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The 2012 London Olympic Games fostered a generation of hope. I witnessed women participating for the very first time, representing every nation. Congratulations to 800 meter runner Sara Attar and judoka Wokdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani, who represented Saudi Arabia, and were among a number of other pioneer women who were part of the very first Olympics in which every country sending a team to London included at least one female athlete.

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U.S. military helicopter crashes in Omanupdated: Thu Jul 19 2012 11:34:00

A U.S. military helicopter with five people aboard crashed Thursday in Oman, on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, the U.S. military said.

Next on Inside the Middle Eastupdated: Mon Jul 16 2012 07:46:00

This month, Inside the Middle East aims for Olympic gold, exploring stories of adversity, faith, and triumph in the world of Middle Eastern sports.

Human rights group calls for end to 'crackdown' on activists in Omanupdated: Thu Jun 14 2012 09:33:00

A human rights groups has called for an end to the "sweeping crackdown" on political activists in Oman, following a spate of detentions in the Gulf state over the past two weeks.

Senegal in Olympics for first time after beating Oman in playoffupdated: Tue Apr 24 2012 04:36:00

Senegal claimed the 16th and final place in the Olympic men's soccer tournament after a 2-0 win over Oman in Monday's playoff in England.

A modern race with a classic designupdated: Tue Feb 21 2012 10:21:00

Mainsail's Shirley Robertson becomes the first woman to take part in a Dhow race in the UAE.

Is Middle East becoming the international sailing capital?updated: Tue Feb 21 2012 10:21:00

Over the past decade the Middle East has made a massive move to secure some of the world's major sporting events. Abu Dhabi won the right to host a Formula One Grand Prix beginning in 2009, Qatar was successful in its FIFA World Cup bid for 2022 and the world's top tennis players and golfers regularly head to the region for big tour tournaments.

Ivanovic defeats Suarez Navarro but Pavlyuchenko stung in Qatarupdated: Mon Feb 13 2012 16:25:00

Serbia's Ana Ivanovic made it into the second round of the Qatar Open after Spanish opponent Carla Suarez Navarro retired injured.

For savvy travelers, the Middle East still beckonsupdated: Tue Feb 07 2012 10:54:00

Zora O'Neill is heading to the Middle East next week.

Italian tanker hijacked off Oman coastupdated: Tue Dec 27 2011 06:30:00

An Italian tanker with 18 people on board was hijacked off the coast of Oman, officials said Tuesday.

CNNMoney: OPEC members: We want clean energyupdated: Mon Dec 05 2011 09:49:00

Representatives from a half-dozen OPEC nations acknowledged Monday what many U.S. politicians won't -- that global warming is indeed a problem.

Oman puts women at forefront of Olympic ambitionsupdated: Thu Nov 17 2011 13:06:00

Four months ago Raya Al Habsi didn't know how to swim and was a complete sailing novice. Yet Al Habsi is set to become one of the first professional women sailors in the sultanate of Oman.

French humanitarian workers in Yemen to be reunited with family soonupdated: Mon Nov 14 2011 12:57:00

Three French humanitarian workers who were set free after being held captive for more than five months will soon be reunited with their families, a statement from the French Minister for Foreign and European affairs said Monday.

French president: 3 humanitarian workers freed in Yemen after months-long ordealupdated: Sun Nov 13 2011 22:30:00

Three French humanitarian workers held for more than five months were set free Sunday evening, according to a statement from France's president.

Freed American hikers thank Omanupdated: Thu Oct 13 2011 04:13:00

Freed Americans Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal leave Oman and are headed back to the U.S. CNN's Mohamed Jamjoom reports.

Jordan top group as China struggle to qualifyupdated: Tue Oct 11 2011 13:14:00

Jordan took a step nearer qualifying for the World Cup finals for the first time with a 3-0 win over Singapore Tuesday to top Asian Group A with a 100 per cent record.

People.com: Shane Bauer Proposed to Sarah Shourd (Again) After Release from Iranupdated: Sat Oct 01 2011 13:30:00

The couple got engaged while in captivity, and again in Oman with family present

Officials: Freed hikers heading for U.S.updated: Sun Sep 25 2011 07:31:00

Two American hikers freed this week from an Iranian prison will leave Oman for the United States late Saturday, American and Omani officials said.

2 freed hikers take a step toward weddingupdated: Fri Sep 23 2011 16:00:00

Shane Bauer and Sarah Shourd, two of the three Americans hikers who had been held by Iran over the past two years, were formally engaged in Oman on Friday, an envoy of the sultan said.

People.com: American Hikers Reunite with Their Families in Omanupdated: Thu Sep 22 2011 11:30:00

Shane Bauer and Joshua Fattal walk off an airplane in Oman following their release from jail in Iran

American hikers arrive in Omanupdated: Wed Sep 21 2011 19:39:00

Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer, the American hikers who where jailed in Iran for two years arrive in Oman.

Freed American hikers arrive in Omanupdated: Wed Sep 21 2011 19:39:00

American hikers Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer bounded down the steps of the aircraft that took them from Iran to Oman late Wednesday, rushing into the arms of loved ones who had sought their freedom for more than two years.

The Latest Headlines from CNN Radio and the CNN Wireupdated: Wed Sep 21 2011 17:46:00

After spending more than two years behind bars in Iran, Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer are getting their first taste of freedom. Within the past few hours the two American hikers landed in Oman and were greeted on the airport tarmac by overjoyed family members. Officials from both Switzerland and Oman helped negotiate the release.

Oman involved in U.S. hikers' releaseupdated: Mon Sep 19 2011 06:12:00

CNN's Mohammed Jamjoom reports on the involvement of the Sultanate of Oman in the release of U.S. hikers held in Iran.

Oman in 'honest broker' role again as U.S. seeks freedom of Iran hikersupdated: Thu Sep 15 2011 17:21:00

The Sultanate of Oman is a rarity in the diplomatic world: It enjoys "cordial" relations with both the United States and Iran. And once again, it is closely involved in trying to help win the freedom of Americans held in Iran.

Long Iranian weekend awaits American hikersupdated: Thu Sep 15 2011 10:39:00

A lawyer for two American hikers imprisoned in Iran said he has filed all the necessary paperwork for them to be released on bail, but he does not expect judges to act on it before Saturday, he told CNN on Thursday.

Searching for the Arabian Oryxupdated: Thu Aug 04 2011 09:00:00

CNN's Rima Maktabi takes to the dunes of the Dubai desert in search of the fabled and endangered Arabian Oryx.

Arabian oryx back from brink of extinctionupdated: Thu Aug 04 2011 09:00:00

Forty years ago the Arabian oryx was extinct in the wild.

Collective courage fuels protests across Arab worldupdated: Wed Apr 27 2011 05:11:00

Mohamed Bouazizi couldn't have known when he struck that match he would spark the "Arab spring," but it's tough to imagine he'd be disappointed.

Oman pardons 234 arrested during protestsupdated: Thu Apr 21 2011 06:10:00

Oman's ruler has pardoned 234 people who were arrested during anti-government protests earlier in the year, the Gulf state's news agency said.

Pirate threat costing billionsupdated: Thu Apr 14 2011 20:37:00

CNN's Zain Verjee looks at the emotional and financial costs of piracy on the high seas.

Report: Piracy at a record highupdated: Thu Apr 14 2011 20:37:00

Piracy, mostly in the dangerous waters near Somalia, has surged this year and may be at an all-time high, according to a new report Thursday.

Pirates hijack cargo ship off Oman's coastupdated: Fri Apr 08 2011 14:30:00

Pirates hijacked a German-owned cargo shipped off the coast of Oman on Friday morning, according to the European Union's Naval Force Somalia.

U.S. Navy thwarts pirate attack off Oman, officials sayupdated: Fri Mar 25 2011 21:30:00

An attempted pirate attack was disrupted by U.S. Navy forces supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, officials said Friday.

Oman to investigate unrestupdated: Sat Mar 05 2011 11:40:00

Authorities plan to launch probes into rioting and vandalism in Oman, where protesters recently have staged anti-government demonstrations, the Gulf state's news agency reported Saturday.

CNNMoney: Crude oil tops $102updated: Wed Mar 02 2011 16:13:00

Oil prices rose to their highest levels since September 2008 Wednesday as traders continue to worry that Libyan unrest could spread across the Middle East.

CNNMoney: Gas prices up for 7 days in a rowupdated: Tue Mar 01 2011 14:07:00

Fresh off a 27-cent jump last month, gas prices were up slightly in a daily survey by motorist group AAA, as the price of crude oil backed off recent highs.

CNNMoney: Oil prices retreat after spikeupdated: Mon Feb 28 2011 15:36:00

Oil prices eased Monday, retreating from recent highs, as investors continue to monitor the political movement in North African and the Middle East.

Oman protesters unmoved by sultan's offerupdated: Mon Feb 28 2011 14:38:00

Anti-government protesters in Oman refused to end protests Monday, despite orders from the sultan to hire 50,000 people and pay a stipend to people who are out of work, sources in the Gulf state told CNN.

2 dead as protesters, police clash in Oman, witnesses sayupdated: Mon Feb 28 2011 08:38:00

Clashes between protesters and police in the Omani industrial town of Sohar wounded about 10 people Sunday, state media reported Sunday.

People.com: Four Americans Captured - and Killed - by Somali Piratesupdated: Tue Feb 22 2011 18:38:00

The victims were sailing around the world handing out Bibles when they were captured in the Arabian Sea

Sailing group: Americans had split off on their own in Indian Oceanupdated: Mon Feb 21 2011 06:08:00

Pirates boarded an American yacht off the coast of Oman three days after the boat's owners split off from the relative safety of a sailing group traversing a dangerous section of the Indian Ocean, according to the group, the Blue Water Rally.

Somali pirates seize American yachtupdated: Sun Feb 20 2011 02:30:00

CNN's David McKenzie talks to Randi Kaye about four Americans who were taken by Somali pirates off the coast of Oman.

Ship believed captured by pirates off coast of Omanupdated: Mon Feb 14 2011 10:13:00

In likely the third hijacking in a week, a ship is believed to have been captured by pirates off the coast of Oman, the European Union Naval force said Sunday.

People.com: Amazing Race Winners Discuss Making Historyupdated: Tue Dec 14 2010 14:49:00

Doctors Nat Strand and Kat Chang are the show's first all-female team to win in 17 seasons

People.com: Amazing Race's Chad and Stephanie Are Married and Expectingupdated: Mon Nov 29 2010 08:50:00

Chad Waltrip proposed to wife Stephanie on camera in Oman - and she's due in June

What Insha'Allah means to our worldupdated: Tue Oct 19 2010 08:10:00

Ninety-eight new e-mails? I always check my inbox at least once a day when I'm away from the office, and it's usually teeming with new entries. But this was ridiculous. Something was up.

Oman seeks release of U.S. hikers still jailed in Iranupdated: Tue Sep 28 2010 17:48:00

A delegation from the Persian Gulf state of Oman is in Iran to seek the release of two American hikers jailed there for more than a year, the U.S. State Department said Tuesday.

American detained more than a year in Iran arrives in United Statesupdated: Fri Sep 24 2010 08:55:00

Sarah Shourd, the American hiker released from an Iranian prison, told reporters Sunday that doctors in Oman have assured her that she is "physically well."

Freed American hiker arrives on U.S. soilupdated: Sun Sep 19 2010 08:00:00

Sarah Shourd, the American released from Iran after more than a year in detention, arrived in the United States on Sunday, according to a spokeswoman.

Shourd makes first public statementupdated: Sun Sep 19 2010 08:00:00

Sarah Shourd says she looks forward to returning to the U.S. but is concerned about the fate of two hikers still in Iran.

Omani minister discusses talks to release hikerupdated: Fri Sep 17 2010 09:52:00

President Barack Obama had a key role during negotiations between the Omanis and Iranians that led to the release of an American hiker detained after she and two companions allegedly strayed across an unmarked border between Iraq and Iran.

Released American hiker arrives in Omanupdated: Thu Sep 16 2010 10:00:00

A jubilant American Sarah Shourd reunited with her mother in Muscat, Oman, on Tuesday after Iranian authorities released her from a Tehran prison where she had been held for 14 months.

Oman's women entrepreneurs mean businessupdated: Fri Aug 27 2010 06:19:00

In Oman, a traditionally male-dominated society, women are beginning to make their mark in the workforce.

How Omani women are changing their livesupdated: Fri Aug 27 2010 06:19:00

CNN's Rima Maktabi meets a growing number of working women in Oman.

Oman to invest $20 billion in rugged beauty to lure upscale touristsupdated: Wed Aug 25 2010 10:11:00

As temperatures soar across the Persian Gulf, one oasis is blossoming with greenery.

Oman's bespoke tourismupdated: Wed Aug 25 2010 10:11:00

CNN's Rima Maktabi finds out how Oman is looking to capitalize on its unique and diverse natural beauty.

Islamist group claims tanker attackupdated: Wed Aug 04 2010 03:53:00

A militant Islamist group has claimed responsibility for the explosion aboard an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman last month.

'Mysterious incident' on board oil tanker under investigationupdated: Wed Aug 04 2010 03:26:00

An alleged explosion Wednesday aboard an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman was described Thursday as a "mysterious incident, whose causes are not yet known" by WAM, the United Arab Emirates' state-run news agency.

August on Inside the Middle Eastupdated: Mon Aug 02 2010 12:06:00

Iraqi kids find a musical escape

Officials: Explosion damages Japanese tanker in Strait of Hormuzupdated: Wed Jul 28 2010 09:04:00

An explosion occurred Wednesday aboard a Japanese oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman, according to the U.S. Fifth Fleet and Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Cyclone Phet reaches Omanupdated: Fri Jun 04 2010 08:39:00

CNN's Kim Kelaita reports that Cyclone Phet has reached parts of Oman's coast.

Cyclone Phet batters coastal Omanupdated: Fri Jun 04 2010 08:39:00

Cyclone Phet weakened as it churned along coastal Oman Friday, dumping up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) of rain on the region.

Pakistani coastal areas brace for Cyclone Phetupdated: Thu Jun 03 2010 19:50:00

Pakistani authorities dispatched Navy helicopters Thursday to alert fishermen near Karachi and parts of Balochistan to the expected arrival of Cyclone Phet and to urge them to return to shore, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

Pirates hijack Greek cargo ship off Oman coastupdated: Wed May 12 2010 21:23:00

Pirates hijacked a Greek-owned cargo ship Wednesday morning off the coast of Oman, the European Union Naval Force Somalia said.

Failed pirate hijackingupdated: Wed Mar 24 2010 08:22:00

A ship heading to Somalia manages to successfully thwart a pirate attack. CNN's David McKenzie reports.

This month on Inside the Middle Eastupdated: Thu Mar 11 2010 12:23:00

Host Zain Verjee takes viewers through Oman's diverse terrain -- sailing the seas in a sleek racing boat and driving through oasis towns en route to the rugged mountains of Jabal Al-Akhdar. Plus:

Will there be a Mideast single currency?updated: Thu Mar 11 2010 08:13:00

Bahrain may be the least populated Gulf state, but because of its historical role as the first financial center for the region, government officials have their finger on the economic pulse.

Oman's royal family scents global profit in luxury perfumesupdated: Thu Feb 25 2010 10:30:00

If the Omani royal family had its way, the entire world would recognize the country's ancient scent, frankincense -- so highly prized the Magi brought it to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Jihadist Web sites warn al Qaeda leaders of possible exposureupdated: Mon Feb 15 2010 20:49:00

Some jihadist Web sites monitored by CNN are warning al Qaeda leaders that a recently captured field commander had more than 300 names and numbers plus important documents on him at the time of his arrest.

Thousand-year-old boat recreatedupdated: Wed Feb 03 2010 05:40:00

Omani sailors are re-living a historic sail to Singapore aboard a hand-stitched, perfect replica of a 1,000-year-old boat.

Omani sailors voyage back in time aboard 9th century shipupdated: Wed Feb 03 2010 05:40:00

A group of Omani sailors are setting off on a voyage into the past aboard a faithful replica of a 9th century Arab sailing ship.

Debbie Allen's Middle Eastern adventureupdated: Fri Nov 27 2009 13:51:00

Imagine being a Hollywood star complete with Tony and Emmy award nominations and multiple trips to the Oscars. Reaching that pinnacle of success in your career, but believing none of it compares to what you are doing now.

And then there were 890... World Heritage list expandsupdated: Thu Jul 02 2009 07:25:00

Intrepid travelers have a few more destinations to add to their list of must-sees after the annual update of The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage list.

British cruise ship in 'pirate attack' scareupdated: Thu Mar 05 2009 08:25:00

More than 1,000 British tourists on a round-the-world cruise were ushered to safety amid fears their ship was being followed by pirates, a travel company said Thursday.

Iran to launch two new ships, submarineupdated: Sun Nov 23 2008 08:44:00

Iran's navy is planning to launch two new ships and a submarine later this week, the commander of the navy announced Sunday.

Time.com: Dinosaur Tracks Found in Arabiaupdated: Thu May 22 2008 12:00:00

Scientists say they have found dinosaur tracks on the Arabian Peninsula, a discovery they say may shed more light on where dinosaurs lived, their migration patterns and how they evolved they way they did

Thai security keeps torch protests in checkupdated: Sat Apr 19 2008 20:32:00

The Olympic torch relay appeared to go smoothly in the Thai capital Saturday amid heavy security and scattered protests along the route.

Bush sending Cheney for Mideast talksupdated: Mon Mar 10 2008 09:48:00

Vice President Dick Cheney will travel to the Middle East next week, including stops in Israel and the Palestinian territories, his office said Monday.

GCC Annual Summitupdated: Fri Feb 01 2008 07:28:00

This week, Marketplace Middle East goes to Doha, Qatar for the 28th GCC Annual Summit.

The Gulf States and inflationupdated: Fri Oct 12 2007 10:56:00

Marketplace Middle East takes a look at how the declining dollar continues to put pressure on the Gulf States.

Fortune: The malling of Bangaloreupdated: Wed May 16 2007 12:15:00

Get ready for the malling of Bangalore.

Rock traced from moon crater to Earthupdated: Fri Jul 30 2004 09:03:00

Three times may be a charm in some realms, but it took four tremendous whacks to lift a certain rock off the Moon and shoot it serendipitously to Earth, scientists reported Thursday.

Fortune: EMERGING MARKETS INVESTORS MIGHT NEVER HAVE HEARD OF THIMPHU OR MUSCAT, BUT THEY COULD BE PUTTING MONEY IN THEIR updated: Mon Aug 18 1997 00:01:00

A few years ago, Mark Mobius, president of Templeton Emerging Markets, saw a sign for a brokerage in Botswana's capital city, Gaborone, and ambled in to ask where he could find the stock exchange. ...

Fortune: THE GREAT OIL HUNT While a nervous world eyes the Middle East and waits warily for more of its critical fuel, adventuring to theupdated: Mon Sep 24 1990 00:01:00

THE WORLD'S attention is focused on oil again. But all the easy deposits have been found, and the hunt for new ones is becoming harder, riskier, and costlier. It sends men to the highland peaks of ...

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