store for dried sardines.
Oman's World Heritage Sites
By Viju James
The Sultanate of Oman has four sites that are on the World Heritage list. Of the four sites three are historical and one a natural reserve.
The Sultanate of Oman has four sites that are on the World Heritage list. Of the four sites three are historical and one a natural reserve.
Preserving the vibrant heritage of Oman
By Conrad Prabhu
MUSCAT - No less than five different national institutions are currently involved in the task of researching, documenting and preserving the Sultanate’s vibrant historical and cultural heritage, according to officials of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture.
Pioneering work conducted by organisations like the Oman Centre of Traditional Music, the House of Omani Heritage, and the Traditional Medicine Clinic, not only attests to the wealth and diversity of the country’s heritage, but is also helping draw international attention to this rich legacy, note officials.
MUSCAT - No less than five different national institutions are currently involved in the task of researching, documenting and preserving the Sultanate’s vibrant historical and cultural heritage, according to officials of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture.
Pioneering work conducted by organisations like the Oman Centre of Traditional Music, the House of Omani Heritage, and the Traditional Medicine Clinic, not only attests to the wealth and diversity of the country’s heritage, but is also helping draw international attention to this rich legacy, note officials.
Destination Oman - tourist plans
By Conrad Prabhu
ENCOURAGED by the upturn in tourist traffic after a prolonged and damaging slump, Oman’s tourism authorities are now mounting a multi-pronged drive to woo travellers in significant numbers to the Sultanate. Central to this goal is a plan to diversify the tourism product to include opportunities for eco-tourism, adventure tourism and cultural tourism. It is an ambitious strategy designed to double tourist arrivals and the size of the tourism economy by 2010.
ENCOURAGED by the upturn in tourist traffic after a prolonged and damaging slump, Oman’s tourism authorities are now mounting a multi-pronged drive to woo travellers in significant numbers to the Sultanate. Central to this goal is a plan to diversify the tourism product to include opportunities for eco-tourism, adventure tourism and cultural tourism. It is an ambitious strategy designed to double tourist arrivals and the size of the tourism economy by 2010.
Taqah and Mirbat
By Viju James
A drive east out of Salalah brings one on to the highway moving on a gentle seafront crescent. Mid-way on the crescent, about 37 kilometres from Salalah is the town of Taqah and at the end of the crescent is the town of Mirbat. All along the route a visitor catches glimpses of the sea on one side and stretches of the mountains on the other.
A drive east out of Salalah brings one on to the highway moving on a gentle seafront crescent. Mid-way on the crescent, about 37 kilometres from Salalah is the town of Taqah and at the end of the crescent is the town of Mirbat. All along the route a visitor catches glimpses of the sea on one side and stretches of the mountains on the other.
The Summer Houses of Oman
By Viju James
THERE was a time not so long ago when homes were built with whatever material was available locally. Those were the days before the cement factory was set up and before conveniences like ready-mixed concrete carriers whizzed through traffic to reach a construction site. It was also a time when air conditioners were yet to make a debut and electricity was an unknown commodity.
"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good." ~Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)~
THERE was a time not so long ago when homes were built with whatever material was available locally. Those were the days before the cement factory was set up and before conveniences like ready-mixed concrete carriers whizzed through traffic to reach a construction site. It was also a time when air conditioners were yet to make a debut and electricity was an unknown commodity.
