Oman seizes 209 school items over offensive imagery

School bags, pencil cases, water bottles featuring skulls and inappropriate symbols seized

Last updated: September 02, 2025 | 16:01

1 MIN READ

Oman has confiscated 209 school-related items for displaying imagery deemed offensive to religious values and public morals.

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Dubai: Oman’s Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has confiscated 209 school-related items, including bags, pencil cases, and water bottles, for displaying imagery deemed offensive to religious values and public morals, the Arabian Stories reported.

The seizures were carried out in the Wilayat of Suwaiq, North Al Batinah, where CPA inspectors targeted local school supply markets. Items featuring skull motifs and other inappropriate symbols were removed from circulation, officials said.

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“This constitutes a clear violation of the Consumer Protection Law and its Executive Regulation and reflects our ongoing efforts to monitor and follow up on violators,” the CPA said. Judicial control officers led the campaign, which is part of a wider initiative to ensure market compliance and consumer safety.

Article 26 of the law’s executive regulation No.77 of 2017 prohibits circulating goods containing content offensive to religions, indecent imagery, or symbols contrary to public morals and customs. Shops found in violation were penalised, and all confiscated items were taken into custody.

The authority emphasised that inspections would continue as part of a proactive strategy to ensure safe markets, especially amid rising demand for school supplies ahead of the new academic year. Consumers are encouraged to report any violations through CPA’s official channels.

The campaign underscores Oman’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards in commerce while protecting families and children from exposure to inappropriate content.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.