Oman

Oman bans popular chat app Clubhouse

The audio-only phone application is popular throughout the Middle East but could face further restrictions.

Adam Lucente | Oman | Mar 15, 2021

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A dancer keeps his iPhone tucked next to his traditional dagger during an Omani cultural welcome ceremony outside the Sultan's Palace on Nov. 5, 2016 in Muscat, Oman.

Oman closes land border, parks and beaches as vaccine rollout continues

The sultanate's anti-virus committee announced several new restrictions on travel and gatherings on Wednesday.

Al-Monitor Staff | Oman | Feb 10, 2021

A healthcare worker prepares to administer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in the Omani capital Muscat on December 27, 2020. (Photo by MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP) (Photo by MOHAMMED MAHJOUB/AFP via Getty Images)

Oman moves ahead with overdue reforms

Oman's leadership pushes ahead with reforms, cornered by the COVID-19 crisis and long-standing weaknesses in the local economy. Activists call for a constitutional monarchy.

Sebastian Castelier | Oman | Jan 14, 2021

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq meets with US Secretary of State at al-Alam palace in the capital Muscat on February 21, 2020. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

Oman praises Israel-Morocco relations

Oman has yet to recognize Israel officially, despite speculation that the sultanate would do so.

Al-Monitor Staff | Oman | Dec 11, 2020

Oman to issue tourist visas after 8-month suspension

Travelers whose trips are organized through hotels or tourism companies can apply for visas.

Al-Monitor Staff | Oman | Dec 1, 2020

Oman opens land borders for citizens, residents

The Gulf state's land borders had remained shut to international travel since March.

Al-Monitor Staff | Oman | Nov 13, 2020

A passenger, wearing a protective face mask due to the Covid-19 pandemic, checks-in at the testing counter at the Muscat international airport in the Omani capital on October 1, 2020. (Photo by MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP) (Photo by MOHAMMED MAHJOUB/AFP via Getty Images)

Mosques in Oman to reopen for socially distant daily prayers

Amid a declining COVID-19 infection rate, mosques will reopen to a limited number of worshippers beginning Sunday; Friday prayers still will not be allowed.

Al-Monitor Staff | Oman | Nov 11, 2020

Oman’s reform plans worry activists

Large budget deficits have forced Oman to accelerate the pace of economic reforms, which some activists fear are not addressing restrictions on political expression.

Sebastian Castelier | Oman | Nov 7, 2020

Oman returns to nighttime curfew as COVID-19 cases climb

Beginning Sunday, a curfew will run from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Oct. 24.

Al-Monitor Staff | Oman | Oct 9, 2020

Intel: Oman ambassador returns to Syria

With much of Syria now under Syrian President Basher al-Assad's control, some Arab states are slowly considering the reopening of foreign missions in Damascus.

Joe Snell | Gulf | Oct 7, 2020

The United Arab Emirates embassy is pictured in the Syrian capital Damascus on December 27, 2018 after its reopening, the latest sign of efforts to bring the Syrian government back into the Arab fold. - The UAE broke ties with Syria in February 2012, as the repression of nationwide protests demanding regime change was escalating into a devastating war. (Photo by Maher AL MOUNES / AFP) (Photo credit should read MAHER AL MOUNES/AFP via Getty Images)

Oman's coronavirus cases pass 100,000

The Gulf state opened a field hospital Monday to deal with the influx of COVID-19 infections.

Al-Monitor Staff | Oman | Oct 5, 2020

A vendor wearing a face mask against the coronavirus sells fresh fish at the Mutrah Souq (Mutrah market) in the Omani capital Muscat on September 18, 2020. (Photo by Haitham AL-SHUKAIRI / AFP) (Photo by HAITHAM AL-SHUKAIRI/AFP via Getty Images)

Emirates resumes flights to Muscat

The Dubai-based airline is getting closer to resuming its pre-pandemic network, despite a new virus outbreak in the United Arab Emirates.

Al-Monitor Staff | United Arab Emirates | Sep 29, 2020

This picture taken on July 17, 2020 shows an Emirates Boeing 777-31H aircraft taxying upon arrival at the Iranian capital Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport. - The UAE's Emirates airlines landed its first flight in Tehran on July 17 after a five month shutdown due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by - / AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

Pompeo makes final stop in Oman amid Israel deal push

Oman has been floated as a possible next country to normalize ties with Israel.

Al-Monitor Staff | United Arab Emirates | Aug 27, 2020

As Pompeo pushes for Israel deal, Bahrain reaffirms support for two-state solution

Pompeo is trying to persuade Bahrain and other countries in the region to join the United Arab Emirates in recognizing Israel.

Al-Monitor Staff | United Arab Emirates | Aug 26, 2020

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks to reporters following a meeting with members of the UN Security Council about Iran's alleged non-compliance with a nuclear deal and calling for the restoration of sanctions against Iran at United Nations headquarters in New York, August 20, 2020. (Photo by MIKE SEGAR / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MIKE SEGAR/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Oman kicks off ambitious reform project

A significant revamp promises to slim down the Omani government, bring in new faces and mark the start of a new era.

Sebastian Castelier | Oman | Aug 21, 2020

Oman

Oman bans popular chat app Clubhouse

The audio-only phone application is popular throughout the Middle East but could face further restrictions.

Oman closes land border, parks and beaches as vaccine rollout continues

Oman moves ahead with overdue reforms

Oman praises Israel-Morocco relations

Oman to issue tourist visas after 8-month suspension

Oman opens land borders for citizens, residents

Mosques in Oman to reopen for socially distant daily prayers

Oman’s reform plans worry activists

Oman returns to nighttime curfew as COVID-19 cases climb

Intel: Oman ambassador returns to Syria

Oman's coronavirus cases pass 100,000

Emirates resumes flights to Muscat

Pompeo makes final stop in Oman amid Israel deal push

As Pompeo pushes for Israel deal, Bahrain reaffirms support for two-state solution

Oman kicks off ambitious reform project

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