Taman Safari Indonesia introduces tropical wonders to Middle Eastern travellers

With a legacy spanning over four decades, Taman Safari Indonesia Group manages eight premier destinations: Taman Safari Bogor, The Grand Taman Safari Prigen (East Java), Taman Safari Bali, Marine Safari Bali, Solo Safari (Central Java), The Beach Safari Batang, Jakarta Aquarium & Safari, and Enchanting Valley. 

As one of the largest wildlife conservation and recreation institutions in Southeast Asia, Taman Safari Indonesia offers nature and wildlife experiences with Indonesian hospitality, and is highly sought-after by travellers from Oman and KSA, the group said. 

Taman Safari Bogor and Marine Safari Bali are among the most popular with Middle Eastern travellers. Nestled at the foothills of Mount Gede Pangrango, Taman Safari Bogor provides an open-range safari adventure within the cool tropical forest. Visitors can feed giraffes, observe animals from across continents, and take in tranquil mountain views. 

With halal dining options, prayer facilities, and family-friendly accommodations such as Safari Resort and Royal Safari Garden, Bogor stands as the perfect retreat for Muslim families seeking both relaxation and connection with nature.

Meanwhile, Marine Safari Bali combines the island's rich culture with exotic marine encounters. One of its newest attractions is Varuna, an underwater theatrical dining experience that fuses artistry, technology, and halal cuisine.

"We've observed a growing interest among travelers from Oman, Riyadh, and Jeddah in exploring Indonesia's natural and cultural heritage," said Alexander Zulkarnain, ACT CMO of Taman Safari Indonesia Group. 

"Through Taman Safari Bogor and Marine Safari Bali, we aim to create experiences that not only entertain but also enrich the soul and bring visitors closer to the wonders of wildlife." 

Oman opens applications for Hajj in 2026

The Oman News Agency (ONA) has reported that Hajj registration for citizens and residents for 2026 (1447) begins from 30 Rabi'al-Awwal 1447, corresponding to September 23. Applications will close on 15 Rabi'al-Akhir 1447, corresponding to October 8.

According to the ONA, the Omani Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has stipulated that all applications must be submitted through www.hajj.om. Pilgrims from Oman must be at least 18 years old.

The Ministry indicated that the date for notifying those eligible for the first entitlement will be from 21 Rabi' al-Akhir 1447 AH to 8 Jumada al-Awwal 1447 AH, corresponding to October 14-30, 2025. The second entitlement will be from 11-15 Jumada al-Awwal 1447 AH, corresponding to November 2-6, 2025. The third entitlement will be from 18-20 Jumada al-Awwal 1447 AH, corresponding to November 9-11, 2025. 

The e-registration system supports registration by civil number, personal ID card, or the mobile phone number, if the personal ID card and phone SIM card are supported by the PKI electronic authentication system. The civil number recorded on the personal ID card will be used for registration if it is valid, and system updates will be sent to the mobile number or personal email.  

Registration within the registration period does not mean that the applicant is eligible or approved to go on the Hajj. The Ministry will verify the data submitted, determine eligibility, and then assign applicants in accordance with quota numbers granted by KSA. 

The Ministry reserves the right to cancel an opportunity if it is found that submission data is incorrect. Eligible applicants who decline the opportunity may not nominate anyone. Instead, their place is granted automatically to the next eligible applicant on the waiting list.

Successful applicants will be officially notified by the Ministry after the registration period via a text message. Hajj companies may not interfere in the registration of Hajj applicants. 

Hajj registrations open in Oman from 21 February

The Omani Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has announced that aspiring Hajj pilgrims may register online from 21 February to 4 March 2023, the Oman News Agency has reported.

The website requires national identification details or mobile phone numbers if the ID card and mobile chip are PKI-supported.

Ramadhan hours announced in Oman

The Oman News Agency has reported the official working hours for Ramadhan as announced by the Omani Ministry of Labour.

The official working hours for the public sector will be from 9 am to 2 pm. Working hours for Muslims in the private sector will be six hours a day, up to 30 hours a week

Mosques to reopen in Oman from November 15

Source: Omani Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs website. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat.

The Supreme Committee of Oman has decided to allow the opening of mosques which can accommodate at least 400 worshippers from 15 November 2020, the Oman News Agency has reported.

The conditions under which mosques may reopen include:

- Only allowing the five daily prayers to be performed, with the exemption of Friday prayers.

- Worshippers must feel well. They should also avoid going to the mosque if COVID-19 symptoms are experienced family members, or if they have been in contact with infected persons.

- Mosques will only be open for 25 minutes at a time, inclusive of adhan (الأذان, call for prayer), the prayer itself, and leaving the mosque.

- Physical copies of the Quran (مصحف) have to be kept away and will not be used by worshippers.

- Water coolers (fridges) have to be shut down.

- All toilets have to be closed.

- Worshippers must bring their own prayer mats.

- Worshippers have to sanitise their hands before entering the mosque and after leaving it.

- Worshippers have to keep face masks on the entire time that they are inside the mosque.

- Social distancing of at least 1.5 m must be observed.

Those responsible for mosque management have to see to all worshippers’ commitments to the measures mentioned above and other precautionary measures listed in the Instructional Guide and Procedures for Mosque Preparation and Equipment issued by the Omani Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs.

Public holiday declared in Oman for Prophet's birthday

The Oman News Agency has reported that Dr Mahad bin Said bin Ali Ba’owain, Minister of Labour, Oman, has declared next Thursday, 12 Rabee Al Awal, 1442 — 29 October 2020, as an official holiday for employees of public and private sector establishments.

The day celebrates the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday anniversary. 

Employers in the private sector may agree on terms to engage employees on the said holiday—if deemed necessary the nature of their work—provided they compensate the workers for the holiday.

1442 has arrived

The Omani Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs has announced that 21 August 2020, is the first day of the Islamic new year 1442.

The Oman News Agency reported that the new moon marking the month of Muharram had not been sighted on the 19th, making 20 August the last day of the month Dhulhijjah, and the last day of the year 1441.

The Saudi Press Agency reported that 20 August was 1 Muharram, 1442 in KSA according to the Umm Al-Qura calendar as the crescent for Muharram had been sighted on the 19th.

The Bahrain News Agency announced on the 19th that in line with directives from HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Royal Court of Bahrain will start distributing the annual donation marking 1442. This will be done through the Sunni and Jafari Endowments Directorates to charities and Hussaini community centres.

Eid holidays extended in Oman

HM Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik of Oman has commanded that the Eid Al-Adha holidays for public and private sectors be extended to 16 Dhulhijjah 1441, corresponding to August 6, 2020, the Oman News Agency has reported. Work officially resumes on 19 Dhulhijjah 1441, August 9.

The Supreme Committee of Oman has asked residents to exercise extreme caution during the Eid al-Adha holidays while a total lockdown to stem COVID-19 is in effect. The committee has requested that the public limit movement during the day and avoid family unions and any other social gatherings, as gathering can cause the virus to spread. The committee has also called for firm enforcement of violations.  

Under the lockdown rules, there is no travel between governorates, and a curfew from 7 pm to 6 am. Public places and business outlets are closed.

Oman announces dates for Eid Al-Adha holiday

Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal al-Busaidi, Minister of the Omani Diwan of Royal Court, Chairman of the Civil Service Council has announced that the Eid Al-Adha holiday for employees at the ministries, public authorities and other departments of the state’s administrative apparatus, reported the Oman News Agency.

The Eid holiday will be from 9 Dhulhijjah 1441, or 30 July 2020, till 13 Dhulhijjah 1441, or 3 August 2020.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser al-Bakri, Oman Minister of Manpower, issued a complementary ministerial decision stating that the Eid Al-Adha holiday at the private sector’s companies and establishments will be over the same period.

The decision allows employers and employees to agree on work arrangements to compensate for this holiday as required.

Salam Air flies to Bahrain now

Source: Salam Air Facebook. Announcing Bahrain flights.

Muscat, Oman to Bahrain for RO39.That's what Salam Air, Oman's low-cost carrier, will be charging for flights between Oman and Bahrain.

There will be flights thrice a week starting from November 14, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Flights from Muscat to Bahrain leave 7.05pm and arrive 7.50pm. Flights from Bahrain to Muscat leave 8.35pm and arrive 11.10pm. Oman is one hour ahead of Bahrain.

The airline started flying to Abu Dhabi in the UAE only in September. Salam Air launched in 2016 and also flies to Dubai in UAE, Doha in Qatar, Jeddah and Riyadh, KSA, and Kuwait, as well as to Iran, and South Asian destinations. The airline also operates domestic routes to Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar within Oman.

Details:

Book at salamair.com or call +968 2427 2222.

Hashtags: #SalamAir

Oman announces holiday for Islamic new year

Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud al-Busaidi, Omani Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court and Chairman of the Civil Service Council, has announced that a holiday for the Prophet (ﷺ)'s Hijra anniversary and the advent of the new Islamic year, 1440, the Oman News Agency has reported.

The 1st day of Muharram, the first Islamic month, of 1440 is to be an official holiday for the employees of the ministries, public authorities and other departments of the state's administrative apparatus. A moon sighting ceremony will be declared by the authorities for Muharram, with a new moon being sighted marking the next day as 1 Muharram. If the moon is not sighted, the following day will be 1 Muharram instead.

Omani Hajj pilgrims to leave in August

Sultan bin Said al-Hinai, Head of the Omani Hajj Mission for 2018 (1439) has provided an update about the preparations for the Omani and expatriate Hajj pilgrims. The Oman News Agency reports that the mission will leave on 8 August. The pilgrims are to enter between 1 and 4 Dhulhijjah; the Hajj proper begins on 8 Dhulhijjah.

As quoted from the Oman News Agency article, Al-Hinai said that 13,048 Omanis and 550 expatriates were selected from over 27,000 Omani applications, and that 99.7% of the Hajjis have completed the basic requirements for travel.

"The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs approved 85 companies for the transfer of Hajjis including 79 for Omanis, three for Arab Hajjis and three for non-Arab Hajjis. Of the 14,000 Hajjis approved for Oman, 13,450 were booked for Omanis, 275 for Arabs and 275 for non-Arabs. Five percent of the 14,000, or 700, were booked for administrators, technicians, drivers and others who will accompany the Hajjis to provide the needed services," he said.

"The Omani Hajj Mission this year comprises delegations for iftaa (الإفتاء, Islamic jurisprudence) and religious guidance, administrative and financial affairs, supervising the Hajj companies, medical staff in addition to representatives of the Public Prosecution, Royal Oman Police, media and scouting delegation," he added.

"The Omani Hajj Mission signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Organization for Arab Hajjis Contractors. The MoU includes the details of the improved and additional services provided to Hajji at Mina and Arafat camps. Another MoU has also been signed with the national organisation to ensure smooth running of procedures and provide the needed services in Al Madinah al Munawara," he continued.

Tailored wellness programmes at the Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

Source: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. The
Balance Wellness by Anantara programme includes
specially-designed vegan cuisine.

Luxury private pool villa resort Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara has launched a new wellness programme featuring an ala carte concept.

Nestled between a private beach and a freshwater lagoon in Salalah, Oman, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara allows guests to pursue their wellbeing goals in an idyllic environment. Delivering wellness packages tailored to each guest, the Balance Wellness by Anantara programme kicks off with a consultation to ascertain the needs and goals of the individual. Depending on the length of the stay, guests can then choose from a wide array of healthy cuisine, as well as activities, and therapies to suit them based on guidance from trained experts.

“In line with our fundamental approach to customer service at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, we really wanted to provide a bespoke experience for our wellness guests,” said Virginia Cogliati, Director of Spa at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. “In addition, we have the unique offering of private pool villas in which guests seeking more solitude on their journey to wellbeing can enjoy activities and meals on their own personal pool terrace.”

Available in three, five or seven-day packages, the retreats include rejuvenating spa treatments, purification therapy and nutritious cuisine along with individual activity sessions such as yoga and hiking the mountainous coast of Salalah. Full board dining centred on nutrition is designed to encourage good health and fuel the body efficiently. Guests will also receive additional discounts on all spa and wellness treatments depending on the length of their stay.

The Balance Wellness by Anantara menu has been created by Italian vegan chef Valeria Agnelutto. Designed to detoxify and energise the system while delivering maximum flavour, dishes include Italian pasta e fagioli (beans) and chickpea burgers with rosemary and parsley and veggie mayo. The three-course meals also include  starters such as avocado tartare with cucumber and dates and raw tiramisu for dessert. Each dish comes with a detailed nutritional breakdown and is accompanied by vitamin-packed raw juice.

One highlight of the wellness programme is experiencing Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara's luxury hammam (steam bath), the only one in the region. The ritual starts with a steam bath in preparation for a black soap cleansing and kessa mitt* exfoliation to sweep impurities. Once steamed and scrubbed, a Moroccan Rhassoul** treatment nourishes and rehydrates skin.

Details:

The Balance Wellness by Anantara packages at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara start from RO154.

Call +968 2322 8222 to book a Balance Wellness by Anantara package.

*Black soap is made from black olives and oil. The kessa glove, used for exfoliation, is often used in Morocco and Turkey.

**Rhassoul clay comes from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.

Eid al-Fitr hours reported for Sultan Armed Forces Museum, Oman

The Sultan Armed Forces (SAF) Museum, the only military museum in Oman, will be open for all citizens and residents in the sultanate of Oman over the Eid al-Fitr holidays, the Oman News Agency has reported.

It will be open: 

16 June 

9 am to 1.30 pm 

17 and 18 June

7.30 am to 1.30 pm 

The Museum will then resume receiving visitors from 23 June, opening from 9 am to 2 pm, and from 3 pm to 6 pm. 

It will be open from Sunday through Thursday of each week thereafter, from 7.30 am to 1.30 pm.

The museum is at Fort Al Falaj House in Ruwi, Muscat. The museum accommodates weapons, clothing, instruments, and other defence systems that chart the development of the Omani armed forces from pre-Islamic Oman until the Renaissance period, when HM ascended the throne. 

Outdoor exhibits include military equipment which have been used in the Sultan's Armed Forces, such as vehicles, tanks and aircraft and ships.

Oman accepts e-payments on new zakat portal

The Oman Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs has launched an e-payments system for collecting zakat (زكاة‎‎) as part of digital transformation initiatives to facilitate services for beneficiaries and simplify procedures, the Oman News Agency has reported. Zakat is an annual payment, obligatory for Muslims, whose amount is calculated on the value of selected assets. The money is used for specific charitable and religious purposes.

Sultan bin Said al-Hinai, General Supervisor of the Zakat e-system said the system helps to manage zakat affairs for four stakeholders: the zakat payer, which could be an individual or an institution; the the beneficiaries of zakat, which could be an individual or a family; local zakat committees, and the Islamic banks which contribute to facilitating zakat services.

Services include a zakat calculator, and reliable acceptance of zakat payments. Zakat payments are credited to the general account for zakat in the sultanate, to the relevant account in wilayah, or to eligible individuals. It also allows payment of general or current alms, kaffarat or zakat al-fitr*. It also enables the delivery of in kind zakat, such as fruits, animals and others. 

To date, 1,120 users have taken advantage of the e-payment service.

*Kaffarat (كفارة) refers to payments made in lieu of fasts missed un-necessarily during Ramadhan. This is to be distinguished from fidyat (الفدية), or payments made in lieu of fasts missed because the person is too old or too sick, and cannot make up for it later. Zakat al-fitr is a compulsory amount to be paid before Eid prayers, either in the form of food or money, and meant as charity to be distributed at the end of the last fast in Ramadhan. The money helps the poor who may not have been able to engage in the Eid celebrations and also provides the giver with an opportunity to be forgiven for sins made during Ramadhan.

Bank Sohar celebrates Qaranqasho

As part of its annual Qaranqasho celebrations, Bank Sohar organised three different programmes: a Qaranqasho gathering for customers and the general public at Bank Sohar’s branch in the Avenues Mall; another event for employees and their families at the Jungles Restaurant; and finally a bank-sponsored event for the Oman Association for the Disabled.

Ahmed Al Musalmi, CEO, Bank Sohar, said, “Qaranqasho is a very special event for families across the region, and as a community-focused organisation, we consider it our duty to preserve and nurture Oman’s heritage for future generations. With many customers and employees in attendance with their families, Qaranqasho formed a splendid opportunity to enhance the bank’s engagement and sociability with local communities, staff and good will associations.”

The bank’s branch in the Avenues Mall featured family activities at photo booths and performances, including traditional songs by children, while the gathering at the Oman Association for the Disabled saw children take to the stage dressed in colourful costumes, singing and dancing.

Qaranqasho is a way to reward children for fasting through the first half of Ramadhan. Traditionally observed on the 14th night of Ramadhan, children across the Gulf celebrate Qaranqasho (Garangao in Qatar) by visiting neighbours in their community singing songs in traditional outfits. Going door-to-door throughout nearby neighbourhoods youngsters collect sweets and halwa, echoing an age-old tradition that used to include makeshift musical instruments. In the past, children would carry seashells instead and beat them together whilst singing “Qaranqasho”.
Details:

View pictures of the event on Facebook

Hashtags: #BankSohar, #Ramadan, #Qaranqasho, #RamadanNights

BankDhofar to provide Ramadhan tips daily

Source: BankDhofar. Al Ibrahim.

As part of its goals to promote positive communication and retain a sustainable relationship with its customers, BankDhofar is providing daily tips during Ramadhan for its social media fans and followers.

BankDhofar aims through the tips to raise awareness on various issues including health, a healthy diet during the holy month of Ramadhan, social practices among others. The tips are presented through two characters, Saad and Suad.

Commenting on the campaign Ahmed Said Al Ibrahim, GM & Chief Corporate Services Officer, BankDhofar noted: “At BankDhofar we believe that that customers are the core for our success and operational growth. Therefore, we are always keen to maintain positive communication through various channels. This Ramadhan we get even closer to our customers and social media fans through providing daily tips and advices related to the holy month of Ramadhan as well as informing our customers on how to benefit from our unique services.”

With the aim of catering to customer’s needs at any time BankDhofar has extended working hours in Muscat Grand Mall, Muscat International Airport and Salalah Gardens Mall branches to 11:30pm. Additionally, customers can benefit from a number of services provided through mobile banking during Ramadhan; including, donating to charitable organisations and zakat (زكاة), checking prayer timings among other instant services.

The bank has also announced that those affected by cyclone Mekunu will have their personal and housing loan installments deferred for June, July and August 2018.

Details:

Check BankDhofar's Twitter feed and Facebook page

Oman declares 17 May 1 Ramadhan

The Moon Sighting Committee of the Oman Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs has announced that Ramadhan moon will be sighted via astronomical calculations such that 17 May 2018 will be the first day of the month.

The committee had previously relied on a physical sighting of the moon on the potential eve of Ramadhan to determine the start of the month.

IIRA now a licensed credit rating agency in Oman

The Capital Market Authority (CMA) of Oman has authorised the Islamic International Rating Agency (IIRA) as an official credit rating agency.

IIRA intends to strengthen the financial sector and promote the sukuk market locally, applying the same rigourous rating standards derived from its rating methodologies.

IIRA is also recognised as an external credit assessment institution (ECM) by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA), Turkey and the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ). IIRA has been also recognised as external credit rating agency (ECRA) by the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA), Kazakhstan.

Founded by the Islamic Development Bank in 2002, the Bahrain-based Islamic International Rating Agency assigns ratings to institutions in several countries and provides regular sovereign tating coverage to countries including Turkey, Bahrain and Malaysia.

Maisarah Islamic Banking Services introduces mobile banking app

Maisarah Islamic Banking Services has launched a mobile banking app for retail banking customers, with English and Arabic support.

Ismail Jama Ismail Bait Ishaq, COO of Maisarah Islamic Banking Services said, “In a fast-paced and evolving digital world, customers enjoy the convenience of literally having a bank branch on their phone. This new mobile banking application with many user-friendly features is certain to delight our customers. At Maisarah we are always keen to deliver state-of-the-art products and services to our clients. By investing in technology, we make it easier for our clients to do business with us in an inventive way.”

The app enables customers to view their balance and transactions, as well as request a new cheque book. They can also specify a quantity of cheque books and the point of collection. Customers can also benefit from cardless cash through Maisarah ATMs by making a request for the cash through the app and creating a four-digit cash code.

Customers can execute mobile top-ups for any mobile service provider in Oman, and pay utility bills*. They can further use the app to get adhan timings, the qiblah direction, exchange rates, deposit rates, mudarabah weightages, offers and other information.

Customers can also transfer funds from their accounts to other accounts in Maisarah, as well as to a valid account number in another local bank in Oman. They can even transfer funds to a valid ATM card number of another local bank within Oman.

“Maisarah’s mobile banking app is simple, secure and efficient, and offers our customers 24x7 convenient banking experience. We will continue to offer new banking and value-added services to our mobile channel. Our aim is to offer our customers banking and value added services,” Maisarah Islamic Banking Services' Jamsheed Hmaza, Head of Retail said.

As part of its future growth plan, Maisarah plans to distinguish itself by providing outstanding customer service, developing and launching new products, investing in technology to provide the best customer experience in timely and convenient manner. Maisarah is committed to leading the Islamic banking sector by building up resources, sharing expertise and following best international practices in the market.

Maisarah Islamic Banking Services has 10 branches across the country including in Azaiba, Al Hail, Salalah, Sohar, Birkat Al Mouz, Greater Muttrah, Al Khuwair, Sur, New Salalah and Araqi. It offers a shari'ah-compliant products and services for retail and corporate customers via a network of branches, ATM and cash deposit machine facilities.

*Water and electricity at ONEC/OIFC, bills for mobile, landline, and Internet for Omantel and Ooredoo.