On the eastern side of the Arabian peninsula, Oman has long been a port of call for trade and commerce.
For centuries, Muscat, the capital, has seen ships loaded with spices and pearls cross the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean between India and East Africa on their way to the Far East and Europe.
Even today, Mina Sultan Qaboos, Muscat's main port, is a hub for vessels going to the Arabian Gulf, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East. From livestock and food grains to vehicles and construction materials, the port handles them all.
Nearly 2,000 vessels passed through the port in 2010. Traditional dhows still anchor in the port, with nearly 400 of them docking in Muscat in 2010.
For those on a business jaunt to the capital, there are several highlights that can be covered in a day.
Away from the bustle of the modern-day port, the Muttrah Souq is a step back in time - in its architecture. The goods for sale are from around the world.
One can find China-made products along with Indian embroidery and shops laden with Omani silver jewellery. The pottery - oud burners and water jugs - make for excellent souvenirs.
There are a few upmarket frankincense stores in the alleys that take sudden turns and branch off into sub-alleys.
The Grand Mosque, which opened 11 years ago, lies in the heart of the city.
The central chandelier made from Swarovski crystals is spectacular, but take time out to check the intricate carvings in the main hall and the murals in Moghul, Arabic, Persian and central Asian styles.
Framed by the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, Muscat also has some unspoilt beaches with nooks and caves along the coast.
The popular ones include Qurum beach, which in 2007 was destroyed by Cyclone Gonu and remains closed for swimming, and Qantab beach down the coast.
ssahoo@thenational.ae
Keep it fun and engaging
Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.
“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.
His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.
He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
New schools in Dubai
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
(All games 4-3pm kick UAE time) Bayern Munich v Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg v Mainz , Eintracht Frankfurt v Freiburg, Union Berlin v RB Leipzig, Cologne v Schalke , Werder Bremen v Borussia Monchengladbach, Stuttgart v Arminia Bielefeld
'Joker'
Directed by: Todd Phillips
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix
Rating: Five out of five stars
North Pole stats
Distance covered: 160km
Temperature: -40°C
Weight of equipment: 45kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 0
Terrain: Ice rock
South Pole stats
Distance covered: 130km
Temperature: -50°C
Weight of equipment: 50kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 3,300
Terrain: Flat ice
Meydan race card
6.30pm: Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m
8.50pm: Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
How to register as a donor
1) Organ donors can register on the Hayat app, run by the Ministry of Health and Prevention
2) There are about 11,000 patients in the country in need of organ transplants
3) People must be over 21. Emiratis and residents can register.
4) The campaign uses the hashtag #donate_hope
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN MARITIME DISPUTE
2000: Israel withdraws from Lebanon after nearly 30 years without an officially demarcated border. The UN establishes the Blue Line to act as the frontier.
2007: Lebanon and Cyprus define their respective exclusive economic zones to facilitate oil and gas exploration. Israel uses this to define its EEZ with Cyprus
2011: Lebanon disputes Israeli-proposed line and submits documents to UN showing different EEZ. Cyprus offers to mediate without much progress.
2018: Lebanon signs first offshore oil and gas licencing deal with consortium of France’s Total, Italy’s Eni and Russia’s Novatek.
2018-2019: US seeks to mediate between Israel and Lebanon to prevent clashes over oil and gas resources.
Roll%20of%20Honour%2C%20men%E2%80%99s%20domestic%20rugby%20season
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