MONDAY | AUGUST 9, 2021 | DHUL HIJJAH 30, 1442 AH VOL. 40 NO.

268 | PAGES 20 | BAISAS 200

Registration for National

Research Award
The deadline for registration for the eighth cycle
of the National Research Award 2021, organised
annually by the Ministry of Higher Education,
Research and Innovation closes on August 19 at
2.00 pm. The award is divided into two
categories. DETAILS ON P3

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

P11 P15 P18

FOCUS SWITCHES SAUDI ARAMCO THE HISTORICAL
TO PSG AS MESSI Q2 PROFIT SOARS IMPORTANCE OF
TO EXIT BARCA ON HIGHER PRICES AL AYJAH

MUSCAT
HM GREETINGS TO
SINGAPORE PRESIDENT
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin
HIS MAJESTY, LEADERS EXCHANGE
NEW HIJRI YEAR GREETINGS
Tarik has sent a cable of greetings
to President Halimah Yacob of the
Republic of Singapore on her
country’s National Day. In his
cable, His Majesty the Sultan
expressed his sincere sentiments
and best wishes to President MUSCAT: On the advent of the New return of this blessed occasion on Guelleh of the Republic of Djibouti,
Halimah and the friendly people Hijri Year and the anniversary of the His Majesty for many years to come General Abdel Fattah al Burhan, Head
of Singapore. — ONA Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Hijra, to achieve all aspirations of further of the Transitional Sovereign Council
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik progress, welfare and prosperity for of Sudan, President Dr Bashar al Assad
has exchanged greetings cables with his faithful people and all Muslims of the Syrian Arab Republic, President
HM THANKED BY leaders of the sisterly and friendly further welfare and blessings. Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo of
MONGOLIA PRESIDENT Arab and Muslim countries. His Majesty the Sultan exchanged the Federal Republic of Somalia and
In his cables, His Majesty the Sultan greetings on this occasion with President Dr Barham Ahmed Salih of
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin
Tarik has received a cable of expressed his sincere greetings and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques the Republic of Iraq.
thanks from President Ukhnaa best wishes of good health, happiness King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud His Majesty also exchanged
Khurelsukh of Mongolia in reply and long life for the leaders, praying of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, greetings with President Mahmud
to His Majesty’s greetings cable to Allah the Almighty for the return Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, Abbas of the State of Palestine,
on his country’s National Day. In
of this blessed occasion on them and President of the United Arab Emirates, Chairman of the Executive
his cable, President Khurelsukh
expressed his utmost apprecia- make the New Year, a year of peace and King Hamad bin Issa al Khalifa of the Committee of Palestine Liberation
tion for His Majesty the Sultan’s security for all peoples and achieve for Kingdom of Bahrain, Shaikh Tamim Organisation, President Othman
greetings. He wished His Majesty the Islamic nation further progress, bin Hamad al Thani, Emir of the State Ghazali of the Union of the Comoros,
good health and the Omani
welfare and prosperity. of Qatar, Shaikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Dr Mohamed al Menfi, Chairman
people further progress and
prosperity. — ONA In their cables, the leaders of Jabir al Sabah, Emir of State of Kuwait, of the Presidential Council of the
the sisterly and friendly countries King Abdallah II of Jordan, King Government of National Accord
expressed their sincere greetings and Mohammed VI of Morocco, President of Libya, President Abdel Fattah el
best wishes of good health, happiness Kais Saied of the Republic of Tunisia, Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt,
and long life to His Majesty the Sultan, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani
praying to Allah the Almighty for the of Algeria, President Ismail Omar of Mauritania, TURN TO P2

New Hijri Year

holiday on Tuesday
MUSCAT: The moon of institutions and establishments.
Muharram 1443 AH has not On the advent of the New
been sighted on Sunday evening. Hijri Year and the anniversary
A recall of the Consequently, Monday, August of the Prophet Muhammad’s
historical migration 9 will be the 30th and last day (PBUH) Hijra, the Ministry of
Abdulaziz Al Jahdhami of Dhul Hijjah 1442 AH and Awqaf and Religious Affairs
Tuesday (August 10) will be the extended its sincere greetings
first day of Muharram 1443 AH, and best wishes to His Majesty
The adventures of a according to a statement issued Sultan Haitham bin Tarik,
blonde and a very old car by the Ministry of Awqaf and praying for many returns of
Rachael MacIver Religious Affairs on Sunday. this auspicious occasion on His
On the occasion of the Holy Majesty with good health, well-
Prophet’s Hijra Anniversary and being and long life and wishing
the New Hijri Year 1443 AH, the the Islamic world blessing
first day of Muharram (Tuesday, and bounties and praying for
August 10) will be an official flourishment and the lifting
INSIDE holiday for employees of public of pandemics from the whole Tokyo Olympics The Olympic torch and cauldron are seen with Paris 2024
displayed on the big screen during the closing ceremony
and private sector companies, world. — ONA at Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday.
of ‘hope’ closes DETAILS ON P10

Fall in Covid-19 patients as vaccination picks up pace

VINOD NAIR
@vinot_nair reached 298,706, including 3,936 The Directorate General of Health
SAUDI TO REOPEN BORDERS
FOR VACCINATED PILGRIMS P6 deaths. Services in Dhofar Governorate
The number of active Covid-19 cases Thirty patients were admitted to started the first dose vaccination for
(currently sick), which touched hospitals across the country in the school students, both citizens and
nearly 33,000 in the last days of July, last 24 hours, taking the total number residents.
dropped below 10,000 on Sunday. of inpatients to 359, including 163 in The immunisation centres in
With the recovery rate improving to intensive care units. The number of North Al Batinah Governorate
95.4 per cent, the number of patients recoveries stands at 285,057 while the witnessed a good turnout from
currently sick of the virus dropped recovery rate is 95.4 per cent. citizens and residents at the six
to 9,713 from 11,351 reported on Meanwhile, an official concerned centres in the governorate.
Thursday. with the national campaign for The number of people who
The Ministry of Health on Sunday immunisation told the Observer that received vaccination in North Al
reported 686 new cases and 30 deaths vaccination is the national goal of the Batinah until last week stood at
over the past 72 hours. government as it seeks to return to 342,322, including 288,517 Omanis,
BLAZE RAVAGES EVIA ISLAND
ON SIXTH DAY OF WILDFIRES P8 The total number of cases Vaccination against Covid-19 is progressing well in most of the governorates. normalcy and revive economic and with coverage of at least one dose
registered in the Sultanate has now — ONA social life. reaching 77 per cent. SEE ALSO P5

WEATHER MUSCAT: Max 360 C Min 290 C SALALAH: Max 270 C Min 240 C NIZWA: Max 440 C Min 300 C PRAYER TIMINGS SUNRISE: 05:40 FAJR: 04:19 DHUHR: 12:17 ASR: 15:43 MAGHRIB: 18:50 ISHA: 20:06
insideoman
2 OMANDAILYOBSERVER
M O N DAY l A U G U ST 9 l 2 0 2 1

RAINFALL IN AL BATINAH SOUTH

HM, leaders exchange New

Hijri Year greetings
FROM PAGE 1 Mohammed Ashraf Ghani of the President Gurbanguly Emomali Rahmon of the
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Berdymukhammedov of the Republic of Tajikistan, President
Field Marshal Abdrabbuh President Joko Widodo of the Republic of Turkmenistan, Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz
Mansur Hadi, President of the Republic of Indonesia, President President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Republic, President Kassym-
Republic of Yemen, Sultan Haji Dr Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the of the Republic of Turkey, Jomart Tokayev of the Republic
Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Republic of Uzbekistan, President President Samia Hassan of the of Kazakhstan, President Ibrahim
Darussalam and Sultan Abdullah Dr Ebrahim Raisi of the Islamic United Republic of Tanzania, Mohamed Solih of the Republic of
Ahmad Shah, King of Malaysia. Republic of Iran, President President Ali Bongo Ondimba of the Maldives, President Mohamed
His Majesty also exchanged Dr Arif Alvi of the Islamic the Gabonese Republic, President Bazoum of the Republic of Niger
greetings with President Dr Ilham Republic of Pakistan, President Adama Barrow of the Republic of and President Muhammadu
Heydar Aliyev of the Republic Mohammad Abdul Hamid of the Gambia, President Macky Sall of Buhari of the Federal Republic of
of Azerbaijan, President Dr People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of Senegal, President Nigeria. — ONA

Salalah port handles 2.1 million

containers despite pandemic
MUSCAT: In the first half of this Storage (Flex Hub) and the
year, 2.1 million containers were development of simultaneous sea
Al RUSTAQ: A number of villages in the Wilayat of Al Rustaq in South Al Batinah
loaded and unloaded at the Port and air transport via Salalah. Governorate experienced moderate to heavy rains, on Sunday. The rain fell in
of Salalah, which is considered a Flex Hub has been developed the villages of Al Sahtan, Wadi Bani Ghafir, Hatt and Balad Sait, causing
key economic site for commercial in cooperation with Maersk and overflow of wadis. — ONA
containers. Besides steady growth support from Asyad and the Royal
in operations and logistic services, Oman Police (ROP) Directorate
the Port of Salalah also handled General of Customs. The aim is to
8.8 million general cargo goods in cut down cargo handling time by
the first six months of 2021. 60 per cent to 80 per cent.
Mohammed bin Oufait al The second product
Shanfari, Executive Manager of (development of simultaneous
Salalah Port Company, told Oman sea and air transport via Salalah)
News Agency (ONA) that “Despite minimises logistics cost, the
challenges posed by Covid-19 period of handling goods (that
pandemic, the port had achieved have added value or are perishable
a positive growth in 2020. In fact, or brittle) when transporting them
it made the largest volume of to markets in Europe, the United
container handling ever—a record States or African states. Both
hit of 4.3 million containers, products have been developed
compared to 4.1 million in 2019.” after passing the trial periods, now
Al Shanfari pointed out over.
that Salalah Port achieved Speaking about employment
global records in the volume in higher and medium posts, Al
of container handling and the World Bank’s international by a port when receiving container Shanfari said that more than 80
operational efficiency. The two transport organisation. Salalah vessels and handling them. per cent of the company’s staff are
records were quoted by the World Port came sixth among 351 ports Al Shanfari added that Salalah Omanis with advanced expertise
Bank in its Container Ports worldwide. The index measures Port Company is embarked on in managing operations.
Performance Index issued by the operational efficiency shown developing two products: Flexible — ONA

Harbours contribute to sustainability of fisheries sector

SUHAR: The six fishing ports
spread across North Al Batinah
Governorate constitute an
integrated system for fishermen as
they involve spots for fish landing
along with other service facilities
that provide a suitable environment
for all fishing-related activities and
generate job opportunities for
nationals.
The fishing harbours in the
North Al Batinah Governorate have
ice factories and shops for grilling
fish, selling fishing equipment,
boat and engine maintenance
workshops and factories for the
packaging of fish, refrigerated
stores and other facilities related
to the fisheries sector. By the end
of April 2021, the fish output in
North Al Batinah Governorate
amounted to 21,147 tonnes,
while the total number of licenses
issued for practicing the fishing to promote and develop this sector There are 5,002 artisanal and the diversity of marine life
profession in the governorate was and provide job opportunities especially the benthic species. This
12,296 licenses. for nationals and encourage fishing boats and 21 is in addition to the marine farm
There are 5,002 artisanal fishing the private sector to invest in fishing vessels in North of artificial reefs in the Wilayat of
boats and 21 fishing vessels in development projects and raise Al Batinah Governorate Al Suwaiq which aims to sustain
North Al Batinah Governorate. the added value of fish products, and enhance fish production in
The Ministry of Agriculture, thus raising income of fishermen Suhar and Liwa with the support of the Sea of Oman. The marine
Fisheries and Water Resources and encourage them to continue the Jusoor Foundation to provide farm is about 20 kilometres long
carried out several projects the practicing the fishing profession. a suitable environment for coral and 7 kilometres wide with depths
fisheries sector in North Al These projects include placing growth and fish reproduction ranging between 15 and 30 metres.
Batinah Governorate with the aim artificial reefs in the wilayats of thereby increasing fish stocks — ONA
 insideoman
OMANDAILYOBSERVER
M O N DAY l A U G U S T 9 l 2 0 2 1 3
August 19 deadline to register
for National Research Award
MUSCAT: The registration 143 applications so far for the PhD
deadline for the eighth cycle of the holder or equivalent category up
National Research Award 2021, until Saturday.
organised annually by the Ministry Interested applicants can apply
of Higher Education, Research through (home.trc.gov.om/NRA/
and Innovation (MoHERI), will be SubmissionForm.aspx). Applicants
closing on Thursday, August 19 at can find additional information and
2 pm. updates regarding the conditions
The National Research Award through the NRA’s official website
is divided into two categories; (www.trc.gov.om).
Best published research led by a The National Research Award
PhD holder or equivalent (Senior aims to encourage researchers to
Specialist or higher in the medical conduct high quality and relevant
field) and Best published research research in areas of national interest,
led by a young researcher (a non- encourage researchers to continue
PhD holder). their activities and initiatives in
As for the research fields, they conducting high-quality research,
cover Education and Human and increase the level of awareness
Resources, Information and Social, and Basic Sciences, Energy Statistics in the registration about MoHERI and its initiatives
Communication Technologies, and Industry, and Environmental system indicate that the number of and programmes to support
Health and Social Services, Cultural, and Biological Resources. applications submitted has reached research and innovation. — ONA

Pomegranate WHALE DIES AFTER GETTING TRAPPED IN NET

harvest under way

in Jabal Akhdhar
Farmers in the Al Jabal Al Akhdhar
began marketing their crop of
pomegranate, the harvest of
which has got under way of late.
Pomegranate comes on top of the
other fruits in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar
due to its high quality and good
taste and is planted in gardens and
houses. The pomegranate of Al Jabal SUR: A humpback whale has died after becoming entangled in a fishing net near the coast of Sur on Sunday. The humpback whale has been listed as an endangered
Al Akhdhar is highly demanded by animal since 1972. A recent report indicated that the humpback whale population faces various types of threat including entanglement in fishing nets near the coasts of
consumers and achieves excellent Oman, Pakistan, India and the Arabian Gulf. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, banned the fishing and hunting of whales, turtles, mammals and
marine birds as per article 11 of the Water Wealth Protection Law.
returns for farmers.

TIME TO TACKLE MYNA MENACE

INVASIVE BIRD SPECIES THREATENS ECOLOGY, BIODIVERSITY AND FOOD SECURITY OF THE SULTANATE
TEXT & PHOTOS
BY YAHYA AL SALMANI

An explosion in myna bird population We have to protect

may cause extinction of other bird species, biodiversity by taking
and destroy fruits and vegetable crops, appropriate measures to limit
cautioned biodiversity experts in the
Sultanate. They pointed out that the bird
the spread of these birds to
is the reason why the Dhofar governorate restore the balance. It is time
recently saw a surge of locust swarms. to prepare a plan to combat
The myna eliminated or displaced many exotic and invasive birds in
predator birds that had kept these insects the Sultanate
in control.
Biodiversity specialists term it as
an ecological imbalance.“Some living ENVIRONMENTALIST
organisms may not be important in the
event of their extinction as they may not different areas, either naturally or by
be among the main species whose absence human transmission by deliberate import.
affects the ecosystem, but there are other Also, there are some birds that are forced
types that may be major and their absence to escape or are released from retailers
leads to the collapse of the ecosystem, and and then breed in small groups, and their
this is what worries us…The numbers of numbers increase over time.
myna birds multiply in several places in These birds love to feed on grain, bread
the world. We have to protect biodiversity and potatoes, and they drink a lot of water.
by taking appropriate measures to limit the The chocolate brown bird has a black head
spread of these birds to restore balance. It and distinctive yellow beak, eye patch and
is time to prepare a plan to combat exotic legs.
and invasive birds in the Sultanate,” an The age of this bird is more than 25
Omani environmentalist said. years, and when breeding, the female lays
In the Sultanate, the Myna has 2-3 eggs of pale turquoise colour with
eliminated the local crow whose numbers brown spots, and the incubation period of
decreased significantly after it attacked its eggs is from 16-17 days, the young leave
nests and devoured the eggs. the nest after 20 days from hatching.
Myna is classified by the International Specialists in biodiversity in the
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) “the myna threatens biodiversity due to diseases classified as contagious to into a habitat other than its original habitat, Sultanate said that competition for habitats
as one of the 100 worst invasive species in its rapid reproduction, where its numbers humans. The Myna bird travels daily at a can lead to a series of cascading ecological will have a very big impact in the future
the world and it is common across many may reach 160,000 birds, to then compete distance of 20 km from its nesting place changes, including affecting the numbers when the numbers of these invasive
governorates of the Sultanate. with endemic birds for habitat and food. to the availability and availability of food, of other organisms, their reproductive species of birds increase, as they carry a
These birds also contribute to Its habitat, nests and places of residence and in some cases, it attacks the pigeon system, and the biomass of the original number of diseases that can be transmitted
increasing noise levels because of their lead to its gradual disappearance to its and the human being in some countries,” species. to humans. These birds can replace local
annoying and loud sound because they extinction”. researchers found. Moreover, environmental studies endemic birds with time, based on the law
live in groups, and they are disease- “These birds also attack mammals such Recent studies have revealed that the indicate that there are many ways in of “natural selection and survival of the
carrying birds. Researchers indicate that as goats, lambs and calves to transmit introduction of one species of predator which non-native bird species can invade fittest”.
spotlight
4 OMANDAILYOBSERVER
M O N DAY l A U G U ST 9 l 2 0 2 1

ENJOY WATER SAFELY

LAKSHMI KOTHANETH Swimming is a lifelong skill
@lakshmioman and once taught it stays with
Do not have a pool the individual forever. There is
Swimming, a life skill, can be a growing trend in vacationing
taught from a young age and at home unless you in farmhouses and the danger is
parents ought to take the initiative know how to swim. I that many of the youngsters do
even before installing a swimming have noticed that here, not know swimming.
pool at home, say experts. having a pool is more “The cases of drowning here
As cases of drowning increase, are so high and it’s sad as we
the Civil Defence and Ambulance
for decoration and have access to the sea and pools
Authority are urging the public most parents don’t even unlike other people who live in
to pay special attention to avoid use their pool or even areas away from water. Start the
water related accidents while know how to swim. kids early with swimming, don’t
enjoying the outdoors. wait until an accident happens
The victims tend to be people
Also, parents should in order for parents to realise’’,
who do not know how to swim. invest in swimming urged the swimming instructor at
The places that record frequent classes for their kids Mady’s Swim School.
drowning are beaches, valleys and if they have a pool at The CDAA has listed out safety
irrigation canals, dams and water home measures for the public to keep
ponds, wells and open water tanks in mind. In addition to sticking
as well as the valleys during flash to allocated locations, CDAA
floods, according to CDAA. MADEEHA BINT has stated that it is important to
The CDAA lists the reasons MADNI AL BAKRI have provision of safety rings
for drowning as not knowing to swimming instructor and jackets at the swimming
swim, disregarding warning signs, sites. They have also warned
risking and crossing overflowing against filling the pool in full.
valleys and random attempts now a leading cause of death for the highest rates among children happen and the moment you turn Adults should also ensure that the
to save people from drowning children aged under five in many aged under five. away, things escalate very quickly children are out of the pool before
resulting in more victims. Other countries. According to Madeeha bint so parents should always be they leave.
causes of drowning incidents Around 2.5 million people Madni al Bakri who has been a watching’’, she noted. It has stated that swimming
are lack of adult supervision died by drowning in the decade swimming instructor for the last “Do not have a pool at home pools should be fitted with fixed
over children while visiting to 2019, the WHO said, as it set 15 years and has trained more unless you know how to swim. I metal ladders and have handles
the beaches and valleys. Other out a series of simple measures than 350 children, the ideal age have noticed that here, having a distributed around the pool.
reasons are individuals choosing to help reduce the “entirely to learn to swim is two and a half pool is more for decoration and The CDAA also stressed on the
to swim in locations not intended preventable” toll to mark the first years of age. “This is the best age most parents don’t even use their importance of having a swimmer
for swimming such as agricultural World Drowning Prevention to start, as the children that age pool or even know how to swim. to watch over the children
ponds, dams and irrigation Day on July 23. The WHO said don’t have much fear and are fast Also, parents should invest in while they are in water. “When
canals. that around 60 per cent of all learners’’, said Madeeha. swimming classes for their kids necessary, call the emergency
Last month, the World Health drowning deaths were among “You should always have eyes if they have a pool at home’’, hotline: 9999 or 24343666’’,
Organization said drowning is those under the age of 30, with in the back of your head, accidents Madeeha pointed out. CDAA has urged.
 insideoman
OMANDAILYOBSERVER
M O N DAY l A U G U S T 9 l 2 0 2 1 5
All students to be vaccinated
before new school year
KABEER YOUSUF
@kabeeryousef

The Ministry of Health

represented by the General
Directorate of Health Services
continued to add more target
groups, as well as included more
regions to the list of national
vaccination campaign as the
latest drive covered almost 30
per cent of the children of 12
and above.
The campaign which began
with the school students of
over 12 years old has been
spread to North and South Al
Sharqiyah on Sunday where an
overwhelming response was
experienced since morning.
It’s part of the national drive
of getting all students from
both public and private sectors
vaccinated before the beginning
of the new academic year.
The first dose of the Covid-19
vaccine for school students
aged 12 years and over in the
governorate are being given at
ten immunisation centres in
the governorate in cooperation
with the General Directorate
of Education in North Al
Sharqiyah Governorate.
These centres are: one in
Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi, two
centres in the Wilayat of Dima
W’attayeen, and one in the
wilayats of Ibra, Al Qabil, Bidiya Mohammed bin Khalifa al “We aim to vaccinate 3 weeks from August 3 until all
and Wadi Bani Khalid. Abri, Director-General of the 320,000 students from various students are vaccinated before
“The new phase launched General Directorate of Health educational institutions in both the start of the new school year,”
on Sunday is to complete the Services in North Al Sharqiyah public and private sectors. All she added.
previous stages of the national Governorate. students who have attained 12 can Similarly, parents of all those
campaign against Covid-19, The ongoing immunisation get their jabs from the centres,” children who have been in
with the students of age group campaign for children from Dr Lamia al Balushi, head of the contact with Covid-19 patients
12 years and above in 86 schools 12 years of age targets 320,000 epidemiological investigation or complain from respiratory
at the governorate level has students from public and private team at the Directorate General disease symptoms must get their
evoked a strong response from schools from all governorates, of Health Services in Muscat children’s vaccination dates
both parents and teachers and where 90,000 students targeted Governorate said. rescheduled until the symptoms
will run until August 16,” said are from Muscat alone. “The campaign will run for are no more existing.

ENTRIES INVITED
FOR CREATIVE
WRITING CONTEST

STAFF REPORTER
MUSCAT, AUG 7

A creative writing con-

test for children aged
15 is being organised by
Bhavalaya Art and Cul-
ture Foundation on the
topic ‘Life During Cov-
id-19 Pandemic Days.’
The submission may
be an essay or short
story in not more than
3,500 words. Those
interested may mail
entries bhavalayacrea-
[email protected] be-
fore August 17 along
with the full biodata.
“It is very crucial to
involve our children in
some creative activities
during the pandemic
and help them utilise
their time in a more
productive way,” said Dr
J Retnakumar, founder
and Chairman of Bha-
valaya
The best three entries
will get prizes of INR
10,000, INR 7,500 and
INR 5,000 and every
participant will receive
an appreciation certifi-
cate. “We are very ex-
cited to have this event
to encourage creative
writing and this is done
to bring out the imagi-
nation of people.
world
6 OMANDAILYOBSERVER
M O N DAY l A U G U ST 9 l 2 0 2 1

Saudi allows vaccinated pilgrims Ansar Allah:

No point in
meeting new
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will be- Foreign pilgrims must
gin accepting vaccinated foreign-
be immunised with UN envoy now
ers wanting to make the Umrah
pilgrimage, authorities said on Pfizer-BioNTech, DUBAI: The chief negotiator
Sunday, a move that will boost an AstraZeneca, Moderna for Yemen’s Ansar Allah said
economy hit by the Covid pan- or Johnson & Johnson on Sunday it would be futile
demic. to hold talks with the United
vaccines and agree to
Nearly 18 months after it closed Nations new special envoy for
its borders to battle coronavirus, undergo quarantine Yemen without movement
Saudi Arabia will from Monday on the group’s key conditions
begin “gradually receiving umrah under stalled peace efforts.
requests from various countries”, manager in Egypt, said. The appointment of Swedish
the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) re- But he added that he was “con- diplomat Hans Grundberg on
ported. cerned about the complex proce- Friday as the new UN envoy
The umrah can be undertaken dures and measures during the comes as the United Nations
at any time and usually draws mil- pandemic”. and United States struggle to
lions from around the globe, un- Engineer Mohamad Ragab, an secure a breakthrough to end
like the annual haj, which abled- Australian resident, said he too more than six years of war.
bodied Muslims who have the was still “hesitant” to perform the A UN-led initiative for a
means must perform at least once umrah pilgrimage. ceasefire and the lifting of sea
in their lifetime. “There will likely be crowds in and air restrictions imposed
The Covid-19 pandemic hugely Mecca and the chances of infec- by the coalition on Ansar
disrupted both pilgrimages, which tion are high,” he said. Allah-held areas has stalled,
are usually key revenue earners Worshippers perform the evening prayer during the fasting month of Ramadhan around the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque According to the SPA report, with the coalition seeking a
for the kingdom that rake in a complex in the holy city of Mecca. — AFP file photo Saudi Arabia will allow 60,000 simultaneous deal and the the
combined $12 billion annually. pilgrims to perform umrah each fighters insisting on an end to
Before Sunday’s announce- opening up, and has started wel- SPA said quoting deputy haj min- ures” in those countries. month, and gradually increase the blockade first.
ment, only immunised pilgrims coming vaccinated foreign tour- ister Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman Barring overseas pilgrims has that to reach two million worship- “There is no use in having
residing in Saudi Arabia were eli- ists since August 1. Mashat. caused deep disappointment pers per month. any dialogue before airports
gible for umrah permits. Foreign pilgrims must be im- He added that the kingdom among Muslims worldwide, who Hosting the pilgrimages is a and ports are opened as a
And last month only around munised with a Saudi-recognised was working on determining the typically save for years to take matter of prestige for Saudi rul- humanitarian necessity and
60,000 inoculated residents were vaccine — Pfizer-BioNTech, As- destinations from which pilgrims part. ers, for whom the custodianship priority,” negotiator Mohammed
allowed to take part in a scaled traZeneca, Moderna and Johnson can come and their numbers on “I feel relieved about the re- of Islam’s holiest sites is their most Abdulsalam tweeted in response
down form of the annual haj. & Johnson — and agree to un- a “periodic basis according to the sumption of the umrah pilgrim- powerful source of political legiti- to Grundberg’s appointment.
But the kingdom is slowly dergo quarantine if necessary, the classification of preventive meas- age,” Ahmed Hamadna, 33, a sales macy. —AFP — Reuters

Sudan recalls ambassdor from Syrian children hold ‘Tent

Ethiopia as tensions rise
KHARTOUM: Sudan has re-
called its ambassador to neigh-
Olympics’ of the displaced
bouring Ethiopia, the foreign Idlib: Hurling a javelin, leaping
ministry said on Sunday, report- over hurdles and sprinting be- Displaced Syrian
boys stand on
ing Addis Ababa had spurned its yond rows of tents to win gold, the podium after
efforts at trying to broker a cease- displaced children in the north- winning medals
fire in war-torn Tigray. west of war-torn Syria staged their in the so-called
“Camp Olympics
Sudanese Prime Minister Ab- very own Olympics. As the To- 2020” in the
dalla Hamdok, chair of the re- kyo Olympics wrapped up at the town of Fuaa.
gional body IGAD, wanted “to weekend, 120 boys from 12 differ- — AFP
encourage all Ethiopian sides to ent camps excitedly gathered late
reach a ceasefire agreement, and on Saturday for their own version
engage in comprehensive politi- of the Games in Syria’s last major
cal talks”, the ministry said in a rebel bastion of Idlib.
statement. Each wearing the colour of
But last week Ethiopia said their camp, it was their turn to
their trust in some of Sudan’s A protester rides a horse, waving Ethiopian flags, during a rally against pro-TPLF be the star athletes on a running
forces (Tigray People’s Liberation Front) and to support for Ethiopia’s armed
leaders had been “eroded”, and forces in Addis Ababa on Sunday. — AFP track and soccer pitch etched in
accused the Sudanese army of the red earth besides the tent set- The eight to 14-year-olds com- “horse race”.
launching an “incursion” into Relations between Khartoum and Sudan’s foreign ministry on tlement of Yaman near Idlib city. peted in a host of disciplines. As the sun set, participants and
their territory. Addis Ababa have also soured Sunday said it had “followed Among the participants at Also on the programme were organisers cheered wildly as the
Northern Ethiopia has been over the contested border region statements made by senior Ethi- the “Tent Olympics 2020”, Walid javelin, discus, high jump, hur- winners stepped up onto the po-
wracked by fighting since last of Fashaga, a fertile strip long cul- opian officials refusing Sudan’s Mohammed al Hassan, 12, was dles, gymnastics, martial arts, vol- dium to receive their medals un-
November, when Prime Minister tivated by Ethiopian farmers, but help to end the bloody conflict in delighted to have represented his leyball, badminton, football, run- der a shower of confetti.
Abiy Ahmed sent troops to top- claimed by Sudan. Tigray, citing a lack of neutrality camp in the long jump. ning and even “horse racing”. A boy named Abdallah, who
ple the Tigray People’s Liberation Billene Seyoum, spokes- and (Sudan’s) occupation of Ethi- “We had such fun,” he said, Surrounded by a small crowd, did not give his age, said his team
Front (TPLF), the region’s then woman for Ethiopian Prime opian territories,” the ministry three fellow team mates hud- two boys in white karate outfits had won gold in badminton.
ruling party. Minister Abiy Ahmed, said the statement read. dled around him with their arms squared off against each other, The Idlib region is home to
Tens of thousands of Ethiopi- issue “needs to be thoroughly ad- It dismissed the statements as draped over his shoulders. while another — much shorter — nearly three million people,
ans have fled to refugee camps in dressed, before Sudan could be “allegations with no basis”, adding “I won second place in the long appeared to act as referee. two-thirds of them displaced
Sudan, to escape a conflict that the entertained as a credible party in that “Sudan has recalled its am- jump,” he said, grinning from ear On the race track, a boy ran as from other parts of Syria over
UN says has pushed 400,000 peo- terms of facilitating such kind of bassador to Ethiopia for consulta- to ear in his team’s uniform of fast as he could clutching a cutout the course of its 10-year-old con-
ple into famine-like conditions. negotiations”. tions”. — AFP white head band and blue vest. of a horse’s head to his chest in a flict. — AFP

S H O R T T A K E S

BEIRUT ISTANBUL TEHRAN

Hezbollah warns ‘proportionate’ response Six wildfires in Turkey still out of control Iran records over 500 Covid deaths
The head of Lebanon’s powerful Turkey is battling the worst forest Iran reported over 500 daily
Hezbollah movement, Hassan fires in more than a decade for Covid deaths for the first time
Nasrallah, on Saturday vowed the 12th consecutive day, with on Sunday, its health ministry
a “suitable and proportionate” at least six fires still not under announced, as new infections
response to any Israeli air strikes control on Sunday, according to also hit a record high.
on Lebanon after a flare-up at the official figures. Iran registered 39,619 new
border this week. Emergency forces are mainly infections in the 24 hours to
Israel carried out its first air in 15 years,” he said in a televised concentrated on the western Sunday, taking the total since the
raids on Lebanese soil in years on speech ahead of the anniversary Turkish province of Mugla, er NTV reported. pandemic started to 4,158,729,
Thursday, prompting Hezbollah of the end of the last war with where winds hampered the fire- Meanwhile, the situation in the ministry said have acknowledged that the
to fire rockets back at the Jewish Israel in 2006. fighting efforts. Antalya in southern Turkey has During that same period it Islamic republic’s Covid figures
state the following day. Nasrallah described the air A fire in the province of Ay- eased. According to local author- recorded 542 deaths, taking underestimate the real toll.
“Our response was linked to strikes this week as a “very din, which was thought to have ities, emergency forces have been the total number of fatalities to But Iran remains the Middle
the Israeli strikes that occurred in dangerous development”, but been under control, was reignit- withdrawn and sent to western 94,015, it added. East country worst hit by the
south Lebanon for the first time said Hezbollah did not want war. ed by the wind, as the broadcast- Turkey for reinforcement. Iranian health officials pandemic.
 world
OMANDAILYOBSERVER
M O N DAY l A U G U S T 9 l 2 0 2 1 7
In brief
MANILA
TALIBAN CAPTURE MORE TOWNS
KABUL: The Taliban captured Ta- government forces were fighting to
loqan city in northeastern Takhar retake key installations.
province on Sunday, a security “The commando forces have
source and residents told AFP, the launched a clearing operation.
third provincial capital to fall to Some areas, including the national
the insurgents in one day. radio and TV buildings, have been
“We retreated from the city this cleared of the terrorist Taliban,” it
afternoon, after the government said.
PHILIPPINES REPORTS failed to send help,” the security Kabul’s ability to hold the north
RECORD COVID source said. may prove crucial to the govern-
DEATH TOLL The insurgents have snatched ment’s long-term survival.
The Philippines’ health ministry up four provincial capitals in Af- Northern Afghanistan has long
recorded on Sunday 9,671 new ghanistan since Friday in a light- been considered an anti-Taliban
coronavirus cases and 287 ning offensive that appears to have stronghold that saw some of the
additional deaths, the biggest overwhelmed government forces. stiffest resistance to militant rule
single-day spike in the country’s Kunduz and Sar-e-Pul in the in the 1990s. The region remains
death toll since April 9. north fell within hours of each home to several militias and is also
In a bulletin, the ministry other on Sunday, lawmakers and a fertile recruiting ground for the
said total confirmed infections residents in the cities confirmed, country’s armed forces.
in the Southeast Asian country but not without fierce fighting. “The capture of Kunduz is quite
had risen to 1.66 million, while Pro-Taliban social media ac- significant because it will free up
the death toll had climbed to counts claimed the insurgents Internally displaced families sit inside a school after they left their house following fighting between Afghan security forces a large number of Taliban forces
29,122. were also close to overrunning the and Taliban, in Ghaziabad District in the northern part of Kunar province on Saturday. — AFP who might then be mobilised in
Checkpoints were put up provincial capital of Taloqan. other parts of the north,” said Ib-
around Metro Manila to stop In Kunduz, one resident de- Sar-e-Pul city, the government about three kilometres (two miles) launched an offensive in May as raheem Thurial, a consultant for
people who are not authorised scribed the city as being enveloped buildings and all the installations from the city. foreign forces began the final stag- International Crisis Group.
from leaving their residences in “total chaos”. there.” The Taliban had the compound es of their withdrawal. Vivid footage of the fighting was
to travel in and out of the “After some fierce fighting, the Parwina Azimi, a women’s “surrounded”, said Mohammad It has been a perennial target for posted on social media over the
area. Long queues of vehicles
mujahideen, with the grace of God, rights activist in Sar-e-Pul, told Hussein Mujahidzada, a member the Taliban, who briefly overran weekend, including what appeared
formed at the checkpoints as
captured the capital of Kunduz,” AFP by phone that government of the provincial council. the city in 2015 and again in 2016 to be large numbers of prisoners
police scrutinised commuters’
the Taliban said in a statement. officials and the remaining forces Kunduz is the most significant but never managed to hold it for being freed from jails in captured
documents.
“The mujahideen also captured had retreated to an army barracks Taliban gain since the insurgents long. The ministry of defence said cities. — Agencies
BRISBANE

Myanmar protesters mark Thousands evacuated as floods hit N Korea

SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong
Un has mobilised the military to carry out
evacuated.
Kim did not attend the meeting but

uprising anniversary
relief work in areas recently hit by heavy party officials conveyed his message
rains, state media said on Sunday, amid that the military should kick off a relief
concerns over an economic crisis and food campaign and provide necessary supplies
shortage. in the region, KCNA said.
The ruling Worker’s Party’s Central “It was also emphasised that he called
Military Commission held a meeting of for awakening and arousing the (party)
YANGON: Myanmar protesters on Sunday its chapter in the eastern province of officials... into waging the recovery
BRISBANE TO LIFT
marked the anniversary of a 1988 pro-democ- South Hamgyong to discuss damage and campaign skilfully and unyieldingly,” KCNA
VIRUS LOCKDOWN racy uprising that brought Aung San Suu Kyi to recovery from the downpour, the official said.
prominence, with flash mobs and marches of KCNA news agency said. KCNA said the military commission
Australia’s third-largest city of An early monsoon season arrived on explored emergency measures to rebuild
Brisbane will lift a lockdown on defiance against the ruling junta. the Korean peninsula last month, with the disaster-stricken areas, stabilise
Sunday after containing a virus The country has been in turmoil since the torrential rains also inflicting damage in people’s living, prevent the coronavirus
cluster, while an outbreak that military coup in February — more than 900 some southern regions. and minimise crop injuries.
has kept Sydney paralysed for people have been killed and thousands arrested North Korean state TV released footage The meeting came amid concerns over
this week showing submerged houses a crisis in a reclusive economy that has
weeks continues to grow. in the subsequent crackdown on dissent, ac- and destroyed bridges and railroads in already been dogged by international
Millions of people in Bris- cording to a local monitoring group. Hamgyong, saying some 1,170 homes sanctions, aimed at curbing its nuclear
bane and surrounding areas But protesters remain undeterred, taking Protesters wear wet weather gear to protect against were devastated and 5,000 people and weapons programmes. — Agencies
have spent just eight days under police water cannon as they take part in a
to the streets daily in lightning-quick rallies to demonstration against the military coup in Yangon.
stay-at-home orders after an demand the end to the State Administration — AFP file photo
outbreak of more than 100 cases Council — as the junta’s so-called “caretaker”
spread among several school government has dubbed itself. debt of 1988 in 2021.”
communities. On Sunday, flash mobs popped up across “In 1988, our country sacrificed a lot —
Deputy Queensland premier
Yangon and second city Mandalay to com- many people lost their lives. But the dictator-
Steven Miles said the region had
memorate the 1988 uprising — a massive ship is still alive,” said Ko Sai Win, who joined a
achieved “something quite in-
pro-democracy movement that the military morning protest in Mandalay.
credible” by seemingly bringing
violently quelled by opening fire on protesters “It is like a black shadow on our country.”
the outbreak under control.
and jailing thousands. Following the calls of an The 1988 uprising heralded the rise of
“It looks like we may have
been able to contain a Delta online campaign, red-clad protesters on Sun- Suu Kyi, who had returned to Myanmar just
outbreak in just eight days of day flashed an eight-finger salute and carried before protests kicked off to care for her ailing
lockdown, just 10 days from banners that read: “Let’s return the old blood mother. — AFP
when the first case was notified,”
he told reporters.

TUNIS
Malaysia to ease Covid
curbs for fully vaccinated
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia
will ease coronavirus curbs
TUNISIA AIMS FOR 1 for fully vaccinated people in
MILLION COVID JABS states comprising about half
the country, its premier said
Up to 1 million Tunisians were on Sunday.
to receive their first coronavirus The move, which takes ef-
vaccine dose on Sunday as fect from Tuesday, will allow
the country hit hard by the millions to cross district bor-
pandemic began a massive ders, play individual outdoor
inoculation campaign for those sports and eat in restaurants
over age 40. in eight states where cases
Thousands of people were have fallen and vaccination
already queueing in front of rates are promising. The curbs will not be lifted in states such as the capital Kuala Lumpur,
vaccination centres in the North which is recording thousands of new infections every day, and the
A lockdown since June
African country’s capital early commercial heartland of Selangor.
has shut down thousands of
on Sunday.
businesses and limited most burden on the public health orderly and safely (manner).”
As part of the effort,
peoples’ travel to the districts system will reduce,” Prime The curbs will not be lifted
hundreds of institutions, such as
where they lived, though sec- Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in states such as the capital
schools, have been turned into
vaccination centres. tors of the economy have said in a televised speech. Kuala Lumpur, which is re-
According to an adviser gradually been allowed to “More economic and so- cording thousands of new
to President Kais Saied, a open. cial sectors can be opened up infections every day, and the
preparation from AstraZeneca “More people are receiving in stages, and we can get out commercial heartland of Se-
will be used. complete vaccinations... the of this pandemic (in a) more langor. — AFP
world
8 OMANDAILYOBSERVER
M O N DAY l A U G U ST 9 l 2 0 2 1

Italy reels
under floods Blaze ravages Evia island on UN climate
report ‘starkest
and wildfires warning yet’
ROME: Italy was facing the
twin threat of rainfall leading
to landslides and scorching
sixth day of Greek wildfires LONDON: An upcoming UN
report on climate change gives
the international community
its clearest ever warning about
weather contributing to fire on PSAROPOULI: Thousands of the dangers of accelerating
Sunday. people have fled their homes climate change, Britain’s COP26
President Alok Sharma said on
A car and a vehicle were on the Greek island of Evia as Sunday.
smashed by the landslide in wildfires burned uncontrolled The chief for the November
South Tyrol, but no injuries for a sixth day on Sunday, and summit due to be held in the
were reported. ferries were on standby for more Scottish city of Glasgow told the
Observer newspaper a report by
But rising water levels were evacuations after taking many to the Intergovernmental Panel on
flooding garages and paths. The safety by sea. Climate Change (IPCC) due on
weather service had warned of Fires that had threatened Monday would show the world
heavy rains: The northern part northern suburbs of Athens in was on the brink of potential
disaster.
of the province reported down- recent days died back. But the “This is going to be the
pours of 87 litres within a day. blaze on Evia, a large island east starkest warning yet that
That was a marked contrast of the capital, quickly burgeoned human behaviour is alarmingly
to southern parts of the country, into several fronts, ripping accelerating global warming
and this is why COP26 has to be
where wildfires are increasingly through thousands of hectares the moment we get this right,”
threatening agriculture and na- (acres) of pristine forest across Sharma said.
ture reserves in southern Italy. its northern part, and forcing the “We can’t afford to wait two
The Coldiretti agricultural evacuation of dozens of villages. years, five years, 10 years -- this
is the moment,” he added,
association on Sunday warned “I feel angry. I lost my home explaining that unless nations
about the damage to agriculture ... nothing will be the same the “act now, we will unfortunately
caused by the ongoing drought, next day,” said one resident who be out of time”.
especially in the southern part gave her name as Vasilikia after Sharma was forced to defend
Local residents look at the wildfire approaching the village of Gouves on Evia (Euboea) island, the second largest Greek British fossil-fuel projects that
of the Mediterranean country. boarding a rescue ferry at the island, on Sunday. — AFP include plans to license new oil
Wheat yields could fall by 10 village of Psaropouli. and gas fields in the North Sea,
per cent, while experts expect “It’s a disaster. It’s huge. Our with searing temperatures and The coastguard has evacuated roads dotted with trees in flames. which have proven embarrassing
fruit varieties such as cherries, villages are destroyed, there is hot winds creating tinder-box more than 2,000 people, including “A house is burning over here,” for Britain as it seeks to galvanise
peaches and nectarines to drop nothing left from our homes, our conditions. Across the country, many elderly residents, from one woman told emergency crews international action on climate
change. The Paris-based
by up to 50 per cent in some properties, nothing, nothing,” she forest land has burned and dozens different parts of the island on the ground in the settlement of watchdog, the International
cases, compared to an ordinary said. of homes and businesses have since Tuesday, in dramatic sea Vasilika, pointing to a searing fire Energy Agency (IAE), has warned
year. Wildfires have erupted in been destroyed. rescues as the night sky turned an in the distance. all fossil fuel development and
Coldiretti suspects the effects many parts of the country “Fiery destruction,” newspaper apocalyptic red. “Everywhere, everywhere, exploration must cease this year
if the goal of limiting global
of climate change are behind the during a week-long heatwave, To Vima said on its front page on Others fled their villages on everywhere, everywhere,” one of warming to 1.5 degrees celsius is
weather events. – dpa Greece’s worst in three decades, Sunday. foot overnight, walking along the firefighters replied. — Reuters to be met. — Reuters

Spain cave paintings show

Neanderthals were artists
A drought-hit California town finds
ARDALES: Nean-
derthals may have
been closer to our
itself sinking into the ground
species of prehistoric
modern human than CORCORAN: “You’ve got To irrigate its vast
previously believed too many farmers pumping fields and help feed
after cave paint- all around,” complained Raul America, farm
ings found in Spain Atilano. This octogenarian resi-
operators began in
proved they had a dent of Corcoran, the self-pro-
fondness for creat- Pigments were made in the caves at different claimed farming capital of Cali- the last century to
ing art, one of the times up to 15,000 and 20,000 years apart, the fornia, was struggling to make pump water from
study found, and dispel an earlier suggestion
authors of a new sci- that they were the result of a natural oxide flow sense of the strangest of phenom- underground sources,
entific report said on rather than being man-made. ena: his already suffering town is so much so that
Sunday. sinking, ever so gradually, into the
Red ochre pigment discovered on stalagmites in Caves of Ar- ground.
the ground has
dales, near Malaga in southern Spain, were created by Neander- A constant stream of trucks begun to sink
thals about 65,000 years ago, making them possibly the first art- carrying tomatoes, alfalfa or cot-
ists on earth, according to the study published in the Proceedings ton outside this town of 20,000 The one recognisable sign of
of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) journal. shows just how inextricably Cor- this dangerous change is a levee
Modern humans were not inhabiting the world at the time the coran’s fate is tied to the intensive Irrigation tubing is seen piled up beside a young nut tree in the drought-stricken on the edge of the city, in an area
cave images were made. farming practised here. Central Valley near Corcoran, California. — AFP where wisps of cotton blowing in
The new findings add to increasing evidence that Neander- To irrigate its vast fields and the air.
thals, whose lineage became extinct about 40,000 years ago, were help feed America, farm operators ence are nearly invisible to the And yet, over the past 100 In 2017, the authorities
not the unsophisticated relatives of Homo sapiens they been long began in the last century to pump human eye. There are no cracks years, Corcoran has sunken “the launched a major project to raise
been portrayed as. Pigments were made in the caves at different water from underground sources, in the walls of the typical Ameri- equivalent of a two-story house,” the levee, for fear that the city,
times up to 15,000 and 20,000 years apart, the study found, and so much so that the ground has can shops in the town’s centre, Jeanine Jones, a manager with the which sits in a basin, could be
dispel an earlier suggestion that they were the result of a natural begun to sink — imagine a se- nor crevices opening up in the California Department of Water flooded ... whenever the rains fi-
oxide flow rather than being man-made. ries of giant straws sucking up streets or fields: to measure sub- Resources, said. nally return.
Joao Zilhao, one of the authors of the PNAS study, said dat- groundwater faster than rain can sidence, Californian authorities The phenomenon “can be a This year, however, the prob-
ing techniques showed that ochre had been spat by Neanderthals replenish it, as hydrologist Anne had to turn to NASA, which used threat to infrastructure, ground- lem has been not floods but an
onto the stalagmites, possibly as part of a ritual. — AFP Senter said. satellites to analyze the geological water wells, levees, aqueducts,” alarming drought aggravated by
Strangely, signs of this subsid- change. she said. climate change. — AFP

S H O R T T A K E S

WASHINGTON BRASILIA BERLIN

Biden’s infra bill passes key hurdle Bolsonaro told not to undermine polls Greens defends chancellor candidate
A huge infrastructure bill deemed When US National Security The co-leader of Germany’s
historic by US President Joe Advisor Jake Sullivan visited Greens on Sunday defended the
Biden passed a key procedural Brazil’s far-right President party’s candidate for chancellor
hurdle on Saturday, with enough Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday, at next month’s federal election,
Republican senators joining he brought a message from and brushed off suggestions that
Democrats to make its final Washington: Don’t mess around he should replace her after she
passage in the upper chamber with elections. made a string of costly mistakes.
appear nearly certain. A source familiar with the The ecologists briefly surged in
The $1.2-trillion-bill, designed deeply divided Washington. matter confirmed to Reuters the polls to overtake Chancellor
to fund much-needed upgrades That Republican support — that the Biden administration election if the system is not Angela Merkel’s conservative campaign has included mistakes
to US roads, highways, bridges with the party’s Senate leader raised concerns over Bolsonaro’s changed. bloc after they named Annalena in her resume and a scandal over
and high-speed Internet, drew Mitch McConnell among the 18 unfounded claims of fraud in The nature of the message Baerbock as their chancellor a Christmas bonus payment that
the support of 18 Republican in favour — will end floor debate Brazil’s all-electronic voting delivered by Sullivan was first candidate in April, but have since she failed to declare to parliament.
senators and 49 Democrats, a on the bill, a procedural step that system and his threat not to reported in the Folha de S.Paulo waned. Baerbock has also said that sexist
rare instance of bipartisanship in required 60 votes. accept the results of next year’s newspaper on Saturday. Baerbock’s error-strewn scrutiny is holding her back.
OMAN DAILY OBSERVER
MONDAY AUGUST 9, 2021
Opinion 9
Economic woes
to weigh on CAMP

Zambia vote OLYMPICS

IN SYRIA
Displaced Syrian
boys in karate
SOFIA CHRISTENSEN
outfits square off
Soaring food prices and economic hardship against each
other, during the
could sway this week’s tightly-contested Zambian so-called “Camp
presidential vote in favour of the opposition, as Olympics 2020”
citizens grapple with the fallout from rampant in the town of
Fuaa, in the
financial mismanagement. northwestern
President Edgar Lungu, who is vying for re- Syrian last major
election in the August 12 poll, stands accused rebel bastion of
Idlib, on Saturday,
of borrowing unsustainably, to splurge on as 120 boys from
infrastructure projects. The copper-rich southern 12 different
African nation last year became the first country camps gather for
on the continent to default on its debt in the their own version
of the Olympic
coronavirus era. games. — AFP
The value of the kwacha currency plummeted to
record lows and inflation surged past 20 per cent
during Lungu’s presidency, which also saw investor
confidence decline
as external debt
ballooned to around
$12 billion last year. Mismanagement
“Mismanagement
at the macro level is
affecting common
people’’, said
at the macro
level is affecting
common people.
Zambian economist The poor don’t have
A recall of the historical migration
Trevor Simumba. mechanisms to As the anniversary of New Hijri Year is across during lifetime. There was a highlight to the Islamic
“The poor don’t round the corner, Muslims all over the The Almighty Allah assigned the Calendar and its months in the Holy
have mechanisms adjust their living world are gearing up to commemorate Prophet as a Messenger for entire Quran as clarified in the verse: “They
to adjust their living costs this valued occasion. With all its values humanity and bestowed him with ask thee the New Moons. Say: They are
costs”. TREVOR SIMUMBA and lessons, one recalls the historical guidance to renew the call for Islam; but signs to mark fixed periods of time
With tensions An economist incidents of the scared journey of the the religion of other Prophets and in the affairs of men and for Pilgrimage.”
rising ahead of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Observing Messengers who came before him. All of The number of months is also stated in
elections next week, the occasion attracts the attention them in succession conveyed the religion, the verse: “The number of months in
Lungu ordered Abdulaziz Al Jahdhami of many to realise its significance to which Allah accepts to their respective the sight of Allah is twelve in a year. So
[email protected]
an unprecedented deployment of the military to Muslims and how different is the Islamic audiences until the religion was fully ordained by Him the day He created the
clamp down on violence. Calendar? completed by revealing the Holy Quran heavens and the earth; Of them four are
Economic troubles in a country where more The New Year marks the migration to the last of the Prophets, Muhammad. sacred; that is the straight usage so wrong
than half the population lived below the poverty journey of the Prophet from the city of As the verse confirms: “Say you we not yourselves. Therein, and fight the
line before the pandemic do not bode well for Mecca to Madina. This was the central believe in Allah, and the revelation given Pagans”.
a president who only eked out slim victories in historical occasion in the early days to us, and to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, As a matter of fact, the Prophets’
previous polls, analysts warn. of Islam and it declared the start of Jacob, and the Tribes of Al Asbat, and journey came post his advice to his
Results of an Afrobarometer study published the Islamic Calendar, announcing the that given to Moses and Jesus, and that companions to migrate to a city called
last month showed that poverty, hunger and foundation of the first Muslim state at given to (all) prophets from their Lord: Habasha where there was a just Christian
economic inequalities had worsened compared that time. The Prophet’s journey between We make no difference between one and king who welcomed Muslims and
to five years ago. According to a survey at the end the cities marked a turning point in the another of them: And we submit to Allah believed in them. When the number of
of May, 80 per cent of Zambians considered the Islamic history. in Islam.” believers increased in Madina, Allah
economic conditions “bad”. As another year is bidding farewell, In reference to the difference between revealed to the Prophet to migrate to it.
The upcoming election is expected to be the a new one is approaching to remind the Gregorian and Islamic calendars, After that, all Muslims started migrating
tightest contest yet between Lungu, 64, and his humanity of the glorious memories of the they are totally different in terms of one after another in compliance to the
longstanding rival, main opposition candidate Prophet’s migration journey. The blessed the names of months and dates. In the order of Allah and in obedience to the
and sixth-time-runner Hakainde Hichilema, 59. THE PROPHET’S migration reflected an honourable Islamic Calendar, months consist of order of the Prophet.
Lungu’s “popularity has gone precisely because JOURNEY challenge for human excellence and 29 or 30 days based on the moon sight Generally, the Prophet’s migration to
of how the economy has performed’’, economist BETWEEN THE presented several lessons of patience, while in the Gregorian calendar consist Madina started a new era, so he could
Grieve Chelwa said speaking from the capital control, knowledge and wisdom. It of either 30 or 31 days and they are fixed unite all believers as if they all had a heart
CITIES MARKED A
Lusaka. For the typical Zambian voter, who has stands as an improvement for the future in rotation. However, both are similarly of a single man. It was a dawn that enticed
a low paid job or is informally employed, the TURNING POINT generations to take advantage of, so they consisting of 12 months, but the ones in millions of people from every corner of
election is “all about the economy”, said Chelwa. IN THE ISLAMIC will be able to clear up all the difficulties the Islamic Calendar are different than the universe to believe in the Prophet
— AFP HISTORY and overcome the hardships they come the Gregorian ones. Muhammad and convert to Islam.

The adventures of a blonde and a very old car

“Gooood morning”, Mrs J chirped for a while, because I had heard her to un-zip a bit more, before finally towards Salalah and electricity poles had a nice long chat and he gave me
outside my tent. struggle with the zipper to her tent tip-toeing to the nearest bush. one after another in a seemingly loads of insider tips of what to see on
Chirped, twitter, chipper… all for what felt like a thousand times Needless to say, the entire procedure endless row. the way to Salalah. It’s quite a way,
related to little birds deliriously in my sleep. Seriously, the guy who is repeated in reverse when the fellow I looked at Mrs J and grunted. you know”.
happy to greet a new day. Well, not one day invents ‘the silent zipper’ for camper returns two minutes later. “Breakfast?” she asked. Oh did I know.
this old bird. tents and sleeping bags will become With a final loud zip, which sounds In a sweeping 360 degree motion The hot sweat tea, a handful of
I tried to open my eyes, swollen an overnight millionaire. There is no like a jet breaking through the sound I pointed at the barren landscape. dates and the kindness of strangers
with lack of sleep and having had to louder noise than the noise coming barrier, your neighbour settles in “Where? Have I missed the did miracles for my mood. We sat
Rachael MacIver strain to look at the road in the dark, from the person in the tent next to with a sigh of pleasure, completely restaurant???” in comfortable silence and listened
Instagram: @rachael_maciver with sand twirling in front of us like you, be it 2 m or 2 km away, getting convinced nobody noticed they were Mrs J pursed her lips “Boy, are we to the emptiness around us, only
snowflakes in a snowstorm. They felt up in the night to ‘go behind the up. By this time you yourself are not grumpy today”. She pointed towards interrupted by an annoying, lone,
bruised. I felt absolutely no desire bushes’. The procedure always follows only fully awake, but you also realise a bowl with dates and a thermos, desperate fly which must have
to greet a new day with birdlike the same pattern. Loud un-zipping that you now desperately need to pee. which I knew we definitely hadn’t smelled the sugary tea from miles
enthusiasm. of the sleeping bag, a struggle with Silent zippers — I tell you, there is a packed from home. away and set off on its life’s journey
I TRIED TO “Hmmph”, I groaned and held the zipper on the tent flap, which is huge market. “Abdullah dropped this off an across the barren land for this
OPEN MY EYES, my watch close enough to the little loudly zipped closed again when the I poked my head out of the tent. hour ago and said we could just leave promise of plenty. Mrs J looked
SWOLLEN WITH slits which were my eyes, and had person too late realizes that it is the We had been happy to find a small the empty thermos when we set off, down at her once white, now slept
to blink several times to focus. 5:30 wrong zipper and only opens the fly patch of flat ground close to the and he would pick it up later”. I stood in, linen shirt. “Do you think I need
LACK OF SLEEP
am. In my book this was still in the net. Loud fumbling and mutterings road late in the night when I finally in awe with my mouth open. Only to get changed?” she asked. True, the
AND HAVING slightly, but still. Pajero was still stuck in 3rd gear and
middle of the night. Why, oh why, in the dark and more un-zipping got too tired to drive any further.
HAD TO STRAIN was Mrs J already up and chipper of the right tent flap. By then, you Here in the daylight it looked very “Abdullah who???” I wanted to we were still a long way from Salalah,
TO LOOK AT THE like a crow outside a bedroom are fully awake. The person in the different. Our spot was flat alright, know. but just like the stubborn fly, we had
ROAD IN THE window on a Saturday sleep-in tent next to you squeezes halfway but so was everything else around us. “Ah, just a kind man who stopped a goal. We were going to get there…
DARK morning? I knew she had been up through the too small hole and has Flat nothingness, apart from the road earlier to check if we needed help. We just very, very slowly.

HEAD OFFICE SALALAH OFFICE ADVERTISING DISTRIBUTION AGENT PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY:

Tel: 24649444, 24649450, Tel: 23292633 AL OMANEYA ADVERTISING & Al OMANEYA for Distribution & Ministry of Information
24649451, 24604563, Fax: 23293909 PUBLIC RELATIONS, P.O. Box 3303, P.C. Marketing, P.O. Box 974, P.C. 100, P.O. Box 974, Postal Code 100, Muscat,
112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Sultanate of Oman
24699437 NIZWA OFFICE Tel: SWITCHBOARD: 24649444, Tel: 24649351/24649360
ESTABLISHED ON 15 NOVEMBER 1981 Fax: 24699643 Tel: 25411099 24649430/24649437/24649401 Fax: 24649379
P.O. Box 955, P.C. 611 Fax: 24649434

Website: omanobserver.om EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Abdullah bin Salim al Shueili e-mail: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this page are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the opinion of the Observer.
MONDAY | AUGUST 9, 2021 | DHUL HIJJAH 30, 1442 AH

sport

USA TOP MEDAL TABLE

AS TOKYO 2020 CONCLUDE
TOKYO: Eliud Kipchoge
produced a marathon
masterclass and the USA
edged China at the top
of the Tokyo Olympics
medals table as the
curtain fell on the biggest
sports event since the
pandemic on Sunday.
After Kipchoge’s
marathon win for Kenya,
the United States scored
victories in volleyball,
track cycling and
basketball to top the tally IOC President Thomas Bach General view of the Olympic flame and cauldron at the closing ceremony of
with 39 gold medals, just hands over the Olympic flag to Tokyo 2020 Olympics. — Reuters
Paris’ mayor Anne Hidalgo. — AFP
one ahead of China.
The 339th and final
gold medal went to officials maintained that in the closing stages and officials proved
Serbia’s men’s water polo a record haul of 27 gold and clocking 2hr 08min unfounded and 430 cases
team, capping a Games medals, putting Japan 38sec to retain the title were picked up during
that were in serious third on the table, has he won in 2016. the Games, including 32
danger of cancellation won hearts. “I know there were in the Olympic Village.
after they became the “We believe our a lot of people against Among the final
first postponed Olympics athletes’ earnest spirit holding this Olympics events on Sunday,
last year. and all-out performance due to the coronavirus,” Canadian cyclist Kelsey
Thirty-three sports moved people,” said said a flag-waving, Mitchell took gold in
have been contested Tsuyoshi Fukui, chef de 47-year-old fan on the the women’s sprint while
across 16 days in mission for the Japanese marathon route who Jason Kenny won the
largely empty stadiums, team. gave his name as Tsujita. men’s keirin to become
with fans barred over Britain finished “But I am glad it took the first Briton to win
coronavirus risks and fourth with 22 golds and place. This was a once- seven Olympic titles.
athletes living in strict the Russian Olympic in-a-lifetime experience The Americans
biosecure conditions. Committee, the team for everyone.” started the day two golds
“Some were already for Russian athletes after The marathon, moved behind China but the
speaking of ‘Ghost Russia were banned for north to Sapporo to avoid women’s basketball and
Games’,” Olympics chief systematic doping, were Tokyo’s summer heat, volleyball titles and US
Thomas Bach told an fifth with 20. was one of the few events track cyclist Jennifer
International Olympic to allow spectators. Valente’s omnium
Committee session ‘ONCE IN A LIFETIME’ Sunday’s closing victory put them top of
ahead of the closing A succession of ceremony got underway the final table.
ceremony on Sunday. big names have failed at an Olympic Stadium The Olympic flag will
“What we have seen to perform in Japan, empty of spectators, now pass to 2024 hosts
here is that on the where new sports rounding off an Paris. But the Olympic
contrary the athletes skateboarding, surfing, extraordinary Games circus will reconvene in
have brought soul to the sport climbing and conducted mostly for a just six months when
Olympic Games.” karate have brought worldwide TV audience Beijing, faced with
The Olympics were young new stars to the of billions. boycott threats and a
plagued by low Japanese fore. Fears of a major renewed coronavirus
support over fears they But marathon world outbreak among the emergency, holds
would become a super- record holder Kipchoge mostly vaccinated the Winter Games in
spreader event but showed his class, kicking Olympic athletes February. — AFP
 sport
OMANDAILYOBSERVER
M O N DAY l A U G U S T 9 l 2 0 2 1 11
FOCUS SWITCHES TO PSG AS

MESSI
CONFIRMS BARCA EXIT
BARCELONA: An emotional Lionel
Messi confirmed on Sunday he is leaving
Barcelona after 17 trophy-laden years,
with Paris Saint Germain his likely next
port of call for a career swansong.
“I have still not come to terms with
the reality of leaving this club now — I
love this club,” said a suited Messi, who
several times wiped away tears before
a squadron of reporters at the club’s
Camp Nou ground who gave him a
standing ovation.
Messi, widely considered the
most gifted player in the history of
the game, has won 35 trophies at the
club which he joined as a 13-year-
old — including four Champions
Leagues and 10 league titles while
his 672 goals are a record for any of
the top five European leagues.
Despite offering to cut his salary by
half to seal a new five-year deal which a
club carrying debts of 1.2 billion euros
($1.5 billion) and the player had agreed
on, the agreement foundered on strict
Spanish League salary restrictions.
Barca president Joan Laporta said he
could not “mortgage” the club’s future on
any player — not even Messi.
Previously Messi had been earning
over 70 million euros ($82.3m) a year net
— but financial observers of the Spanish
game estimate he pulled in around
twice as much in commercial
revenue, accounting for almost
one-third of total incomings
and eight in ten shirt sales.
Messi tried to engineer his
departure last year, fed up
with some underwhelming
recent Champions League
showings.
But he stayed and stressed
on Sunday that he and his
family had wanted to continue
in Catalonia rather than embark
on a likely reunion with former
clubmate Neymar at PSG — ostensibly
the only club that can afford him with
Manchester City having already said they
will not make a move for his services.
“I would’ve liked to have won another
Champions League,” said Messi.
“I don’t regret anything, I tried to give
my best and I’m ending my career here
with a good number of titles”.
He also said he had been completely
transparent throughout the saga
regarding his intentions.
“I gave everything for this club from
the first day that I arrived right to the last.
I never imagined having to say goodbye.
“I’m not ready for this,” he said, again
choking back tears as thousands of fans
waited outside to salute their icon, whose
first contract 21 years ago was signed on
the back of a restaurant napkin for want
of anything else to seal the deal on.

PSG ‘POSSIBILITY’
Stressing no deals had been done,
Messi did concede that joining PSG was
a “possibility” as the Qatar-owned club
consider a move.
“There have been lots of rumours. Lots
of things are being said,” said PSG coach
Mauricio Pochettino on Friday. — AFP
sport
12 OMANDAILYOBSERVER
M O N DAY l A U G U ST 9 l 2 0 2 1

Perfect return for Al Harthy at

British GP with pole position
MUSCAT: Oman’s number
one racing driver Ahmad al
Harthy delivered an absolutely
remarkable qualifying
performance on his Intelligent
Money British GT Championship
return at Snetterton 300 Circuit
on Saturday, August 7, to take an
utterly dominant pole position for
race one of the weekend.
In control throughout the first
of the day’s two qualifying sessions,
the Oman Racing star was at one
stage almost 1.5 seconds ahead of
the competition before ultimately
ending the run 0.8 seconds clear
with a time of 1m49.237 seconds
(97.84mph).
During the race two session,
‘Pro’ team-mate Charlie Eastwood
posted the sixth quickest time of
1m48.159 seconds (98.81mph) to
ensure the TF Sport-engineered It’s great to be back in the car and obviously great
entry has a fantastic chance of to start the race weekend with P1. Qualifying went
two very strong results in the pair
of one-hour races at the Norfolk very well for me, the team did an amazing job over
track later today. the week to make sure we were comfortable in the
“It’s great to be back in the and solid first race, the weather Continuing their strong first flying lap he rocketed to the car and able to perform at a high level
car and obviously great to start has been fluctuating over the last preparation, both free practice top of the times — an excellent
the race weekend with P1”, said few days but, either wet or dry, I’ll sessions on Saturday also went effort of 1m50.044 seconds.
an elated Al Harthy, “Qualifying do the best I can.” very well for the Oman Racing Instantly setting the fastest first
AHMAD AL HARTHY
Omani race driver
went very well for me, the team From the outset in testing on duo. Al Harthy lapped sixth sector of all on his next lap, and
did an amazing job over the week Friday, August 6, the exquisite quickest in the opening one-hour then the outright quickest second
to make sure we were comfortable Omantel and OQ liveried No.97 period with a time of 1m50.152 sector, the Omani extended his the grid by just under a second. the session, 0.5 seconds shy of the
in the car and able to perform at a Aston Martin Vantage GT3 was seconds (97.03mph). Heavy rain advantage with a stunning lap of In the race two session for top of the times.
high level. quick with Eastwood lapping arrived before session two, giving 1m49.237 seconds which put him the ‘Pro’ drivers, which followed Race one of the weekend at
“The car felt absolutely amazing second quickest in session one, Al teams a great chance to gather an incredible 1.4 seconds clear at immediately afterwards, Snetterton 300 Circuit will get
and I’m really happy to be back at Harthy fifth fastest in the second wet-weather data, and Eastwood the head of the timesheets. Eastwood went fifth fastest with a under way at 10.40 local time this
this level straight away, after being run and Eastwood ninth in the was fifth with a time of 2m09.882 Satisfied he had more than time of 1m48.335 seconds on his morning, with race two expected
away from the car for such a long final outing. The day’s running seconds (82.29mph). done enough to secure pole first flying lap and then produced to follow at around 15.45 local
time — more than five months. I was, remember, Al Harthy’s first Al Harthy took part in the race position for the first race of the a better time of 1m48.159 seconds time. Live streaming of both one
think that’s what’s really driving competitive track time since the one qualifying session, which got weekend, which he undoubtedly to move within just three tenths of hour encounters will be available
me and motivating me. I’m really end of the Asian Le Mans Series in under way at around 17.00 local had, Al Harthy backed off and a second of pole position. In the online here: https://www.britishgt.
looking forward to having a clean February. time on a dry track, and on his ultimately sealed the top spot on end he was edged back to sixth in com/live

Rossi happy as tributes pour in

SPIELBERG, Austria: Valentino “You’ve been without a doubt
Rossi said he had become “very one of my greatest rivals, my
emotional” as messages poured in achievements have been all the
from sports stars round the world
after he announced he would re-
more validated having raced
against you,” tweeted double Mo-
Dr Said al Shari re-elected
tire from MotoGP at the end of
2021.
“From my close friends but also
toGP champion Casey Stoner.
Jorge Lorenzo tweeted photos
of himself, Rossi, Stoner and Dani
as OHA chairman
from other sports, soccer players, Pedrosa, who has come out of re- ADIL AL BALUSHI
Formula One drivers and espe- tirement to ride in this weekend’s MUSCAT, AUGUST 8
cially from old rivals and those race, but compared Rossi to some
are the best,” said the 42-year-old, of the greats in other sports. Dr Said bin Ahmed al Shari re-
who won nine world titles, seven “End of an era,” wrote Lorenzo. elected as chairman of Oman
in the elite category between 1997 “On the track the 4 of us were just Handball Association (OHA) on
and 2009. as fast, but in terms of charisma Sunday for another term (2021-
“It was great. I was very happy.” and transcendence @valeyel- 2024). The majority members of
He also told a virtual press con- low46 is at the level of Jordan, OHA general assembly voted for
ference on Friday how much he Woods, Ali or Senna.” Salalah representative who had
had enjoyed springing the news Marc Marquez also praised his 17 votes while the other nominee Dr Said al Shahri
Yamaha-SRT Italian rider Valentino Rossi puts in his ear-plugs during the third free
of his decision on his mother practice session ahead of the Styrian MotoGP in Spielberg. — AFP former rival in his press confer- was Captain Said al Busaidy. al Hajri. Mohammed al Alawi
Stefania and girlfriend Francesca ence at Spielberg on Friday. A total of 26 clubs attended the (23 votes), Nasr al Hasani (19
less than 24 hours before the an- lot of messages from all around Juventus fan to cheer for an Inter During the years when the ris- general assembly meeting which votes), Tawfeeq Bait Mustaheel
nouncement. the world,” he said. “Yesterday was fan... but it was easy for you!” said ing Spaniard deposed Rossi as the was held in the main indoor (18 votes), and Omar al Balushi
He said the three eat together incredible.” Alessandro Del Piero in a video top dog in MotoGP, the two were hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports (13 votes) won the board mem-
on Wednesday evenings before a Rossi is a fan of Inter Milan and message. “Thank you for every- involved in a series of incidents Complex. Moosa al Balushi re- bers post.
race weekend. one of his many famous victory thing, idol.” culminating in what the Italian mained the Secretary-General of On Monday, Oman Swim-
“I didn’t say anything to my celebrations came in Germany in Italian-born Australian F1 saw as a deliberate crash in Ar- OHA for another term as he had ming Association’s election will
mother,” he said of the meal, gig- 2006, shortly after Italy had won driver Daniel Ricciardo, mean- gentina in 2018. obtained the confidence from take place in the main indoor
gling throughout the anecdote. the World Cup in Berlin, when while, noted “the joy, happiness, “Everyone knows that our per- OHA general assembly with 16 hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports
“Before leaving I said ‘Stefi, to- he donned the azzurri shirt of his excitement you brought to so sonal relationship is not the best votes. Al Musannah man will Complex and it will start at 11:00.
morrow I have a press conference friend Marco Materazzi, the Inter many.” one but I can recognise we are los- continue his duties alongside the In the following day, the general
that I stop’ and she was ‘Ooooh. player who had been involved in Others in Formula One, in- ing something big,” Marquez said. existing chairman with the new assembly of Oman Hockey As-
Yes!’ She didn’t have the power the sending off of Zinedine Zi- cluding drivers George Russell, “Maybe the biggest part of Mo- faces in the board members. sociation (OHA) will vote for the
to say nothing. And I left. It was dane in the final. Antonio Giovinazzi, Alex Albon toGP. Valentino always brings a Jameel al Hasani (15 votes) new board while Oman Basket-
quite funny.” “For me, you will always be on and Carlos Sainz, the Mercedes, lot of people. He did many good was elected as the new vice ball Association’s election sched-
After the announcement on the top step of the podium,” wrote Ferrari and McLaren teams and things inside the track but also Chairman while Ali al Alawi (14 uled on Saturday.
Thursday that Rossi was ending Materazzi. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also outside the track.” votes) is the board treasurer. The The conclusion of the sports
his 26-year-career as a rider, fare- Another Italian World Cup praised Rossi. Rossi said he was “If you evaluate his career, it’s handball referee Abeer al Zadjali bodies’ election will be through
wells poured in on social media. winner joined in. most touched by messages from something special, unique and a won the woman board member Oman Football Association
“I received a lot, a lot, a lot, a “Dear Vale, it’s not easy for a his MotoGP rivals. legend.” — AFP post. Her opponent was Rudaina (OFA) on August 28.
MONDAY | AUGUST 9, 2021 | DHUL HIJJAH 30 , 1442 AH

business
Special
register Ban on pyramid marketing to fight
for Omani
accountants
commercial fraud, hidden trade practices
and auditors STRONG MEASURE: Officials, regulation of direct marketing
activities patronised by young
experts applaud Ministerial
entrepreneurs.
Decision prohibiting Pyramid or network Direct marketing also
hierarchical / network schemes are similar contributes to the country’s
marketing activities in Oman to ‘get-rich-quick’ gross domestic product as it’s a
legitimate commercial activity. In
scams that channel developing economies like India,
BUSINESS REPORTER huge profits to a small for example, direct marketing
MUSCAT, AUG 8
handful of individuals is linked with major initiatives
sitting at the top at the launched by the Government of
The Omani government’s recent India such as Made in India, Skill
decision to ban all forms of pyramid cost of the gullible India, Startup India and so on, she
or network marketing schemes in said.
the Sultanate has been welcomed DR MOHAMMED BIN Sameh bin Salim al Adawi,
by a number of experts who have RASHID AL BADI another market expert, said:
BUSINESS REPORTER cited the measure’s importance Acting Director of the Legal “The ministerial decision to ban
MUSCAT, AUG 8 in combating potential fraud in pyramid marketing activities
Department, MoCIIP
the retail activities and thwarting is a timely one, particularly as
Qais bin Mohammad al those involved in hidden trade. we embark on the journey to
Yousuf, Minister of Commerce, Earlier this month, the Ministry fraud and unfair competition. It that usually siphons off the lion’s scams that channel huge profits Oman’s long-term growth guided
Industry and Investment of Commerce, Industry and also seeks to protect those engaged share of all revenues generated to a small handful of individuals by Vision 2040. The ban will
Promotion (MoCIIP), issued Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) in legitimate trade activities. by the scheme. Those at the lower sitting at the top at the cost of the help combat the illegal outflow
Ministerial Decision (11/2021) issued a Ministerial Decision Dr Mohammed bin Rashid rungs of the pyramid, while gullible. of funds earned through hidden
to form a committee to oversee outlawing selling, advertising or al Badi, Acting Director of the contributing the most to revenue Dr Maha bint Khamis al activities, regulate the marketing
the processing or registering promoting goods, products, and Legal Department at the Ministry, generation, are left with little or Balushiyah, Assistant Professor of of products lacking approval in the
accountants and auditors in the services via network marketing explained that pyramid marketing nothing at all. Marketing and Identity at Sultan Sultanate and help control pricing
Sultanate. or hierarchical schemes as a typically involves an individual or Pyramid or network schemes Qaboos University, noted that and quality of goods in the local
The committee will included safeguard against commercial company sitting atop the pyramid are similar to ‘get-rich-quick’ the new measure will strengthen market.”
the Vice-President of the Capital
Market Sector in the Capital
Market Authority as Chairman,
with the membership of
the Director General of the
Directorate General of Trade
in the Ministry of Commerce,
35 per cent stake available for investment
in Oman’s biggest poultry project
Industry and Investment
Promotion, a representative
of the Ministry of Finance,
a representative of the Tax
Authority, a representative of
the Central Bank of Oman, a WHITE MEAT: Ahead of The project, set
representative of the Omani commercial launch in
Accountants Association, and up at a total cost
an expert member.
January 2022, A’Namaa of around RO 110
The panel will study Poultry invites local / million, covers all
applications for obtaining international investors to be aspects of the poultry
licenses to practice the part of government-backed
profession of accounting and business, extending
auditing. This is subject to strategic food security from the operation
applicants being enrolled in venture of hatcheries to
the register for accountants distribution of white
and auditors for a period of at
least three years. In addition, CONRAD PRABHU
meat products.
the committee will set up @conradprabhu Output of white meat
accounting standards that must from the venture is
be applied when preparing Oman Food Investment targeted at around
financial statements, budgets, Holding Company (OFIC) —
60,000 tonnes per
and the final financial results. the government’s food sector
The terms and conditions investment and development annum
for registering in the register arm – has revealed that it is
of accountants and auditors offering an equity stake of up to 35 per cent that we are currently Ibri in Al Dhahirah Governorate This volume, together with At full capacity, A’Namma
in the Sultanate include: the 35 per cent in its flagship poultry promoting to the private sector,” — forms part of a portfolio the outputs of other poultry Poultry is projected to generate
applicant must be an Omani venture, A’Namaa Poultry, slated said Ali al Shihhi, Vice-President of OFIC-backed investments ventures in operation or under Earnings before Interest, Taxes,
nationality, dedicated to to commence commercial – Finance, OFIC. “We welcome aimed at securing the country’s development elsewhere around Depreciation and Amortisation
practicing the profession, operation in January 2022. any discussions and initiatives long-term food requirements. the Sultanate, will account for (EBITDA) of RO 13.7 million,
holder of a university According to a high- from (investors) if they are The project, set up at a total 70 per cent of Oman’s domestic while the Internal Rate of Return
academic qualification level official of wholly-state- interested in the poultry market cost of around RO 110 million, requirement of white meat by (IRR) is estimated at 17.5 per
specialising in accounting, or owned OFIC, an affiliate of in Oman.” covers all aspects of the poultry the year 2030. cent, according to the official.
holder of a certificate of an Oman Investment Authority Speaking during an online business, extending from the Besides OFIC, equity stakes Besides serving as a local
internationally recognised (OIA) — the country’s investment forum organised operation of hatcheries to acquired by local Omani-based source of fresh white meat
chartered accountant or its integrated sovereign wealth recently with the support of the distribution of white meat firms include the Civil Service for domestic consumption,
equivalent, fully qualified, of fund — the available stake is Ministry of Commerce, Industry products. Output of white meat Employees Fund (CSEF), A’Saffa A’Namma Poultry will also
good reputation, and has not primarily targeted at local and and Investment Promotion, the from the venture is targeted Poultry, and Oman National support the creation of around
been convicted of a judicial international private investors. official said the poultry project – at around 60,000 tonnes per Investments Development 1,500 direct and indirect jobs at
or disciplinary judgment in a “We have a stake of around currently nearing completion at annum. Company (Tanmia). full production, he added.
crime against honour or trust,
unless has been rehabilitated.
business
business
14 OMANDAILYOBSERVER
M O N DAY l A U G U ST 9 l 2 0 2 1

Lexus ES: Stylish, PDO’s Ras Al Hamra development

powerful & luxurious wins LEED certification
GREEN BUILDING: LEED-
certified homes have
significant environmental
benefits with lower
carbon emissions and
higher water savings
compared to baseline
conventional villas
MUSCAT: The Lexus ES is to an eight-speed direct-shift
designed to draw attention automatic transmission. BUSINESS REPORTER
and reward you with fine The class-leading hybrid MUSCAT, AUG 8
luxury experiences as you electric model’s batteries
make the most of every come with 8 years /160,000 Petroleum Development Oman’s
journey. Kms warranty and are (PDO) Ras Al Hamra (RAH)
Complementing the Lexus automatically charged either Development Project has been
ES emotional design is a by a petrol engine or during awarded an international green
thrilling drive personality braking or decelerating, building certification recognised
imbued by two powertrain eliminating the need to plug as an international symbol of
options. in a power cord. sustainability achievement and
The ES350 is powered Furthermore, it hosts leadership. in Energy and Environmental example of how the innovative sustainability standards by
by a 3.5-litre V6 engine a number of advanced The project achieved Design), which was developed work of project teams can create achieving efficiency and creating
that is designed to deliver technologies, yet drives like the LEED accreditation for by the US Green Building local solutions that contribute healthy indoor environments. It
commanding acceleration any other conventional car implementing practical and Council (USGBC), is the most to making a global difference. It also drives project excellence and
along with an invigorating and does not require special measurable strategies and widely used green building is also a key contributor to the best practice for all initiatives to
sound. fuel. solutions in areas including rating system in the world. transformation of the way our build sustainable and modern
With the D4-S fuel The ES300h offers an sustainable site development, Through design, construction buildings are built, designed and cities in Oman.”
injection system, the impressive 24.1 km/L mileage. energy efficiency, water savings, and operations practices that operated to the highest levels of RAH LEED-certified homes
impressively smooth engine Lexus ES350 F SPORT minimising greenhouse gas improve environmental and sustainability. have significant environmental
produces 298 hp and 36.3 model, further enhances the emissions, materials selection human health, LEED-certified “We are delighted to benefits with lower carbon
kg-m of torque, while the driving excitement so that and indoor environmental buildings are preventing contribute to the sustainability of emissions and higher water
ES250 is powered by, high- drivers can enjoy a sense of quality. pollution impacts during the country, in line with Oman savings compared to baseline
efficiency 2.5-litre 4-cylinder oneness with the car, born Several types of townhouses construction and waste diversion Vision 2040, and to the green conventional villas. This in
engine that produces 204 hp of its ability to respond and villas in the project were from landfil to contribute to the design standards in our modern turn reduces operational and
and 24.8 kg-m of torque. immediately to driving awarded the LEED Platinum circular economy. development of RAH. maintenance costs, conserves
The two powertrains on enthusiasts’ intentions in rating, an achievement which is RAH Development Project The LEED accreditation resources while prioritising
ES350 and ES250 are paired various situations. the first of its kind in Oman and Manager Eng Jaber al Siyadi means the project is moving sustainable practices and human
the region. LEED (Leadership said: “The project is a prime towards meeting international health.

Customers praise
Omantel supports national campaign against Covid-19 the ‘You Choose’
MUSCAT: Omantel has sustained internal system “Hassin” Covid-19 in Oman.”
finance campaign
its efforts against the Covid-19 Laila bint Mohammed al Thamir Al Kathiri, General from Alizz
pandemic through community Wahaibiyah, CSR Manager at Manager of Personnel Services
initiatives that support various Omantel said: “As part of its at Omantel’s Human Resources Islamic Bank
organisations in the Sultanate to CSR initiatives the Company Unit said: “We have joined hands
limit the spread of the virus. is extending its support to the with Ministry of Health to run an
Continuing its work towards national vaccination campaign, internal campaign for vaccinating
the nation’s health, Omantel which is of high importance the Company’s employees and
is lending its resources to the for Oman’s overall health and their families.
national vaccination campaign safety in these challenging This campaign complements
being held in cooperation times. Twenty members from the national efforts made by the
between the Ministry of Omantel’s ‘Together’ volunteer Ministry and other concerned
Health (MoH) and the Oman team have participated in the authorities to limit the spread of
Convention and Exhibition national campaign, which was the virus. Omantel’s widespread
Centre (OCEC). More than launched in cooperation with the campaign has already covered
20 Omantel employees are Ministry of Health and OCEC. all outlets across various MUSCAT: The ‘You Choose’
volunteering for the MoH and safety of its employees campaign for staff and their This contribution complements governorates. Our employees are campaign, launched by Alizz
vaccination campaign. Apart against Covid-19, Omantel has families, in a smooth and orderly the Company’s efforts to support also participating as volunteers at Islamic Bank last month, has
from this, to ensure the health been running a vaccination manner, using its own developed different initiatives to fight the national vaccination drive.” received a wide response from
various segments of society.
The ‘You Choose’ campaign
NBO Innovation gives the customers the

Incubator begins
MUSCAT: Concluding a highly
NBC incubated firms explore business flexibility to choose from a
range of specially designed
offers, once they transfer their
current finances or avail new
successful selection process,
National Bank of Oman’s
(NBO) Innovation Incubator
has officially begun. 30 young
opportunities in Daleel Petroleum financing from Alizz Islamic
Bank or transfer their salaries
to the bank.
The #YouChoose campaign
graduates, who were chosen gives the customers the
from over 1,500 applicants, BUSINESS REPORTER support and guidance, training freedom of picking one of the
have now started their journey MUSCAT, AUG 8 and mentoring, access to markets many benefits that fit their
through the three-month and industry experts, and state- requirements and needs, such
long programme, which is The National Business Centre of-the-art and fully equipped as, a combo offer for customers
part of the bank’s corporate (NBC), which operates under office space, meeting rooms and to enjoy a new credit card free
social responsibility (CSR) the auspices of the Public presentation facilities. for the lifetime of the financing
programme, in collaboration Establishment for Industrial NBC plays a key role in tenors upon availing new
with the SME Development Estates (Madayn), organised facilitating and supporting the financing from the bank.
Authority, Oman Academy a meeting between officials growth of investable ideas into One can also enjoy special
for SMEs, and Paradigm representing Daleel Petroleum successful businesses; building rates on new financing at a
Consulting. and the SMEs incubated at NBC. entrepreneurial skills through rate of 4.75% for home finance
Coached by 15 of the bank’s Daleel Petroleum officials dedicated and focused training, and 4.99% for auto & personal
specially-trained employees, were introduced to the services coaching and mentoring; and finance or they can avail a 3
the young men and women will offered by these SMEs in the providing business support months’ moratorium period for
go head-to-head to design their local and foreign markets. On took place on collaboration business options available for facilities such as office space, their new finance. Customer
own FinTech start-up. Only their part, Daleel Petroleum opportunities between Daleel Omani entrepreneurs in various administrative support, financial can also transfer their salaries
three will emerge as winners, officials elaborated on the supply Petroleum and the SMEs. fields in the energy company. support and consultancy services to the bank and enjoy 10%
and have the opportunity to chain management at Daleel, The meetings were an NBC serves as a platform for to contribute in ensuring the cashback on the first salary
pitch their ideas to potential online tendering and supplier opportunity for both sides to Omani entrepreneurs to get success and survival of new credited during the campaign
investors. registration, and discussions exchange views and explore access to business development ventures. period.
 business
business OMANDAILYOBSERVER
M O N DAY l A U G U S T 9 l 2 0 2 1

TikTok owner
15
ECB must
tighten policy
Saudi Aramco Q2 profit soars on ByteDance
aims for Hong
if needed
to counter higher prices, demand recovery Kong IPO by
inflation DUBAI: Saudi Arabia state oil early 2022
producer Aramco reported a near
four-fold rise in second-quarter
net profit on Sunday, beating BEIJING: ByteDance, the
expectations and boosted by Chinese owner of short video
higher oil prices and a recovery in platform TikTok, has revived
oil demand. its plan to go public with a
Aramco said its results listing in Hong Kong by early
were supported by the global 2022 after addressing Chinese
easing of Covid-19 restrictions, regulators’ concerns, the
vaccination campaigns, stimulus Financial Times reported on
BERLIN: The European measures and accelerating Sunday.
Central Bank must economic activity in key markets. ByteDance is planning to list
tighten monetary policy Aramco joins other oil majors in either the fourth quarter of
if it needs to counter who have reported strong results this year or in early 2022, the
inflationary pressures and in recent weeks. FT reported.
cannot be put off from Exxon Mobil last month said “We are expecting final
doing so by the financing its net income for the second guidance from ByteDance in
costs of euro zone states, quarter came in at $4.69 billion, September. They are submitting
ECB policymaker Jens or $1.10 per share, compared all the filings with Chinese
Weidmann (pictured) with a loss of $1.08 billion, or 26 authorities right now and
told the Welt am Sonntag cents per share, a year ago. are going through the review
newspaper. Royal Dutch Shell reported process’’, the newspaper quoted
Euro zone countries its highest quarterly profit in Engineers work at a Saudi Aramco facility in Saudi Arabia. — AFP a source as saying.
have ramped up their more than two years, with Beijing-based BytDance
borrowing to cope adjusted earnings at $5.53 billion, Executive Officer Amin Nasser Nasser said, reiterating a plan with private sector investments. said in April that it had no
with the coronavirus compared with earnings of $638 said in a statement. announced last year. “I think the reason they imminent plans for an initial
pandemic, potentially million a year earlier. Aramco’s net profit rose It declared a dividend of $18.8 maintained [the dividend] and public offering (IPO). Chinese
leaving them exposed to Oil prices, boosted by output to 95.47 billion riyals ($25.46 billion in the second quarter, in our rationale was that they are regulators have stepped up their
increased debt servicing cuts made by the Organization billion) for the quarter to June 30 line with its own target, which retaining money to invest in scrutiny of the tech sector in
costs if the central bank of the Petroleum Exporting from 24.62 billion riyals a year will be paid in the third quarter. future projects and particularly recent months. — Reuters
tightens policy to counter Countries and their allies, a group earlier. Credit Suisse analysts said late the “shareek” programme’’, he
upward pressure on known as Opec+, closed at $70.70 Analysts had expected a net last month they expected Aramco said.
prices. a barrel on Friday and has gained profit of $23.2 billion, according to declare a special dividend Aramco’s capital expenditure
“The ECB is not over 35 per cent since the start of to the mean estimate from five because of higher oil prices that was $7.5 billion in the second
there to take care of the the year. analysts. had helped boost its free cash quarter, an increase of 20 per cent
solvency protection of the “Our second quarter results Aramco’s CEO told an earnings flow. from a year earlier.
states’’, said Weidmann, reflect a strong rebound in call that global oil demand was Yousef Husseini, equity A consortium including
whose role as president of worldwide energy demand and we expected to hit 99 million barrels a research analyst at EFG Hermes, Washington DC-based EIG
Germany’s Bundesbank are heading into the second half day by the end of the year and 100 said Aramco may be keeping Global Energy Partners in June
gives him a seat on the of 2021 more resilient and more million barrels next year, Aramco the extra cash for taking part in closed a deal to buy 49 per cent
ECB’s policymaking flexible, as the global recovery is still working to increase its own the new state-backed shareek of Aramco’s pipelines business for A man walks past Tiktok logo in
Governing Council. gains momentum’’, Aramco Chief capacity to 13 million barrels day, (Partner) initiative, to partner $12.4 billion. — Reuters Beijing, in this file photo. — Reuters
Should the inflation
outlook rise sustainably,
the ECB would have
to act in line with its
price stability objective, US consumer credit Chinese regulators meet with delivery
Weidmann said. “We have
to make it clear again and
again that we will tighten
grows at record rate firms, call for stronger labour rights
monetary policy if the BEIJING: China’s delivery
price outlook calls for it. WASHINGTON: US had expected consumer credit platform companies including
“We cannot then take consumer credit grew at the to increase at a rate of $23.00 Meituan and Alibaba’s Ele.me re-
into account the financing fastest rate ever in June, as billion in June. cently joined a meeting with gov-
costs of the states’’, he Americans increased their An alternate measure ernment regulators on improving
added. credit card usage to drive tracking the monthly change safety and labour rights for deliv-
After its July 22 consumer spending in the in the total amount of credit ery workers.
policy meeting, the ECB second quarter, data from the outstanding increased by Food delivery platforms, in the
pledged to keep interest Federal Reserve showed on the most since December spotlight due to China’s regula-
rates at record lows for Friday. 2010, the data showed. tory reforms, have attracted se-
even longer to boost Total consumer credit That measure showed that vere criticism on social media for
sluggish inflation, and expanded at a pace of $37.69 revolving credit, which mostly their treatment of delivery work- Delivery workers wait for online orders at a shopping area in Beijing. — Reuters
warned that the rapidly billion, which was the quickest measures credit-card use, rose ers, most of whom are not cov-
spreading Delta variant rate ever and followed a by $17.858 billion, the largest ered by basic social and medical Security, according to a Saturday and labour rights protections,
of the coronavirus posed $36.69 billion increase in gain since 2006, after climbing insurance. The meeting included notice on WeChat by the Minis- and not set performance indica-
a risk to the euro zone’s May, the US central bank said. by $9.089 billion in May. officials from the Ministry of try of Emergency Management, tors which harm the health of
recovery. — Reuters Economists polled by Reuters — Reuters Public Security and the Ministry which also attended. workers, according to the meet-
of Human Resources and Social Firms should strengthen safety ing. — Reuters

US labour market powers ahead with strong job gains

report on Friday also showed the largest gain since August 2020, the Nearly $6 trillion in pandemic
unemployment rate dropped to a survey of establishments showed. relief money from the government
More than 4 million jobs 16-month low of 5.4 per cent and Data for May and June were and Covid-19 vaccinations are
created since we took more people waded back into the revised to show 119,000 more jobs driving domestic demand.
labour force. created than previously reported. But a resurgence in infections,
office. It’s historic — and The report followed on the Economists had forecast payrolls driven by the Delta variant of the
proof our economic heels of news last week that the would increase by 870,000 jobs. coronavirus, could discourage
plan is working economy fully recovered in the The economy has created 4.3 some unemployed people from
second quarter the sharp loss in million jobs this year, leaving returning to the labour force.
output suffered during the very employment 5.7 million jobs July’s employment report could
JOE BIDEN brief pandemic recession. below its peak in February 2020. bring the Federal Reserve a step
US President “We are charting new economic President Joe Biden cheered the closer to announcing plans to
expansion territory in the third strong employment report. “More start scaling back its monthly
quarter’’, said Brian Bethune, than 4 million jobs created since bond-buying programme.
professor of practice at Boston we took office’’, Biden wrote on The US central bank last year
People line up outside a newly reopened career centre for in-person appointments economists believe will be the best College in Boston. “The overall Twitter. “It’s historic — and proof slashed its benchmark overnight
in Louisville, Kentucky. — Reuters
year for growth in almost four momentum of the recovery our economic plan is working.” interest rate to near zero and is
WASHINGTON: US employers raise wages, giving the economy decades. continues to build.” Hiring is being fueled by pent- pumping money into the economy
hired the most workers in nearly a powerful boost as it started The Labour Department’s Nonfarm payrolls increased up demand for workers in the through the bond purchases.
a year in July and continued to the second half of what many closely watched employment by 943,000 jobs last month, the labour-intensive services sector. — Reuters
 MONDAY AUGUST 9, 2021
94501166
Saada al Rashdi
Classified Section Mohammed al Rashdi: 99841230
[email protected]
Ali al Maashari: 99639264
[email protected] 95919344
24649593
24649595

SIT. VACANT FOR RENT SIT. WANTED FOR SALE

FLAT for rent in 3BHK flat for sale in Al

LOOKING for INVENTORY, FEMALE, MBA Khoud Commercial Road
male chef/cook to Maabela 3 master INDIAN, Fresher, Purchase, Sales: finance, 3 years with an allocated parking
work in private villa. rooms. 96088926. Bachelors in Indian male 30, experience (1.5 space. Call: 99411330.
Experience in cooking Architecture, Post having 8 years years in a Big Four
Arabic, Indian and graduate in Urban experience in retail,
A GROUND-FLOOR as tax consultant),
Continental food. Management F&B operations, FOR sale in SFZ, near
villa in North Al (experience in immediately port — 4-storey factory
Available in Oman for accounting and
immediate transfer. Ghubrah, 200 metre Urban services available for a for Guar Gum powder,
various other
Call 99892942. far away from sea. It planning, operations finance/ accounts total 3,7000 square
skills, NOC
consists of 3 bedrooms, and management, available. Contact: job. Contact: +968 metres, warehouse 1,700
3 toilets, majlis, two Smart Cities). 93213813. Square metres, with or
ENGINEERING 96219904, E-mail:
without machines. Write
Coordinator, Sales living rooms, kitchen Looking for suitable khanshah98@gmail. to [email protected]
Engineer, Marketing and and store has a garden. position. Can com YOUNG experienced or call +968 94615439
Sales. Call 97602926 99734109. join Immediately. Pakistani driver with (www.gulfguargum.com)
Contact: 79580953 Omani light vehicle driving
Property Leasing MECHANICAL licence seeks suitable
Manager send CV to FLATS in Al Khuwair. engineer, 21, Indian opening. Speaks Arabic, WE supply quantities of
vepsupervisor@gmail. 99899273. male currently in Hindi, English and familiar excellent mountainous
SENIOR soil in Bausher (suitable
com Oman looking with interior and Muscat
Accountant for compaction and
to work at any areas. Contact GSM
WE need a Crusher FOR rent: (Indian) with 15 95856719.
filling) 99242445,
INDUSTRIAL land in years experience in engineering 99327939.
Operator work in
Crusher with experience. Al Rusayl Area, 1,000 field. Contact
Oman seeks suitable THREE years experienced
For more information sqm, good location. 96511338. Email:
opening in reputed in administration / sales
call: 99450330/25542760. 99202224, 99417541. rkdhanush11@ RENT A CAR SERVICES
organisation. Ready and marketing seeking FOR INVESTMENT
gmail.com
to join within one placement. Omani D/L,
A Patissier to work in a and NOC available. Buttercup
pastry in Wilayat of Al FOR rent: Cooling store month. Please BARKA A LEGAL
contact: 78581435 INDIAN male, Gsm- 98270993
agricultural land Rent A Car
Hamra. Tel: 99891881 in Al Seeb. 99202224, translation office
or e-mail: career_ 24, B.E. computer on the highway, AMAZING OFFERS
94272979. needs Marketeers.
URGENTLY required rediffmail.com science, masters SALES/Marketing/ directly. 150,000 € Rent a car for 10
assistant HR & Admin in GIS from UK. retail executive BMS
sqm. To invest for days and get an Contact E-mail:
manager (only Omani 1BHK & 2 bhk flats Seeking placement in Marketing. 6 years
the purpose of extra free day. oman4n@gmail.
national), oil & gas FINANCE Manager/ experience. Contact € Rent for one
for rent at Ruwi and in GIS field. Having raising animals and com
93920174. Rehankadri91@
experience must. Al Khoudh. 93994402, CFO. Indian Chartered Oman driving livestock and meat month and get 5
hotmail.com
Contact: hrrecruit2828@ 93994403, 24834644. Accountant and Cost licence. Contact: supplies. 99328880. days free.
gmail.com 1. AC maintenance
Accountant with 25 years 99738614. CIVIL engineer/QS
All the cars are and servicing. 2.
of experience in Trade engineer, 11 years in UAE, 2016 brand new Fridge, washing
2 BEDROOM flat Al ACC AVAILABLE
FLATS FOR SALE/RENT Finance, MIS, Budget, freelance & Oman driving special prices for machine and dish
Khuwair. 99322344.
INDEPENDENT Planning, Strategy, SMART Indian, licence available, looking SINGLE room with public departments, washer repairing.
building — 4 flats near Projects, Procurement, excellent English, for full-time or part-time companies and 3. Painting and
Arabic speaker, attached bathroom
Ruwi Souq with 3 3 BHK Flat & studio Admin, seeks suitable job 97299165. long-term contracts. cleaning services. 4.
bhk available with air 17 years Oman and air-condition for 972494490. Electrical, plumbing
flat in central Ruwi & placement. Contact.
conditioner in single experience in MANAGER Sales and executive bachelor, and carpentry work
compound for outright 2 BHK in Medinat Al 99884291 / 99741875 Airport, Hospital, Distribution seeks non- cooking, Wadi 97014234, 99447257,
sale or rent to single Ilam. Call 99238012/ Email vipul70@gmail. Media EPC seeks 24290686.
suitable placement. Kabir/ Al Falaj/ Ruwi LUXURIOUS
company. Call 99328070. 24704994. com Admin/ Hr/ Project Sales Professional with Toyota bus 2016,
coordinator/ High Street area.
25 years’ experience in air-conditioned, 30 ORIENT Trading llc,
Operations. Oman, includes 12 years Contact 99657906 passengers, offered Shampooing, sofa,
INDIAN male, 24 years
99283938. in Sales Management, for daily/monthly/ carpet, floor polishing.
of total experience in
with LEADING FMCG, annually, Muscat. Old house repairing.
which 16 years in a Consumer Durables FOR SALE/RENT
Contact: 98080609, 99834373.
Multinational Freight Companies. Currently
Forwarding and Logistic working with a leading 96316269.
INDIAN, male, Master NEW 3 storey villas
Co., worked under group as Branch AL SUMRI AC
Degree in Accounting, for sale/rents Wadi
the capacity of Senior Manager for Retail and BUYING maintenance. We are
15+ years of experience Distribution. Accountable Kabir/Al Khuwair), ready to repair and
Operation Executive/
Senior Accountant in Oman, UAE & India for the total business and (Shops/offices for AL Awsad Modern install all types of Air-
having thorough as Finance / Accounts P&L. NOC available. rent/ Al Khuwair) llc, electronic and Conditioner within
Manager/ Chief 99369127. (Flats for rent/Wadi furniture used. Muscat Governorate.
knowledge in Ocean
Freight, Air Freight, Land Accountant. Looking Kabir). 96596348. 99834373. 94301888.
for a job and have OMANI male, 17 years
Transport, Warehouse
experience as driver.
Operations and Finance noc on visit. Contact:
Looking for transporting
& Accounting. NOC 79007124/ 78039524. job for nurses, office goers,
available. Contact email: kadercok@ sight seeing. Contact:
93587605 outlook.com 97947900.

Now get news

on the go

To receive news updates

from ,

WhatsApp
<your name> to
96473232

For Advertisements

Please Contact our Team

Head Office Salalah Office Nizwa Office Suhar Office

Mohd Al Rashdi Ali Al Maashari Bakhit Al Shihri Abdullah Al Abri Musalam Al Saidi
99841230 99639264 92998577 99429094 99429192
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
MONDAY | AUGUST 9, 2021

Discovering
Oman’s
underground
wonders
Located in the Eastern Hajar Mountains near
the village of Fins in the Wilayat of Qurayat,
Salmah Plateau is home to more than seven
underground cave entrances and hides one of
the greatest and most beautiful natural wonders,
Majlis Al Jinn. Here’s what you should know
about this remarkable destination...P20

ANIMAL PLANET
READ

Study finds giraffe trasts with the long-standing belief

that giraffes have no social struc-
ture, the authors say.

behaviour is far “It’s amazing that such an iconic,

large and charismatic African spe-
cies has been misunderstood for so

more complex than long,” says Zoe Miller, co-author of

the study published in the British
journal Mammal Review.

once believed Miller hopes that her work will

help reshape the image of the giraffe
as an intelligent and social creature
and, in so doing, contribute to their
long-term survival.
ELEPHANTS HAVE always been complex than previously believed. According to the World
well-known for their extremely pro- According to the study, the giraffe Conservation Union (IUCN), giraffe
NOT A HAPPY nounced social behaviours and a social network is characterised by populations have declined by up to
FAMILY strong sense of family, but British strong bonds between the females 40 per cent in the past 30 years. In
BY SHARI LAPENA researchers have demonstrated and their offspring even after the total, there are fewer than 70,000
that giraffes are in fact equally as reproductive phase, with “grand- giraffes of all species left in the wild-
Questions arise when a rich complex in their habits. mother giraffes” helping to look and the trend is downward. The
couple are murdered after an A recently published study by the after giraffes two generations
Easter dinner with their three organisation therefore upgraded
University of Bristol demonstrates younger. the mighty ruminants’ threat level
adult children. that the social structure of these The discovery of complex, multi- from “endangered” to “threatened”
giant herbivores is actually far more layered association structures con- in 2016. — dpa
features
18 OMANDAILYOBSERVER
M O N DAY l A U G U ST 9 l 2 0 2 1

LOCAL TRENDS

Ajma village,
a destination
for relaxation

THE MOUNTAINOUS vil- acterised by the presence

lage of Ajma in the Wilayat of a falaj that never dries
of Dima Wa Al Ta’in in and extends from the

The historical
North Sharqiyah highest edge of the village
Governorate is one that to the lowest edges. The
shouldn’t be missed when spring of the falaj is in the
a tourist plans for a holi- middle of the mountains,
day for the purpose of passing along the wadis
relaxation. It is located at for a distance of about 9
an altitude of 200 m above km and splitting the village

importance of
sea level and 150 km away into two sides. The village
from Muscat Governorate. has acquired several

Al Ayjah
SUR COULD be a good choice the place. The first is a gate tion of the Khor Al Batah
now to escape the high tem- from the eastern side and is bridge, which is a suspension
perature in many parts of the called Bab Al Seddah and the bridge between the two banks
Sultanate. Besides the mild second gate from the south- of the Khor and connects the
weather in the summer, it is ern side called Bab (Khubat Al two areas.
also rich in some touristic and Naqa) and its traces still Al Ayjah overlooks Khor Al
historical places so that one remain to this day. Butah, where the ships and the
enjoys the stay and also get The mountains surround- suspension bridge can be seen
introduced to the place. ing Al Ayjah include a group of from the top of the mountain
One of the extraordinary military fortifications and tow- overlooking the creek. It also
areas is “Al Ayjah”, in the east- ers to defend the area in the has the Al Ayjah lighthouse,
ern part of Sur. Tariq al Alawi, event of an attack. The defenc- which is a lighthouse overlook-
a researcher in Omani history, es include a fort called Al Ayjah ing the entrance to the creek
said that Al Ayjah in the local Fort and called by the resi- and gives an aesthetic charac-
language means the coast. It is dents as Bait Al Sheikh and is ter around the place.
a peninsula surrounded by the located in the centre of the There are many ancient
sea from three sides. region. It is an architectural white coloured houses in Al
Inhabitants of the area prac- building in the form of a square Ayjah that create a unique
tice commercial and marine and has many rooms desig- charm and beauty with their Sheikh Hamad al names, such as Al Alayah,
activities. nated for managing the affairs reflection on the blue sea. They Battashi said the name of Al Balad, and Al Rajee, and
By virtue of this distin- of the region previously. There still preserve their archaeo- the village means the the old Al Balad. The vil-
guished marine location is the wall that still exists and logical character and highlight sand in the middle of the lage of Ajma is one of the
between the Sea of Oman and the tower on the western side, the historical importance of mountains. The temper- old villages that people tar-
the Arabian Sea, its people and a series of small towers in the city and the economic situ- ature is high in summer geted for living because of
worked in the sea and in ship- the south, perhaps these tow- ation of its residents. and moderate in winter. its richness in water.
building and were associated ers were built in the eighteenth Al Ayjah was famous for There are many trees in There are also several
with different regions and civi- century AD. many traditional crafts and the village, and several ancient monuments in the
lisations. This communication Al Alawi said that Al Ayjah industries, most notably the wadis pass through it in country, in addition to a
facilitated the prosperity and was connected with Sur Al manufacture of wooden ships.
development of trade, which Sahel in the past by ferries there is a factory for the man-
made it an important com- that transported people ufacture of ships overlooking
mercial broker in the region. between the two banks of Khor the marine creek, which has
Al Alawi pointed out that Al Al Batah. This method has now been abandoned because fish-
Ayjah is surrounded by a wall ended with the advancement ermen are heading towards
that connects with the sur- of means of transportation modern vessels made of fibre-
rounding mountains. It con- and the establishment of the glass, in addition to the textile
tains two doors that indicate land road linking Sur with Al industry and fishing.
the historical importance of Ayjah, as well as the construc-

one stream, including beautiful village at the top

Wadi Maas and Wadi of the mountains called Al
Khab Hana. It is one of Zarqa. the tourist can see
the main wadis feeding the creativity of the Omani
the Wadi Al Kabir, which man in the past when
flows into the Wadi viewing the agricultural
Dhayqah Dam. terraces that are watered
Batashi indicated that from a spring in the mid-
the village of Ajma is char- dle of the mountain.
 features
OMANDAILYOBSERVER
M O N DAY l A U G U S T 9 l 2 0 2 1 19
INSTAGRAM TOP PICKS

MID-FLIGHT

PEACEFUL NIGHTS

SHARE A SLICE OF YOUR LIFE

BY THE WINDOW
We select three photos daily for
our Instagram Top Picks of the
Day. The rules are simple. Follow
us on Instagram. Upload your
photos. Tag us and use
#OmanObserver and #BeAnObserver.

AROUND THE WORLD Get full stories online at www.omanobserver.om

DISCOVERY COOK LIKE A CHEF TRAVEL TALES

Ancient Singapore Chili Egypt’s

snack bar Lobster inspired ancient King
Khufu’s Boat
in Pompeii by Oman’s
to open to is moved
visitors bountiful seas from Giza
pyramids to
a new home

AN ANCIENT SNACK bar will soon be open to visi-

tors at the Archaeological Park of the buried
Italian city of Pompeii. THE FOOD SCENE in 5gm black bean sauce lee GARNISH
From Thursday, August 12, visitors will be able Salalah continues to evolve. kum kee 10gm chilli red julienne
to see the site in the Gulf of Naples south of the vol- But one thing that Oman’s 500ml stock 10gm coriander sprig
cano Vesuvius, the Pompeii Archaeological Park Garden City will always take 60gm spring onion chopped 10gm spring onion
has announced. pride in is the bounty of its 50gm tomato puree
At the end of December, experts said that they seas. As the khareef season 40gm tomato ketchup METHOD OF
had uncovered the counter of a kind of snack bar. continues to flourish, all 10gm corn flour PREPARATION:
The find had caused great interest at the time eyes are in Dhofar for its Add oil to a wok and stir in
because it is very well preserved. most awaited monsoon sea- CHILLI PASTE (REMPAH) the frying paste, cooking
A yellow painting and images of a rooster, for son. Inspired by the bounti- 15gm long red chillies out for a couple of minutes.
example, were still clearly visible on the counter. At ful harvest in Oman’s water, 90gm shallots Stir in the lobster pieces
here is a recipe that’s guar- 40gm garlic chop and cook through for 5 KING KHUFU’S Boat, an ancient vessel that is
anteed your family will 25gm ginger chop minutes, tossing the lobster the oldest and largest wooden boat discovered
enjoy. If you wanna check 20gm lemongrass to coat evenly in the paste in Egypt, has been painstakingly moved from its
out how the professionals 60gm tomato paste Stir in the sauce and the longstanding home next to the Giza pyramids to
prepare it, drop by Seasalt 30gm chilli sambal( sub rec- light fish stock to finish, a nearby giant museum, officials said on
Restaurant in Alila Hinu ipe) then cookout until the Saturday.
Bay. 10ml soy sauce dark sauce is slightly reduced.
20ml fish sauce To serve, place the head- The 4,600-year-old vessel, also known as the
INGREDIENTS: 20gm coriander stalk shells on top to decorate. Solar Boat, was moved to the nearby Grand
800gm lobster chopped Sprinkle over the Thai Egyptian Museum (GEM), due to be inaugurated
140ml oil 10ml vinegar basil, chilli, spring onion later this year.
2pcs egg beaten(optional) and coriander, and serve “The aim of the transportation project is to
immediately. protect and preserve the biggest and oldest
organic artefact made of wood in the history of
humanity for the future generations,” the tour-
ABOUT THE CHEF ism and antiquities ministry said in a statement.
It took 48 hours to transport the cedarwood
ALESSANDRO SANDROLINI boat, which is 42 metres (138 feet) long and
Head Chef, Alila Hinu Bay weighs 20 tonnes, to its new home. It arrived at
the GEM in the early hours of Saturday, the
Born and raised in Bologna, Italy, Alessandro started his passion for hospital- ministry said.
ity at the Istituto Alberghiero Statale Riolo Terme, where he studied Hotel
Management. He then began his first job as a Commis to Sous Chef at The boat was transported as a single piece
Ristorante Silverio in Italy. The restaurant was a new big entry in Bologna and inside a metal cage carried on a remote-con-
that time, people had carved holes into the stone was awarded 1 Michelin star in 1989. In 1991, five years later, Alessandro trolled vehicle imported especially for the oper-
table. Researchers assume that food was displayed moved on to a bigger dream, by following a family legacy. He became the Chef- ation, said Atef Moftah, supervisor general of
there for sale. Owner at the Ristorante da Angelo, an old Italian restaurant opened by his the GEM project.
During the excavations, the workers also found father in 1968. When the restaurant closed, he became the Chef de Cuisine at
the Ristorante Al Ghisello in 1995 managing the kitchen operation for 10 The vessel, discovered in 1954 at the south-
food remains as well as human and animal bones. ern corner of the Great Pyramid, has been
years. In 2005, he moved to Belgrade to become the Italian Chef at Hyatt
In Pompeii, archaeologists keep discovering Regency. Alessandro’s entry to the Middle East started in 2009 when he exhibited for decades at a museum bearing its
spectacular things from antiquity. moved with his family to Oman. This would be followed by different move-
Ash, mud and lava buried the city during the name at Giza Plateau.
ments from Delhi to Jeddah and back to Italy. Now with almost three decades
eruptions of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. of experience, specialising in fine Italian cuisine, Alessandro contributes his Egypt says the Grand Egyptian Museum,
In the 18th century, the historic city was redis- humble and extensive knowledge as Head Chef at Alila Hinu Bay. His passion which has been under construction intermit-
covered. In Italy, the excavation site is one of the for food and innovation keeps him motivated, and his dream to work in a tently for 17 years, will contain more than
most popular tourist destinations. — dpa casual Italian restaurant by the sea has become a perfect reality. 100,000 artefacts when it opens. — Reuters
features
20 OMANDAILYOBSERVER
M O N DAY l A U G U ST 9 l 2 0 2 1

Discovering
Oman’s
underground
wonders
by Muzna Al Riyami

THE SULTANATE is home way up the mountain and safely after they completed the mapping
to a unique blend of geo- back down as off-road travel re- survey of the cave in 1985 and
logical wonders that have quires finesse and caution. At first gave its name which reflects the
become geological mu- glance, the landscape there gives mythological belief of locals that
seums, starting from the plateau a desolate feel because the genies live in caves.
mountains, deserts, to it is devoid of vegetation and trees; “It all began with two tiny dots on
canyons and caves. Sal- however, visualising the geologi- a photograph!”, Don said. The cave
mah Plateau is one of cal formations of the plateau and has three vertical openings in the
the incredible places stalactites, stalagmites and crystal ceiling through which abseilers
that adventurers from chambers that have been formed can access only by descending us-
around the world head over millions of years is definitely ing about 200m specialised rope
to for an eye-opening worth a visit. and gears to guarantee a safe ad-
experience. Salmah Plateau has a fantasti- venture.
The plateau is lo- cal etymology to its name as re- The cave has locally and inter-
cated in the Eastern searched by Authors Anne Dale nationally gained popularity and
Hajar Mountains near and Jerry Hadwin in their book has become a hot spot for caving
the village of Fins in Adventure Trekking in Oman: activities from individuals and
the Wilayat Qurayat “ Long ago, Selma, a local shep- companies alike.
and around 160 kilo- herdess tending her flock on the Felix Baumgartner, an Austri-
metres from Mus- plateau, needed to go and fetch an skydiver, daredevil and BASE
cat, the capital. The water. Leaving her flock in a cave, jumper, have BASE jumped into the
place is an impres- she set off, returning hours later cave in 2007. Therefore, the cave
sively splendid des- to find a leopard eating one of has been off-limits, and the Min-
tination to be vis- her goats. Her first thought was istry of Heritage and Tourism in
ited and explored. to defend her flock so she picked Oman recently has placed activi-
It is considered up an axe, advancing towards the ties restrictions in order to con-
a repository of leopard. She was attacked but serve the site, so now it requires
natural life treas- managed to bring the axe down permits from the Ministry for any
ures offering great on the leopard’s head, splitting visits to the interior of the cave.
sceneries of large it wide open. Both were mortally Will it stop here? No, of course.
caves, old tombs, wounded. Later they were found The 7th Hole Cave is another
and traditional vil- lying together, the axe by their side. great alternative to explore in
lages. Exploring the God was so impressed that he sent Salmah Plateau. It provides mul-
plateau involves down seven stars from the heav- tiple access points to the largest
loads of opportuni- ens to make the seven khoshilat caving network in the plateau.
ties for land, sea and [cave shelters] as a memorial to Its entrance looks like a large
nature activities in- Selma’s bravery.” crack created by mother nature
cluding climbing, ab- The plateau is home to more through which one can realize the
seiling, hiking, wind- than seven underground cave en- vastness of what lies underneath
surfing, swimming, trances. It hides one of the great- feeling humble that we are so tiny
fishing and more. est and most beautiful natural creatures comparing to this mys-
Unmatched views wonders, Majlis Al Jinn, “the gath- terious underworld. The hole is
of the shore and the ering place of the genies.” It is the connected to ‘Tahiri Cave’ one of
turquoise waters of second-largest known cave cham- the horizontal exits and probably
Sea of Oman meet ber in the world, the base of which the only chamber that is walkable
the sprawling rugged measures 58,000 square metres, in the plateau. The trip starts by
mountain chain be- the size of nearly eleven football abseiling down the hole, travers-
yond. fields. What makes it unique is ing and passing by deep-water
The drive up to- the vertical entrance which is un- basins inside, observing the lime-
wards the plateau is a like other prevalent caves, with a stone that formed the cave, and
remarkable adventure dome-shaped ceiling that tops the finally coming out through Tahiri
in itself. The routes are cave at a height of 120 metres. Cave carrying an unforgettable
unpaved steady steep The cave was discovered by lifetime experience. This kind of
slopes and zigzag up the the American couple W Don Davi- adventure entails training ses-
mountainside that some son, Jr and Cheryl S Jones in 1983, sions offered by tour companies
consider thrilling to while they were carrying out Karst for many skills that are prereq-
drive as the adrenaline Research Programme, missioned uisites for this caving adventure
rush when going uphill. It to them by the Public Authority for to master some techniques and
is accessible only by 4WD Water Resources at that time. acquire knowledge in using the
so that it grunts on the The cave eventually was known equipment.