- 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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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 |
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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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Left, Ali Al Kharusi with his antique camera and right, his collection that includes rare currencies with historical value from all over the world. Photo – TIMES OF OMAN
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Muscat: If you have an interest in learning about the past, the Muscat Festival is a treasure trove you will love. Ali Al Kharusi's stall at the Naseem Garden venue of the Muscat Festival is an interesting mix of many rare things — currency notes, coins, cameras, gramophones, rare photographs, and unused telephone cards.
"The idea behind setting up this stall is to introduce the younger generation of Omanis to the past. This gives them a great deal of knowledge. Parents must bring their children here to generate their interest in the past," said Al Kharusi, who calls himself a 'unique collector'.
The majority of the collections in the stall, which he calls a 'museum', are currency notes and coins from all over the world. A file containing centuries-old Omani currency gives you a glimpse into the country's history.
"Oman used the Indian rupee until the Saudi riyal was introduced, ahead of the Omani rial. The younger generation must be aware of the monetary system," stressed Al Kharusi.
"I have collected rare currencies with historical value from all over the world. My collection is huge and is organised by country. Nearly every week, I buy bank notes and coins," he stated.
10,000 old coins
His collection of some 10,000 old coins is very impressive too. In this collection is the first coin to be minted in Muscat in the Hijri year 1311.
"Did you know that some of the coins minted in Oman were used throughout the region?" he asked.
"We are very proud that our coins were used in places as far away as Afghanistan.
"In fact, this has been mentioned in the international coin catalogue," Al Kharusi remarked.
"I also have some pre-Islamic period coins used in the region. These have no shape; they have a rough cut. People say they are made of brass," he noted.
Showing off his collection of Maria Theresa coins, he pointed out that it was popular among Omanis. "It is referred to as the 'Qrosh France'," he said, adding that they were popular because of their silver content.
"In the past, such coins made it easy for Omani tradesmen to set a value for any consignment of goods. Even today, it is used for jewellery in Oman," he stated.
Al Kharusi noted that such jewellery was called abu nuqta, abu tayr, and abu reesh, depending on the item's intricate design. His collection of rare photographs of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, which has been collected from all over the world as well as parts of Oman, is a compilation that is not to be missed.
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