Oman
Israel woos Arab States amid signs of warming ties
There have been several signs of a deepening of ties between Israel and Arab states over recent days, suggesting a normalisation of relations is on the cards. But will this be at…
After rare Netanyahu visit, Oman offers help towards Mideast peace
Oman is offering ideas to help Israel and the Palestinians to come together but is not acting as mediator, Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, the sultanate’s minister responsible for…
The 51 Percent
The risk of standing out: Sudden deaths of prominent Iraqi women raise questions
In this edition, we head to Iraq where the sudden deaths of four well-known women is sparking fears that a campaign is underway to silence those who dare to speak out. Plus we…
Tourism in the Middle East: which countries are the least and most popular?
This week, we take a special look at tourism in the Middle East. While some travelers may have been put off, others are still keen to explore the region's mystery and riches. We…
Iran and Oman look to strengthen relations
Iran and Oman will deepen their ties amidst the continuing Gulf diplomatic crisis, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced today.
Kidnapped Franco-Tunisian Red Cross worker freed in Yemen
A Franco-Tunisian Red Cross staffer kidnapped in Yemen almost a year ago was freed on Monday and taken to Muscat, the Omani foreign ministry said.
French hostage release highlights Oman’s diplomatic role
France on Friday thanked Oman for helping to free a French aid worker who was abducted in February. The release of Isabelle Prime has underscored the sultanate’s role as a…
Strait of Hormuz: a smuggler's paradise
In the past months, Iran has been negotiating its way back into the international community, hoping to secure a potential easing of the West's economic embargo. Meanwhile…
Iran-Oman: Smuggling in the strait of Hormuz
This week, we take you to the smuggling strait that lies between Oman and Iran. Flats-screen TVs or high energy drinks are all sailing through to markets in Tehran, despite…
Solar plane finishes first leg of epic round-the-world bid
Solar Impulse 2 landed Monday in Oman, completing the initial leg of its epic bid to become the first solar-powered plane to fly around the world, testing its pilots to the limit.
Ahmed Bin Mohammed al Saidi, Omani Health Minister
Almost 1,000 health experts and policy makers recently gathered at the inaugural World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) in Doha. On the sidelines of the two-day summit, Olivia…
Marc Valeri, Lecturer in Political Economy of the Middle East, University of Exeter
Oman expert Marc Valeri analyses the recent crackdowns on dissidents in the Gulf states. If jailing opponents fails to smother dissent, do the rulers of the Gulf monarchies have…