The Olympic torch has reached Oman on its way to the Chinese capital of Beijing, the Games' host city.
Officials said the flame arrived at Oman International Airport, Muscat, early on Monday morning from Tanzania.
It was received by Omani Sports Minister Ali bin Masoud al-Sunaidy at 0530 (0130GMT).
Officials claim that the Oman parade will not be ruined by the human rights protests that have marred torch legs in London, Paris and San Francisco.
And according to Habib Macki, vice chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee, any attempt to disrupt the parade will be severely dealt with.
“Our security is tight. ... The Royal Oman Police is ready to handle any such situation," he said at a press conference on Monday.
After Oman, which has strong economic ties with China, the Olympic torch will head for Islamabad, the Pakistani capital.
Islamabad is the tenth leg of a global torch relay.
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