THE HAGUE, Netherlandsâ26 November 2020âThe Government of the United States of America has awarded a $7,000,000 grant to a special Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the project of the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (âChemTech Centreâ).
The grant was formalised during a ceremony between the Permanent Representative of the United States to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Joseph Manso, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, which was held yesterday at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague.
Ambassador Manso stated: âThe United States is proud to finalise its contribution to the ChemTech Centre today. The Centre will strengthen the Organisationâs ability to address new and evolving threats, and to continue its professional and impartial work to investigate allegations of chemical weapons use in Syria and around the world. Through its expanded facilities and training programmes, the Centre will also enhance the Organisationâs capacity building programmes. Combined, these will ensure the Organisation remains fit-for-purpose for years to come.â
While expressing his gratitude, Director-General Arias observed: âThe OPCW greatly appreciates the United Statesâ generous support that will allow us to advance towards the completion of this keystone project that will keep the Organisation at the cutting-edge of science and technology to achieve and maintain a world free of the scourge of chemical weapons.â
Director-General Arias appealed to all OPCW Member States in a position to make voluntary contributions to do so. He further emphasised the important role the new ChemTech Centre will play in strengthening the OPCWâs ability to address chemical weapon threats and enhance International Cooperation and Assistance capacity building activities. He highlighted that âall contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciatedâ.
So far, 45 countries, the European Union, and three other donors have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the ChemTech Centre project, and a considerable amount has been raised to date.
It was on a quiet autumn afternoon in The Hague where
I met Sadat Rahman. This Bangladeshi teen has won the 2020 International Childrenâs Peace Prize for
setting up the social organization and mobile app “Cyber Teens”, which is
designed to help in the fight against Cyberbullying in south-western
Bangladesh. The Childrenâs Peace Prize is an initiative of the international
children’s rights organization known as Kids Rights. The prize was first
launched in 2005 during an International Conference of Nobel Peace Laureates in
Rome, chaired by Mr Mikhail Gorbachev.
There were 142
applicants from 42 countries that took part in the 2020 contest. The Kids
Rightsâ Expert Committee selected Sadat Rahman as the winner. By winning
the award, Sadat Rahman now has an international platform from which he will be
able to spread his message worldwide. The prize is presented to the winner by a
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
The Kids Rights organization described Sadat Rahman as a changemaker and social reformer. Sadat was prompted to action after a 15-year-old girl committed suicide due to cyberbullying. He started a social organization called âNarail Volunteersâ with the help of his friends. This organization won the âYouth Innovation Challenge 2019â of the non-governmental organization Action Aid and got the funding he needed to get his project off the ground. Sadat Rahman has been presented the Joy Bangla Youth Award for his work in 2018.
From left to right Md Sakhawat Hossain, Sadat’s father, Sadat and Ms. Nawrid Sharmin from the
Embassy of Bangladesh in The Hague.
The International Childrenâs Peace Prizewas
presented to Sadat Rahman in The Hague on 13 November 2020 by none other
than Human Rights Activist and Nobel Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai. The
prize consists of a trophy and a sum of Euro 100,000 which is to be used for
the financing of projects. In 2019, the Swedish child environmentalist
Greta Thunberg and Cameroonian Divina Malam jointly received the prestigious
award.
Sadat Rahman is a man of many talents. He is a phenomenal, vigorous and courageous young man with a keen sense of humor and always wears a friendly smile. This bright 17-year-old studies Arts-Humanities at the Abdul Hai City College in his hometown of Narail in south-western Bangladesh, where he has embarked on the initiative to tackle the emerging problem of cyberbullying in Bangladeshi society. Sadat is very pleased that he was able to make a small indirect contribution to the Bangladesh Vision 2021 – Digital Bangladesh. He even had the opportunity to meet the Hon.Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina some time ago. Prime Minister Hasinaâs ICT advisor, Sajeeb Wazed referred to Rahman as one of the countryâs silent young changemakers.
Sadatâs philosophy is that one should âbelieve in
yourself and not to wait for anyone, not even the government to assist youâ
Take the initiative and get moving, kindred spirits will automatically join. When
asked where he gets his inspiration from, he responded with a smile and said âthe
creator gave me a brain and I am making good use of it.â
Sadat Rahman receives a lot of co-operation from the
local police superintendent. He mentioned that whenever he would approach the police
with evidence of wrongdoing, the police is willing listen and takes the necessary
action. Sadat also noted that when teenagers are facing problems, they hesitate
to approach parents, the police or other adults. They would rather prefer to
approach their peers. However, teenagers need emotional assistance and mental
support. When Cyber Teens is unable to offer the needed assistance, these
teenagers are referred to the professionals. Sadat added that it is often
sufficient to lend a listening ear that would allow them feel safe so that they
will confide in you.
The police may not always have the time to do this and
there is also the element of shame among those suffering from cyberbullying. As
for the phenomena of Cyberbullying, parents and police are not trained to deal
with such problems, and at the moment, The Criminal Investigation Department of
the Dhaka Police(CID) is the only institution that investigates Cybercrime. Cyberbullying
starts with parents buying their children fancy mobile phones, games and PCs
but they are not always aware of the capabilities of these devices. Therefore,
a balanced approach is required when considering what type of device that a
parent should get for their child.
As a result of parents lacking the needed insight, they are unable to monitor their childrenâs activities and are unable to guide, instruct and protect them from the potential dangers in cyberspace. Cyber teens seek to fill that void. According to Sadat Rahman, there are four cardinal agents that ought to be considered in helping to prevent teenagers from falling prey to cyberbullying. These are Awareness, Empathy, Counselling and Action. These are the main drivers.
Ms. Rouma, Sadat R (in Cyberbully Tshirt) Mr Biswajit Roy.
Cyberbullying needs to be combated, according to Sadat
Rahman, âit is a war and I am a warrior.â To date, the Cyber Teens app has
reached about 450,000 teenagers and brought 300+ cases of cyberbullying before
the police of which eight cases have been arrested. Evidence has thus proven
that the cyber teen approach is effective. Furthermore, Sadat Rahman has been promised support from
international organizations, including Europol, the European
Unionâs law enforcement agency.
Sadat Rahman, the man, can be characterized as energetic, unfazed,
dedicated, genuine, good-humored, cheerful, jovial and charming. Sadat Rahman
concluded his discourse at the prize remittance ceremony by stating: âI feel proud to represent Bangladesh to the world with my
work, my ultimate success would be when one day, no one will need to use my app
and there will be no cyberbullying anymore.â
It has been an enormous pleasure working briefly with Sadat Rahman. We wish him every success with his present and future projects.
Roy Lie Tjam presenting Diplomat Magazine to Sadat. Here in the picture with a special issue on Bangladesh with the Honorable Sheik Hassina on the cover page.
HM Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said – Picture by Ministry of Information, Sultanate of Oman.
Wednesday, 18 November 2020, Sultanate of Oman: To mark the Sultanateâs 50th National Day, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said took the opportunity to address directly the countryâs youth by describing them as âthe inexhaustible wealth of nationsâ. He voiced his sincerest desire to listen to the youth, explore their interests, address their concerns and aid them to achieve their aspirations.
Sultan Haitham has pledged, as he renews the Renaissance, that he shall elevate Oman, in the coming age, to the level of aspirations of its people in all spheres.
HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said – Picture by Ministry of Information, Sultanate of Oman.
The Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, took the opportunity of the National Day to address the youth in an allocution wherein he stated that âOmani youth have shown that they are highly capable of shouldering their national responsibility. This confidence stems from their full awareness about their cause, and how to serve it by espousing means of advancement, coupled with a clear vision and firm resolution to participating in the rejuvenation Renaissance in Oman. They are open to the culture of co-existence, love and peace.
Oman marks annually on 26 October an âOmani Youth Dayâ, which reaffirms the Royal Governmentâs commitment towards this segment of society and its determination to provide them with all means that facilitate their march forward as they contribute to their countryâs progress.
Omanâs National Day marks the birthday of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur Al Said (18 November 1940 â 10 January 2020), and it is fĂȘted since the latter’s throne accession in 1970. Likewise, it reminisces the rebellion led in Muscat by Imam Sultan bin Saif of the House of Yaruba, back on 18 November 1650 that drew the Portuguese away from Omani lands.
It is now confirmed that Zurab Pololikashvili, the current secretary-general of the UN affiliated World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) body will be facing HE Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa from Bahrain in the coming elections for the post of the former agencyâs secretary-general. She is a successful sitting Minister, responsible for tourism over many years, which makes her a credible candidate for the office seen as the highest office for tourism ministers.
The world of tourism has never before had a woman, or a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizen, as Secretary-General at the helm of the UNWTO and this makes her candidature an interesting one. As a former candidate for the same position but a couple of years ago, I personally welcome Bahrain’s candidature and wish her success. The time is now not to hear more promises but instead it is time to demand why delivery by the current UNWTO head was not done, even during the time when a new drive was so needed as COVID 19 was being felt in tourism destinations right across the world.
Alain St.Ange – a tourism personality beyond borders so ‘What Next’ for him?
A Seychellois, erstwhile Tourism Minister, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine (2012-2016), Alain St.Ange was one of the candidates for the position of Secretary General of the UNWTO in the election that saw the current SG Zurab Pololikashvili elected to office. Seychelles came into the race with a style that reflected their candidate’s flamboyant character that put his deep knowledge and understanding of tourism to the forefront. His personalised approach of campaigning for the SG position saw him crisscross the world to touch on countries with a vote in that UN election.
Jordanian Dr Taleb Rifai, the fifth SG of the organisation had followed the potential candidates vying to replace him and he is known to have initially sparked the interest into St.Ange at a UNWTO tourism meeting in Reunion Island as was reported in the island’s press at the time. Alain St.Ange had gathered support for his candidature across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas even before making the bold move to launch his candidature with Dr Rifai in Madrid before an armada of press.
He was shortlisted as one with a clear potential to win, but President Danny Faure of his island nation under political pressure from President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe withdrew this country’s Letter of Support and in so doing collapsing the St. Ange candidature but two days before the elections and even after St.Ange had personally arrive in the Spanish capital of Madrid for the elections.Â
A demoralised St. Ange vowed while still in Madrid to take President Faure to court for reneging on an agreement made to enable the Seychelles’ candidate to challenge the world’s highest office for tourism ministers. The latter St. Ange did, and exactly a year ago today he won his case in front of the Supreme Court of Seychelles. As the World of Tourism marks the one-year anniversary of this landmark court case, Seychelles has seen a change of President from Danny Faure to Wavel Ramkalawan and Zimbabwe as well from Robert Mugabe to Emmerson Mnangagwa. Â
The UNWTO is at the same time once again going through the process of electing their Secretary General. Sadly capable African Tourism leaders such as Alain St.Ange are not seen to be featured as potential candidates yet Africa is one continent that needs tourism to work as an industry.
COVID -19 has created havoc in tourism right across the world but Africa is feeling the pinch a bit harder because so many African Countries are so dependent on tourism. The same can be said for African airlines that are suffering because of the collapse of travel to and from Africa. For all the latter, Alain St.Ange buttresses up the candidacy of Bahrain’s Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa for the post of UNWTO SG.Â
HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa – Picture by Bahrain News Agency.
July 2020, Kingdom of Bahrain: His Majesty King Hamad II bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain issued Royal Order 24 of 2020, appointing National Security Advisor, Major General HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa as the Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council (SDC). His Highness is deputised by Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa in the SDC.
HM the King also issued Royal Order 26 of 2020 establishing the Strategic Security Bureau (SSB), affiliated with the Supreme Defence Council. The SSB shall be chaired by Sheikh Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifa.
Born on 8 May 1987 in Riffa, Major General Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa is an Aide-de-Camp to his father, HM The King. He is Commander of the Royal Guard and Chairman of the governmentâs Supreme Council for Youth and Sports. Additionally he is Chairman of the board of trustees of the Royal Charity Organisation (RCO), through which he is directly involved in charity work with many local and international community projects.
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad was educated in Bahrain at Ibn Khuldoon National School. Thereafter he attended Sandhurst Military Academy in the United Kingdom, graduating in August 2006.
He is currently serving in the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), and leads the Bahrain National Endurance Team. He has participated in many regional and international endurance races and won many medals. He is also President of the Bahrain OIympic Committee. He is the father of four children, whose mother is a daughter of the Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Emir of Dubai, namely HH Sheikha Shaikha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands â 19 November 2020 â The Government of Germany has contributed a further âŹ500,000 to a special Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (âChemTech Centreâ).
The contribution was formalised during a ceremony between the Permanent Representative of Germany to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Gudrun Lingner, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, which was held yesterday at OPCW Headquarters in The Hague. Ambassador Lingner stated: âI am very pleased to announce today Germanyâs second contribution to the Trust Fund for the new ChemTech Centre.
Germany has now contributed a total of âŹ1.5M to this OPCW flagship project. The new ChemTech Centre will offer an ideal environment for the future work of the OPCW, and enhance capabilities for capacity building, training, and international cooperation.
In addition, the Centre will be instrumental in guaranteeing the scientific excellence of laboratory analysis within the OPCW. Germany is proud to support this endeavour to uphold the Chemical Weapons Convention in the years to come.âThe Director-General expressed his gratitude to the Government of Germany and noted: âThis contribution represents a major step in bringing the ChemTech Centre into existence. Germanyâs resolve and support has been indispensable to this undertaking which will place a state-of the art facility at the heart of OPCWâs battle against chemical weapons.
âDirector-General Arias appealed to all OPCW States Parties in a position to make voluntary contributions to do so. He further emphasised the important role the new ChemTech Centre will play in strengthening the OPCWâs ability to address chemical weapon threats and enhance capacity building activities. He highlighted that âall contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciatedâ.
So far, 45 countries, the European Union, and three other donors have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the ChemTech Centre project, and a considerable amount has been raised to date.
Permanent Representative of Germany to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Gudrun Lingner, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias.
The World Press Photo Foundation announced that Joumana El Zein Khoury has been appointed in the capacity of Executive Director starting February 2021.
A different world has presented itself in recent months. Whereas the foundationâs mission remains to connect the world to the stories that matter, the COVID-19 pandemic and other global developments have shifted the way World Press Photo fulfils this mission.
Joumana El Zein Khoury has been the director of the Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development since 2015. During her tenure, she has established the Prince Claus Fund as an internationally renowned institution supporting culture under pressure and she has been crucial to strengthening the Prince Claus Fundâs fundraising capabilities.
She has over 15 years of experience in international cultural exchange, developing programmes and fostering new talent. She was previously the director of the Lutfia Rabbani Foundation for Euro-Arab exchange and has worked with organisations such as the Arab Image Foundation and the Baalbeck Festival. She is a board member of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) and the Lutfia Rabbani Foundation.
Joumana El Zein Khoury will join the World Press Photo team on 1 February 2021. Arnoud van Dommele, the foundationâs interim managing director, will hand over the executive director role to Joumana El Zein Khoury on 1 February 2021 and will stay until 1 April to ensure a smooth transition.Â
Picture by Svetlana Prodanova (WhoDoesWhatTV) – Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa and Diplomat Magazine’s Diplomatic Adviser Henri Estramant.
Tuesday, 10 November 2020, Kingdom of Bahrain: Bahrain nominated H.E. Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed bin Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, to hold the position of Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). A position currently held by the Georgian national Zurab Pololikashvili, sixth office-holder.
The news come amidst a plethora achievements that Sheikha Mai has accomplished in the field of sustainable tourism, and her efforts in strengthening the tourism-culture relationship to attain prosperity and development in various countries.
In 2017, the UNWTO appointed her as ‘Special Ambassador of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development’ in recognition of her tireless efforts. Other ambassadors at the time included H.M. Tsar Simeon II (Simeon Borisov Sakskoburggotski), former monarch and prime minister of Bulgaria, or Liberia’s former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Since 2008 Sheikha Mai has held several official positions, including Assistant Undersecretary for Culture and National Heritage (2002-2004) and (2005-2008), Minister of Culture and Information (2008-2010) and Minister of Culture (2010-2015). Currently, she is serving as President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities -with the rank of Minister- as well as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARC-WH).
She is also the founder and chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research, which is a non-profit and non-governmental centre that aims to promote culture and preserve Bahrain’s urban heritage.
In 2012, Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed launched the initiative to celebrate Arab Tourism Day â this initiative has now become a celebration commemorated annually on 25 February. In 2019, Bahrain won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture for âRevitalisation of Muharraqâ. Amidst the impressive cultural emergence under her leadership, national sites were registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, namely, Qalâat al-Bahrain, the Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun (2005), Pearling, Testimony of an island economy (2012) as well as the Dilmun Burial Mounds (2019).
Sheikha Mai’s candidacy for the position of UNTWO Secretary-General comes as the tourism sector is going through major difficulties caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) that has left tremendous effects on the aviation and hospitality industry. The UNTWO is expected to lead global efforts for the recovery of the sector.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations specialised agency entrusted with the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism formed in 1974. UNWTO’s membership includes 158 countries, six territories and over 500 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities. Its headquarters are located in Madrid, Kingdom of Spain.
The official languages of UNWTO are Arabic, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
The Sultanate of Oman celebrated the 50th Anniversary of its National Day; a premiĂšre under the novel leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said. The latter took power in January 2020 from the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur, father of the Omani Renaissance.
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq has vowed to ensure the continuation and preservation of the Sultanate by building on his predecessorâs legacy.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said
His Majesty the Sultan is the Head of State, Chair of the Council of Ministers as well as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. He is the symbol of national unity and the guardian of the preservation, and the protection thereof.
Sultan Haitham was born in Muscat on 11 October 1955. After receiving his elementary education at the Saâidiyya School in Muscat, he moved abroad to pursue his studies â following the wishes of his late father, Sayyid Tariq bin Taimur Al Said. First, then Sayyid Haitham moved to Lebanon, where he attended Broumana High School. Subsequently he moved to the United Kingdom, where he pursued his secondary studies and attended university at the prestigious University of Oxford.
During his career, Sultan Haitham held a number of important positions, which prepared him to eventually take on the leadership of Oman in January 2020. First, the would-be Sultan became involved in the work of the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he reached the crucial position of Secretary General.
Eventually then Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq worked as Minister of Heritage and Culture for nearly 18 years, during which he further approached the grandeur of Omani history, heritage, and culture. In addition, he assumed the chairmanship of several committees, the most important of which was the main committee for the future vision âOman 2040â.
As a culmination to his successful career, H.M. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq took executive power in Oman on 11 January 2020, succeeding the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur in a smooth transition of power that was appreciated and admired throughout the world. In his first speech after his inauguration as monarch, H.M. Sultan Haitham commended the achievements of his predecessor and pledged to build upon his legacy.
He also affirmed that he would follow the footsteps of the late Sultan in foreign policy, stressing the principles he had set for the Sultanateâs foreign policy based on peaceful coexistence between nations and peoples, good neighbourhood, non-interference in the internal affairs of others, and respect for the sovereignty of states.
Besideshis involvement in politics, H.M. Sultan Haitham has wide interests, including sports. For instance, from 1983 to 1986 he chaired the first Omani Football Association, overseeing the establishment of many organizational aspects in the work of football and sports clubs in the Sultanate. During this time period, the Sultanate hosted the seventh Gulf Cup. His Majesty also chaired the organizing committee of the second Asian Beach Games that the Sultanate hosted in 2010.
Decorations and honours received by His Majesty
During his career, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq has received several royal decorations, in the forefront of which was the Order of Alrusoukh (Firmness), which he received from the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said in November 2010, in addition to the Order of Al Said, the Order of Oman and the Order of the Omani Renaissance.
In March 2001 he was also awarded the Decoration of Honour for Services provided by the Republic of Austria, and in December 2006 he received the King Abdul Aziz Sash (First Class). He received an Honorary Knighthood, Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order from the United Kingdom in November of 2010.
Oman and The Netherlands
The bilateral relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands are witnessing a close and continuous development at all levels.
This year, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Kingdom of Netherlands paid a visit to the Sultanate and met with His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman. The Dutch monarch presented his condolences on the demise of late Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister of Oman, also conducted a virtual conference with His Excellency Stef Blok, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Their Excellencies the foreign ministers of both countries discussed most of the bilateral political and economic issues.
Another virtual meeting was performed between several parties in the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands with the participation of Their Excellencies Ambassador Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Salim bin Hamed Al Harthi and Ambassador Laetitia van Asch, and a wide number of companies from both countries.
The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands will continue to strengthen their partnership and will work side to side to prosper, widen and deepen cooperation at political, economic and social levels.
Oman is distinguished by its geographical position and its easy access to its neighbours (Asia, Africa and Gulf States) which attracts Dutch Companies to invest in several sectors.
Oman provides enormous opportunities and facilities to all kind of investment. The Sultanate with its unique location offers many chances to expand its economical connections beyond its borders. With that in mind, Oman bids a number of incentives encouraging foreign businesses, such as low tax, cheap energy, skilled labour and land allocation by the Government.
Visit Oman
European tourists adore exploring the Sultanate of Oman. Annually Oman attracts a large number of Dutch tourists. Oman is distinguished by its beautiful beaches, golden sands and its majestic mountains. Oman also combines originality and modernity and thanks to the Renaissance, many projects have been realised, including modern roads, high-end hospitals and elegant hotels spread across the Sultanate. Several entertainment programs are adapted and adjusted to the tourists needs and expectations as diving, mountains climbing, desert cars racing and also camel racing.
It is not surprising to see four-star hotels in the middle of the desert, fascinating lovers of nature and adventure. The tourist finds everything he loves, a sea, a mountain and a desert. On top of the natural beauty we should not forget the traditional souks as in Mutrah and Nizwa with their silvery handicrafts and all kind of souvenirs which charms the visitors. Souks are filled with spices, frankincense coming out of beautiful burners. There is the taste of sugar cane, coconut and strong Arabian coffee.
We are convinced that any visitor of the Sultanate longs to return back not only because of the beauty of the country and its fascinating landscapes but also because of the warmth of the reception and the openness and generosity of the Omanis. Omani hospitality begins with a friendly handshake and a nice big warm smile and knows absolutely no boundaries when it comes to winning hearts. Your trip will be truly memorable.
Home to immense mountains, dramatic coasts and desert oases, tourists can experience completely diverse landscapes all in one country.
Oman is unique in its greatly contrasting landscapes, we are absolutely convinced and sure that all these great opportunities to live and experiment are not to be missed and will be revived after these very difficult pandemic times.
Foreign Policy and the Future Vision
As soon as he assumed power, in his first nation address, His Majesty Sultan Haitham reaffirmed the permanent stands of the Sultanateâs foreign policy, saying that the Sultanate advocates peaceful co-existence among nations, good neighbourliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. His Majesty the Sultan moreover stressed that he would follow the footsteps of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur.
In his allocution, His Majesty the Sultan said, âWe shall trace the course of the late Sultan, reaffirming the fundamentals of our countryâs foreign policy based on peaceful co-existence with nations, good neighbourliness, non-interference in the internal affairs of others, respect for countriesâ sovereignty and international cooperation in various spheres.â
This stance was reaffirmed by the Sultanateâs Government last September in a speech delivered by Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi before the 75th general assembly of the United Nations. Sayyid Badr said, âHis Majesty the Sultan has reaffirmed beyond any doubt that the Sultanate will continue the prudent policy set by the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur, Founder of Omanâs Modern Renaissance and architect of its foreign policy and its international relations over the past 50 years.â
In addition, the principles of Omani foreign policy as established in its blessed renaissance espouse dialogue as a means for solving disputes. They also support values of tolerance, justice equality and the settlement of conflicts in accordance with the UN charter and rules of the International Law. This enhanced the Sultanateâs regional and international status and made it a lighthouse of peace and security.
It is worth noting that Omani foreign policy principles are derived from basics of Omanâs centuries-old civilisation and original values of Omani society that indicate a sincere desire to promote humanity and moderation. As a result, the Sultanate is widely accepted as mediator in the international arena.
The 84 year and former businessman, Kabuga, had been on the run for close to 26 years transiting many countries on false identities.
His appearance in court marked a new chapter for the people of Rwanda and most especially survivors of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi who would love to see him tried in Rwanda.
