Night-time movement restrictions will be in place across Oman during Ramadan, state media said on Monday.
Its Supreme Committee to combat Covid-19 has ordered a ban on all commercial activities and movement of people and vehicles between 9pm and 4am during the holy month, the Oman News Agency said.
The committee is also restricting entrance to the sultanate from midday on Thursday, allowing in only Omani citizens and residents.
There will be a ban on taraweeh prayers in mosques and free iftar meals offered to the public.
Taraweeh prayers take place every night during the holy month, while iftar meals are offered in mosques to the poor.
Social, sports and cultural activities will also be suspended during Ramadan, the committee said.
Ramadan is expected to start from April 12 or April 13, depending on when the new Moon is seen.
Oman has been under a night-time lockdown since March 28, which was due to end after April 8.
While the committee has extended the closure of shops from April 9, it will allow movement of people after 8pm until the first day of Ramadan, when the new movement restrictions begin.
Public anger
Omanis expressed anger over the restrictions.
"It is totally unjustified to ban movement of people so early at night. Most people stay indoors during the month of Ramadan because it is hot, and go out only during the night after iftar," Ali Al Mawli, 29, an oil and gas engineer, told The National.
Omani traders were also unhappy.
“Ramadan evenings are the most profitable time of the year. People are out all night and shops remain open till very late. People also do a lot of shopping to prepare for Eid,” said Saif Al Hakkali, 42, a textile shop owner.
“Traders like us will lose a lot of revenue this Ramadan,” he said.
Oman reported 1,117 new cases of Covid-19 on Monday and 10 deaths.
A total of 606 people are in hospitals with the disease, including 198 in intensive care.
The country has recorded 164,274 cases since the outbreak of the pandemic, with 1,722 deaths.
Results
6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $36,000 (Dirt) 1,600m, Winner: RB Money To Burn, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Turf) 2,410m, Winner: Star Safari, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
7.40pm: Meydan Trophy – Conditions (TB) $50,000 (T) 1,900m, Winner: Secret Protector, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
8.15pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 - Group 2 (TB) $293,000 (D) 1,900m, Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
8.50pm: Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m, Winner: Zakouski, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (T) 1,000m, Winner: Motafaawit, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson
Blonde
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Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
The past winners
2009 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
2010 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
2011 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2012 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
2013 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
2014 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2015 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
2016 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2017 - Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)
The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
'Nope'
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Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
How to report a beggar
Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai – Call 800243
Sharjah – Call 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372
Ajman – Call 067401616
Umm Al Quwain – Call 999
Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411
Elvis
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
