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Omani student-led startup develops algal car air purifier
Omani student-led startup develops algal car air purifier

Muscat Daily

time2 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Muscat Daily

Omani student-led startup develops algal car air purifier

Muscat – An Omani student-led startup has developed a smart air purification device powered by natural materials, including live algae, offering a sustainable solution to improve air quality in enclosed spaces, particularly vehicles. Developed by startup Baalil, the innovation aims to provide a sustainable alternative to conventional air filters by using natural, biodegradable materials that reduce environmental impact and cost. 'The idea was born from a painful real-life incident – the death of a child inside a vehicle due to high temperatures and accumulation of toxic gases,' said Hajar bint Jumaa al Amri, CEO of Baalil. 'This prompted us to think of a real solution to prevent such incidents and improve air quality inside vehicles.' Founded in 2023 under the Injaz Oman student entrepreneurship programme, Baalil has since become an official startup, secured a patent and undergone scientific evaluation. The product's distinguishing feature lies in its filter, which relies on algae – organisms that absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. 'These algae are effective in purifying air and can be cultivated locally, which enhances environmental and economic sustainability,' Hajar said. 'Our device also includes cooling and fragrance functions and doesn't rely on disposable artificial filters.' The device is powered with a Type-C port and requires minimal electricity. The team is currently working on adding a solar charging feature. A built-in temperature sensor automatically activates cooling and purification when the interior temperature exceed a certain threshold. 'The filter is easy to replace and requires no technical intervention,' Hajar added. Baalil's multidisciplinary team includes nine members with expertise in engineering, technology, environment, design and marketing. 'We received guidance from professors on technical and sustainability aspects,' she said. Among the challenges Baalil faced was the absence of specialised local factories for production. The team developed several prototypes before finalising a stable version. Support for the project came from Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. Omani Startup Accelerator guided the team from inception through finalisation. Hajar believes the device can reduce harmful in-car emissions and improve respiratory health. 'It contributes to environmental conservation because it uses natural elements,' she said. The team is exploring applications in enclosed spaces such as classrooms and offices, and is conducting experiments to adapt the technology for home ventilation systems and public buildings. Baalil has received investment offers and signed international agreements to expand into global markets. 'We are working to enhance sustainability, integrate smart technologies and improve product efficiency to better meet market needs,' said Hajar. She added that local support plays a crucial role in the project's success. 'Trusting the capabilities of young people, supporting local products and promoting these within the community open up opportunities for cooperation and partnership between universities and industry.'

The Hajj Pilgrimage: A Sacred Journey and Pillar of Islam
The Hajj Pilgrimage: A Sacred Journey and Pillar of Islam

Hans India

time05-06-2025

  • Hans India

The Hajj Pilgrimage: A Sacred Journey and Pillar of Islam

Each year, millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to undertake Hajj — one of the five foundational pillars of Islam. This sacred pilgrimage, obligatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able, represents a deep act of faith and devotion. When Is Hajj Observed? Hajj is conducted annually during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Hijri lunar calendar. The pilgrimage spans five or six days, typically from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of the month. In 2025, the Hajj will take place from June 4 to June 9, as per the Gregorian calendar, subject to the lunar moon sighting. The festival of Eid al-Adha, a major Islamic celebration, begins upon the sighting of the new crescent moon and continues for four days. What Makes Dhu al-Hijjah Special? Dhu al-Hijjah is one of the four sacred months in Islam and carries deep spiritual significance. Pilgrims from across the globe travel to Saudi Arabia during this month to complete the rites prescribed in Islamic tradition. Participation and Regulations Due to high demand and limited capacity, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regulates access to Hajj. Pilgrims must secure an official permit, and international visitors are required to exit the country after the pilgrimage or after visiting associated holy cities like Medina and Jeddah, if part of their travel package. Spiritual Significance and Rituals of Hajj Hajj is not just a physical journey but a profound spiritual endeavor testing faith, patience, and endurance. It commemorates the acts of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar, and their son Ismail. Key Sacred Sites Visited During Hajj • Kaaba (Masjid al-Haram, Mecca): Pilgrims begin by circumambulating the Kaaba seven times. • Safa and Marwa Hills: Pilgrims walk between these two hills, reenacting Hajar's search for water. • Mina: Known for its sprawling tent city, pilgrims stay here before proceeding to Arafat. • Mount Arafat: The spiritual climax of Hajj, where Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon. • Muzdalifah: Pilgrims collect pebbles here for the next major ritual. Ihram: The State of Spiritual Purity Pilgrims enter a sacred state called ihram, signifying purity and humility. • Men wear two unstitched white cloths. • Women wear loose-fitting, modest garments, typically white, covering the body except the face and hands. Certain actions are prohibited: • Cutting hair or nails • Wearing perfume • Engaging in disputes or intimate relations Core Rituals of Hajj 1. Tawaf: Seven anti-clockwise rounds around the Kaaba. 2. Sa'i: Walking between Safa and Marwa hills. 3. Standing at Arafat (Wuquf): A central ritual involving prayer and reflection from noon until sunset. 4. Muzdalifah: Collecting pebbles and spending the night in open air. 5. Ramy al-Jamarat (Stoning the Devil): Throwing stones at three symbolic pillars in Mina, recalling Ibrahim's resistance to Satan's temptations. 6. Animal Sacrifice: Symbolizing Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son; observed globally during Eid al-Adha. 7. Shaving/Cutting Hair: Men shave their heads or trim hair, women cut a small portion. Conclusion: Completing the Pilgrimage Pilgrims, after performing these core rites, return to the Grand Mosque in Mecca for a final circumambulation of the Kaaba. This marks the completion of the pilgrimage, a spiritually transformative experience and a significant milestone in a Muslim's faith journey. The Five Pillars of Islam 1. Shahada (Faith): Declaring belief in the oneness of God and Muhammad as His prophet. 2. Salah (Prayer): Performing five daily prayers. 3. Zakat (Charity): Giving a portion of wealth to the needy. 4. Sawm (Fasting): Observing fasts during the holy month of Ramadan. 5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): The once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mecca for eligible Muslims. This pilgrimage remains a pinnacle of religious expression for Muslims worldwide, symbolizing unity, submission, and spiritual renewal.

Oman: Showers and cloud activity expected in Hajar Mountains and Dhofar
Oman: Showers and cloud activity expected in Hajar Mountains and Dhofar

Zawya

time26-05-2025

  • Climate
  • Zawya

Oman: Showers and cloud activity expected in Hajar Mountains and Dhofar

Muscat: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a weather forecast indicating the likelihood of rain and cloud activity across parts of the Sultanate of Oman over the next two days. According to the forecast, local convective formations are expected to intensify along the Hajar mountain range and adjoining areas beginning Sunday, May 25, and continuing through Monday, May 26. These formations may result in scattered rainfall, occasionally accompanied by downdraft winds, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. In the southern region, Dhofar Governorate is forecast to experience the inflow and formation of low clouds with a chance of scattered showers across the coastal and mountainous areas on both days. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

Triumph of willpower: Emirati teen Hajar reclaims life after brave battle
Triumph of willpower: Emirati teen Hajar reclaims life after brave battle

Gulf Today

time25-05-2025

  • Health
  • Gulf Today

Triumph of willpower: Emirati teen Hajar reclaims life after brave battle

Just two years ago, 14-year-old Hajar, a vibrant Emirati girl, faced a battle that's hard to reconcile with her lively presence today. A serious illness had taken root in the most delicate place: her head. Yet, even with a fragile body, her spirit refused to be extinguished. Her initial surgery in the UAE offered a glimmer of hope, removing part of the tumour. But the fight was far from over. Time was critical, leading her family to the Republic of South Korea for a vital operation to extract the remaining growth, followed by a gruelling period of chemotherapy and radiation. "In that moment, I felt the ground pulled out from under me," her father remembers, "but our faith in Allah Almighty was stronger than any fear, and today we see her smiling again." Her mother echoes this sentiment: "Every ache she felt, I felt tenfold. My only wish was to see her walk and laugh again. And now, she is stronger.' Two years later, Hajar stands whole. With treatment complete and in recovery, she's slowly re-embracing her childhood. Her journey isn't just about overcoming illness; it's a powerful testament to patience, the unwavering support of family, and the enduring strength of hope against the fiercest odds. WAM

Dancing on the rooftop : Hajar Ameziane's fight to follow her passion
Dancing on the rooftop : Hajar Ameziane's fight to follow her passion

Ya Biladi

time22-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Ya Biladi

Dancing on the rooftop : Hajar Ameziane's fight to follow her passion

Barefoot and facing a humble phone camera on the rooftop of her parents' house, Hajar dances. With the red bricks of neighboring buildings and a rusty satellite dish as her backdrop, she records and shares self-taught choreographies online, unfazed by judgment. In the comment section, many are struck by her moves and technique, others by her physical strength and condition. Some, however, fixate on her appearance, question why she dances on a rooftop, or critique her clothing. But for Hajar, what matters most is progress, years of hard work and a deep passion for dance and sport. Only 19 years old, Hajar Ameziane, also known as Serena lmk, has always loved to move. Long before discovering her talent for dance, the Tifelt native was immersed in sports. «As a kid, I was shy, quiet, and fearful, so my mother chose martial arts for me», Hajar told Yabiladi. «She wanted me to build a strong personality and learn to stand up for myself, especially as a girl. I was only eight». She began with five years of Taekwondo, transitioned to two years of Kickboxing, and has now practiced Kung Fu for four years, winning 20 medals. Dancing on the rooftop Yet dancing remained a constant. In her room, she would watch YouTube videos, teach herself choreographies, and perform in front of her mirror, or her phone. It was during the 2020 lockdown that her passion took a more serious turn. «I haven't stopped since. I've been learning completely on my own», she said proudly. Her first video came after mastering a viral K-pop choreography. «I was too shy to show my face, so I wore a mask in the video», she recalled. But that changed in 2021, when one of her videos went viral on TikTok, pushing her to keep going. Many comments, however, weren't kind. «This isn't for Morocco», some said. Others criticized her looks, her outfit, or the setting. «But I keep going», she said. And about dancing on her rooftop, she laughed: «If there were dance studios in Tifelt, I'd be the first one there». Despite criticism, online and offline, Hajar remains determined. «At first, my family didn't take it seriously. I heard a lot of negative comments. In Morocco, and especially in my city, people don't see entertainment as a real career», she lamented. But this past April, Hajar danced far from her rooftop. She collaborated with Moroccan influencer Lamia El Hari in a professionally shot video featuring Indian dance, her favorite genre. «It was an amazing experience», she said. «The choreography was from an Indian film. I learned it and taught it to Lamia, who was dancing for the first time. The video is just a few seconds long, but it took us four months to prepare». Hajar has big dreams, ones that go far beyond her small town. «I want to build a career in the entertainment industry, as a professional dancer in music videos, films, and ads», she said. In martial arts, she aspires to join the Moroccan national team and compete in international events like the World Championship in Vietnam. And through her social media, Hajar hopes to inspire other girls to embrace movement, whether through dance or sport. «I get messages from girls who say I inspired them to go to the gym—and that makes me so happy», she smiled.

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