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Observer
09-06-2025
- Observer
Omani pilgrims lauds flawless Haj
Pilgrims from Oman will return on Thursday after the successful completion of the final rituals of Haj 1446, according to the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. Before leaving the holy land, the pilgrims would do another 'Tawaf ' around the Holy Kaaba and hold special prayers for the suffering Palestinians. Tawaf is the ritual of circumambulation of Mecca, in which the pilgrims offer prayers to the Almighty. Pilgrims will be able to complete it according to the dates of their return home. This year, Oman sent 14,000 pilgrims to the holy city comprising 13,530 Omanis and 470 expats. "Our pilgrims who used the ministry portal for the same, will return in batches from Thursday after the final rituals," said a spokesperson from the ministry. He further said that the beautiful moments of love and brotherhood that several millions of believers from different parts of the world spent in the holy land for six days, regardless of their nationality or language, are an example to the world. The pilgrims, led by Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, and Head of the Omani Haj Mission, reached well before the actual rituals so that they could carry out the step-by-step procedures of Haj 1446. Following successful departure of pilgrims, entry restrictions to Mecca will be lifted from Wednesday. Umrah permits for foreigners will be issued from June 14. However, those within Saudi Arabia will be allowed from the 11th. Oman Haj Mission lauded Saudi Arabia for the flawless implementation of Haj. The Omani pilgrims have lauded the Saudi authorities, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah and its partners for immaculate organising of the Haj and for excellent crowd management. According to statistics, over 1.4 million international pilgrims representing more than 130 countries arrived at the holy sites this week and were transported safely and efficiently via over 20,000 buses and the Mashair Train network. 'This is one of the largest coordinated people-movements on Earth. Pilgrims were able to fulfil their rites in peace and without crowding — on their own schedule," he said. Saudi Arabia's mastery of crowd management is the result of decades of experience hosting the world's largest recurring religious gathering. Every Haj season builds on the last, with extensive simulations, audits, and post-event analysis feeding into a dynamic system of continuous improvement. The Kingdom's ability to harmonise massive movement with minimal disruption is not only a logistical achievement — it's a spiritual service. 'Everything felt so calm and organised,' said Fatima Ahmed, a first-time pilgrim. 'I was nervous before arriving in Saudi, but the way we were guided made it feel like the journey was being carried out for us.' The Kingdom's Haj operation is now studied globally as a model for managing mass gatherings — religious or otherwise. With its seamless fusion of technology, infrastructure, cultural empathy, and governance, the Kingdom has shown the world how to manage crowds with care, precision, and purpose.
Observer
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Omani Mission attends reception for heads of Haj delegations
MECCA: The Omani Haj Mission on Saturday participated in the annual reception hosted, on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), for the heads of Haj missions and delegations and pilgrim affairs offices who performed Haj this year. The Sultanate of Oman was represented by Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and Head of the Omani Haj Mission. Al Rashdi conveyed the greetings and appreciation of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman to the Saudi leadership for their efforts in organizing the pilgrimage. He praised the distinguished organization and quality facilities provided by the Saudi authorities during the Hajj season which contributed to a seamless performance of the rituals. — ONA
Observer
23-05-2025
- Observer
Omani Haj Mission leaves for Mecca
MUSCAT: The Omani Haj Mission for this year departed the country on Saturday, heading to the Holy Land. The mission was bid farewell at Muscat International Airport by Dr Mohammed bin Said al Maamari, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. Led by Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, the mission was set to proceed to its headquarters in Makkah upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. During their time in Makkah and Madinah, the Omani Haj Mission will assist Omani pilgrims, residents and other guests in carrying out their Haj rituals smoothly. — ONA
Observer
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Observer
MoARA announces official Haj mission members
Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs (MoARA) announced this year's (corresponding to Hijri Year 1446) official group for Haj pilgrimage with Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and the Head of the Omani Haj Mission as the team leader, according to a Ministerial Resolution No 131/2025. The ministry further said that as per Article Two, the mission will leave for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the 25th of Dhul Qa'ada 1446 AH, corresponding to May 23, 2025, and will return to the Sultanate of Oman on the 16th of Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH, corresponding to June 12, 2025. Detailing the decisions pertaining to Haj pilgrimage, Dr Mohammed bin Said al Maamari, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, said that as per the attached statement to Ministerial Resolution No 2025/131, Members of the Omani Haj Mission for the year 1446 AH, Dr Ahmed bin Ali bin Mubarak al Kaabi will lead the mission while Dr Zaher bin Abdullah al Hosni, Dr Abdullah bin Said al Maamari, and Ibrahim bin Nasser bin Mohammed al Kharousi will assist in further taking care of the pilgrims throughout. While the Second Article stipulated the delegation of Fatwa and Religious Guidance, the Article 3 says that the head of the mission shall take the necessary measures to implement the decisions in coordination with the relevant authorities. Other members include, but not limited to, Azzan bin Nasser al Ameri, Walid bin Suleiman al Qari, Abdulmunim bin Mohammed al Kharousi, Yaqoub bin Yousef al Wadhahi, Salim bin Nasser al Saifi, Ahmed bin Mohammed al Wahaibi, Nasser bin Said al Ruzaiqi, Dr Saud bin Said al Habsi, Hamoud bin Said al Harthy and others will form the official Haj Mission from Oman to the holy land of Saudi Arabia. The meeting also formed Administrative and financial delegation with Nasr bin Nasser al Kharousi as the Head of the delegation, and Financial Affairs and Auditing with Rashid bin Marhoon bin Rashid al Hatali as the head.
Observer
27-01-2025
- Health
- Observer
Al Amerat Heights Health Complex opens
MUSCAT: As part of the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to enhancing a sustainable healthcare system and ensuring community well-being, and in response to the growing demand for healthcare services, the Ministry of Health (MoH) celebrated on Monday the opening of the Al Amerat Heights Health Complex in the Governorate of Muscat. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, in the presence of Dr Ahmed bin Salim al Mandhari, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Planning and Health Organisation. During the ceremony, Dr Samira bint Mousa al Maimaniyah, Acting Director-General of Health Services in the Governorate of Muscat gave a speech during which she pointed out that the opening of the health complex is part of ongoing efforts to provide high-quality healthcare services that meet the needs of both citizens and residents. She emphasised that this represents an important step towards achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which aims to build a sustainable healthcare system that enhances the quality of life and raises the standard of healthcare services. The Al Amerat Heights Health Complex offers a comprehensive range of primary healthcare services, including general medicine clinics, an expanded immunisation programme, as well as a variety of specialized clinics such as those for chronic diseases, hypertension and diabetes, and asthma. Furthermore, the complex includes dedicated clinics for maternal care, an early detection programme for non-communicable diseases, breast cancer screening, elderly health checkups, and a smoking cessation clinic. With regard to specialised care, the complex includes a range of secondary healthcare specialised clinics, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, otolaryngology and ophthalmology, as well as a laboratory, pharmacy, two examination rooms, a meeting and training hall and a room for computer system control. Additionally, the complex is equipped with 19 beds, with the possibility of expansion, distributed across various clinics within the facility. It is worth noting that the construction of the complex took 16 months, covering a building area of 15,000 square meters, with a total cost of approximately RO 750,000. This complex represents a significant addition to the healthcare system and reflects the government's ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive healthcare services with high-quality standards. — ONA
