
Fire at OQ Refineries in Sohar Industrial Port under control, says CDAA
Members of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) in North Al Batinah Governorate responded to the incident. According to a statement from the CDAA, the company's internal firefighting teams played a crucial role in managing and ultimately extinguishing the blaze.
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Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Times of Oman
Fire at OQ Refineries in Sohar Industrial Port under control, says CDAA
Muscat: A fire that erupted in a storage tank at the OQ refineries facility within the Sohar Industrial Port on Thursday, July 24, 2025 has been successfully brought under control, said the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA). Members of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) in North Al Batinah Governorate responded to the incident. According to a statement from the CDAA, the company's internal firefighting teams played a crucial role in managing and ultimately extinguishing the blaze.


Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Times of Oman
Beloved Indian School Seeb teacher Lekha Jackson passes away at 53
MUSCAT: The Indian School Al Seeb (ISAS) community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved teachers, Ms. Lekha Jackson, who passed away on July 21, 2025, at the age of 53. A dedicated educator and passionate music teacher, Ms. Jackson left an indelible mark on generations of students and colleagues during her long and impactful tenure at the Seeb campus. Ms. Jackson joined the school on August 11, 2006, and over nearly two decades became a cornerstone of the teaching faculty, known for her warmth, creativity, and unwavering commitment to her students. In February this year, she was diagnosed with cancer, prompting her return to India to undergo treatment. Despite her battle with the illness, she remained optimistic and in close contact with her school family, who continued to extend their love and prayers. "She was more than just a teacher —she was a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to all who knew her," said one of the teachers at ISAS. "Her passion for teaching and art, and her gentle, compassionate spirit, will always be remembered." The Indian School board of directors and ISAS family extend their deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.


Muscat Daily
17-07-2025
- Muscat Daily
Sculpting a niche
By MOHAMMED TAHA Yousef bin Saif bin Salim al Rawahi, a sculptor from the Wilayat of Mudhaibi, in North Sharqiyah, tells the story of Oman – fashioned not only in stone and wood, but also in spirit and imagination. Fuelled by his profound admiration for ancient Omani artefacts, Rawahi has established a name for himself through a body of work in sculpture that marries traditional motifs with contemporary artistry. His latest sculpture, Atabat Al Bab (Doorstep), was recently presented as a gift to Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, during an official visit to the Sultanate. The piece, which measures 40x40x14cm, draws inspiration from the architectural elements of old Omani homes. 'I wanted to highlight the doorstep,' Rawahi told Muscat Daily. 'It's not merely a physical entrance – it represents the hospitality, peace, and warmth found in every Omani home.' (Atabat-Al-Bab-Doorstep-for-Sheikh-Dr-Sultan-bin-Muhammad-Al-Qasimi) Crafted from a refined combination of marble and wood and inlaid with traditional geometric patterns, the sculpture reflects Al Rawahi's broader mission – to preserve and reinterpret Omani visual heritage for today's audience. Rawahi's artistic path began in 1999 when he enrolled at Sultan Qaboos University to study art education. By the following year, his emerging talent was recognised when he secured second place in a national sculpture competition held as part of the Youth Workshop activities in Muscat. From the outset, he was active in workshops and exhibitions, particularly under the auspices of the Omani Society for Fine Arts. While sculpture remained his primary focus, he also explored oil painting, watercolours, installation work, and graphic art. Returning to sculpture In 2013, Rawahi made a deliberate return to sculpture, his first artistic love. He soon gained recognition, beginning with his participation in the inaugural Arab Youth Sculpture Forum in Muscat in 2015. Since then, his works have been featured in exhibitions across Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Bahrain, and China. He is currently preparing to take part in the Algeria Symposium in 2025. On the local front, he has regularly taken part in the International Sculptors Camp since its second edition. He also played a leading role in organising the Al Khadra International Symposium, which has hosted 39 international sculptors over its three editions. Many of Rawahi's large-scale sculptures are on public display throughout the sultanate – in places such as Sultan Qaboos University, Wadi Al Jizi, Duqm City, the Sohar Fine Arts Museum, and Al Khadra. Among his most notable works is a 3.5m high sculpture situated at Duqm International Airport, which he completed during the 2023 Duqm International Sculpture Forum, organised by Sohar Fine Arts. Smaller works are typically housed in his personal studio or temporarily loaned out for exhibitions. Despite his achievements, Rawahi acknowledges the challenges sculptors face in Oman. 'One of the biggest obstacles is the lack of sculpture-focused events. At present, there are only two youth-led initiatives – the Al Khadra International Symposium and the International Sculptors Camp,' he said. He emphasised the importance of greater support from both, the public and private sectors, particularly in the acquisition of sculptural works. 'These pieces are of high artistic and cultural value – they deserve recognition and placement in public spaces,' he added. Museum in the making Looking ahead, Rawahi's vision is ambitious and clear. 'Sculpture demands passion, resilience, and the ability to express complex ideas through material form,' he said. 'My biggest dream is to see the Al Khadra Museum of Contemporary Sculpture come to fruition. The design has been fully completed, and I am hopeful that implementation will begin soon.' Through his work, Rawahi continues to tell the story of Oman – inspired by its past, steeped in the present, and hopeful of a promising future.