UAE, Oman Discuss Boosting Relations

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq in Muscat. (WAM)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq in Muscat. (WAM)
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UAE, Oman Discuss Boosting Relations

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq in Muscat. (WAM)
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq in Muscat. (WAM)

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the longstanding ties between UAE and Oman are characterized by a shared social and cultural fabric based on deep bonds of brotherly relations between the two nations.

Shiekh Mohammed arrived in Muscat Tuesday, marking the start of a two-day state visit to the Sultanate at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, who welcomed the President upon his arrival at the Royal Private Airport in Muscat.

Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE and Oman benefit from diverse trade relations, which both leaders seek to expand through collaboration and investment.

He expressed his aspiration to work with Sultan Haitham to strengthen relations between the UAE and Oman in various fields and build solid foundations for the common future of their countries.

The President stressed that his country seeks to strengthen Gulf and Arab joint action and is keen to work with its brothers, starting with Oman.

He expressed his aspiration for more joint work with Sultanate during the coming period to strengthen peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed with official and cultural celebration upon his arrival at the al-Alam Palace in Muscat, accompanied by Sultan Haitham.

The talks between the leaders addressed the bilateral relations between their countries and ways to develop them to broader horizons of cooperation, coordination, and joint action in all fields to achieve their interests and promote development and prosperity for their peoples.

They addressed opportunities for building upon the growing economic ties between the UAE and Oman and areas where they can increase collaboration, including the investment, financial, industrial, and cultural sectors.

They also discussed the overall Gulf, Arab and international developments and issues of common concern.

After the official talks, Sheikh Mohamed and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq held closed-door talks.



Muslim Pilgrims ‘Stone the Devil’ as Hajj Nears End in Saudi Arabia

Muslim pilgrims cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina near the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP)
Muslim pilgrims cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina near the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP)
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Muslim Pilgrims ‘Stone the Devil’ as Hajj Nears End in Saudi Arabia

Muslim pilgrims cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina near the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP)
Muslim pilgrims cast stones at pillars in the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina near the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP)

Pilgrims were performing the last major ritual of the Hajj -- the "stoning of the devil" -- on Friday, as Muslims around the globe celebrated the beginning of the Eid al-Adha holiday.

From before daybreak, the 1.6 million-plus pilgrims began throwing seven stones at each of three concrete walls symbolizing the devil in the Mina valley, on the outskirts of the holy city of Makkah.

Droves of pilgrims had already set out from their accommodation in the sprawling tent city in Mina before dawn, taking advantage of the cool temperatures.

The ritual commemorates Abraham's stoning of the devil at the three spots where it is said Satan tried to dissuade him from obeying God's order to sacrifice his son.

"Our experience in Mina was easy and simple. We entered and within five minutes we had completed the stoning of the devil at the 'Jamarat'," said 34-year-old Wael Ahmed Abdel Kader, from Egypt, after carrying out the ritual at dawn.

Howakita, a pilgrim from Guinea, said the prospect of celebrating Eid in Makkah filled her with joy.

"When I threw the stones, I felt at ease. I was truly proud," she said.

A day earlier, pilgrims converged on Mount Arafat, praying and reciting Quranic verses at the 70-meter (230-foot) rocky rise near Makkah, where the Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon.

Many climbed the mount despite the searing heat, though numbers had thinned by midday following official warnings for pilgrims to stay inside between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

This year's Hajj saw authorities implementing a range of heat mitigation efforts alongside a wide-ranging crackdown on illicit pilgrims.