- Weather
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Max |
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40°C |
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Min |
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30°C |
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Sunrise |
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05 : 30 AM |
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Sunset |
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06 : 30 PM |
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Humidity |
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50 to 80 per cent |
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- Prayer Time
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Fajar |
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03:56 am |
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Dhuhr |
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12:09 pm |
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Asar |
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03:30 pm |
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Magrib |
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06:51 pm |
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Isha |
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08:11 pm |
- Oil Price
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- Gold Price
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Price in RO
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24ct / gm |
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17.37 |
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22ct / gm |
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17.00 |
- Currency Rates
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Forex Rates vs R01
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US Dollar |
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2.60 |
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Euro |
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2.01 |
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Pound |
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1.72 |
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Indian Rs. |
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144.42 |
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Pak Rs. |
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255.85 |
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Bangla Taka |
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201.35 |
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People shout slogans as they stage a protest in front of the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) in Muscat, on Thursday. Photo – A. R. Rajkumar/Times of Oman
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Muscat: Nearly 100 protesters were seen shouting slogans in front of the Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) on Thursday at around 8pm, as they protested against the recital of verses from the Holy Quran during a performance on February 28.
During the February 28 performance, Tarus Mateen, a member of the American group Jason Moran and the Bandwagon, had reportedly recited verses from the Holy Quran during the performance which, according to protestors, violates Islamic values.
"We are not against ROHM and cultural programmes. But our demand is that it should not violate religious values," a protester, who did not give his name, told Times of Oman.
The protestors were carrying banners and placards written in Arabic during the protests. A large presence of security and police officials were seen in the area. Meanwhile, regarding the controversial February 28 performance, Royal Opera House Muscat officials have expressed their regret about the incident.
Noting in an apology, officials said the ROHM's mission "is to showcase the world's heritage and enforce an example of peaceful coexistence, intellectual affinity and understanding amongst all nations and people through staging diverse events in a civilised manner, far from religious conflicts and dogmas. This is what is agreed to among all visiting artists and groups.
"The incident that took place yesterday evening (February 28) is, therefore, a violation of this agreement. Following an inquiry, it became clear to the management of the Royal Opera House Muscat that the band member who recited verses of Al Fatiha during the performance is a Muslim who did so as an expression of his love for his religion and with the intention of pleasing the audience, being in an Islamic country.
"He later confirmed that his actions were in no way intended to ridicule, mock, or cause offense. The band has since expressed its regret over the incident and stressed that it was the action of one member, and does not represent the band.
It should also be noted that the band member's role in the performance was secondary and not the prime attraction.
"The ROHM deplores the incident, regardless of its source, and issues an apology to the audience who witnessed the incident, which came as a surprise to the organisers. Further, the Royal Opera House Muscat does not accept such actions and confirms that it will take legal action regarding the incident."
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