Latest news with #AlAmerat
Times of Oman
30-06-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
Muscat Taafi Centre for rehabilitation services opens
Muscat: Muscat Taafi Centre, the main specialised facility in Oman to provide treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals recovering from addiction, was officially opened today in the Wilayat of Al Amerat. The inauguration took place under the auspices of Sayyid Saud Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat. The project is part of Petroleum Development Oman's (PDO) social investment initiatives, implemented in partnership with Al Jisr Foundation and the Ministry of Health, and aligned with national efforts to strengthen mental health and infrastructure. The Centre delivers integrated care across three core stages: detoxification, rehabilitation and aftercare. The initiative is considered one of PDO's most significant community health contributions. PDO not only provided financial support amounting to RO 2.5 million, but also oversaw the project through its Project Management Consultancy team to ensure its delivery to the highest standards, on time and within the approved budget. With a total capacity of 130 beds, the facility includes 96 beds for men and 34 for women. It houses a detoxification unit, outpatient clinic, forensic medicine department, pharmacy, and administrative offices. The Centre also features a multipurpose hall, vocational training and craft workshops, and recreational facilities of physiotherapy programme such as a swimming pool and a fitness centre. In his speech, Dr. Yousef Al Farsi, Director General of Muscat Health, stated that the center represents a significant, advanced step towards enhancing the mental and social healthcare system in Oman. It focuses on providing an integrated package of specialized treatment and rehabilitation services for addiction recovery. The center offers a safe therapeutic environment and comprehensive programs based on a rigorous scientific approach aimed at building the individual's capacity for positive change. Al Farsi explained that the center's programs utilize the latest global methods and technologies in addiction recovery through a graduated treatment plan. This begins with a medically supervised detoxification phase, followed by a short-term rehabilitation phase focused on psychological support and strengthening self-stability. Finally, there is a long-term rehabilitation phase aimed at rebuilding a healthy and stable lifestyle, enabling individuals to integrate positively and effectively into the fabric of society. 'This approach seeks to provide real opportunities for a return to a normal, healthy life, thereby directly contributing to enhancing community safety and the psychological stability of society's members,' he concluded. Eng. Mohammed Ali Al Aghbari, PDO's External Affairs, Government Relations and Communications Manager stated, 'The launch of the Muscat Rehabilitation Centre represents an important step in advancing mental and behavioural healthcare services in Oman. We are proud of our partnership with the Ministry of Health and Al Jisr Foundation to deliver such an iconic project that supports the community while fulfilling our national responsibility and corporate values. PDO has worked to ensure the Centre meets national expectations and delivers meaningful social impact, in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.' The Centre is expected to promote collaboration among government, private and community sectors, and to improve access to specialized mental health and addiction rehabilitation services across Oman.
Times of Oman
18-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Various activities of Al Amerat Events concludes
Muscat: Al Amerat Events, arranged and supervised by the Wali of Al Amerat Office at Al Amerat Park in collaboration with several government and community entities, concluded after three weeks of various activities and interactive events experiences. It ran from 25 May to 14 June, marking days of great vitality, creativity and community interaction. This event promoted local tourism and highlighted the heritage and community assets of Al Amerat. As well as, encouraging cultural and social mobility during the Eid Al Adha period, within a shared vision between government and social sectors. t also provided safe and pleasant spaces that combine entertainment and education, targeting all age groups. The pavilions diversified between heritage and art performances, children's games, popular cuisine, exhibitions for productive families and entrepreneurs, workshops, competitions and various activities. It contributed to the event's rich community experience and attracted visitors of all ages. The Youth presence appeared as a major pillar in organising events, with various responsibilities including supervising the corners, receiving visitors, and daily activities coordination. The young organisers' experiences ranged from organisational challenges and teamwork to communication and event management skills. Organisers expressed their impressions and experiences during this event. Kawthar Al Maskari from Al Amerat Charity Team commented that it was an inspiring experience and recommended repeating the event during winter, with prior promotion and more support for productive families. She added that this experience enhanced teamwork between diverse entities. Thus positively impacting community support and improving the standard of living of productive families. Aisha Al Ghusaini, head of the Omani Women's Association in Al Amerat, explained that pre-planning contributed to facing challenges, especially regarding distributing functions among the participating institutions and prioritising them. Teamwork enabled her to identify community personalities and the productive families' requirements, she said, noting that the event contributes to enhancing youth's role and their economic opportunities. Bayan Nasser clarified that participating in the Al Amerat Charity Team offered her a unique opportunity to familiarise with the participants and benefit from various displayed products. 'The families' interaction and marketing style, the games, foods and horses, attracted her attention,' she added. Mazen Al Naabi, an organising committee member, pointed out that this event contributed to achieving youth involvement, particularly since it focuses on Omani initiatives. Tariq Al Ameri confirmed that his organisational experience taught him to be an effective member to change, hoping to increase future events, pointing out that this event provided temporary employment opportunities for young job seekers. Marhoon Al-Hassani also participated by performing Al-Razha, indicating that folk arts and productive families were the most remarkable activities at the event. Besides, promoting children's engagement by specialising in appropriate and popular activities and games. The youth efficient presence contributed to creating a flexible and innovative organisational environment that reflected their ability to accommodate, develop and take initiative. This event illustrated the significance of utilising local youth efficiencies and directing to voluntary community work, which promotes the concepts of effective citizenship and loyalty, and contributes to promoting collective giving and self-initiative culture. Al Amerat events represented a unique opportunity for home entrepreneurs and productive families to introduce their products and services in a lively community. Thus directly communicating with the public and developing their self-confidence and projects. Several participants expressed their positive experiences at this event, recognising local platforms to support entrepreneurs economically. Yaqeen Al Ameriya reported a remarkable response from visitors, giving a positive sign of the quality of the offered product. This experience contributed to increasing her self-confidence and developing her marketing and communication skills, she said. She added that although her previous involvement was in a college internal event, these events marked the first direct experience with customers, during which she learnt dealing with customers. Majid Al Kathiri highlighted that events play an important role in improving start-up entrepreneurs' self-confidence and project. Nasser Al-Maashari described this event as a real motivation for small businesses, giving them the confidence to display and sell their products in an open and motivating environment, his first excellent experience. Aline Al Balushi described her experience as 'her first participation in exhibitions', stressing the location was perfect and the event was so successful, encouraging her to join in in the future. Khalfan Al Wahaibi was pleased to participate, praising the organisation and this event supported household projects and attracted visitors and promoted the products. This is the first time he engaged in an organising official institution, describing his experience as 'so successful and inspiring to continue'. The participants' experiences reflect the significance of continuous organising similar events, especially as they represent an influential economic and developmental resource that contributes to motivating local innovation, widening new projects and creating an integrated supporting system that enhances entrepreneurs' self-confidence and their businesses' continuance. The visitors praised the Event recreational, educational and promotional opportunities in a social environment, affirming continuing unique initiatives that improve the local events and support various audiences' participation. Nasr Al Wahaibi was fond of the home products corner and the horse shows. He proposed hosting the events at more appropriate times regarding the weather and official holidays, and increasing the variety. Khalfan Al Jabri presented to utilise his free time and support Omani sellers, praising the games and horses corner. He suggested horse races, folk arts, and increasing vendors in the future. Musallam Arafat Al Rahbi attended to watch the events and encourage productive families, admiring the horse shows and the foods section. He recommended organising the event in winter to make it more comfortable and enjoyable for visitors and participants. These events served as a space for various community members, integrating entertainment and local support in a vibrant family atmosphere. As well as, reflecting the continuance of organising similar events, while developing in terms of time and content. Thus promoting attractiveness and inclusiveness, and supporting efforts to engage the local community in unique initiatives that encourage community cohesion and support the local economy. These events marked an important communal initiative, adding to the initiatives implemented by the Wali Office in collaboration with the local community. They confirm utilising national resources, strengthening local identity, and creating new perspectives for young people and entrepreneurs. By successfully connecting entertainment with development, marketing with empowerment, and engagement with innovation, similar initiatives can achieve meaningful and sustainable impact on the community and strengthen the cohesion and interaction between community members. These efforts complement Oman's Vision 2040, which seeks to achieve a vibrant and enabling society and a diversified economy based on entrepreneurship and innovation. The aspirations in upcoming seasons to meet the community's ambitions and promote Al Amerat's ranking as a vibrant and attractive community destination.
Times of Oman
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
‘Al Amerat Events' continues to draw visitors
Muscat: 'Al Amerat Events'; which was launched in Al Amerat Park on 25 May, will continue until 14 June. The event continues to attract families and visitors from all age groups of the region. This event is supervised and followed up by the Wali of Al Amerat Office. Participation of various government and community entities is a vital aspect of this event that targets families, children and youth, with various programmes. The programme includes corners displaying the products and goods of productive households and home projects, folk arts performances, children's games, Omani cuisine. Besides, there are educational and recreational activities such as reptiles world, equestrian and camel shows, classic cars, and daily competitions with motivational awards.
Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Oman: Two arrested for possessing more than 20kg of drugs
Two individuals were arrested for possession of more than 20kg of drugs in Oman, authorities said on Tuesday. The General Directorate for Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances at Royal Oman Police said that the two — an Egyptian and a Sudanese — were apprehended for possessing more than 20kg of crystal methamphetamine and hashish. The arrests were made in the Wilayat of Al Amerat, Muscat Governorate, as part of intensified efforts to curb the growing threat of drug trafficking in the Sultanate. Investigations into the case are currently ongoing, with further actions expected to follow. Oman has been stepping up its crackdown on narcotics in recent years, focusing on intercepting drug smuggling networks and dismantling distribution channels.
Times of Oman
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
Meera's call: A new chapter for women in Oman Cricket
MUSCAT: Earlier this month, in a quiet yet historic moment for Omani sport, Meera Bhanushali stepped onto the field to officiate the opening game of the T20I series between Oman and Bahrain at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Al Amerat — becoming the first Omani woman to umpire an international cricket match. 'It didn't feel like anything special when I walked out to the middle,' Meera recalled. 'But after the game, when it sunk in that I had just become the first Omani woman to officiate at this level, it felt incredible. I'm very proud to have reached this milestone.' That pride was reinforced almost instantly. Her first major decision — a leg-before-wicket call — came at a critical juncture and proved both correct and game-shaping. 'To have your first major call stand firm gives you a huge sense of confidence,' she said. From player to umpire Meera's connection to cricket began at the age of six. Between 2010 and 2014, she represented Oman's national women's team, including an overseas tour to Kuwait. 'There weren't many facilities for girls back then. We played on matting wickets, shared kits, and had very limited exposure,' she said. But even after she stopped playing, her passion never faded. 'I couldn't walk away from the game. I love it too much.' That love turned into a new purpose in 2018, when she enrolled in her first umpiring course offered by Oman Cricket. 'It was a big switch, but it felt right. I wanted to stay involved in the game and contribute in any way I could.' In July 2024, her dedication paid off as she became the first woman from Oman to earn an ICC Level 1 umpiring certification — paving the way for her T20I debut. Over the past year, Meera has stood in nearly 45 top-tier men's matches, including A Division and Premier Division league games. 'I didn't face any gender bias,' she said. 'Oman Cricket has been incredibly supportive. The players, the officials — everyone has treated me with respect.' She credits much of her journey to the late Kanak Khimji, former chairman of Oman Cricket. 'He was the first person to encourage me when I was just a girl with a bat in hand. I owe him a lot.' She also acknowledged current chairman Pankaj Khimji, Chief Development Officer Duleep Mendis, Treasurer Alkesh Joshi, senior international umpire Rahul Asher, her umpiring colleagues and the entire Oman Cricket board. 'Their backing has meant everything. They never saw me as a female umpire — just as an umpire.' Wearing two hats Outside the boundary line, Meera works as a manager in a shipping logistics firm. 'In both jobs, decision-making is key,' she said. 'You need to assess situations quickly and fairly, often under pressure. That's something I enjoy.' Though unused to the spotlight, she embraces her role as a pioneer. 'Honestly, I'm not someone who likes the limelight. But if my story can inspire more girls in Oman to take up cricket — not just as players, but in other roles too — I'm happy.' 'There are so many more opportunities now than when I started. Girls play on turf wickets, have their own gear, better coaching and more visibility. It's heartening to see women's cricket finally getting the attention it deserves.' Meera hopes her journey will encourage others to chase their cricketing dreams. 'If you love the game and are willing to work hard, nothing can stop you. Grab the opportunities that come your way — the sky's the limit.' Cricket is a family affair. 'My mother and father are huge fans,' she smiled. 'My sister doesn't like the game at all,' she laughed, 'but she's always been supportive, along with my parents. I owe them a lot.' Looking ahead, Meera is determined to grow. 'I hope to get more international assignments and keep improving. It's a responsibility I take seriously.' From dusty practice nets to the international stage, Meera's journey is one of quiet courage and trailblazing spirit. In raising her finger, she's lifted the aspirations of a new generation of girls in Oman. Pathway to the pitch for women in Oman Oman Cricket provides perfect platform for aspiring women umpires and coaches in Oman. Interested women can start by completing online ICC modules through the EdApp platform. This foundation step is followed by in-person training sessions under the Oman Cricket system. Umpires gain real-time experience in domestic T20s, while coaches shadow senior staff in academy sessions, working directly with young cricketers. The structured pathway is designed to build knowledge, confidence, and practical skills, paving the way for advancement to higher levels within domestic and regional cricket.
