MUSCAT // Omani authorities are working on ways to foil attempts at fuel smuggling into the UAE now that the increase in petrol prices has taken effect.
Filling stations in areas across the border from Al Ain are anticipating a rush of vehicles from the UAE, The Times of Oman reported.
The cost of petrol in Oman is the equivalent of Dh1.14 per litre for Super and Dh1.1 for Regular, compared with Dh2.25 and Dh2.14 respectively in the UAE as of Saturday. An Omani government source said that strategies to thwart smugglers had been discussed. Records show that more than 25 fuel smugglers were arrested and faced trial in 2012.
Experts said that lorries can carry between 500 and 1,200 litres of fuel and smugglers could cross the border, empty their tanks and then repeat the process up to three times a day at different border posts, netting them as much as Dh2,900 in profit a day.
Mohammed bin Salim Al Busaidi, a member of Oman’s consultative assembly, said: “Such smugglers think they can make quick money. They don’t understand that they are affecting the country negatively by indulging in such acts.”
Filling stations in areas such as Buraimi and Madha, which share a border with the UAE, are expecting an increase in business.
Assemblyman Rashid Al Shamsi, who represents Buraimi, said that he expected a cross-border rush but was certain there would not be a shortage. “The number of vehicles will rise but I think the quantity of fuel received by petrol stations in Buraimi and others will meet the daily needs.”
“It is during weekends that we will witness a bigger rush as many Omanis living in the UAE and Emiratis head to Buraimi.”
Some residents in Buraimi and other areas close to the border expressed displeasure at the expected rush at Omani filling stations.
“Because of the slight price difference that exists there is already a rush on weekends.
“Can you imagine what it will be like once the price is deregulated?” a resident said.
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The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
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Basquiat in Abu Dhabi
One of Basquiat’s paintings, the vibrant Cabra (1981–82), now hangs in Louvre Abu Dhabi temporarily, on loan from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
The latter museum is not open physically, but has assembled a collection and puts together a series of events called Talking Art, such as this discussion, moderated by writer Chaedria LaBouvier.
It's something of a Basquiat season in Abu Dhabi at the moment. Last week, The Radiant Child, a documentary on Basquiat was shown at Manarat Al Saadiyat, and tonight (April 18) the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is throwing the re-creation of a party tonight, of the legendary Canal Zone party thrown in 1979, which epitomised the collaborative scene of the time. It was at Canal Zone that Basquiat met prominent members of the art world and moved from unknown graffiti artist into someone in the spotlight.
“We’ve invited local resident arists, we’ll have spray cans at the ready,” says curator Maisa Al Qassemi of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's Canal Zone Remix is at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Thursday April 18, from 8pm. Free entry to all. Basquiat's Cabra is on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until October
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