Attempted Child Abduction At Muscat Airport

kidnapThe UK Foreign Office has issued a new advisory on its site in relation to the attempted abduction of a child at the airport.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/middle-east-north-africa/oman

I have heard of a few incidents over the time that I have been here, about children getting a bit too much attention from males - especially around the beach at Shatti for some reason. 

Because this is such a great place as a rule, with not very high levels of crime, we all have a tendency to take our eye off the ball sometimes. 

It's funny how the world is different over here. Last week, while on a trip up into the Jebels, we were astonished to see a family from a village, pass us by in their jeep and then screech to a halt, while the back doors were opened and two young children were summarily ordered out to go and sell keyrings to us. 

A girl of around ten and what appeared to be her brother with her, who was a few years younger. 

Off sped the jeep and kids were left to fend for themselves. 

One wonders how many children get abducted here and who are never found? 

Contemplating it, and knowing how other things are covered up here, is scary.

Muscat Airport Closure?

Having just received my roster for the month of December, I see that the dates of the GCC conference have been flagged by a tiny asterisk. 

Now, this can normally mean a heads-up for things like flight delays and possible holding before arrivals or departures. 

However, rumours have been (pardon the pun) flying around the ops room that the Government has ordered the closure of Muscat Airport to all commercial flights during the 4 days of the GCC conference. 

I stress that at this time, THIS IS RUMOUR ONLY, however, I am hoping that Underground Dragon might be able to hear what the jungle drums are saying round at his place. 

If this is the case, and they are closing the airport - I get the feeling that it would be the death knell for Oman's tourism campaign. 

Over to UD for now...