AYM Travel

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS dazzles Oman sky Oman Muscat: On Tuesday, skywatchers in Oman were treated to a rare spectacle as Comet A3, also known as Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (C/2023 A3), streaked across the clear desert sky. This marked one of the most anticipated sightings of the year, as the comet, discovered in 2023, has gained brightness over recent months. The comet's appearance comes as part of its journey through the inner solar system. It is currently speeding toward its closest approach to the Sun, an event known as perihelion, which occurred on September 27. After perihelion, the comet becomes more visible in regions closer to the equator, making Oman a prime location for observation. Stargazers in the region are encouraged to look eastward shortly before sunrise. Comet A3 is expected to be visible until mid-October when it reaches its closest approach to Earth. After October 10, it will reappear in the evening sky, making it easier to spot without the interference of sunrise. However, binoculars or a telescope are recommended for those hoping to get a closer look at the comet’s tail and glowing nucleus, as it may not be easily visible to the naked eye due to light pollution in urban areas. This comet has been spotted globally, from Puerto Rico to Australia, thrilling astronomers and enthusiasts alike. While its brightness has varied, Comet A3 continues to capture attention and may remain one of the brightest comets of the year if it survives its close encounter with the Sun. Omanis will have more opportunities to witness this cosmic traveller in the coming days, with the best views expected just after sunset as it moves westward.

Music concert held to mark 50th anniversary of Oman-Korea ties Oman Muscat: The Korean Embassy in Oman hosted a concert with a theme ‘Heritage in Harmony’ by the ADG7 (Ak Dan Gwang Chil), a multi-award winning band of Korea at the Oman Auditorium, Al Bustan Palace on September 25. It was part of a series of activities organised to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Korea and Oman. World Music Expo 2019 The ADG7 has gained wider popularity and reputation with its performances at international stages including the World Music Expo 2019 and the global FEST 2020 since its debut in 2015. The Oman- Korea Friendship Association and the Korean Association in Oman supported the concert. The ADG7 presented traditional Korean folk music in a modern style to the Omani and international audience. Together with the Korean band, the musicians of the Oman Centre for traditional Music joined the concert. Both Korean and Omani performers resonated deeply with the spirit of friendship through music that echoed the shared sentiments of the two peoples. Eng. Salim Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals graced the concert where Omani dignitaries, representatives from public and private sectors, foreign Ambassadors together with members of the diplomatic corps as well as fans of Korean culture attended. Ambassador KIM Kiejoo of Korea highlighted the significance of this year as a watershed in the five decades of fruitful mutual partnership between Korea and Oman. The Korean Ambassador emphasised that cultural exchanges will help promote the already-strong solidarity of the people of both nations and reassured that further exchanges will continue to grow.

More than 853,000 Omanis employed in 2023 amid reforms Oman MUSCAT: Oman’s labour market is witnessing significant transformation as part of the country’s Vision 2040 implementation efforts. According to the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation and Follow-up Unit’s annual report issued recently, more than 853,000 Omanis were employed across the public and private sectors in 2023, marking a 6.4 percent growth from the previous year. Expatriates also accounted for 1.8 million workers, with a 7% increase. These figures highlight the impact of ongoing reforms and strategic initiatives aimed at boosting national workforce participation and aligning the labour market with the country’s long-term economic goals. Key labour reforms and initiatives have positioned the country for continued success, making the labour market more attractive to national talent and addressing the evolving needs of the private sector. Central to these reforms was the issuance of the new Labour Law in accordance with Royal Decree No. 53/2023, aimed at improving worker conditions, enhancing productivity, and fostering long-term stability in the labour market.

Money and life are never good friends Opinion It is fast becoming a very materialistic world. With soaring costs of standard of living, strict budget control is not anymore just for the miserly. High income earners, too, find themselves counting the pennies. A relative confessed that he was finding it hard to relax without thinking about education fees, clothing and other demands required for his children. He has a calculator under his sofa in the living room and another under the pillow of his bed. “I just whip it out and calculate whenever I feel the urge,” he told me,” I wouldn’t sleep until I have assured myself that I can afford to pay the bills that month.” Some people would accuse him of being obsessed with making ends meet. It is also true that he is not doing his health a favour either. However, he is not alone. There are many millions around the world who are battling with mortgages, car repayments and credit card bills. One banker said that most of the credit taken by customers cannot be justified. “ People who are taking loans to expand their houses, buy better cars or put their children in expensive schools know that they cannot really afford the expenses. If they think carefully they would realise that such costs are not necessary,” the banker said. Of course, banks do not run advisory service to try to discourage clients from taking avoidable loans. They survive on giving out as much credit as possible and it is up to you to sort out your problems. Banks now have a scheme that will put you and your children on a long-term loan commitment. They pay higher education fees for your children that can be repaid when the youngsters start working. They offer you a 40-year mortgage that your children can continue paying after your death. Part of the problem is that banks make it so easy for us to get ensnared in long-term financial commitments. Banks also team up with insurance companies to get you pay more. They convince you that you cannot afford not to have a cover. There is a life insurance and covers such as critical illness, medical and loss of job. All these extras accumulate to a formidable sum that you don’t really afford. Here in the Gulf, nationals do not have the habit of having two children. We usually breed prolifically to keep up with tradition. The local belief says that every child is born with a special blessing. This means, you don’t have to worry about feeding or educating them even if you have ten children. Provided, I might add, you carefully stick to the budget. However, we go wrong when we cannot resist temptations. It then becomes easy to blame the fast pace of life. However, it seems that people who live quietly in obscured environments are relatively at peace with themselves.

Foreign Minister leads Oman delegation to UN Future Summit Oman New York: Under the royal directive of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi led the delegation of the Sultanate to the Summit of the Future, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. In his speech to the summit, Sayyid Badr reaffirmed Oman's firm commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation as the means to achieve the shared goals of the Summit of the Future. He said that dialogue, pragmatism, and mutual respect are the core principles of Oman’s foreign policy, noting that these values are essential for addressing the complex and interconnected global crises facing the world today. In a special intervention titled “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow,” Sayyid Badr highlighted the pivotal role of inclusive dialogue platforms, such as the United Nations, in promoting these values. However, he also drew attention to the ongoing challenges, particularly with the continued war in Gaza, which underscores the fragility of the regional and international situation. He explained that the escalation of violence, the suffering of civilians and the failure of peace efforts pose a threat to the principles of multilateralism and the rule of law. He stressed that the persistent failure to learn from the past and understand the present, especially concerning the Palestinian issue, hinders efforts to achieve lasting peace. The Foreign Minister noted the need to move away from Cold War-era thinking, which entrenches binary divisions and is based on zero-sum concepts. He explained that enhancing the effectiveness of international institutions in resolving conflicts heavily depends on adopting more open and pragmatic thinking, suited to the reality of today's multipolar world. Sayyid Badr said that issues in the Middle East will not be resolved unless channels of dialogue and communication are opened with all parties, including those whom some members of the international community have labelled as “enemies.” He added that a sustainable solution can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of the conflict. Oman's Foreign Minister pointed out that the continued violations of international law since the establishment of the Zionist project have made the region less secure, adding that a just and lasting solution must be based on the principle of a two-state solution. Sayyid Badr said that to reflect the changing international reality, there is a need for reform of multilateral frameworks, through broader representation of diverse voices and a stronger emphasis on justice, international law, and peaceful conflict resolution. He pledged that the Sultanate of Oman will continue to support efforts that promote cooperation, trust, understanding, and justice for all.

SPF praises HM's Royal Directive to allocate OMR 72 million to finance family support benefit Oman Muscat: The Board of Directors of the Social Protection Fund (SPF) and all its members appreciated ‎His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said for his generous directives to allocate OMR 72 million to finance the family support benefit. The SPF Board of Directors and its members appreciate the His Majesty's continuous interest in the social protection system and his commitment to supporting the well-being of Omani citizens. The SPF believes that this allocation will have a significant positive impact on all members of society. The Fund and its members reaffirm their commitment to implementing the Sultan's visions and aspirations for a comprehensive and sustainable social protection system, in line with the priorities of Oman Vision 2040. SPF said in a statement: “The Board of Directors of the Social Protection Fund and all its members appreciate the continuous high interest that His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said gives to the social protection system, and his generous high directives to allocate OMR 72 million within the general budget for the state to finance the family support benefit. “ “ Believing in the great impact of this generous gesture on all members of society, the Fund and all its members confirm to His Majesty that they will move forward to implement his visions and aspirations towards establishing a comprehensive and sustainable social protection system in support of the priorities of Oman Vision 2040 aimed at achieving well-being and social protection.”

Jabjat, an ideal destination during the beautiful Serbian season Oman Muscat: "Al Sarb" season in Dhofar Governorate is a beautiful time of the year characterised by warm weather and blooming flowers. The Jabjat area, located within the governorate's mountain range, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering camping, picnics, and breathtaking natural scenery. The government has taken steps to regulate camping and protect the environment while also providing facilities and services to visitors. The increasing number of tourists has led to economic growth in the region, with local businesses opening up to cater to their needs. With the end of the autumn season, Dhofar Governorate with its cloudy atmosphere and refreshing drizzle welcomes the "Al Sarb" season, which is more splendid than the autumn season. "Al Sarb" or "spring" is awaited by the people of Dhofar Governorate after the rainy autumn clouds to enjoy the joy of family outings under the warmth of the sun, and in the natural landscapes whose flowers have bloomed and are ready to pick their fruits, after the land has been watered and the streams and springs have overflowed with the autumn rain. Camping in Jabjat, which has been called "the Star of the Al Sarb" for several years, is one of the favorite activities for families and individuals, as it has many sites designated for camping under the supervision of the relevant authorities with the aim of implementing environmental conservation standards and providing the necessary services for tourists.  His Excellency Sheikh Tariq bin Khalid Al Hinai, Wali of Taqah, said:" With the increasing number of visitors and tourists to the Jabjat area, and with the aim of protecting the natural environment and preserving the biodiversity and natural resources in the area." In addition to preserving the natural environment, it is also a model of the success of the multiple tourist seasons and diverse options offered by the Sultanate of Oman, placing it on the map of global tourist destinations throughout the year.

Oman is on the way to become a robust investment destination Oman Muscat: Oman is on the way to become a robust investment destination for foreign investors with its highly skilled talent pool of competitive manpower. Strategically located, Oman has proximity to 59 million consumers across the markets of Gulf Cooperation Council countries. It also has access to emerging markets in Asia and Africa , reaching a consumer base of one billion and also has good connectivity to trading route between east and west. Even the rating agencies such as Moody’s has upgraded its outlook on the Government of Oman to ‘positive’ from ‘stable,’ and S&P has given BB plus a stable outlook. With attractive laws and legislation and economic stability with a good GDP growth rate, Oman has all the ingredients to attract foreign investors. The country has entered into free trade agreements with many countries and recent FTAs with Singapore, Switzerland, and Pakistan will further enhance trade opportunities in the near future. With attractive laws and legislations, the country is ready for doing business as investors have been offered 100% business ownership. Residency permits Investors can even get five year and 10-year residency permits depending upon the volume of investments, said Abdullah Al Rawahi, Section head, Industry Analysis and Evaluation, Ministry of Commerce Industry and Investment Promotion, at a recent event in Mumbai. Having robust infrastructure in terms of roads and strategic ports like Duqm, Salalah, and Sohar, Oman can become a logistics hub, said Abdullah Al Rawahi, Section head, Industry Analysis and Evaluation, from the Ministry of Commerce. “The government has created a special arm to offer large scale investment opportunities. “15 government entities have been brought under one umbrella to offer a one-stop shop for investors. The relationship managers, online platform, fast track team, integrated services, go-to market team are all ready to serve the investors,” said Abdullah Al Rawahi. Even financial facilities have been made available to investors with the help from Oman Investment Bank, Oman Development Bank and Future Generations Fund, he said, adding some laws such as the Foreign Capital Investment Law, the bankruptcy Law, the Public-Private Partnership Law, the Privatisation law, the Commercial Companies Law have all been made to create the bottlenecks for investments. Many incentives have been offered including, up to 100 percent foreign ownership, , tax exemption up to 30 years, competitive land and Service prices, Customs duty exemptions, integrated e-services and investor residency up to 10 years, he added.

Oman announces free 10-day visa for cruise passengers Oman A free 10-day visit visa will be granted to passengers and crew members of cruise ships travelling to the Sultanate of Oman.  The decision is a significant boost to the tourism industry in Oman and will help to attract more visitors to the country. His Excellency Lieutenant General Hassan bin Mohsen Al Shuraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, issued Decision No. 132/2024 amending some provisions of the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners' Residence Law. The decision stipulated the following amendments to some provisions of the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners' Residence Law, as follows: Clause (3/c) of Article (10) of the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners' Residence Law referred to shall be replaced by the following clause: Visit visa for passengers and crew of cruise ships: 1. 10-day visa: Granted by the competent authority upon request of the tourist ship agent, for passengers and crew wishing to visit Oman for tourism purposes. Entry must be completed within 30 days of visa issuance. 2. One-month visa: Granted by the competent authority upon request of the tourist ship agent, for passengers and crew wishing to visit Oman for tourism purposes. Entry must be completed within 30 days of visa issuance. Sequence (13) of the entry visa table mentioned in the first of Article (29) of the executive regulations of the aforementioned Foreigners Residence Law shall be replaced by the following sequence: "A free visit visa is granted to passengers and crew of cruise ships for a period not exceeding 10 days." Sequence (12) of the entry visa table mentioned in the first of Article (29) of the executive regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law shall be cancelled.

Public urged to stay away from camera trapping devices across Oman Oman The Environment Authority (EA) in the Sultanate of Oman is installing trap cameras in several locations for research and field studies. The authority urges the public not to tamper with or violate these devices. Anyone who does so will face legal consequences. EA said in a statement :"The Environment Authority is installing trap cameras in a number of locations in various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, for the purpose of research and field studies in a number of national environmental projects. Accordingly, the Authority calls on everyone not to tamper with these cameras or any devices in these locations or to violate them. Anyone who violates this will expose himself to legal accountability."