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.

SAN SALVADOR: El Salvador became the host country for this year’s World Tourism Day. The international observance, held annually on 27 September, focused in 2026 on digital technologies and the use of artificial intelligence to reshape travel.

Czechia / Oman: The new 2026/2027 school year began in the Czech Republic today. Children returning to classrooms is not only a social event – student numbers affect public budgets, demand for teachers, school construction and the future labour market.

Muscat: In Europe, the image of women in Muslim countries is still often associated with veiling, restricted freedom of movement, a life largely confined to the home and limited influence in public affairs. In the case of the Sultanate of Oman, however, this image does not reflect today’s reality.

Manchester: Rainwater collected from building rooftops could help cities combat extreme heat while reducing energy consumption for air conditioning.

Boston: A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes—even in people who have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure. This is according to a large-scale study published in the peer-reviewed journal JAMA Network Open.

New York: People who reduced their nightly sleep by approximately 80 minutes for six weeks gained an average of 0.45 kilograms and also spent more time inactive. This is according to a study conducted by researchers at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Prague: The Žofín Primeval Forest National Nature Reserve has been expanded to 441.44 hectares.