The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in Oman has announced plans to develop a film city near Muscat in Khazaen, an economic development zone in Barka. It will become a hub for film production, adding to the growing arts and culture landscape in the Gulf region.
This comes at a pivotal time in media production, when content is evolving rapidly owing to fast-paced growth in technologies and shifts in industry models and consumption habits. There truly is no better time than now to support film production in the region, as it aligns with national goals for growth in non-oil sectors and could open up a whole new stream of opportunities from regional and international collaboration to a thriving local film scene.
In order to capitalise on these opportunities, it is important to take note of current trends in film production across the globe and see how Oman can bring the best of its resources to deliver what the industry needs. I believe a fusion between what Oman has to offer, in terms of both local capabilities and cultural landmarks, and between current trends in the global film industry, can truly facilitate the way for unique and high-calibre projects.
Artificial intelligence has taken many disciplines by storm and is being adopted in filmmaking through script-writing assistance, predictions on what projects will be most profitable and its offer of superior editing tools.
Technological advancements have also given rise to immersive and interactive experiences in film, with virtual reality and augmented reality being used to engage viewers in real time.
Crucially, sustainability in filmmaking, including reducing carbon footprint during production, using renewable energy, minimising waste levels on set and meeting universal sustainability standards are priorities for production houses. Given Oman’s various investments in renewable energy projects and geographic location, which means the country enjoys an abundance of sunshine, it is a promising base for filmmakers who wish to adopt a greener approach.
There is also a push for diversity in all areas of film production, from storytelling to direction, production and of course, on camera. Oman not only boasts of a rich culture and diverse local population, the nation also attracts talent and investments from various parts of the world, and again, its location works in its favour by making it an accessible midpoint between the East and West.
Independent and crowdfunded productions are also on the rise, with online fundraising tools that have given aspiring filmmakers, screenwriters and actors the opportunity to reach out to their target audiences directly and raise money to help bring their projects to life.
In its first year alone, the Film City is expected to create more than 100 new jobs. But we must anticipate, plan and prepare for more expansion
Of course, one of the most notable shifts is the increasing dominance of streaming platforms that have become the leading source of film viewing around the world since the Covid-19 pandemic. Major studios are more inclined to releasing films directly on these platforms, and we have witnessed what appears to be a permanent change in consumption habits.
With its new Film City, Oman can harness opportunities from film production houses across the globe. At the same time, the country can work to refine local and regional offerings. It can encourage collaboration and investments in this area that could add to existing services and potentially give rise to new streaming platforms that highlight content from the Sultanate as well as the broader Gulf region.
In its first year alone, the Film City is expected to create more than 100 new jobs. But we must anticipate, plan and prepare for more expansion. From financial institutions offering competitive borrowing rates to a push in filmmaking courses at education institutions, there is much that can be done to boost the sector and prepare for opportunities that are on the horizon.
We cannot deny that there have been significant global shifts that have led to a series of setbacks and socio-economic challenges in recent years. However, we are also witnessing exciting growth in a variety of areas, and if we strike while the iron is hot and keep our eye on the prize – the broader national vision for economic diversification – there is no doubt that Oman can take the strides towards a stable and secure future.
The creative arts, particularly prose and storytelling, have been a defining component of Omani heritage for centuries, and the nation is well placed to enrich the regional and global film industries with this gift that has been passed down for generations.
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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England's all-time record goalscorers:
Wayne Rooney 53
Bobby Charlton 49
Gary Lineker 48
Jimmy Greaves 44
Michael Owen 40
Tom Finney 30
Nat Lofthouse 30
Alan Shearer 30
Viv Woodward 29
Frank Lampard 29
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
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ICC Awards for 2021
MEN
Cricketer of the Year – Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Test Cricketer of the Year – Joe Root (England)
WOMEN
Cricketer of the Year – Smriti Mandhana (India)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Lizelle Lee (South Africa)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Tammy Beaumont (England)
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Director: Jon Watts
Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon
Rating:*****
Mumbai Indians 213/6 (20 ov)
Royal Challengers Bangalore 167/8 (20 ov)
Analysis
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The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo
Power: 374hp at 5,500-6,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm from 1,900-5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.5L/100km
Price: from Dh285,000
On sale: from January 2022
SOUTH%20KOREA%20SQUAD
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
● Company: Bidzi
● Started: 2024
● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid
● Based: Dubai, UAE
● Industry: M&A
● Funding size: Bootstrapped
● No of employees: Nine
The specs
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder
Transmission: CVT auto
Power: 181bhp
Torque: 244Nm
Price: Dh122,900
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Andor
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SERIES INFO
Cricket World Cup League Two
Nepal, Oman, United States tri-series
Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu
Fixtures
Wednesday February 5, Oman v Nepal
Thursday, February 6, Oman v United States
Saturday, February 8, United States v Nepal
Sunday, February 9, Oman v Nepal
Tuesday, February 11, Oman v United States
Wednesday, February 12, United States v Nepal
Table
The top three sides advance to the 2022 World Cup Qualifier.
The bottom four sides are relegated to the 2022 World Cup playoff
1 United States 8 6 2 0 0 12 0.412
2 Scotland 8 4 3 0 1 9 0.139
3 Namibia 7 4 3 0 0 8 0.008
4 Oman 6 4 2 0 0 8 -0.139
5 UAE 7 3 3 0 1 7 -0.004
6 Nepal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 PNG 8 0 8 0 0 0 -0.458
MATCH INFO
Chelsea 1
Alonso (62')
Huddersfield Town 1
Depoitre (50')
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers Henderson, Pickford, Pope.
Defenders Alexander-Arnold, Chilwell, Coady, Dier, Gomez, Keane, Maguire, Maitland-Niles, Mings, Saka, Trippier, Walker.
Midfielders Henderson, Mount, Phillips, Rice, Ward-Prowse, Winks.
Forwards Abraham, Barnes, Calvert-Lewin, Grealish, Ings, Kane, Rashford, Sancho, Sterling.
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
The Florida Project
Director: Sean Baker
Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe
Four stars
