Tight security cover thrown over Omani capital

Muscat: A heavy security cover was thrown over Muscat, especially in and around Al Bustan Palace Hotel, venue for the 29th GCC Summit, as leaders of the six member states conferred on economic integration in the region and the massacre at Gaza on Monday.

There was 48-hour notice given to the residents of Muscat about the road closure and the government sector has been given holidays for three days.

The roads were empty since early in the morning and the large numbers of security personnel were conspicuous by their presence.

All medical staff at the government hospital was kept on stand-by to meet with any eventuality.

The Media Centre hotel is also fortified and only authorised vehicles are permitted inside after thorough checks. Over 300 journalists, covering 29th GCC Summit, have to go through scanners before entering the hotel premises.