
Royal Oman Police thwarts smuggling operations
In the first incident, the South Sharqiyah Governorate Police arrested four Omani citizens for attempting to smuggle large quantities of tobacco. The suspects reportedly unloaded the contraband on a beach in the Ashkhara of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali and transported it in two fish transport trucks to conceal their illegal activity. Legal procedures against them are underway.
Meanwhile, customs officials at the Hamasa border checkpoint intercepted an Omani citizen trying to smuggle a Vietnamese national into the country. The individual was found hidden inside a professionally designed travel storage box. Authorities have initiated legal measures against the suspect.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Times of Oman
6 hours ago
- Times of Oman
State Council discusses three draft laws
Muscat: The State Council on Tuesday held its eighth session of the second ordinary term of its eighth period, during which it discussed the 'Real Estate Registry Law," the 'Draft Law Amending Certain Provisions of the Arbitration Law in Civil and Commercial Disputes (Royal Decree No. 47/97)," and the 'Civil Society Organisations Law." The session also reviewed the Special Committee's study on "Mechanisms for Diversifying Income Sources in Oman" and examined the General Secretariat's report on the Council's activities. Held under the chairmanship of Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, the session discussed the Legal Committee's opinion on the Real Estate Registry Law, referred by the Council of Ministers. The draft law focuses on several key aspects, including: Strengthening legal protections for property owners and beneficiaries; Regulating registration procedures and real estate transactions and enabling digital documentation and issuing electronic title deeds linked to relevant government systems, aligning with Oman's national digital transformation strategy. The Council also reviewed the Social and Cultural Committee's opinion on the Civil Society Organisations Law, which includes substantive provisions regulating the work and objectives of civil society institutions. The draft law aims to enhance their role in serving society through associations, NGOs, professional societies, volunteer teams, and expatriate clubs, while addressing challenges under the current legal framework. Additionally, the Council examined the Draft Law Amending Certain Provisions of the Arbitration Law in Civil and Commercial Disputes, assessing its impact on arbitration parties and local/international arbitration centres. The amendments align with modern trends in comparative arbitration laws, reinforcing Oman's position as an attractive hub for commercial dispute resolution. The revisions are expected to boost confidence in arbitration mechanisms, create an investment-friendly legal environment and support Oman's adoption of best practices in justice and litigation, in line with Oman Vision 2040 objectives. The session concluded with discussions on the Special Committee's study on income diversification mechanisms, which identifies challenges to financial sustainability, inefficiencies in revenue streams, and potential solutions to enhance fiscal resilience. The study proposes measures to stabilize public finances in the 11th Five-Year Plan including legislative and governance reforms.


Times of Oman
7 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Need for a clear media strategy to strengthen national identity urged
Muscat: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth on Tuesday organised a seminar titled 'Media and National Identity,' highlighting the significance of national identity as a cornerstone of nations and societies. Held at the Literary Forum and moderated by Badriya Al Amri, Director of the Ministry's Communication and Media Department, the event featured Dr. Mohammed Awad Al Mashikhi, an academic and expert in public opinion and mass communication. Dr. Al Mashikhi emphasised that the erosion of national identity can lead to societal fragmentation, leaving communities vulnerable to foreign cultural influences. In the era of globalisation and digital technology, he noted, national identity faces formidable challenges, with digital media accelerating the spread of Western cultures and ideas that may undermine individuals' pride in their heritage. Dr. Al Mashikhi stressed the need for a clear media strategy to strengthen national identity by producing visual content aligned with religious and cultural values. He also underscored the role of educational and research institutions in fostering cultural and social awareness to safeguard this heritage against contemporary challenges.


Times of Oman
8 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Seminar highlights media and national identity
Muscat: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth on Tuesday organised a seminar titled 'Media and National Identity," highlighting the significance of national identity as a cornerstone of nations and societies. Held at the Literary Forum and moderated by Badriya Al Amri, Director of the Ministry's Communication and Media Department, the event featured Dr. Mohammed Awad Al Mashikhi, an academic and expert in public opinion and mass communication. Dr. Al Mashikhi emphasised that the erosion of national identity can lead to societal fragmentation, leaving communities vulnerable to foreign cultural influences. In the era of globalisation and digital technology, he noted, national identity faces formidable challenges, with digital media accelerating the spread of Western cultures and ideas that may undermine individuals' pride in their heritage. Dr. Al Mashikhi stressed the need for a clear media strategy to strengthen national identity by producing visual content aligned with religious and cultural values