Oman reported its highest number of daily deaths from coronavirus on Sunday, with 29 more people dying of Covid-19 days before the start of a new lockdown.
The country also recorded a record 3,544 new Covid-19 infections, said the Ministry of Health.
The total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic has reached 1,776, with 171,549 infections.
In the past 24 hours, 105 people with coronavirus have been admitted to hospital, bringing the total number of patients to 733, including 229 in intensive care.
Oman will start another night-time lockdown on the first day of Ramadan, from 9pm to 4am, and last for the month.
Depending on the sighting of the new Moon, Ramadan is expected to start on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Omanis are concerned that illegal iftar gatherings might cause the virus to spread and push the number of infections and deaths even higher.
“The new lockdown in Ramadan will not work," said Rashid Al Sumri, 48, a farmer in the north-eastern Sharqiya region.
“People will gather illegally for iftar in their homes and farms, especially in towns outside the capital.
“This, I’m afraid, will increase the number of infections and result in more deaths."
Other Omanis said they believed the failure to follow social-distancing guidelines was the main cause of rising infections.
“Ramadan or not, the number of cases will increase because of people who do not take the virus seriously,” said Saif Al Wardi, 36, a social worker at the Ministry of Health.
Mr Al Wardi said this was evident in the large gatherings being held and the reluctance of some Omanis to be vaccinated.
“They think social distancing spoils their fun and the trip to the health centre to take their vaccinations is a waste of time,” he said.
Oman’s Ministry of Health has urged people to be vaccinated, but only 150,000 have done so.
The country has set a target of three million vaccinations by the end of August, the ministry said on Sunday.
Mr Al Wardi said that the target was “easier said than done” and, with the continued flouting of social-distancing measures, the country was unlikely to meet it.
if you go
The specs
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Transmission: n/a
Power: 402bhp
Torque: 659Nm
Price estimate: Dh200,000
On sale: Q3 2022
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
The flights: South African Airways flies from Dubai International Airport with a stop in Johannesburg, with prices starting from around Dh4,000 return. Emirates can get you there with a stop in Lusaka from around Dh4,600 return.
The details: Visas are available for 247 Zambian kwacha or US$20 (Dh73) per person on arrival at Livingstone Airport. Single entry into Victoria Falls for international visitors costs 371 kwacha or $30 (Dh110). Microlight flights are available through Batoka Sky, with 15-minute flights costing 2,265 kwacha (Dh680).
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel by Anantara is an ideal place to stay, within walking distance of the falls and right on the Zambezi River. Rooms here start from 6,635 kwacha (Dh2,398) per night, including breakfast, taxes and Wi-Fi. Water arrivals cost from 587 kwacha (Dh212) per person.
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Company%20profile%20
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UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Green ambitions
- Trees: 1,500 to be planted, replacing 300 felled ones, with veteran oaks protected
- Lake: Brown's centrepiece to be cleaned of silt that makes it as shallow as 2.5cm
- Biodiversity: Bat cave to be added and habitats designed for kingfishers and little grebes
- Flood risk: Longer grass, deeper lake, restored ponds and absorbent paths all meant to siphon off water
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
Martin Sabbagh profile
Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East
In the role: Since January 2015
Lives: In the UAE
Background: M&A, investment banking
Studied: Corporate finance
Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
Arrived in the UAE: 2007
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus
Favourite photography style: Street photography
Favourite book: Harry Potter
Company%20profile
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
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Available: Now
Stree
Producer: Maddock Films, Jio Movies
Director: Amar Kaushik
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee
Rating: 3.5
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.
