Our World See this report at worldfolio.co.uk Monday, November 19, 2012 THE SULTANATE OF OMAN Living the Renaissance EDITOR IN CHIEF: ALBERTO LEANDRO LLARYORA

This supplement to USA TODAY was produced by United World Ltd., Suite 179, 34 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0RH – Tel: +44 20 7409 3106 – [email protected] – www.unitedworld-usa.com For the past 42 years, the Sultanate of Oman has been enjoying strong socioeconomic development. Hugging the southeastern tip of the Arabian peninsula, Oman has a history to celebrate and a future to truly look forward to

he year 1970 marks shifting away from the current the required balance upon one of the most system of administration and which wise decisions that con- significant mile- towards a constitutional one. sider the interests of all were stones in Oman’s Considered a haven of peace based.” history. It was in and stability in the region, The last 42 years under His Tthat year that His Majesty Sul- Oman’s foreign policy is one Majesty the Sultan’s rule have tan Qaboos bin Said took over that seeks regional stability also witnessed strong eco- the reins of the country and set and cooperation. nomic growth, due in no small the country on a course of ma- As Yousuf Bin Alawi Bin Ab- part to the oil and gas sector. jor social reforms, adminis- dullah, Minister Responsible The government expects to trative modernisation and for Foreign Affairs, puts it: receive $22.8 billion in rev- openness to the outside world. “The fundamentals of the Sul- enues, nearly 70% of which will The past four decades under tanate’s policy in its relations stem from oil sales and an- His Majesty the Sultan’s lead- with other countries are based other 12.5% from gas exports. ership have had such a positive on dialogue and mutual re- Nevertheless, Oman is join- impact on the country that the spect.” Consequently, Oman ing the ranks of many other period has been termed the remains one of the few coun- oil states in the pursuit of a “Blessed Renaissance”. tries that have maintained more diversified economy. By Indeed, in late 2010 the Unit- friendly ties with Iran, and as 2020, the Sultanate plans for ed Nations Development Pro- the oil sector to contribute just gramme (UNDP) conducted 9% to total gross domestic a survey of 135 countries “EVERY NATION product (GDP), which grew worldwide, measuring their THAT DESIRES TO by a healthy 5.5% last year, progress in health, education LIVE… NEEDS TO reaching $71.89 billion. and income according to the ROLL UP ITS In its Eighth Five Year Plan Human Development Index. SLEEVES AND (2011-2015), the government The report named Oman as WORK TIRELESSLY is promoting non-oil exports the nation most improved dur- AND DILIGENTLY and is increasing spending on ing the preceding 40 years. WITH DEDICATION infrastructure projects. Ac- Not content to rest on his AND THE LOVE TO cording to the Ministry of Fi- laurels, His Majesty the Sul- GIVE nance, more than $17.9 billion tan continues implementing GENEROUSLY…” has been allocated to new pro- reforms to raise quality of life. jects to date, including the For example, uprisings in His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said building of five hospitals, 29 Oman during the Arab Spring schools and the Al Batinah Ex- were soon quelled with the pressway, as well as for new government’s vow to provide infrastructure on the Samail, Omanis with 50,000 new jobs Ibri and Duqm industrial es- in the public and private sec- such, has served as a diplo- tates, and for the implemen- tors, as well as with unem- matic tie between the latter tation of scientific research ployment benefits in the country and the rest of the and information projects. meantime. Other novelties world. In fact, Oman helped His Majesty the Sultan has were an increase in the num- facilitate the September 2011 Oman’s present and future at ber of scholarships available release of North Americans heart, and in his speech called to Omani students. and Europeans who had been on the people to participate Also in 2011, His Majesty detained by Iran. in laying the groundwork for the Sultan made modifications While not turning its back a better future. “Therefore to the political structure; by on its giant neighbour across every nation that desires to amending the Basic Law of the Arabian Gulf, Oman does live – in the full meaning of State, he gave citizens more say embrace moderation. His the word – needs to roll up its in the country’s governance. Majesty the Sultan, in his Oc- sleeves and work tirelessly and Reforms such as this are hint- tober 2011 speech to the diligently with dedication and ing that Oman is gradually Council of Oman, said: “As the the love to give generously to monopolisation of opinion utilise its capacities and skills and its imposition on others A UNITED and invest in its resources and WORLD should not be permitted, rad- potential, so that it can build SUPPLEMENT icalism and immoderation a great and illustrious present PRODUCED BY: should also not be tolerated and prepare for a decent and Barbara Jankovic because all that will disturb prosperous future.”

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA TODAY did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content 2 Monday, November 19, 2012 OMAN Distributed by USA TODAY Oman and US build on historic ties

The two countries have shared trading interests ever since American merchant ships began docking in Muscat at the end of the 18th century

From the 1833 Treaty of Com- merce and Amity – the first bi- lateral accord between the US and an Arab Gulf nation – to the 2006 Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Oman and the United States enjoy a longstanding and multifaceted relationship. The appointment of Am- bassador Hunaina Al Mughairy, the first Arab woman ambas- sador in Washington, in 2005 acknowledged Oman’s pro- gressive stance, and signalled a new period of cooperation be- tween the two nations. She was recently awarded the Ambas- His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said with Hillary Clinton during her recent visit to the Sultanate of Oman sador of the Year award from the National US-Arab Chamber of operate for their mutual inter- panded by nearly 30% year-on- Much of the government’s country's geographical and sizeable opportunities for in- Commerce (NUSACC), and est,” said the ambassador. year to $1.4 billion. procurement is now open to political position on the Ara- vestors and the country itself. has used her 16 years of living The clearest indicator of this “American investors have US firms, and management bian Sea. “US companies will get a in the country to not only visit “mutual interest” came with the shown a keenness to activate regulations have relaxed. Com- “Although Oman has a small new market and another stag- 35 of the nation’s states, but to FTA’s implementation in 2009. the bilateral investment rela- panies can own 100% of their population, our neighbours are ing area to enter the markets also forge a series of diplomat- Export markets opened up tions,” explains Khalil Abdul- businesses without a local part- highly populated,” adds Al of Africa and India,” she said. ic and commercial agreements. across an array of products and lah Al Khonji, Chairman of ner and dispute resolution pro- Khonji. “That is a big market “And we offer unmatched in- “The relationship between services, and major US firms Oman’s Chamber of Com- cedures are being developed. for US companies and a good centives to foreign investors Oman and the US stands as a such as Dow Chemical, Occi- merce and Industry (OCCI). The creation of the US- opportunity because we have which aim at guaranteeing the model of how free people, de- dental and Bechtel are now ac- “As of today, US companies Oman Business Council, a a longstanding relationship long-term objectives that serve termined to maintain their ter- tive in the country, with Oman’s have investments in oil, auto, project between the OCCI with the US.” the interests of the investor ritorial integrity and political exports worth $2.2 billion in foodstuff, textile and infra- and the NUSACC, will fur- And as Hunaina Al Mughairy community, as well as the independence, can and do co- 2011, while US exports ex- structure sectors.” ther engage investors over the explains, these factors provide country and its people.” Financial sector

improvements aid economy QUOTED Oman is developing its fiscal and monetary policy co-ordination to ensure continued financial sector growth Owing to its location, Oman with international rating agen- country’s financial industries. local high net worth individu- has long attracted trade and in- cies affirming and upgrading Despite a struggling global als – and technology, including vestment to its shores. This first its sovereign rating.” economy, Oman’s banking sec- the recently installed NFCV “THE GOVERNMENT “OMAN’S STABLE came in the form of merchant Inflationary pressures are al- tor profits amounted to 900 system – will help the mar- IS ENGAGED IN ECONOMIC ships docking in Muscat. To- so expected to weaken, partly RO190.8 million ($495.5 mil- ket grow. MAKING THE PERFORMANCE day, steady growth and an open due to the strengthening US lion) in 2009 and RO247.7 mil- “In the region we are seeing INVESTMENT HAS SEEN IT and accessible economy attract dollar, allowing the Sultanate’s lion in 2010. A study by the good indications,” said Ahmed CLIMATE AS RANKED AS THE a range of foreign investors. Eighth Five Year Plan to target Boston Consulting Group Saleh Al Marhoon, director CONDUCIVE AND WORLD’S 32ND Oman ranked 32nd in the growth areas. shows that bank profits rose a general of Muscat Securities INVESTOR-FRIENDLY MOST COMPETITIVE 2011/12 World Economic Fo- “The 2012 budget provides further 2% in 2011. Market. “This means confi- AS POSSIBLE.” COUNTRY.” rum’s Global Competitiveness for the highest single year spend- “The Oman banks’ solid cap- dence is returning to the ex- Hunaina Al Mughairy, Ambassador Darwish Ismail Al Balushi, Minister Index, while GDP grew by 5.5% ing of $26 billion,” said Darwish italisation, funding bases and changes and people will begin of Oman to the US Responsible for Financial Affairs in 2011 (CIA World Factbook Ismail Al Balushi, Minister Re- high liquidity buffers and low to invest more.” figures). Income from oil helped Oman has also focused on the country to invest in infra- BANK PROFITS IN OMAN HAVE BEEN its insurance sector. The Cap- structure, while its position out- ON THE RISE SINCE 2009, IN SPITE OF ital Market Awareness Cam- side of OPEC – and the fact that THE TURBULENT GLOBAL FINANCIAL paign 2011 toured the Sultanate much of its energy exports go TIMES to drive awareness of mitigat- to Asia – helped buffer Oman ing risk. Tied in with Oman’s from Euro Zone problems. sponsible for Financial Affairs. levels of non-performing loans improving banking and stock Relaxed foreign investor reg- “That’s an increase of 23% are ascribed as the basis of market operations – and their ulations, a developed financial against the original 2011 bud- Omani banking sector stable enviable GDP growth and ge- sector and the rial’s pegging to get with focus on job creation, and promising outlook,” said ographical location – the Sul- the US dollar have also boost- human resources development, Al Balushi. tanate seems well placed to ed investment, as Hamood San- and infrastructure spending.” A new avenue of potential make the most of its burgeon- gour Al Zadjali, executive “It is designed to speed the lies in Islamic financing, with ing economy. president of the Central Bank pace of economic diversifica- two banks approved but yet to “Oman has made consider- “EXISTING “OMAN’S STRATE- of Oman, explained. tion and further promote the commence operations. Some able investments in the USA COMMERCIAL GIC LOCATION “Oman has emerged as an role of the private sector in the proposals forecast 15-25% ranging from strategic and trade BANKS OPERATING QUALIFIES IT TO attractive destination for for- development process,” added market share in the medium imports to our sovereign wealth IN OMAN CAN BECOME THE eign direct investment due to Al Zadjali. “The government term. funds investments,” Al Balushi OPEN WINDOWS GATEWAY TO its free market system, stable also plans to enhance the ex- Oman is also improving the said. “And we will continue with FOR THE PURPOSE AFRICA AND macroeconomic environment isting co-ordination between performance of its stock mar- the political reforms and en- OF ISLAMIC GCC COUNTRIES.” and political stability,” he said. fiscal and monetary policy.” ket operations. Indexes suf- courage all elements to get en- BANKING.” Khalil Abdullah Al Khonji, “The future of Oman’s bank- These plans have already fered over the past year, but the gaged in defining the economic Hamood Sangour Al Zadjali, Chairman of the Oman Chamber ing system remains promising seen improvements across the Sultanate hopes engaging with prosperity road map.” Executive President of Central Bank of Commerce and Industry A knowledge-based future in sight Oman’s Information Technology Authority is working to bridge the digital divide within the country The initiative to equip Oman open to the idea of a comput- The women of Oman, he with an advanced IT infra- er-enhanced society. added, have been granted ex- structure assumes that even Government employees are clusive use of nine of the 19 the most sophisticated tech- important because the Sul- Community Knowledge Cen- nology can be effective only tanate sees the Internet and tres (CKCs) that have been set when the people who stand to other electronic delivery sys- up in towns across the coun- benefit from it know how to tems as the future access gates try over the past two years, as make it responsive to their for many of the services they one-stop centres offering free own needs. Nearly a decade provide. “One key capacity access to computers and the after the Digital Oman Strat- building initiative, the Gov- Internet, as well as serving as egy (or e.oman as it is known) ernment IT Training and Cer- classroom venues for training was drawn up, Dr Salim Al tification programme in basic and advanced digital Ruzaiqi, CEO of Oman’s In- (GITTC), focuses on training skills. Over 24,000 men and formation Technology Au- nearly 100,000 government women have taken part in the thority, remains confident that employees to improve IT lit- courses to date and the wait- this once-distant goal is with- eracy within the government,” ing list just keeps getting longer. in sight. noted Dr Al Ruzaiqi. Finally, the Omani govern- “We see technology as a tool ment hopes to have IT on to achieve specific goals such board in its campaign to over- as economic diversification come long-standing cultural and job creation,” said Dr Al roadblocks and encourage the Ruzaiqi, “and a high level of growth of small businesses and IT literacy in society at large start-ups among individuals is the key.” Accordingly, the just out of college. Entrepre- government has identified the neurship as a career is being groups earmarked for its pri- talked up in schools because ority training initiatives. Gov- “young people in Oman are ernment employees, women, really talented; they just need and would-be business entre- someone to show interest in preneurs head the target list, their aspirations,” Dr Al Ruza- while at the same time a more iqi emphasised. “We want to widespread consciousness- increase the quality of life and raising campaign seeks to opportunities available to the make the general public more Dr Salim Al Ruzaiqi, CEO of ITA next generation.”

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA TODAY did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content Distributed by USA TODAY OMAN Monday, November 19, 2012 3 TRA modernises Oman’s telecoms Working with the government, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority’s top priorities lie in broadband penetration and market competition

In recent years in the Sultanate set up by the government, has “The major development a third operator to compete of Oman’s plan to shift its of Oman, the telecommuni- emphasised development and that we are looking at in the with the country’s established economy away from relying cations industry has experi- growth of broadband Internet next five to eight years is the two telecommunication firms, primarily on the hydrocarbon enced rapid and exciting throughout the nation as a top broadband side of telecoms,” Omantel and Nawras. industry. growth. The Telecommunica- priority. The TRA is support- said Omani Minister of Trans- “The market is still not sat- “One of the key elements of tions Regulatory Authority ing the Ministry of Transport port and Communications, urated,” opined Dr Al Futaisi, Vision 2020 of Oman is to di- (TRA) has played a key role in and Communications in the Dr Ahmed Mohammed Al adding that the two current versify the economy into non- facilitating the building of a development of the National Futaisi. “We would like to have operators are implementing oil sectors and the e-Oman modern infrastructure for the Broadband Strategy in an ef- a broadband network in every 4G technology during this plan has identified the devel- sector, educating citizens in fort to extent connectivity to house in Oman.” year. “There is strong demand opment of a knowledge-based Internet literacy, and liberalis- every business and home even Another important role of from the public to introduce society to play a significant ing the market to further pro- into rural areas. This follows a the TRA is to promote effec- a third operator and increase role in the diversification mote competition and nationwide government mod- tive competition in the mo- competition, improve services process,” said Dr Hamed Sal- encourage investments. ernisation effort called the e- bile services market. At the and reduce prices.” im Al Rawahi, the TRA’s chief The TRA, which enforces Oman project, which aims to request of the Omani gov- Expanding the cellular executive. “Telecoms have regulation for the Omani provide electronic services to ernment, the TRA will be phone market and further de- been a significant enabler and telecommunication operators citizens and businesses as well Dr Hamed Salim Al Rawahi, analysing the market to de- veloping the telecommunica- stimulant for the wheels of the and implements the policies as the government entities. Chief Executive of TRA termine the viability of adding tions sector in general is part economy.” Omantel leads the telecom industry With a successful track record spanning more than 40 years, the pioneering telecommunications supplier has been named number one six years in a row

For six consecutive years, the “All in all 2011 has been a attracting intentional investors total of six submarine cables in telecommunications enterprise challenging year at a market and helped develop some of operation. Omantel has been named the level, but we were the winner the necessary infrastructure “This puts Oman on the map leading company in Oman, in our market,” explained Amer within the telecommunications in terms of becoming one of playing a vital role in the mod- Awadh Al Rawas, CEO of sector that Omantel takes full the most connected countries ernisation and growing pros- Omantel, noting that the com- advantage of for its continued in the area,” stated Al Rawas, perity of the country. pany has further increased pro- development. adding that besides building Although Oman, located on ductivity after being able to take In fact, Omantel projects fur- telecommunications infra- the southeast corner of the Ara- on 200 new employees. “The ther growth especially within structure, Omantel has also in- bian Peninsula, has itself expe- success of our company in 2011 the area of broadband Inter- troduced 4G LTE technology rienced challenges within its is also a reflection of how hap- net. Oman is one of the most as the first operator in the Sul- economic market, Omantel has py our staff is.” connected countries in the re- tanate and the third in the Arab enjoyed great success in 2010, According to Al Rawas, gion with seven international world. leading the cellphone market Omantel’s growth reflects the cables passing through the These constant improve- within individual and corpo- potential for a thriving econo- country and two more in the ments in the telecom sector as rate customers as well as sig- my in Oman. He goes on to say works. It has also just intro- well as continued quality ser- nificantly increasing its that the government has laid duced the Europe India Gate- vice have earned Omantel con- subscribers and revenue. the necessary foundations for way, bringing the country to a siderable recognition. In a survey conducted by the Oman Daily Observer, Omantel was named the number one best brand in the telecom category Nawras pushes and number two out of 180 Since 1970, Omantel has offered a full spectrum of telecommunications solutions other national companies. Fur- thermore, many international consolidating Oman Mobile telecoms services and the val- the industry forwards financial research houses and Omantel into one brand ue that our brand gives,” said Al named Omantel’s stock as the in January of this year. The Rawas. He explains that Oman- Emphasising broadband, the Omani telecommunications firm goes the extra mile best performing in the region company has been able not tel’s CSR mainly falls into two for its loyal customer base of Eastern Europe, the Middle only to achieve better pro- categories: “We focus on sports East and Africa in the second ductivity and savings, but al- as it touches the young people, half of 2011. so to have more impact with which is most of Oman. We al- Al Rawas attributes much its Corporate Social Respon- so focus on education and the of this recognition to the effi- sibility (CSR) activities. needy segments that exist in ciency of the company after “CSR has complemented our every society.”

Although only launching its IN AUGUST 2010, every city on the planet,” re- business in 2005, the telecom- NAWRAS marked Cormack. “There are munications company Nawras, LAUNCHED A definitely plans to extend our based in the Arabian country HIGHLY connectivity. Right now, we of Oman, has already estab- SUCCESFUL IPO, are in the early stages of the lished itself as innovative and THE LARGEST IN discussions on installing al- firmly focused on the customer OMAN SINCE ternative submarine cables to experience. Serving consumers 2005 give us further capacity and and corporates, the company diversity.” counts the Ministry of Finance A major milestone for and the Oman Airport Man- people on the move. This is Nawras was its IPO launch in agement company amongst its the current growth market,” August 2010, the largest in valued customers. said Cormack, adding that Oman since 2005. Being the The Omani company prides Nawras increased its home only stock market launch in itself on being “pleasingly dif- broadband customer base by the world that particular week, ferent”, which according to 250% in the first year. “The Nawras enjoyed tremendous Nawras’ CEO Ross Cormack three areas of major growth success and recognition. The “is a concept where we do are broadband, broadband company is currently under- things in a totally unique way and broadband.” going an extensive network that delights our customers, The company’s vision is in modernisation programme, going the extra mile.” sync with the government’s growing 3G coverage and ca- This emphasis on quality initiative to provide high-qual- pacity as well as preparing for has pushed penetration up ity Internet services to over a 4G LTE launch. from 30% to 170% within the 90% of the population by 2018. However, economics is on- telecommunications sector. In fact, Cormack notes that ly one component of Nawras’ The company has also made last year the data usage in the philosophy. The company is available over 15,000 locations Nawras network grew 18 also extensively involved in where clients can buy recharge times over. Corporate Social Responsi- cards. Much of this growth is a re- bility (CSR) in Oman, includ- Whereas 25% of the com- flection of the sophisticated ing the prominent Nawras pany’s customers are using a and extensive telecommuni- Goodwill Journey, where em- large quantity of data services cations infrastructure that ployees from the company vis- such as messaging, e-mails, Nawras has in place in Oman. it those less fortunate during social networking and stream- In 2011, the company cele- the annual Ramadan holiday. ing, the remaining 75% leave brated the establishment of its “What we do in our core busi- room for significant growth first sea cable in the Arabian ness is the same thing that we in the mobile sector. country going from Oman to do for our sponsorships and “Our company is about de- Mumbai. CSR programmes. We listen to livering broadband services “This means that we have a what people want and try to to business, residences, and direct connection to nearly deliver it to them.”

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA TODAY did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content 4 Monday, November 19, 2012 OMAN Distributed by USA TODAY Keeping Oman well connected From ports and roads to airports and railways, Oman is developing a world-class infrastructure to further enhance the social and economic development of the country

A functional transportation taken place at the Port Sul- one between Singapore and building, ship repair, petro- network and well-developed tan Qaboos (PSQ), which in Europe that can accommo- chemicals, and oil refining – infrastructure are critical for turn will focus more on date S-class container ships, attract more people from oth- an export-driven and tourism- tourist traffic. and consequently ranks er areas in the country. orientated country like Oman, According to Jamal Aziz, among the top 30 container Built in the 1970s, the Port therefore making investment CEO of Sohar Freezone and ports worldwide. Sultan Qaboos in Muscat has in infrastructure is a priority Deputy CEO of Sohar Indus- Salalah’s Free Zone, estab- seen traffic outgrow capaci- and necessity with regard to trial Port Company (SIPC), lished in 2006, is already un- ty. “The port in Muscat will be the country’s 2020 vision. Sohar was chosen as the pri- der expansion as its tenants – transformed from a com- Now, Oman is embarking mary location for the oil and which include methanol mercial port (the majority of upon the implementation of gas industries and today offers plants, shipyards and petro- the container traffic will be major projects linked to the a strong industrial base in chemical companies – are transferred to Sohar) into a building of roads, seaports, metals and petrochemicals, looking to expand capacity. completely tourism-based airports and rails. Dr Ahmed as well. The once sleepy fishing set- port, providing a great boost Mohammed Al Futaisi, Min- Under the private manage- tlement of Duqm, in central for tourism activities in Mus- ister of Transport and Com- ment of SIPC (a joint venture Oman, is the new home of a cat and Oman in general,” said munications, explains the between Oman and the Port major port, dry dock and spe- Dr Al Futaisi. benefits this growth will of Rotterdam), Sohar Port cial economic zone. The port The ports of Shinas and bring. boasts world-class infra- and the town are growing in Khasab are smaller terminals “We hope that by 2016 all structure and convenient con- conjunction, as new jobs – that receive mostly tourism of these mega projects will nectivity, thanks to an not only in construction but traffic and support the local be operative because such a excellent road network and also in the industries that are trade and commerce in their major transformation of our airport in the Sohar area. opening up there, such as ship- respective regions. transport network will con- The Sohar Free Zone – tribute greatly to Oman’s eco- “A MAJOR has been committed to the which has already been in- nomic development by development of Oman’s sea- jected with $14 billion for in- boosting trade and econom- TRANSFORMATION OF ports. frastructure development – ic activities on one side, and OUR TRANSPORT “We have developed major offers an excellent investment providing jobs for our peo- NETWORK WILL port projects like in Sohar, climate for international in- ple on the other,” said Dr Al CONTRIBUTE GREATLY Salalah and Duqm and there vestors; for example, full for- Futaisi. TO OMAN’S are three others in Muscat, eign ownership is permitted. There are currently six air- ECONOMIC Shinas and Khasab. Given the At the other end of the ports under construction in Sultanate’s long coastline and country, the Port of Salalah Oman, two of which are in- DEVELOPMENT.” strategic location at the tip of has the advantage of lying ternational (Muscat and Dr Ahmed Mohammed the Arabian Peninsula, along some of the most im- Salalah) and the other four Al-Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Oman’s ports certainly are a portant global shipping lanes. (Sohar, Ad Duqm, Ras Al Communications key piece of infrastructure. Being just 14 years old, the Hadd and Adam) will link the Some 160 miles west of Mus- port was built to suit the regions together. cat, Sohar is the largest in- needs of modern ships. In- Along with the airports, Omani maritime traditions. dustrial hub in Oman and has deed, with a quay length of ports are also being devel- Under the Eighth Five Year taken over the commercial 2,505 metres and a depth of oped to maintain and expand Development Plan, $1 billion activities that had heretofore 16-18 metres, it is the only Muscat Int’l Airport will soon have capacity to handle 12 million passengers annually Asphalt and steel: better road and new railway connections Heavy investment in intranational highways and roads and a GCC rail network are all under way

For a country that as recently Another huge project is the Oman and its partners in the Minister of Transport and Com- as 40 years ago had only about widening and lengthening of Gulf Cooperation Council, are munications. 620 miles of mostly unpaved the currently 444-mile road also looking beyond road trans- All these ground linkages rep- roads, Oman has over the in- linking Oman’s capital city of portation and are planning to resent a huge step forward for tervening years taken enor- Muscat and the southern city build a railway system more the region’s people and mous strides to expand and of Salalah. The road will go from than 1,200-miles-long linking economies. As Al Futaisi said, improve its national trans- being an undivided, one lane them all together. Construction “It’s going to be a new era in our portation infrastructure. road to a highway with two on the GCC railway could start transportation sector.” $7.8 billion has been earmarked for road projects through the end of 2013 The country of 2.9 million lanes in each direction. The gov- as soon as 2014, and it could people in the lower right-hand ernment also plans to spend start operations as early as 2017. corner of the Arabian Penin- about RO500 million on pro- The railroad, as currently sula now boasts about 18,500 jects to ease traffic problems planned, will begin near miles of roads, about 8,000 of within the city of Muscat. Kuwait’s border with Iraq, pass Building a new aviation which are asphalted, and is These upcoming projects, south along the Arabian Penin- preparing to invest billions of along with recently finished sula coast of the Arabian Gulf dollars in coming years to add roads such as the 34-mile Mus- through Saudi Arabia, Bahrain hub on the Arabian Sea hundreds more miles of road- cat Expressway, all have the dual and Qatar, then turn east to pass ways, and to widen and improve goals of improving the flow of through the United Arab Emi- hundreds of miles of existing road traffic around the country rates and then turn south again Air transport in Oman plays a key role in the country’s development strategy and is highways. and making Oman’s rapidly ex- to enter Oman. An extension vital to encouraging the growth of a vibrant tourism industry Oman’s government is plan- panding road and highway net- through Oman to its border ning to spend about RO3 billion work safer. with Yemen is also being con- ($7.8 billion) on road projects Investment on new or wider sidered. through the end of 2013 alone. roads is growing, but the gov- Aside from railways, Oman A big part of that money will be ernment is also improving ex- and its neighbours are also link- dedicated to the project to build isting roads, adding flyovers and ing up by asphalt. “We are the 165-mile, eight-lane Bati- underpasses, building new in- putting a lot of effort in having nah expressway, which when terchanges and re-aligning high- roads that connect us with finished will be the widest high- ways and other roads to help neighbouring countries,” said Dr way in the country. reduce the number of accidents. Ahmed Mohammed Al Futaisi,

The expansion of Muscat International Airport is set to create more than 1,500 new jobs and attract new airlines

The Sultanate of Oman is in enlarged to have a capacity of in terms of the level and quali- midst of an ambitious plan to 12 million passengers annual- ty of services,” said Eng. Khal- transform itself into a major, re- ly in 2014. A three-phase plan fan Said Al Shueili, Readiness gional air travel gateway be- for subsequent expansions en- General Manager at Oman Air- tween Europe and Asia, by visions boosting capacity to as ports Management Company building and expanding a total much as 48 million. (OAMC), the state-owned en- of six airports. Eng. Salim Al Aufi, CEO of tity overseeing the project. “It The two international air- the newly established Public has to send the message that ports in Muscat and Salalah Authority for Civil Aviation Oman is open to the world.” will expand on existing services (PACA), believes that the private Salalah, home of the second and capacity, however all six sector can help MCT meet the international airport, is the airports are designed to have deadlines and ensure high stan- third-largest city in Oman with 4km runways (Muscat Inter- dards. “We need to start setting about 163,000 people. It is lo- national having two 4km run- up the market so that the new cated in the southern region of ways) and passenger terminal airports are fully utilised and Dhofar, near the border with buildings capable of handling really pushed to their maximum Yemen. In 2011, 513,000 pas- large domestic and interna- commercial utilisation soon af- sengers passed through Salalah. tional aircraft. ter opening up. That can only That number is expected to The new regional airports lo- happen by opening up and al- double to 1 million by 2014, cated in Sohar and Duqm (in- lowing the private sector to in- thanks to a new airport which dustrial centres), Ras Al Hadd vest more in the civil aviation will double the current capaci- (ecotourism destination), and sector,” he said. ty and has future options for Adam (future civil aviation There are opportunities for more expansions. training city) are intended to local and foreign contractors “The transit business is huge. boost local economies and pro- and service providers, from the In Muscat we are just scratch- mote tourism. The first of the provision of office furniture for ing the surface of that opportu- new airports are expected to the MCT training centre, to the nity, while in Salalah it is yet to begin operations in 2014. delivery of marine rescue crafts start” remarked Eng. Al Aufi. The development of Muscat and training. However, the Omani au- International Airport (MCT) Providing excellent connec- thorities don’t just want people is the nation’s biggest civil en- tions to a number of interna- to transit; they want to encour- gineering project ever. The ex- tional destinations, MCT is well age tourism in Oman. “Oman isting terminal in Muscat established already, having won has its own culture and her- handled 6.48 million passen- the award for best staff service itage,” said Eng. Al Shueili. “It gers in 2011, an increase of 13% in the Middle East two years in has already reached out to the over the previous year, while in a row. world, inviting others to come the first half of 2012, traffic in- “We want MCT to be and experience Omani culture, creased by 20%. MCT is being amongst the best in the world its tradition and unique flavour.”

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA TODAY did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content Distributed by USA TODAY OMAN Monday, November 19, 2012 5

New Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) brings opportunities

The new town of Duqm with a special economic zone at its core should generate substantial growth in the central region of Oman as it takes shape over the next two decades

Duqm, once a small, sleepy fish- tified two main areas with near ing town on the south-east coast endless quantities at Al Safiya, of Oman, is today a busy, in- 15km west of the port, and Al dustrial place attracting invest- Hydaybah, 20km south of the ment and business from all port. According to Reggy Ver- corners of the globe. Oman has meulen, commercial director of continued to focus its efforts on Port of Duqm, some companies accelerating growth, with the are even in talks to process lime- target of decreasing dependence stone and other minerals at the on income from oil and en- near by industrial zone. hancing its labour skills, to com- With the creation of such an ex- ply with His Majesty Sultan pansive project, an efficient trans- Qaboos’ Vision 2020 Plan. port network is a must to link The objective of the strategy Duqm to other locations in is to spread economic develop- Oman, and to the rest of the world. ment around the country by in- “A high standard arterial road vesting in non-petroleum network is under implementa- industries to diversify commerce tion to link Duqm with all ma- formations, whilst also utilising jor towns and cities in Oman, the Sultanate’s vast natural re- and also with the United Arab sources and protecting its many Emirates (UAE) and the King- distinctive forms of heritage. dom of Saudi Arabia. The airport Yahia bin Said Al Jabri, chair- is scheduled to open in 2014, man of the New Special Eco- accommodating 500,000 pas- nomic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), sengers per year and also cargo. highlights the importance of the A win-win situation: H.E. Yahia Bin Said Bin Abdullah Al-Jabri, Chairman of SEZAD, watches as Peter Broers, CEO of the Port of Duqm Company Further development of the work done and still being un- and M. J. Park, CEO of Oman Drydock Company, shake hands on their deal Duqm SEZ will also benefit from dertaken in Duqm. the planned rail network,” said “The SEZAD has been creat- refinery, a petrochemical plant, massive joint venture between sibility studies have recently been paramount role in determining Al Jabri. ed in order to contribute to the an airport, as well as residential Oman Oil Company and Abu finalised and Oman Gas Com- the success of the SEZAD. Fur- Tourism is another market country’s GDP, as well as to help and commercial facilities. “We Dhabi’s International Petrole- pany (OGC) is planning to build thermore, our priority is to cre- the SEZAD will look to explore. in the creation of employment have designated an area of 23 um Investment Company (IPIC) a 230km and 36-inch pipeline ate an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 With the opening of the new for the Omani people and to kmÇ for the new town, which is set to be the largest invest- which will have the capacity of direct and indirect jobs in airport and the plans to build boost the social and economic will be the backbone of the de- ment in Oman’s rapidly ex- approximately 25 million cubic Duqm,” said Al Jabri. hotels and commercial facilities, development of the area. Over velopment area and we have panding industrial sector. It will metres per day, providing suffi- In addition to this, the state- the vision for Duqm is to trans- the next five years we should provisions to extend it to ac- also anchor an ambitious petro- cient supplies to fuel future pow- of-the-art port at Duqm plans to form it into a hub for everyone. have up to $8 billion of direct in- commodate up to 67,000 resi- chemicals cluster envisaged in er needs. The project is achieving start exporting limestone for “Once completed, Duqm will vestment in Duqm,” said Al Jabri. dents by 2020,” said Al Jabri. the later phases of Duqm’s de- the integral aim of feeding nat- mining companies by 2013. The be one of the largest industrial The Duqm SEZ is a model of Duqm Refinery & Petro- velopment as an industrial hub. ural gas to the power genera- mining companies are in dis- free zones in the world. This area an integrated economic devel- chemical Industries Company The construction of a high-ca- tion, water purification projects cussions with port authorities will act as a catalyst for the ur- opment composed of eight (DRPIC) is spearheading the de- pacity gas pipeline from Saih Ni- and cement plant, as well as the to potentially use the port’s bulk banisation and commercialisa- zones with a land area of more velopment of a $6 billion giant hayada in central Oman to refinery and petrochemical terminal to export their products tion of the Al Wusta region and than 1,777 km2. Other than the refinery complex with a capac- Duqm is one of the many ini- complex and feedstock in worldwide, especially to India. it is expected to play a major role world-class port with dry dock ity of 230,000 barrels per day, tiatives undertaken by the gov- Duqm. There are large deposits of lime- in diversifying the Omani econ- facilities, Duqm will have a free which should be completed in ernment to accelerate industrial “As a key pillar, the infra- stone around the port of Duqm omy and creating jobs,” con- trade zone, an industrial area, a the fourth quarter of 2017. The and regional development. Fea- structure development plays a and a geological study has iden- cluded Al Jabri. Full steam ahead for Port ODC turns the Duqm of Duqm’s development vision into reality

As part of the Special Economic Zone in Duqm, the newly developed Port of Duqm The first ship repair yard in Oman with the capacity to service and repair the will provide the centrepiece to the new hub being created largest crude oil or gas carriers in the world was officially opened in June 2012

Oman Drydock Company (ODC) was established in 2006 The Omani government went into partnership with the Port of Antwerp to by the Omani government The drydock project was initiated in 2002 bring in expertise in port operations which owns 100% interest in as part of Oman’s Vision 2020 the project. That same year, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Ma- rine Engineering (DSME) was awarded a contract to operate and manage the dry dock for 10 years, with a 10-year extension if neither party objects. “It is a great asset to have one of the world’s leading ship- building companies operating and managing the shipyard for us,” said Khalil Al Salmi, deputy CEO at ODC.” One of the ma- jor benefits of our partnership with DSME is the transfer of technical expertise, know-how and technology.” According to M. J. Park, the ODC’s CEO, “there are many reasons why Duqm was the best choice in terms of location for The Port of Duqm Compa- the oil and gas fields and re- ment is estimated to cost ap- the ship repair business. The world-class infrastructure (two cus will be on special repair and ny (PDC) is a 50/50 joint lated activities in this re- proximately $2 billion and government of Oman has three graving docks and an upcom- conversions, while part of the venture between the Port gion. The area is also rich in the port should start full- key objectives: to diversify the ing floating dock) and state-of- long-term strategy is to get in- of Antwerp and the gov- minerals and the PDC will fledged operation by 2015. economy, to create employ- the-art technology the ODC is volved in offshore installations. ernment of Oman. “The look to capitalise on this to In the meantime, PDC has ment for young Omanis, and planning to generate more than A major priority for ODC is main objective is to bring stimulate development in started ‘Early Operations’ to develop the regional balance. $200 million by 2020. Current- the development of human re- in the knowledge to operate this sector. “With vast lime- catering to the needs of a ma- Duqm was the perfect location ly, the dry dock can accommo- sources. “It is the first time a dry and manage the port. The jor group of clients – com- to fulfil these goals and bring dock business is established in Port of Antwerp is a big panies engaged in oil field employment and prosperity to Oman, so there are no experi- player in the European mar- “THE PORT WILL development. the central Al Wusta region.” “MORE THAN 30% OF enced workers in the local labour ket with a proven interna- BECOME THE The Early Operations An additional key factor that THE WORLD’S OIL market,” explained Park. “The tional track record of phase centres on a 300m makes Duqm unique among AND GAS, AND OVER number of jobs will be increas- expertise,” said Peter Broers, MAIN ENTRY AND long quay wall which is the other Middle East docks is ing continuously, year by year. CEO of the PDC. EXIT POINT FOR ready to receive ships car- that it lies outside the Strait of 60% OF LNG COMES Our plan for this year is to have Due to the scale of the port THE OIL AND GAS rying project cargos. The Hormuz, and is well placed on FROM THE GCC 2,000 employees, and by the in Duqm, PDC aims to en- ACTIVITIES IN THE 300m quay is part of a 2.2km strategic trade routes in the In- REGION, WE WANT year 2020 we should employ ap- gage professional terminal CENTRAL PART OF long commercial quay, dian Ocean. “More than 30% TO CAPITALIZE ON proximately 4,000 people. This operators for each specific whose substructure is sub- of the world’s oil and gas, and OUR LOCATION.“ is a very labour-intensive busi- discipline, i.e. a container- OMAN.” stantially complete. over 60% of LNG comes from ness and we want to hire as many operator, a dry-bulk-opera- “For the moment, we are the GCC region,” said Al Salmi. young Omanis as possible.” tor, a liquid-bulk-operator, PETER BROERS, working on project cargo “There are approximately M. J. PARK, The ODC’s market is wide- and a multi-purpose-opera- CEO of the Port of Duqm Company and since the beginning of 80,000 vessels in service world- CEO of Oman Drydock Company ly scattered and their market- tor. According to Broers, this our Early Operations we al- wide and we want to capitalise ing campaign is targeting approach will greatly im- ready received two project on our competitive location and Europe, particularly Greece and prove the performance of stone, gypsum, and cargos that could not be re- take a share of that market.” date up to 25 vessels Germany, as well as Asia, the the port. dolomite deposits around ceived in any other port in Duqm dry dock is on its way simultaneously, and when at Middle East and the US. An im- Strategically located in Duqm, it could become a Oman... Duqm is the only to become a fully integrated capacity, it will be able to ser- portant advance for ODC was the central part of Oman, focus for mining activities port in the Sultanate capa- ship repair services centre to ri- vice around 200 ships a year. when it repaired its first Amer- the Port of Duqm is well and other associated in- ble of receiving this kind of val competitors in the region, in- Initially, ODC plans to con- ican ship in March 2012. Park placed to become the main dustries,” said Broers. over-sized cargos,” con- cluding Drydocks World Dubai centrate on general ship repair, concluded – “it was a good start entry and exit point for all The whole port develop- cluded Broers. and ASRY in Bahrain. With its but in the second phase the fo- for us – our first American ship.”

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA TODAY did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content 6 Monday, November 19, 2012 OMAN Distributed by USA TODAY Tourism, making a difference

On the occasion of the Sultanate of Oman’s 42nd National Day, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Mahrizi discusses tourism’s contribution to Oman

Oman is an emerging transport and visitor destination for global service activities are tourism. In the eight considered, the num- years since the Ministry bers are much bigger. of Tourism’s formation, The Ministry believes Oman claims to be the tourism can make a Gulf’s niche destina- larger contribution to tion. The sultanate’s GDP by 2015, made portfolio of high-end possible by the roll-out resorts and hotels is im- of internationally sig- pressive and growing, nificant tourism at- but Oman’s tourism tractors including the strategy also showcas- convention center and es the country’s unique a large portfolio of cultural heritage and niche 5-star resorts set environmental values. in 5-star locations, So why is tourism im- from beaches to the portant to the sultanate high plateau of Al Ja- and what are the sector’s plans? “OMAN’S bal Al Akhdar, Oman’s green Ahmed Al Mahrizi took the TOURISM SECTOR mountain with its ancient ter- reins of Oman’s Tourism Min- IS DIVERSIFYING raced gardens. istry in March 2012, previ- AND To ensure that the tourism ously having served as the BROADENING ITS benefits are achievable, Min- sultanate’s Ambassador to BASE AWAY FROM ister Al Mahrizi will oversee France – a source market tar- HOSPITALITY AS a strategic review of the geted by Oman’s tourism cam- MORE OMANIS tourism sector including the paigns and Oman Air since its INVEST IN THE Ministry’s roles, functions and entry to Paris in October 2009. SECTOR, AND WE priorities. “The Ministry’s formative NEED TO BUILD He says: “A high level strate- years were used to provide a ON THIS.” gic overview is timely, given policy and regulatory frame- the changes in global and re- work to nurture private in- AHMED AL MAHRIZI, gional financial settings, vestment, facilitate the Minister of Tourism changes in tourism distribu- delivery of strategic infra- tion systems and travel de- structure and services, estab- In 2005-06 the government mand. Oman’s tourism sector lish ties with key tourism also invested in national car- is diversifying and broaden- agencies, establish interna- rier Oman Air and under- ing its base away from hospi- tional representation and pro- wrote its international tality as more Omanis invest mote Oman on the world expansion to now include over in the sector, and we need to stage. We have taken a man- 40 international destinations, build on this.” Oman’s beautiful landscapes play with color contrasts: turquoise blue waters, ochre rock and sand, and green vegetation aged approach to ensure that with multiple daily services to we do not reach a point where nearby aviation mega hubs in visitor levels exceed the ac- Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. commodation supply or jeop- Other strategic developments ardize the quality of visitor have been the establishment Beauty has an address experience.” of the National Ferry Compa- Oman’s approach to tourism ny in 2009 to provide fast con- Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Tourism, is building global Zurich and Milan to Muscat. differs to that of most of its nections between Muscat and awareness among the travel and tourism trade, media and consumers Ms. Al Mahrouqi describes this neighbors in the Gulf. A year Khasab, the major tourism as Oman’s “resonance” as a after the Ministry’s formation, destination on the Musandam If there’s an operational prior- and BBC.com carry Oman’s itors will realize that beauty uniquely authentic destination. a dedicated tourism develop- Peninsula. As well, the min- ity for Oman’s Tourism Min- marketing tag line: Beauty has has an address. Our adver- Oman’s Tourism Ministry ment, property management istry oversees Oman Sail, an istry, it’s about brand. That’s an address. Ms. Al Mahrouqi tisements are evocative and is giving greater priority to in- and hospitality company ambitious program to make the message from the Ministry says: “Our strapline conveys contrast tradition, modernity tegrated consumer campaigns. (OMRAN) was established un- Oman a competitive sailing of Tourism’s Undersecretary, the experiential quality of a and environmental quality. We Ms. Al Mahrouqi says: “We der its wing to accelerate the nation and, in doing so, to Maitha Al Mahrouqi who says, visit to Oman. Through per- think this is attractive to re- look forward to working on delivery of strategic infrastruc- build international awareness “Oman’s brand value is the sonal interaction with Oman- sponsible tourists. The same digital platforms that boost ture. OMRAN now manages in Oman through branding thread that ties everything to- is to sitting back and seeing approach will also work for us our consumer profile and al- around 10 joint venture pro- and sailing promotions. gether. From the moment you our beautiful landscapes, vis- as we build leisure, meetings, low air fares, accommodation jects with a capital value esti- On the back of record in- board an Oman Air flight, are and incentive and stopover and tour bookings to be mated at $1.6 billion. Its most vestment and a strong do- greeted at reception or enjoy business.” booked dynamically. This will visible is Oman’s Convention mestic economy, the Minister our attractions and services, It might not have the mar- add value to our branding and Exhibition Center (com- says: “We are moving in the we all need to be giving the keting budget and punch of the work, widen our consumer pletion 2016) that will launch the right direction but we need to same message.” campaigns of its neighboring base and build market share sultanate into the global business be proactive and innovative Oman is a newcomer to glob- countries, but Oman’s hote- in our targeted segments.” and MICE tourism sector. to capture the benefits of al tourism and creating an iden- liers will say that it has the high- Advances in travel to and The range and diversity of tourism. Also, we need to bet- tifiable consumer image is not est repeat rate of visitors and within Oman over the next OMRAN’s development pro- ter explain the benefits of easy in the cluttered and high- the longest length of stay pro- decade such as fast rail services file is impressive, from hotels tourism at large so they see ly competitive world of desti- file. International Air Trans- to its Gulf neighbors will open- in Duqm, Oman’s new city on tourism as a value-added ac- nation marketing. Compared port Association data for July up access to Oman. the east coast, to boutique re- tivity that can coexist with tra- with its regional neighbors, its 2012 points to another record Likewise the redevelop- sorts at Salalah and Khasab, ditional values. With this marketing budget seems mi- year for tourism arrivals. ment of Port Sultan Qaboos to an indulgent eco lodge on understanding in place, ben- nuscule, but already the sul- Total arrivals are up 14% with into an internationally signif- the cliff line of Al Jabal Al efits will flow to the country.” tanate is winning business as several country markets icant tourism precinct (from Akhdar, high in the Hajar The hospitality sector alone the destination for an authen- recording massive year-on-year 2015) will see Muscat reposi- Mountains. Through design, accounts for around 3% of tic Arabian experience set in growth. This is especially the tioned as the authentic cruise scale and setting, these resorts Oman’s GDP and has gener- world-class natural settings. Maitha Al Mahrouqi, case for Switzerland (+74%) gateway to the Gulf and a express quality, uniqueness ated over 10,000 jobs, with Oman’s brand awareness Undersecretary at the Ministry and Italy (+37%) following the must-see destination stopover and Oman. jobs growing at 6%. When campaign on BBC Worldwide of Tourism start of non-stop services from for world cruises.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA TODAY did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content Distributed by USA TODAY OMAN Monday, November 19, 2012 7

A host of new buildings are making Muscat, Muscat a thoroughly modern city a city for the people

Nestled between water and fine historic architecture and a Ministry led by Ahmed Al the Oman Convention and Ex- West and the Arabic world. Prize” said: “Oman is an ex- mountains, Muscat enjoys a rich multicultural history which Mahrizi, promises to unleash hibition Centre to be complet- Brett Egan, interim CEO of ceptional place with a rich cul- magical setting where has assimilated influences from Muscat’s huge potential. ed in 2016, comprising 3,000 ROHM, said: “Ideally this will tural and historical heritage and quality of life is on the rise Persia to Portugal. Muscat Municipality’s urban seats and four hotels totalling promote the establishment and humanism at the core of its de- With plenty of sunshine strategy aims to balance its her- 1,000 rooms and the new Mus- convergence of Arab and velopment policies and ap- Recently cited as a must see throughout the year and access itage and natural beauty with cat International Airport and Western cultures in other proach to life. Oman has a huge destination in National Geo- to kilometres of unspoilt beach- urban regeneration. The pro- the National Museum, which places throughout the world. potential – a transparent and graphic and the Lonely Planet es, Muscat has become the des- gramme called “Muscat – A are also under construction. This is essentially a Western open society with a great fu- and named Arab Tourism Cap- tination of choice for those City for People,” comprises Inaugurated in October paradigm that has been inter- ture ahead.” ital in 2012, Muscat is the rapid- seeking upscale properties, in- many projects – development 2011, the stunningly beautiful preted through an Arabic lens.” Sultan Al Harthy believes ly up-and-coming capital city of teresting cultural heritage and of road networks, contempo- Royal Opera House Muscat Muscat is also benefiting there are plenty of opportuni- Oman. relaxation. rary public markets, parks, ho- (ROHM) is the first opera from Oman’s investment in ties for investors in Muscat: Located in the north-east of Now an ambitious develop- tels, parking areas, a smart city house of its scale in the entire transport with national carrier “These include integrated the country between the Gulf of ment programme led by Eng. fibre-optic project; and a ded- GCC region. Opera is a rather Oman Air now reaching over tourism complexes, high-end Oman and the Al Hajar moun- Sultan Hamdoon Al Harthy, icated municipality contact foreign concept in the Middle 40 international destinations. business districts; regeneration tain range, it enjoys a magical Chairman of Muscat Munici- centre. East and the ROHM has har- Eng. Sultan Al Harthy, who of older areas of the city; and the setting. A port and trading post pality, along with a strategic Key construction and moniously introduced this tra- has recently been nominated transformation of Sultan Qa- since the early first century, it has plan from Oman’s Tourism tourism developments include dition as a way to unite the for the “2012 World Mayor boos Port into a tourist zone.”

The Wave, Muscat was named Best Luxury Development at the Riding the Wave Homes Overseas and of success International Property Awards Muscat is home to one of in the whole of the Gulf region,” in June, will start around the region’s most said CEO Michael Lenarduzzi. $210,000. successful and beautiful Apart from acquiring their Since breaking ground in developments: The Wave own piece of the beauty and 2006, The Wave, Muscat has tranquillity of Oman, foreign garnered several major inter- The Wave, Muscat is the pre- buyers and their direct relatives national and national design mier lifestyle destination in the also enjoy a full two-year re- awards, including the Homes Sultanate of Oman and enjoys newable residency permit and Overseas and International 100% freehold status. It was de- as it is a freehold project tenants Property Awards for the Best veloped through a joint venture receive a lifetime, inheritable Luxury Development, Best De- between the government of ownership title. And it is a life- velopment Design, Best Mari- Oman and UAE-based devel- time that residents will un- na Design, Best Apartment oper Majid Al Futtaim Proper- doubtedly want to spend here: Design and Best Golf Course ties, one of the most successful with four miles of fine sand Design. retail and hospitality developers beaches that cool the evenings Most recently, The Wave, in the region. A unique multi- and make for magnificent sun- fering of 160 apartments was for whom golf is still new – learn One hundred and twenty Muscat won five new awards in national and mixed-use com- rises, The Wave, Muscat’s loca- launched in 2010, 90% were sold the ropes. berths comprise the first phase the Arabian Property Awards munity, once complete The tion couldn’t be more beautiful. on the very first day. Some 900 “We have a similar approach of the marina – located in a sec- 2012 including two regional Wave, Muscat will comprise This is no secret to Omanis, units are now occupied. with Almouj Marina, where tion called Al Marsa Village, awards as Best Leisure Devel- 1,000 villas, 3,000 apartments, who comprise nearly half of the The golf course – already ful- Oman Sail is doing a wonder- which will be The Wave, Mus- opment Arabia, Best Golf De- three five-star hotels and one buyers. The rest are British, In- ly completed and operational – ful job in promoting sailing for cat’s social and cultural epicen- velopment Arabia, and three four-star hotel, Oman’s largest dians “and then a smattering of is a major draw at The Wave, the country,” said Lenarduzzi. tre complete with dining, five-star local awards as Best private marina and Oman’s first Europeans – mainly Germans Muscat. Inspired by Oman and “They are reaching out, train- shopping and leisure facilities. Golf Development Oman, Best Greg Norman designed 18-hole and Dutch – and of course the designed by the legendary Greg ing youngsters and making sail- The demand for properties Mixed-Use Development PGA Standard championship GCC region, the strongest be- Norman, the 18-hole links course ing accessible for all. We work is high, and the wide range of Oman and Best Leisure Devel- golf course. ing Kuwait,” said Lenarduzzi. affords golfers breathtaking views very closely with them to hold price points available at the de- opment Oman. “People have confidence in Construction at The Wave, of sea and mountains. A golf international events, such as velopment provides a home for Oman; it is becoming a haven Muscat began in 2006 and is academy, equipped with the lat- the Extreme 40 Sailing Series every sort of buyer. Prices for the for investors due to its stability due to be fully complete around est fully computerised training event, which we host once a beautifully appointed apart- in the Gulf. The Wave, Muscat 2020. To date, more than 1,200 and teaching equipment, is ded- year. This is considered to be the ments in the marina village, the is now seen as one of the most properties have already been icated to helping newcomers to Formula 1 in sailing and is very next residential offering from successful real estate projects sold. When a new product of- the sport – especially Omanis, prestigious.” The Wave, Muscat to go on sale www.thewavemuscat.com Oman Air for best luxury travel Oman Air paves the way, being the first in the region to offer in-flight WiFi services

Within the Arabian Peninsula, and business class products and has also greatly expanded the 2014 with an expected 12 mil- The route and aircraft ex- Oman Air is continually recog- have won several awards,” said number of destinations it lion passengers per year, the air- pansion the airline has experi- nised as both a reliable provider Wayne Pearce, CEO of Oman serves. While domestically line will be able to cater to the enced are only part of its and an innovator, offering high Air, adding that with greater Oman Air offers a high fre- increasing demand. business plan. Pearce explains quality service, increasing des- demand for flights on his airline, quency of daily flights between This growth in customers that bringing tourism and busi- tinations, as well as premiering they will be increasing routes Muscat, the nation’s capital, and was seen clearly last year when ness travel to the country is al- cutting-edge services. and aircraft. “We are looking at Salalah, the second-largest city, the airline experienced a so a top priority. Along with being the world’s strengthening our current net- it also makes multi-daily re- tremendous increase in both “Our prime goal is to sell traf- first airline to offer integrated work and adding to our long gional trips to Dubai and Abu revenue and travellers. Al- fic into Oman and promote the in-flight cellular phone and haul operation.” Dhabi. Within Europe, Oman though the global increase in country as a unique destina- WiFi services which earned it In fact, while Oman Air will Air connects with major hubs passenger volume was only up tion. In order to do that, we a passenger’s choice award for have 28 aircraft by year-end, such as London, Frankfurt, Mu- by 5.9%, the Omani airline’s work very closely with the Min- best in-flight connectivity and this number will jump to 40 af- nich and Paris, adding Zurich growth was up 16%, increasing istry of Tourism,” explained communications, Oman Air ter the next phase of the fleet and Milan last year. revenue by 35%. According to Pearce. “We also want to en- has also been named best busi- expansion, which includes firm With these new routes as well Pearce, this year in the first quar- courage the Omanis to travel ness class in the world two years orders for 787 Dreamliners and as the development of the new ter, Oman Air’s passenger traf- the world by offering them op- in a row. 737 800s. Muscat International Airport, fic has already grown at around timum services on board our Wayne Pearce, CEO of Oman Air “We have exceptional first Besides aircraft, the airline projected to open by the end of 24% with the same fleet. aircraft.”

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA TODAY did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content 8 Monday, November 19, 2012 OMAN Distributed by USA TODAY Oil and gas CC Energy, production soars a success story Raising production of oil to 1 million barrels per day is a target Oman is striving to achieve Thinking outside the box led this exploration and production firm to important discoveries

With production rising to lev- Currently producing 15,000 vertical. That was in 2009. trols the remaining 50% and els unseen in the country since barrels a day with estimated We have continued drilling is the operator — is today the the year 2000, Oman has reserves of 100 million bar- since then and so far our suc- fourth largest producer in proven that it is possible to rels, Lebanese-based CC En- cess rate has been over 88%, the country and is on sched- reverse the trend of declining ergy Development (CCED) which is quite remarkable, ule for 37 new wells this year oil resources, said the coun- is one of Oman’s greatest oil particularly considering the (and another 65 in 2013) in try’s Minister of Oil and Gas, and gas success stories. A failure of all the major com- its two fields: Farha South in Mohammed Hamad Al creative migrational theory panies before us,” said the Block 3 and Saiwan East in Rumhy. Furthermore, with led the company to new dis- CEO. Block 4. A 50-kilometre more than 20 enhanced oil re- coveries overlooked by nu- Partnered in Blocks 3 and pipeline runs between the covery (EOR) techniques pro- merous others in decades of 4 with Tethys Oil (30%) and fields, both of which produce jects planned, Oman boasts drilling in Blocks 3 and 4 be- Mitsui E&P Middle East premium crude (Farha reg- one of the most advanced up- fore CCED stepped onto the (20%), CCED – which con- isters 42º API gravity, and stream programmes in the scene in 2007. Saiwan 33º API). world. “Over the last 40 years, a A privately owned oil and “We are breaking new lot of major oil companies gas exploration and produc- ground in Oman. And though drilled many wells in these “SO FAR OUR tion company, CCED is part a lot more needs to be done blocks without any success. SUCCESS RATE of the larger Consolidated before we declare recent dis- There were others that did HAS BEEN Contractors Group, a major coveries commercial, the min- not pursue it because there OVER 80%, oil and gas engineering and istry is very encouraged with is also heavy oil that required WHICH IS construction conglomerate. the results achieved so far,” he advanced oil recovery and QUITE CCED was established with comments, adding that dis- expensive technology. We REMARKABLE, the aim of acquiring explo- coveries made last year alone came in with a different idea. PARTICULARLY ration and development as- are expected to add 150 mil- We were successful because CONSIDERING sets in the MENA and CIS lion barrels to the country’s we thought differently than THE FAILURE OF regions. By the end of 2012, scope of possible reserves. the previous companies from ALL THE MAJOR its investment in Oman will “We have brought new pro- a geological point of view,” COMPANIES exceed $350 million, and in jects into production through said CEO Shahrokh Etebar. BEFORE US.” the anticipation of new dis- the application of new tech- A US-educated petroleum coveries, Etebar said the nologies and we have em- “AS A RESULT OF how and technologies that engineer and former Texa- Shahrokh Etebar, CEO of company plans to invest an barked on a number of EOR SIMILARITIES we require,” he states. co executive, Etebar explains CC Energy Development additional $400 to $500 mil- techniques, some of which are BETWEEN THE The government is hoping that the others believed that lion over the next five years. a world first and which we are U.S. AND OMAN that new exploration will the oil ‘kitchen’ (the source very proud of. All these pro- WITH REGARDS boost daily production over that creates the oil) in the jects have contributed posi- TO EOR, THE U.S. the million barrel mark in the blocks was not mature and tively to our goal of increasing OFFERS LOTS OF near future. “The oil and gas that the oil must be migrat- production. We have seen a THE KNOW-HOW sector is the vital nerve cen- ing from other areas west of steady increase in production AND tre of the national economy the blocks. Contrarily, CCED year-on-year and are aiming TECHNOLOGIES and its contribution to na- felt there was too much oil to produce around 915,000 THAT WE tional income is projected to in the block’s reservoirs for barrels per day (b/d) of oil this REQUIRE.” reach 81% of the total this year. a migration of that distance. year.” Consequently, the Sultanate In addition, a 1986 discovery Increased exploration has Mohammed Hamad Al Rumhy, places great importance on by a Japanese company led also played a key role in rais- Minister of Oil and Gas the sector and we are deter- them to believe the migra- ing production rates, and the mined to make inroads in pro- tion path was not in a west- government continues to en- duction to achieve at least a ward direction at all. courage new participation in carbon profile. Therefore, the million b/d,” Rumhy said. “Our belief was that the oil the sector. Indeed, 12 new ex- strategy is to invite compa- Furthermore, the oil and migration was vertical, and ploration blocks were ten- nies with technical capabilities gas sector not only represents the previous assumption that dered last year, and Oman’s and experience that can add a lucrative economic activity the kitchen in that area was oil and gas sector is ripe for value by providing new tech- for Oman, but it is also a huge not mature was not true. We American technology, said the nology. As a result of similar- employer, especially of Omani drilled a couple more wells minister. ities between the US and nationals. Indeed, according that proved that we were “Oman has a very interest- Oman with regards to EOR, to Rumhy, “Omanisation” lev- right – there was a source ing but challenging hydro- the US offers lots of the know- els have reached over 80%. rock and the migration was

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA TODAY did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content Distributed by USA TODAY OMAN Monday, November 19, 2012 9 Oman well-oiled as OOC delivers growth

A business enterprise knowledge transfer to ensure which prides itself on economic growth in Oman. expansion and networking Becoming one of the main is starting to reach its energy and infrastructure in- maximum potential within vestors in the region is one of the industry the company’s aims. Develop- ing links with the hydrocar- If Omanis have an organisa- bon industry and the OOC’s portfolio includes 32 tion of which they can be fundamentals of investing and investments across 10 countries, proud, it is Oman Oil Compa- portfolio management has al- including the UAE, Spain (shown ny (OOC), one of the coun- so given OOC the edge. here) and China try’s leading oil firms. Its focus Adding value to Omani oil on diversification and invest- and gas has been another main ment has helped it become a theme in the company’s local major player within its sector. investments. It has successfully A vital part of the compa- established several projects in ny’s strategy is the focus on the country that diversify the sustainable growth when economy and provide addi- choosing partners. At the mo- tional employment opportu- ment the firm’s portfolio is nities. Thus far, OOC has comprised of investments Ahmed Al Wahaibi already provided 7,000 jobs. across Europe, the Middle CEO of Oman Oil Company OOC’s projects also help East and Asia. In addition to to attract significant foreign its overseas investments, the country’s efforts to diver- direct investment (FDI). The OOC is one of the leading sify the Omani economy and company diversifies invest- partners in the local devel- to promote Omani and foreign ment internationally to gen- opment of the Duqm Eco- private-sector investment. erate growth with stable nomic Zone through OOC’s local and interna- income and attracts global initiatives like the planned re- tional investment covers ar- majors to develop projects in finery and petrochemical eas such as exploration and Oman. Indeed, FDI constitutes complex which is expected to production, metals and re- 47% of OOC’s total invest- be completed in 2017. fining. Over the years, it has ments, which are distributed in OOC is a commercial in- built a strong portfolio of in- the GCC countries, Europe The company was established in vestment company owned by vestments and partnerships and Asia. 1996 in part to promote private the government of the Sul- with global companies, while OOC has also developed sector investment tanate of Oman. It was incor- focusing on its main princi- many training and career op- porated in 1996 to strengthen ples of value creation and portunities. For Daleel, patience pays off

Production on the Daleel oil field (discovered by a Japanese firm in 1989) increased substantially once Daleel Petroleum LLC took over in 2002

“There are many reasons be- then you will miss out on op- 4,500 barrels per day (b/d) at fields and we have had good hind our success here, but the portunities,” said the CEO of its onset to more than 38,000 “IN MY OPINION, results. In my opinion, a ma- number one is patience. We Daleel Petroleum, Gong b/d in 2012 and boosting es- A MAJOR jor challenge means a major are very patient when it Changli. timated reserves from 10 mil- CHALLENGE opportunity, and there are comes to investing time, cap- Established in 2002 as a lion barrels in 2002 to 145 MEANS A MAJOR many opportunities in ital and human resources. In 50/50 joint venture between million barrels today. Now OPPORTUNITY, Oman.” Oman, you have to spend China National Petroleum the third largest producer in AND THERE ARE Looking forward, Changli more time and capital in or- Company and the Omani the country after Petroleum MANY said the company is prepar- der to develop your opera- multinational, MB Holding, Development Oman and OPPORTUNITIES ing for the tertiary phase of tions. If you don’t want to to take over the concession Oxy, the company is target- IN OMAN.” exploration in which it will spend time on doing the nec- for Block 5, Daleel Petrole- ing 50,000 b/d by 2015. use enhanced oil recovery essary studies, you will not um employed horizontal wa- “Our operations can be Gong Changli, techniques. So far, pilot pro- have the chance to invest the ter-flooding technology, broken down into three CEO of Daleel Petroleum jects have showed positive capital. And if you don’t want successfully increasing pro- stages. The first was from results. Next year, Daleel will to invest the initial capital, duction in the block from 2002-2004, which was the launch a cutting edge 3D study and understanding pe- seismic data analysis that the riod when we were only pro- CEO feels is likely to show ducing to cover our costs. In the presence of gas as well. 2004-2007, we had a period “This will allow us to see of stable increases. In Block today, we went through a pe- “So it all depends on your what is going on in the en- 5, we have four fields, and riod that we call the ‘jump strategy. We were looking at tire block at about 3 miles the main one is Daleel. So in increase’. If you look at our the long-term prospects and below the surface. It is also the second stage we focused production charts, you will not just short term benefits. very likely that we may dis- on the Daleel field and see a dramatic increase of We have been injecting wa- cover tight gas, which will drilled the first pilot well us- about 20% per year during ter in Daleel field since 2004 be a challenge for us as we ing the horizontal well tech- this period. In 2012, I believe and this has been the main are specialised in oil. So if we Between 2008 and 2012, Daleel’s nology paralleled with we will finally be able to pro- reason of our success. In do find some gas, we will production grew by 20% per year water-flood injectors. In the duce more than 13 million 2008, we started using this have to see what to do with third stage from 2008 until barrels,” said Changli. technology in all the four it,” he said. Al Ghalbi brings value to Oman Dozens of companies such as Al Ghalbi actively participate in the sultanate’s vision to create more jobs and add value to the Omani economy

The recent Arab Spring was a key catalyst for has become involved in construction, the pro- the development of the In Country Value (ICV) vision of “High Density Bentonite” lines, de- strategy in Oman, a drive to create jobs for Oma- molition and pipeline maintenance – it has just nis through increased procurement of local been awarded a new five-year contract to con- goods and services. tinue maintenance of PDO’s entire 5,000-mile Though the ICV strategy is new, in practice pipeline for the whole of Oman. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the Today Al Ghalbi works with many national largest employer and producer of oil and gas and international companies – including Daleel in Oman, has supported the Omani people Petroleum, Occidental Oman, Shell and Oman for decades, working with local community Gas – and employs approximately 700 people, businesses. of which over 60% are Omanis involved at every One such business, Al Ghalbi, level of the company including up- International Engineering & Con- per management. Al Ghalbi also tracting (www.alghalbi.com), helps local communities by sup- owned by Sheikh Ali Suleym Al porting water projects and infra- Junaibi, is a pioneer in helping lo- structure. cal communities benefit directly Sheikh Al Junaibi, chairman and from big business. CEO of Al Ghalbi, said: “The new Al Ghalbi was created in 1998 ICV strategy in Oman, is a great op- under the Local Community Con- portunity for Al Ghalbi, one of the tractor (LCC) initiative, a process original local community busi- introduced by the Ministry of Oil & Gas (MOG) nesses to work with the oil and gas industry. Al to ensure local communities could benefit from Ghalbi now works within the framework of ICV the oil and gas industry in Oman. As a result, across sectors from oil and gas to agriculture and PDO contacted local tribes to inform them manufacturing. about works that needed to be carried out and “Oman is an open and transparent country. the opportunities available to contractors. It’s a great place to do business and the invest- Sheikh Ali Al Junaibi was contacted by PDO ment climate is very attractive. It’s easy for any and in due course he set up Al Ghalbi, a family business to come to Oman and companies like company to provide mechanical works to PDO. PDO and Oman Gas are excellent partners. To- With support and training from PDO and the day there are many opportunities in Oman, for MOG, Al Ghalbi landed its first contract to cold example in the development of the manufac- cut old pipes for scrap and took on 10 employ- turing industry in Duqm where the government ees. Since then it has not looked back. Al Ghalbi is currently seeking partners,” he concluded.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA TODAY did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content 10 Monday, November 19, 2012 OMAN Distributed by USA TODAY Commerce and industry toward 2020 Oman is diversifying its economy away from oil and gas, placing a special emphasis on the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

Oman’s oil and gas sector has frastructure, government in- food processing, building ma- Over the past 10 years, in- These estates are mainly geared long served as the backbone centives, political stability and terials, fertilisers and heavy dustry in Oman has grown at around light and consumer in- of the nation’s economy, pro- natural resources. metals are key diversifiers of a rate of 16% while the contri- dustries, while further indus- jected to contribute 81% to Nevertheless, the limited the Oman economy which will bution of industrial and com- trial estates are already planned. the national income this year availability of local workforce provide a future for Omani en- mercial activities has reached However the availability of and employing much of the with the adequate skill sets trepreneurs and employment 10.3%. While the country has gas remains a potential obsta- population. and expertise are key chal- opportunities for Oman’s concentrated on heavy indus- cle for industrial development. However, despite a resurge lenges for new emergent sec- young and fast growing pop- try in a series of ports with at- While Oman has signed a in oil production in the coun- tors. It is in skills development ulation. Indeed it is Oman’s tached industrial centres and number of LNG supply con- try recently and the hard work and technological advance- young population and the free zones such as Sohar and tracts, there is a limited amount of the government in accom- ment that Oman wants to tap country’s industrial develop- Salalah ports, Oman also has of gas left over for industrial modating the needs of this into international manage- ment which hold great poten- eight industrial estates de- users, meaning the authorities now fast growing sector, the ment and expertise. This tial for creating jobs for Omani signed to ensure balanced have to be very selective when availability of oil and gas re- mood echoes the sending of 50 nationals towards 2020. growth across the country. it comes to allocating gas. mains a challenge for the de- Omanis overseas this year for velopment of the industry. It expert training and qualifica- is clear that diversification is Ali al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce tion in the field of business, needed if the country is to and Industry who will return to Oman to achieve its 2020 vision of aid the development of the boosting its capabilities and plans to develop renewable small to medium enterprise broadening its sources of in- energy projects to offset (SME) sector. come to reduce the country’s changes in gas supply and to SMEs constitute a huge part dependency on oil. open more opportunities for of the trade institutions in “Large industries have been foreign investment. Compa- Oman, more than 90% of the a great contributor to national nies like the Oman Oil Com- total number of companies income, but such plants are pany (OOC) are employing and around 20% of the coun- highly automated and there- new technologies gleaned try’s gross domestic product fore can create only a limited from partners in the United (GDP). The government is amount of jobs,” said Minis- States, enabling a bounce back largely to thank for this, hav- ter of Commerce and Indus- of supply and a year-on-year ing shown strong support for try, Eng. Ali Masoud Al increase in production levels. the development of the SME Sunaidy, noting the need for Foreign investors are at- sector through funds like the diversification. tracted by Oman’s competi- SME Development Fund. Indeed, diversity is coming. tive advantages: the country’s SMEs, along with the main In the immediate future lie location, well-developed in- manufacturing industries of Oman has rich deposits of chrome, copper, marble and iron ore GMM makes Oman global The Omani chrome supplier oasis of peace Oman today offers a unique symbiosis of some of the finest and most advanced civilizations of the world Since 2005, GMM has “WITH OUR ore. With our intense marketing been a significant player INTENSE and mining efforts, today it is in developing Oman’s vast MARKETING AND the third largest exporter of The intimidating effects of adroitness of their monarch mineral resources MINING EFFORTS, chrome ore to China,” he said. political disruptions never and they feel blessed. TODAY WE ARE Named Ernst & Young’s Mid- assumed seismic propor- Forty-two years ago, when Rumours of the existence of sub- THE THIRD dle East Emerging Entrepreneur tions in Oman. It would be the sultanate, led by its stantial reserves of chrome ore LARGEST of the Year last year, Al Hady an understatement to say young and visionary ruler sent Abdullah Ahmad Sulaiman EXPORTER OF now has a new goal – to posi- that the sultanate skirted H.M. Sultan Qaboos initiat- Al Hady scurrying over Oman’s CHROME ORE TO tion his company as leader of the what the Western media so ed the Renaissance to take an mountains for a mine of his own. CHINA.” entire mineral industry in enthusiastically hailed as inward looking nation to the It took him two years to find it Oman, adding new minerals, ‘Arab Spring’. The contagion, threshold of the 21st century, and led to the establishment of Abdullah Ahmad Sulaiman like iron ore, zinc and gypsum in fact, was tamed, captivat- little did the world imagine Gulf Mining Materials Co. Al Hady, Chairman of GMM to its specialties. ed and stripped of its thun- that so onerous a task could (GMM) in 2005. “This will stem from GMM’s der in Oman. The sultanate be achieved so fluently in Today, in addition to mining foray into more minerals apart quickly seized the opportu- such a record time. large quantities of chrome ore, from chrome ore. We are steadi- nity to push forward some There is no debate on the GMM is the only company in ing company, there are a lot of through our consistent efforts ly moving in that direction and of the pending reforms, fact that Oman today Oman making chrome concen- opportunities available to us for to establish the GMM name and will also contribute substantial- brought in several adminis- stands head over shoulders trate using low-grade chrome operating mines in other coun- our cost efficiencies, we have ly to the realisation of His trative changes and created above the rest of other Gulf ore which otherwise is not usable. tries. This is particularly true in been able to establish our prod- Majesty’s goal of reducing new economic opportuni- and North African coun- GMM has interests in marble Albania, South Africa, Egypt ucts successfully in China and In- Oman’s reliance on oil,” he said. ties for the sons and daugh- tries in terms of stability, mining and processing (having and Kazakhstan, though we are dia, which has resulted in Other medium-term goals, ters of this soil. both political and econom- a modern marble processing also considering expansion in continuous demand despite the according to Kanwal Gambhir, The Renaissance thus as- ic, peacefulness, and in plant with the latest technolo- new markets like Russia and recession and competition.” CEO of GMM, are to establish sumed a new dimension, availability of amenities — gy), limestone, iron ore, laterite, Vietnam,” explains GMM Chair- Indeed, GMM has been in- a ferrochrome plant (for which gained a new height and civic, health care, financial manganese, gypsum, shipping, man Al Hady. strumental in placing Oman on construction begins this year), took a giant leap forward to- etc. And according to ac- minerals trading and hospitali- “As far as competition goes, we the global map of chrome ore to hire an additional 600 peo- wards the next level of excel- claimed international in- ty. The company’s operations are market leaders at home now, mining and exporting countries ple in the next five years, and lence. H.M. Sultan Qaboos dexes, Oman occupies the span Oman, UAE, Egypt, Turkey, and set the price for Oman – an achievement that Al Hady to boost its mineral business bin Said once again, in a dis- top position in the entire Albania, South Africa, China, chrome ore. The major compe- counts as his greatest success. in Albania and South Africa play of astuteness, showed Gulf region as the best place India, Thailand and Singapore. tition in chrome comes from “Until 2006, Oman was nowhere and its aluminium alloy busi- that even disruptions can of- to live in and do business. “As an expert chrome ore min- South Africa and Turkey, but on that list of suppliers of chrome ness in the UAE. fer opportunities for growth One of the principal cor- and development. The air in nerstones of the sultanate’s the sultanate got permeated stability lies in its unique for- with the fragrance of sweep- eign policy, which is marked ing and effective changes. by balancing interests, toler- For AVOD, food a priority Oman’s aspirations and ance toward differences, and the demands of its country- a determined search for mu- During these difficult and goes to the Middle East,” he said. content merely with what has men have always been per- tual benefits. While others volatile times, the Omani “We also have niche prod- been achieved. Instead he has ceptibly different from those in the Middle East were company has managed to ucts for export where we part- a keen eye on the future. of their regional brethren — busy pursuing policies dri- progress both at home, ner with distributors’ brands. “We have to be proactive. both in terms of essence and ven by ideology and short- with its market leading We are becoming the hub for Even though there are skills character. The aspiration of term gains, Oman pursued brands, and abroad supporting the manufactur- which are not available in this nation was to seek im- its own course, holding on ing activities of multinational Oman today, we are commit- provement of the lives of cit- to the belief that peaceful co- Despite the various challenges companies such as Kraft, ted to training the local work- izens and not to radicalize existence is critical to the faced, Areej Vegetable Oils & Unilever and Heinz in the busi- force and developing Omanis the society or the adminis- holistic, long-term goals of Derivatives (AVOD) has truly ness of oils, fats, margarine in the skills they can pick up tration, but to purge it of all security and prosperity. The stood the test of time. Having and mayonnaise in the GCC quickly,” he said. that may potentially derail country had been an ex- been established in 1982, the and North Africa.” Employees are given sub- the nation off its path of tremely reliable broker of company overcame the crash The group, he said, is “fully stantial benefits. Private med- continuous development. peace in the past — a bene- of oil prices in 1985 to later be- automated and vertically inte- ical insurance is provided by Four decades of relentless factor of global security. come the thriving business it grated”. It has in place the SAP the firm for workers and spe- development have not only The vision and dy- is today. management system and com- cial attention is given to de- created a prosperous and namism of H.M. Sultan Qa- It is now one of the 15 largest Prem Maker, Executive Director of pany workers enjoy working in veloping the strengths of the wealthy Oman but also a boos portrayed a certain companies in Oman, and em- AVOD a modern computer-aided en- local workforce, and AVOD new generation of emanci- idea of Oman and engaged ploys around 600 workers. The vironment. Technology is im- does its utmost to create a good pated, proud and an em- all his energy in the restora- company manufactures and as to how it has become suc- ported and the group is well working atmosphere. Any powered population. The tion of its past glories on the markets products such as cook- cessful in Oman and also carved capable of dealing with techni- wonder that it is going further emancipated and proud na- foundations of its legacy to ing oils, margarines, mayon- out an export niche cal issues in maintenance and than many other firms. tionals of the country, the achieve the best of the naise and butter products. With “We are dominant in the lo- project work. children of the Renaissance, modern Western and East- AVOD currently expanding and cal market with almost 70% AVOD has greatly enhanced are contented with the ern civilizations. preparing to construct a new market share in Oman, which Oman’s employment prospects. facility, these are heady days for we cover with 30% of our total Maker explains that the com- this vibrant firm. output. Another 60% of our bal- pany employs around 600 peo- Prem Maker, executive di- ance goes to the GCC coun- ple, around 60% of whom are rector of the company explains tries, and the remaining 10% Omanis. However, Maker is not

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA TODAY did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content Distributed by USA TODAY OMAN Monday, November 19, 2012 11 Two traditional sectors still strong

The agriculture and fishing sectors make up a significant portion of the country’s exports, while employing nearly a tenth of the population

Although the tough world fiscal the sustainability of national sification in Oman. The foun- tivated area. Agricultural pro- trol diseases with the livestock, climate has left many economies fisheries. dations have been laid and we duction has been augmented by two-thirds of which is goats. relatively stagnant, Oman has “As we are endeavouring to are seeking experienced, com- effective management and util- The Omani government has seen annual growth rate in both transform the fishing sector in- mitted and technically compe- isation of the available resources, placed considerable impor- its fishing and agriculture sectors to a modern one this should be tent companies to benefit from i.e. applying modern irrigation tance on both its agriculture of 11.5% and 6.3% respectively. carried out in a more sustainable the opportunities presented. The systems, using green houses, and and fishing industries, which The agriculture sector has manner and in harmony with sector will provide new busi- adopting hydroponics and oth- Dr Al Sajwani calls “the back- achieved a remarkable progress the environment,” explained Dr ness opportunities, employment er techniques. In order to sustain bone of the economy.” He adds during the last four decades. The Hamed Said Al Oufi, Under- for young Omanis and will main- the sector, which makes up 0.8% that the ministry’s hard work growth rate exceeded 10% dur- secretary for Fisheries Wealth, tain the competitiveness of the of the national GDP, the Min- will encourage future invest- ing the last five-year develop- noting that around 95% of fish Sultanate at regional and inter- istry of Agriculture and Fisheries ments: “We are committed to ment plan, which is far beyond production in Oman comes national levels of the fish farm- is developing a national strate- developing an advanced, sus- the target set in the Vision 2020. from traditional methods. “We ing industry. gy to protect water resources tainable and socially responsi- This was achieved despite the look for strategic partners and Besides fisheries, agriculture and increase productivity, using ble sector that will provide fact that Oman is geographically companies that are more so- plays an important role in Oman, advanced technology not only attractive returns to investors located in a difficult climate zone cially responsible and have a with over 70,000 hectares of cul- for pest control, but also to con- and lasting benefits to Oman.” resulting in limited rainfall and more sustainable approach.” therefore limited availability of Dr. Fuad Jafar Al Sajwani, Furthermore, Omani fisheries ground water and other water Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries export more than half of their resources. nearly 160,000 tonnes of fish per According to the Omani ities and provide lucrative sub- year mainly to countries in the Minister of Agriculture and sidies to them.” GCC, Asia and Europe. Fisheries, Dr Fuad Jafar Al In fact, within the fishing Oman is also currently im- Sajwani, “Almost one-tenth of sector, which makes up 0.5% of plementing fish farming, which the population either work in the country’s total GDP, the the minister believes will un- or live on these two sectors. government has put signifi- leash “huge untapped potential.” That is why the government is cant measures in place to pre- Fish farming is a most promis- so keen to support these activ- vent overfishing and ensure ing activity for economic diver- Sustainable and successful fishing Oman Fisheries Company is one of the largest private companies in Oman, heavily exporting to Europe and Asia and looking to expand further to the US

Oman enjoys over 1,800 miles offices for sourcing from India the way of life of local fisher- of coastline and its pristine wa- and Vietnam. men, while at the same time im- ters teem with fish and shell- Said Al Rawahi, General proved quality of stock. We’ve fish. Its lucrative fishing industry Manager of OFC, aims to in- trained fishermen on how to has an output of 170,000 tonnes crease the turnover to RO40 recognise, take care of and en- per year and is considered the million by 2015 but does not hance the quality of the catch.” country’s most important non- believe that such ambitious ex- Founded in 1987, no one oil source of income. pansion plans should come at a shareholder is entitled to take With a net worth of RO18 cost to the environment or the more than a 0.25% stake in the Trawling was banned in Oman’s fishing sector, one that makes up 2% of the nation’s total gross domestic product million ($47 million) Oman local community. In fact, OFC company. Local fishermen – Fisheries Company (OFC) ranks recently voted in favour of the who also make up most of its 250 take advantage of soaring glob- “Fish farming is an excellent However, in order to maximise amongst the largest publicly government ban on trawler fish- strong fleet – own 70% of the al seafood demand, Oman’s fish- opportunity for overseas in- the potential of fish farming here owned companies in Oman ing – a practice known to de- company. Of OFC’s annual ing industry plans to further vestors to explore in Oman. Our we need to create our own with over 17,000 shareholders. stroy underwater ecosystems catch of 35,000 metric tonnes, develop its fishing infrastruc- advantage is that we do not have hatcheries and seek partners in It owns four plants in Oman, and deplete fish stocks. the majority is exported to Eu- ture. Al Rawahi believes that heavy industries so our pollu- this area. For those investors with a fifth under construction, Al Rawahi explains: “In sup- rope, the US, China and the Far Oman’s fishing industry offers tion levels are extremely low. that take a stake in the devel- and has international opera- porting a ban on trawling, we East. significant potential for in- We conducted a pilot project opment of Oman’s fishing sec- tions in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, have created a win-win situation In order to grow the lucra- vestors, particularly in the area for fish farming at OFC, which tor the rewards will prove Bahrain and two representative which benefits the environment, tive fishing sector in Oman and of fish farming. proved to be very successful. extremely lucrative.” Higher education, A long-term top priority research strategy The Research Council its economic growth and opment plans, are: achiev- Wider access to higher education to help innovation and entrepreneurism is one of (TRC) in Oman is set to prosperity and Oman, with ing research excellence in the principle aims of the government of Oman lead the way in the its rich oil reserves, will fields of national impor- development of a prosper from the formation tance; creating a supportive The Sultanate of Oman is owned institutions with part- national plan for of this new body. environment for research; committed to establishing nerships with the private sec- scientific research within TRC has developed a Na- and disseminating knowl- wider access to quality high- tor. This model is proving the sultanate tional Research Strategy for edge and utilising academ- er education to help to drive successful, with courses at those Oman. Dr Hilal Ali Al Hi- ic research. forward national social and universities meeting current Established in June 2005 by nai, Secretary General of One important area of economic growth. demands within the tourism Royal Decree, the policy- The Research Council, said: strength for TRC is the oil The Sultanate has seen a and maritime industries. making body and funding “When we started devel- industry within Oman. rapid expansion of the high- As the educational system agency is responsible for oping the strategy and pro- Challenging oil reservoirs er education system over the within Oman matures, so too encouraging and promot- grammes for TRC, we had require new technologies last 18 years. Only one pri- will the donor culture. The gov- ing research, innovation to take stock of what we for recovery of the more dif- vate college existed in the ernment must ensure that qual- and science to create value have in terms of research ficult to reach reserves. country in 1995, but a further ity is injected into the system, for business, markets and capacity. Oman has become re- 18 colleges have been added not only to secure top-class to enhance the needs of the “The challenge is how to spected internationally for to the educational system outputs but also to encourage wider society. capture value not only from using the latest Enhanced since then. Together with Dr Rawiyah Al Busaidiyah, Minister and attract funding from ex- The formation of TRC is knowledge generated Oil Recovery (EOR) tech- state-funded institutions, to- of Higher Education ternal sources. a significant step in the sci- through domestic research nologies in its reservoirs. tal enrolment in higher edu- Additional spaces added to entific development of but also the knowledge EOR can be used as a ve- cation within the country was One of the major challenges the education system, together Oman. Research is funda- available internationally. In hicle for developing re- over 81,000 students for the facing many of the new tertiary with wider access for those who mentally impor- our research strategy we search and innovation academic year 2010/2011, educational institutions in wish to study at a higher level, tant for a support knowledge gener- capacity to meet the needs equating the about 29% of the Oman is funding. Securing a will help to ensure Oman is at nation to ation via research but we of the country in areas such 18-24 age cohort. world-class learning establish- the forefront of science, tech- build are also trying to complete as renewable energy. For State-owned higher edu- ment can be expensive, par- nology and other subjects of na- the cycle, so that we cap- example, gas is currently cation institutions still pro- ticularly if locals are to be tional interest. ture value from research ex- used to heat steam which vide the majority of seats, enticed to study at home rather penditure. The value could is pumped into the ground soon to be bolstered by the than taking places in major uni- be in finding a solution to to reduce viscosity of the establishment of a new uni- versities abroad. The govern- a social problem, or creat- oil, improving recovery versity for science and tech- ment recognises this as a ing jobs for the young peo- rates. With funding from nology, Oman University. potential problem and has in- ple coming out of the the TRC, researchers may Dr Rawiyah Al Busaidiyah, jected a “one-time endowment” education system.” be able to develop solar en- Minister of Higher Education of some $44 million to quali- The main themes of the ergy for heating steam, said: “This very exciting pro- fying universities. National Research Strate- rather than using gas. ject represents another mile- Partnerships with national gy, which are linked to the The Research Council stone in the history of higher and international companies Sultanate’s overall devel- plans to build on the ex- education in the Sultanate. are another funding model that pertise from Oman’s oil and Oman University is expected is being considered. The Oman TRC is the government body in gas industry to carry out in- to open its doors in 2016 and, Tourism College and the In- charge of research-related policies ternationally recognised re- over the succeeding decade, ternational Maritime college and allocation of the funds for search into contemporary to enrol 15,000 students. of Oman are both government- research projects ways of working.

Our World Insert is produced by United World. USA TODAY did not participate in its preparation and is not responsible for its content