Latest news with #Asaad
Observer
09-07-2025
- Observer
How this inn in Wadi Tiwi is bringing Oman's heritage to life
In the rugged, wind-carved landscape of Wadi Tiwi, a quiet revolution has taken root—one that blends the timeless beauty of Oman's natural world with a deeply personal vision. At the centre of this transformation is Asaad Al-Akhzami, a man driven not just by entrepreneurial ambition, but by a profound connection to the land and its stories. His journey from a corporate titan steeped in global hospitality to a custodian of local heritage reveals a compelling tale of reinvention, rooted in passion, purpose, and a desire to redefine what it truly means to welcome others. How this inn in Wadi Tiwi is bringing Oman's heritage to life Asaad, for many years, thrived in the high-stakes world of a leading international hotel chain, serving as its youngest general manager. He learned the intricacies of offering guest comfort, orchestrating luxury, and managing operations on a grand scale. It was during a rare trip to Wadi Tiwi that everything shifted. The quiet beauty of this secluded valley, with its verdant plantations, ancient falaj water channels, and dramatic mountain backdrops, captivated him in a way no hotel lobby ever had. He found himself wandering through the old, abandoned orchards, struck by their silent resilience and the stories embedded in the soil. The wadi, with its intricate water systems and humble farms, seemed to pulse with history and life—waiting to be rediscovered. How this inn in Wadi Tiwi is bringing Oman's heritage to life Asaad recognised that Wadi Tiwi was more than just a picturesque escape; it embodied the essence of Oman's identity—its history, its connection to nature, its stories that span generations. He saw in the overlooked farm the potential to breathe new life into the old roots, to create something authentic that honour the land. This wasn't about building another luxury retreat with imported décor and cookie-cutter finishes. No, his ambition was far richer: to craft a space where the landscape itself—its soil, water, and traditional crafts—would be the core experience. How this inn in Wadi Tiwi is bringing Oman's heritage to life Leaving behind the corporate world, Asaad embarked on a journey that was as much about personal rediscovery as it was about community transformation. He purchased the small, neglected farm that once supplied Wadi Tiwi with fruits and vegetables, envisioning it not merely as a business, but as a testament to the spirit of Oman. His goal was to preserve and showcase the ingenuity of traditional building methods—local Omani stone, sidr wood, handcrafted touches—imparting a sense of place that fierce modernity often erodes. How this inn in Wadi Tiwi is bringing Oman's heritage to life The challenges were numerous. Infrastructure was minimal, utilities had to be introduced from scratch, and restoring the old farmhouses and gardens required patience and dedication. Asaad didn't seek fast results; instead, he wanted to nurture a genuine sense of place. Every stone laid, every timber chosen, was deliberate—designed to reflect the valley's character and to foster harmony between tradition and modern comfort. It took sometime but when it finally came together, the Nomad Inn in Tiwi was born. How this inn in Wadi Tiwi is bringing Oman's heritage to life Perhaps the most mesmerising element of Asaad's vision was the embrace of Wadi Tiwi's ancient falaj watercourse. Rather than conceal it behind walls, he made it the heart of the inn's design. Guests wake up to the gentle sound of water flowing past their rooms. They walk beside it during the day, sipping coffee in its shade, or drift to sleep listening to its soft murmur at night. Here, the water is not just a utilitarian feature, but a symbol—a reminder of Oman's enduring ingenuity and resilience. How this inn in Wadi Tiwi is bringing Oman's heritage to life The guest experience is crafted carefully to foster connection. Rooms are inspired by traditional mud-built houses, yet equipped with the comforts travellers seek today. Bespoke names and stories are tied to each private retreat, inviting guests to step into the narrative of the valley. The inn also offers traditional breakfast options prepared by local women from Tiwi village, alongside herbal teas by the falaj, guided walks to ancient caves, and workshops demonstrating age-old crafts like date palm weaving. Buoyed by the success of the first project, Asaad is expanding his vision. A second lodge is already taking shape at Hillar Al Hisn, with plans for multiple new units. This expansion isn't just about increasing capacity; it's about deepening the connection between visitors, the land, and the community. Asaad's aim is to create a network of spaces that celebrate the enduring spirit of Oman's heritage—spaces that invite guests to explore, learn, and heal their sense of place. With each new lodge, the core principles remain unchanged: authentic storytelling, sustainable practices, and a heartfelt respect for the environment and its people. Asaad sees his project as a mirror to Oman itself—a country proud of its ancient traditions but also capable of innovative stewardship. His work in Wadi Tiwi reflects a desire to show the world that true luxury isn't defined solely by opulence, but by meaningful engagement with people and place. Guests come seeking more than just a scenic backdrop; they seek stories, connection, and a chance to become part of something larger than themselves.
RNZ News
04-06-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Weightlifting: 'We've made some big strides in cleaning it up'
Man Asaad of Syria competes in the 102kg category of the Men's Weightlifting at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Photo: Simon Stacpoole / After many years of being under a cloud of suspicion weightlifting's governing body believes it's in a better place, and young Kiwi lifters are hoping to benefit from it in the next few years. For decades the sport internationally was plagued by a doping culture. More than 30 weightlifters who competed at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic games were subsequently disqualified and stripped of their medals. There was also corruption within the world governing body. An investigation by Canadian law professor Richard McLaren released in 2020 said failed doping tests were covered up by the International Weightlifting Federation and that almost $20 million in finances were unaccounted for. Weightlifting New Zealand president Simon Kent, who has just returned from an IWF Congress, believes the sport is now in a far better place. Weightlifting wasn't initially on the LA2028 Olympic programme because of the concerns the IOC had with governance and doping. However last year it was confirmed it would remain on the programme. "A lot of good work has been done in the last four years to clean things up," Kent told RNZ. "There's a real desire now to try and take the sport forward. "We've made some really big strides in cleaning the thing up from a governance and doping standpoint so the next step is to be really innovative and showcase that this is a sport that is exciting to watch." No Olympics would have meant a huge funding cut for weightlifting in New Zealand. David Liti of New Zealand lifts during the Oceania Weightlifting Championships, 2024. Photo: Andrew Skinner/ The second piece of good news came not long after with the announcement that the sport would also be a part of the reduced programme for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Last month New Zealand recorded it's best ever result in a world championships securing five medals at the IWF Junior and Youth World Championships in Peru. Seven athletes took part, six females and one male and Kent believes some of those could put their hands up for Commonwealth Games selection. Olivia Selemaia claimed silver breaking New Zealand and Oceania senior/junior records in the 71kg class. A lifter has to compete in two of four assigned competitions over the next ten months to be eligible and lift a total weight that ranks them in the top eight in the Commonwealth to get to Glasgow. Former Commonwealth Games gold and silver medalist David Liti, along with Selemia shouldn't have any problems achieving that, but Kent is optimistic that at least another four can make the team. He said Glasgow was another great opportunity for them. Weightlifting ticked many of the boxes that made it easy to fit into a reduced games programme. It is indoors, it is strong in the Commonwealth, the host nations do well in it and every session is completed in less than two hours. "We're really stoked that we're one of the ten sports," Kent said. "We're on the programme and we're seeing it as a real opportunity." "It is unfortunate that hockey, rugby sevens and the likes are not there, but this is a chance for weightlifting to really showcase what we're about. "It's only been David (Liti) that has been on the podium at recent Comm Games but a lot of work has gone into developing our juniors so that hopefully we can turn up in Glasgow with a few others." Liti will compete at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau later this month.
Nahar Net
23-05-2025
- Nahar Net
Palestinian medic survived by pleading in Hebrew 'Don't shoot! I'm Israeli'
by Naharnet Newsdesk 23 May 2025, 12:31 According to the head of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, the medic Asaad al-Nsasrah has not spoken with the media since Israeli soldiers killed 15 emergency responders in southern Gaza on March 23. Words in Hebrew could be heard in the final moments of a video of the killings that was subsequently found and made public. "The soldiers were so close to have a dialogue with somebody. And that somebody was Asaad,' said Younis al-Khatib, the Red Crescent chief. 'What Asaad said in Hebrew: 'Don't shoot. I am Israeli.' And soldiers got a bit confused.' The Israeli military declined to comment. 'You know why he said that? His mother is Israeli. Asaad's mother is Israeli — Palestinian Arab Israeli from Bir Saba,' al-Khatib said. Al-Khatib spoke on Thursday to reporters in Geneva at the headquarters of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Israeli troops bulldozed over the bodies along with their mangled vehicles, burying them in a mass grave, according to the U.N. The surviving medic was detained by Israel for over a month and released back to Gaza.
Nahar Net
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Man killed in West Bank raid by Palestinian forces
by Naharnet Newsdesk 13 May 2025, 16:32 Palestinian security forces shot dead a wanted man on Tuesday during an arrest operation in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a Palestinian official said. Anwar Rajab, spokesman for the Palestinian security forces, said in a statement that a gun battle erupted during "an operation to arrest a wanted individual" in northern West Bank, where Palestinian militant factions have a strong presence. "The force was surprised by direct gunfire from outlaws" and returned fire, wounding "one of the prominent figures in the state of lawlessness in the area" who later died of his injuries, Rajab said. The forces of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which exercises limited self-rule in parts of the West Bank, had launched a military campaign late last year targeting people it describes as "outlaws", often referring to members of armed Palestinian factions. Ahmed Asaad, governor of Tubas where Tuesday's raid took place, identified the dead man as 19-year-old Rami Zahran. The governor said Zahran was killed at the entrance to the neighboring Faraa refugee camp that he hailed from. "The security forces were met with resistance and gunfire, and they responded to the source, which led to the killing of a young man," Asaad told AFP. "Efforts are now underway to calm the situation", Asaad added, saying he had ordered an investigation into the incident including an autopsy. Rajab said in his statement that "the Palestinian security forces will not allow any party or individual to threaten security and stability or bypass the law". The operation that began in December saw security forces clash with Palestinian militant factions that favor armed opposition to Israel and regularly criticize the PA for its security coordination with it. The fighting resulted in the deaths of at least 15 Palestinians as well as six members of the Palestinian security forces. The campaign drew criticism from Palestinians and ended in January, after the Israeli military launched a large-scale "counter-terrorism" operation in and around refugee camps in the northern West Bank.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gaza aid worker detained after Israeli attack has been released
A paramedic in Gaza who was detained for more than five weeks following an Israeli attack that killed 15 aid workers has been released, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said. Asaad al Nsasrah was one of 17 aid workers who were attacked in Tel al Sultan in southern Gaza by Israeli forces on 23 March. Asaad was one of two first responders who survived - the other 15 were killed. He was initially thought to be missing, as his body was not among the dead. It was not until 13 April, three weeks after the attack, that Israel confirmed Asaad was alive and in Israeli detention. The PRCS announced Asaad's release on X and shared a video of him reuniting with colleagues. Sky News has seen images showing Asaad, among other released Palestinians, in a grey tracksuit at al Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, where he is undergoing medical examination, according to the PRCS. Sky News investigated - unearthing new evidence earlier this month contradicting Israel's official account of what happened. The Israeli military later into the incident, saying it had dismissed a deputy commander for providing an "inaccurate report". The PRCS claimed the Israeli military's investigation was "full of lies". Asaad's voice can be heard in a video, initially published by the New York Times, that shows the moments leading up to the attack on the aid workers. The video was discovered on Rifaat Radwaan's phone, which was found on his body by rescue workers five days after the attack. Among those killed were one UN worker, eight paramedics from the PRCS and six first responders from Civil Defence - the official fire and rescue service of Gaza's Hamas-led government. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news. The Data and Forensics team is a multi-skilled unit dedicated to providing transparent journalism from Sky News. We gather, analyse and visualise data to tell data-driven stories. We combine traditional reporting skills with advanced analysis of satellite images, social media and other open source information. Through multimedia storytelling we aim to better explain the world while also showing how our journalism is done.
