Latest news with #AlJabalAlAkhdar
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Times of Oman
ROP celebrates graduation of officers, new recruits
Al Jabal Al Akhdar: The Royal Oman Police (ROP) celebrated the graduation of officer skills courses and a batch of new police recruits at the Police Training Center in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Gen. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nu'amani, Minister of the Royal Office and Head of the Office of the Supreme Commander, in the presence of Hassan bin Mohsen Al Shuraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, along with several high-ranking officials, commanders of the Sultan's Armed Forces and ROP, military and security leaders, members of the Shura Council, and local officials from Al Jabal Al Akhdar. The graduation ceremony began with a salute to the patron of the event, followed by the parade commander asking permission to inspect the front row. The graduates then marched past the main dais in a ceremonial procession, after which Gen. Al Nu'amani presented awards to the top-performing graduates. After that, the graduates chanted the ROP anthem, 'Guardians of Justice". They also chanted thrice 'Long live His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander'. Following the event, Gen. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nu'amani, Minister of the Royal Office and Head of the Office of the Supreme Commander toured the Police Training Center in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, where he observed combat team demonstrations in self-defense, karate, and taekwondo. These displays were performed by trainees enrolled in various martial arts courses conducted by the center for ranks of the Special Tasks Police Command and its units. The demonstrations reflected an advanced level of skill, tactical discipline, and readiness through realistic scenarios simulating field operations, showcasing full preparedness to handle diverse security situations and incidents.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar Islamic supports the 3rd Rummana Agritourism Season as gold sponsor
Muscat: In alignment with its enduring commitment to sustainable development, cultural preservation, and community empowerment, Sohar Islamic – Sohar International's Islamic banking window, has announced its role as the Gold Sponsor of the 3rd Rummana Agritourism Season, set to take place in the scenic highlands of Al Jabal Al Akhdar from July to September 2025. The festival highlights the richness of Oman's agricultural heritage and the increasing significance of community-based tourism in driving inclusive economic growth. Coinciding with the peak of the pomegranate harvest season, the Rummana Festival offers visitors an immersive cultural and eco-tourism experience, celebrating the beauty of Oman's natural environment, traditional practices, and the entrepreneurial spirit of its people. The initiative is a dynamic platform for small and medium-sized Omani enterprises to engage with wider audiences and create long-term value. To formalize the partnership, an official agreement signing ceremony was held at Sohar International's headquarters in the presence of Mr. Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, Chief Marketing Officer at Sohar International, and Ms. Al Amjad Hilal Al Maawali, Chief Executive Officer of TEEPEE. The ceremony further underscored the bank's strategic collaboration with key national stakeholders in support of Oman's tourism and economic diversification agenda. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi stated: 'At Sohar International, we take pride in supporting national initiatives that elevate Oman's cultural richness while enabling sustainable, community-driven tourism. Our sponsorship of the Rummana Agritourism Season reflects our broader strategic commitment to fostering inclusive growth—by empowering local entrepreneurs, safeguarding natural and cultural heritage, and contributing to Oman's long-term development priorities. As a financial institution aligned with Oman Vision 2040, we remain dedicated to initiatives that generate meaningful social impact and economic opportunity.' Ms. Al Amjad Hilal Al Maawali, Chief Executive Officer of TEEPEE, commented: 'The Rummana Festival offers a distinctive and enriching experience for visitors through a wide array of engaging activities and events. These initiatives allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the unique ambiance of the pomegranate season amidst the breathtaking landscape of Al Jabal Al Akhdar—making it a much-anticipated annual destination for visitors from across the Sultanate. The festival features a diverse selection of restaurants and cafés, in addition to a series of cultural and interactive workshops designed for families and children. These activities aim to promote the concept of agritourism and transfer agricultural knowledge through engaging and educational experiences. We extend our sincere appreciation to Sohar Islamic for its strategic partnership and pioneering role in supporting community and tourism-based initiatives that contribute meaningfully to sustainable development across the Sultanate.' The festival will take place across Hayl Al Yaman and Saih Qatnah, transforming Al Jabal Al Akhdar into a vibrant destination for cultural celebration, rural tourism, and local enterprise development. With participation from Omani SMEs, the festival will feature a wide array of family-friendly and educational experiences, including guided farm tours, pomegranate picking, cultural performances, and dedicated markets for locally produced goods. Visitors will also enjoy themed activity zones offering agricultural demonstrations, artisanal souvenir stalls, local culinary experiences, and recreational areas designed for families and children. Sohar Islamic's involvement in the festival reaffirms its position as a key enabler of sustainable development, cultural preservation, and social inclusion, reinforcing its commitment to building a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for Oman. -Ends- About Sohar International Sohar International is Oman's fastest-growing bank, guided by a clear vision to become a world-leading Omani service company that helps customers, communities, and people prosper and grow. With a purpose to help people 'win' by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, the bank offers innovative solutions across Commercial and Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Islamic Banking, and more. Operating with a strong digital-first approach and an expanding regional footprint—including presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—Sohar International is committed to driving value through strategic partnerships and a dynamic customer experience. Learn more at
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Times of Oman
Al-Qash'a Village: A hidden gem for adventure and heritage tourism in Oman
Muscat: Al-Qash'a village in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain) in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is emerging as a rich destination for adventure tourism, distinguished by its exceptional terrain, unique geology, and a climate that remains moderate in summer and cold in winter. Geographical Charm and Agricultural Riches Nestled at the eastern foot of a towering mountain, Al-Qash'a village lies at the end of one of the longest mountain terraces on its western side. To its north, it overlooks the village of Al Ain, while to the south, it is bordered by the villages of Salut and Masirah Al Rawajeh. The village is renowned for its expansive agricultural terraces, which, akin to other villages in the Wilayat, are abundant with various fruit trees. These include pomegranates, walnuts, peaches, and apricots, alongside seasonal crops such as garlic and onions. Walid bin Saif Al Zakwani, a member of the Municipal Council in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar and a resident of the village, explained that the name "Al-Qash'a" originates from the rocks descending towards it from various directions. Another linguistic interpretation of the name refers to the clearing of clouds after they cover the sky—a poetic description fitting its enchanting relationship with nature. Historical Depth and Archaeological Significance Al Zakwani noted that the village holds numerous archaeological evidences, hinting at human settlement in the Green Mountain dating back to ancient times. Scattered throughout the village are ancient graves of unusual shapes and orientations, distinctly different from the Islamic style, suggesting their pre-Islamic origins, possibly even from the Paleolithic era. Some agricultural terraces have become fossilised due to geological and weather factors, indicating their immense antiquity. Traces of residential caves, complete with fire pits and smoke residue, further reinforce the hypothesis of ancient human habitation. Additionally, there are ancient stone buildings that warrant in-depth archaeological studies by relevant government agencies. The village's historical depth is further underscored by its historical monuments and several mosques, including Al-Bilad Mosque, Al-Wadi Mosque, Al-Jufrah Mosque, and Al-Hijrain Mosque. It is also sustained by a number of aflaj (ancient irrigation systems) and water springs that nourish its crops, such as Falaj La'our, Falaj Al-Ghuj, Falaj Azal, Falaj Al-Harf, Ain Al-Samna, Ain Al-Suwaib, and Ain Shadhan. Tourism Potential and Natural Wonders The harvest seasons for roses, pomegranates, and various fruits during the summer transform Al Jabal Al Akhdar, and Al-Qash'a village in particular, into a captivating tourist destination. These seasons offer visitors a diverse tourism product and an up-close insight into traditional and modern rose water production. Al Zakwani emphasized the significant economic viability of cultivating roses and pomegranates as a crucial income source for local farmers. Hamad bin Subaih Al-Zakwani, another resident, noted the village's recent emergence as a prominent tourist spot, especially for nature lovers in the summer. This is attributed to its enchanting waterfalls, such as Wadi Al-Ain Waterfall, Sharjat Al-Anbur Waterfall, and Kor Azk Waterfall. Its geological diversity, featuring metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous rock formations; its unique caves and grottoes, like Lambrad Cave; and the rare growth of tropical trees locally known as "sugar" along Wadi Al-Ain, all distinguish Al-Qash'a from other mountain villages. The village also offers well-prepared hiking trails that wind through several valleys, ravines, and agricultural terraces, all set within a temperate Mediterranean climate. Prominent trails include Al-Lamd Road, Al-Sab Road, and Maslak Al-Magharat Road, which historically connected Al-Qash'a to neighboring villages and were vital transportation routes for residents in the past. Al-Zakwani concluded by affirming that the fruit harvest seasons in Jabal Akhdar State generally, and Al-Qash'a village specifically, significantly contribute to attracting tourists and visitors who come to explore the region's rich tourism potential through adventure, nature, and heritage tourism.
Times of Oman
7 days ago
- Times of Oman
Bait Al Sharaf Museum: A Glimpse into Oman's Authentic Past
Muscat: Al Aqar Village in Al Jabal Al Akhdar is home to the Bait Al Sharaf Museum, a remarkable individual initiative that has blossomed into a thriving cultural and tourism project. This museum offers visitors, especially foreign tourists, an authentic journey into traditional Omani life, seamlessly blending history with the experience of a traditional home, all while preserving its original character. A Childhood Home Reimagined The museum is the brainchild of Yousef bin Nasser Al Omari, who lovingly restored his childhood home. He transformed it into a vibrant heritage landmark, ensuring its ancient features remained untouched. This careful preservation allows the museum to stand as a living testament to the traditional lifestyle in the villages of Al Jabal Al Akhdar. Rooms Full of Stories and Experiences The Bait Al Sharaf Museum features nine distinct rooms, each with its own story and purpose. 1) The Winter Room stands out as a focal point. Here, families would gather around a fire during the cold mountain months. It served as a "miniature family parliament" where daily life was discussed, and tea and coffee were brewed over charcoal. 2) The Rosewater Distillation Room showcases a craft dating back over three centuries. Visitors can witness the live distillation process during the rose season (March-April) and even participate in the stages, from picking roses to extracting aromatic oils. 3) The Door Room highlights the exceptional craftsmanship of ancestors, who skillfully worked with limited resources like Atam and Ghaf wood to create resilient and beautiful architectural masterpieces. Sustainable Heritage and Community Support Al Omari's vision extends beyond mere preservation; it encompasses sustainability and community involvement. The museum includes a modern café overlooking the stunning agricultural terraces of the mountain. Additionally, a heritage shop sells aromatic products like rose water, oils, and various handicrafts, many produced by local village women. This makes Bait Al Sharaf Museum a valuable marketing platform for productive families in the area. Attracting Visitors and Inspiring Future Projects The museum is increasingly popular, particularly with European and Asian tourists seeking an authentic heritage experience. It provides guided tours and a tangible taste of daily mountain life, transforming a visit into a deeply human interaction with memories. Al Omari aims to expand partnerships with young people who are keen on reviving old houses and turning them into sustainable projects. He believes this will enrich cultural tourism not only in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar but across the Sultanate of Oman. A Call to Action for Omani Youth Yousef bin Nasser Al Omari passionately encourages Omani youth to reconsider the potential of old, uninhabited houses and villages. He states, "These houses are not a burden, but rather opportunities that can be transformed into tourist attractions that restore the village's vitality and provide employment opportunities, even for a small number of family members, instead of them remaining closed off and absent. This will be a living model for investing in old houses to stimulate sustainable tourism."
Times of Oman
28-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman Air and Amouage take the Omani Rock Rose to the skies
Muscat: Continuing to redefine in-flight dining, Oman Air has partnered with long-term collaborator Amouage to introduce an exclusive sweet creation for Business Class guests. In a shared celebration of artistry and tradition, the national airline and iconic fragrance house have unveiled a bespoke dessert featuring the treasured Omani Rock Rose, grown on the slopes of Al Jabal Al Akhdar (the 'Green Mountain'). Available for a limited time only, this exquisite floral dish, created by Michelin-starred Chef Peter Gast and inspired by Amouage's Guidance Eau de Parfum, brings a new dimension of storytelling and sensory delight to the airline's award-winning Business Class menu, offering guests a refined taste of Oman at 30,000 feet. Layers of Texture and Depth The carefully crafted, seven-petal creation is a refined balance of delicate textures and layered depth, revealing unexpected contrasts with every bite. Beneath its soft pink exterior and crisp chocolate shell, its petals part to unveil a velvety cream and a delicate crunch that lingers on the palate. Flavour is never static and evolves with its surroundings. During flight, where perception shifts, this delicacy is designed to hold its integrity, allowing each nuance to unfold effortlessly, just as intended. Guests will receive one composition intertwining raspberry, pear, and saffron on inbound flights.
