Sharqiyah/Salalah: Leave the paved road behind, and within minutes the landscape changes. Houses and palm groves disappear, giving way to a sea of sand stretching out before you. Sharqiyah Sands, also known as Wahiba Sands, is one of those places where visitors can discover an entirely different Oman.

BEIJING: Oman is developing ties with China’s financial sector. Its Ambassador to China, Anwar bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Muqaibal, received a delegation from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) at the embassy.

MUSCAT: Oman and the United Arab Emirates have stressed the need for closer coordination amid rapidly evolving regional developments. On 30 September, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik received Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s National Security Adviser, at Al Barakah Palace. The talks addressed regional stability and the further development of bilateral relations.