http://www.zawya.com/middle-east/countries/omanen-usCopyright 2012 Zawya Ltd. All rights reserved.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:29:00 GMT5014476http://www.zawya.com/middle-east/countries/omanhttp://www.zawya.com/images/newsletter_zawya_logo.gifhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120214032939/GCC_Turkey_eye_deeper_tiesGulf hydrocarbon producers and Turkey are considering creating a $10-million company to undertake joint investment in the two regions as part of an agreement to expand commercial and investment ties.Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:49:52 GMTEmirates 24|7 ZAWYA20120214032939Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120214033019/Women_not_quite_on_top_in_GCC_firms_surveyDespite all the talk about a reducing gender gap in corporate board rooms, women still continue to be in minority across the world.Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:49:09 GMTEmirates 24|7 ZAWYA20120214033019Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120214035704/Shell_Chair_at_SQU_discusses_future_energy_journeyShell completed successfully an energy seminar led by Shell technical experts Devin Garrity, Shareholder Representative and Director and Dr Elaine Leith, Shell Technology Oman Manager who shared the Shell story on 'The Journey Towards Future Energy'.Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:35:15 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120214035704Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120214040103/Oman_Sohar_Bulk_Terminal_to_launch_operations_soonAn Omani-Indian consortium will spend around $45 million in the development of superstructure and storage yard facilities linked to the operation of a new Bulk Minerals Terminal at the Port of Sohar.Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:31:46 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120214040103Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120214040138/Nawras_GCC_SmartRoamer_rates_lower_than_new_TRA_targetsNawras, Oman's customer friendly communications provider, continues to lead the telecommunications market in Oman with attractive GCC roaming rates that are offering fantastic value for customers as well as making it easier to get closer when travelling. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:31:21 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120214040138Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120214040226/BankMuscat_unveils_dynamic_Private_Banking_strategyBankMuscat, the flagship financial institution in the Sultanate, took Private Banking services to a new level unveiling a dynamic brand and business strategy and an exclusive branch at the headquarters yesterday.Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:30:45 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120214040226Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120214040309/ODB_support_for_SMEs_laudedShaikh Saad bin Mohammed al Saadi, Minister of Commerce and Industry, commended the important role played by Oman Development Bank (ODB) in supporting and financing the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:29:59 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120214040309Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120214040345/Pact_to_support_social_initiatives_in_Oman National Bank of Oman (NBO) one of the leading banks in Oman, in keeping with its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), has announced the signing of an agreement with the Ministry of Social Development, to finance various projects supervised by the ministry.Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:29:29 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120214040345Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120214040416/Jobs_in_private_sector_discussed_in_OmanThe Committee on Job-seekers at the Majlis Ash'shura yesterday continued its meetings to discuss the issue of job-seekers. The meeting was chaired by Shaikh Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis Ash'shura and the committee chief.Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:28:49 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120214040416Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZW20120213000041/Gulf_states_havent_formally_mulled_plan_if_Hormuz_shutSourceGulf oil producers aren't formally considering a contingency plan to mitigate the impact of any blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the sea route through which about a fifth of the world's oil is shipped, a Kuwait oil official said Monday, downplaying threats from Tehran.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:15:26 GMTZawya Dow Jones News ZW20120213000041Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidpdf_130212075730/OAB_Al_Arabi_GCC_Virtual_Portfolio_13Feb12This is a PDF report. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:55:00 GMTOman Arab Bank SAOC pdf_130212075730Subscriptionhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120213031825/Older_Gulf_hotels_look_to_renovateOlder properties across the Gulf will undergo major renovations to keep pace with the quality of new supply, with some even closing for complete refurbishment, according to a new report by hospitality business property advisor Christie + Co.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:47:19 GMTEmirates 24|7 ZAWYA20120213031825Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120213034610/Al_Omaniya_Financial_2011_net_jumps_1694Al Omaniya Financial Services, the Sultanate's largest non-banking financial company (NBFC), declared its audited results for the year 2011 showing a Net Profit of RO 4.831 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of 16.94 per cent over the previous year.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:43:00 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120213034610Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120213034615/Hyundai_well_geared_for_Musandam_Gas_Plant_executionKorean construction giant Hyundai Engineering & Construction has pledged to deploy its formidable resources and capabilities in ensuring the timely implementation of the Musandam Gas Plant project - an investment of vital importance to the governorate's long-term economic and social development.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:41:52 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120213034615Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120213034942/Omanoil_signs_deal_with_PCD_for_new_filling_station_in_Sohars_industrial_zoneOman Oil Marketing Company (omanoil) has signed an agreement with local community contractor, Port City Development (PCD), for the establishment of a state-of-the-art forecourt located in Sohar's industrial area which will feature a filling station, ahlain convenience store and quick service restaurants to serve a perpetually growing demand.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:40:38 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120213034942Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120213035410/New_banknotes_introduced_in_OmanThe Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has introduced upgraded Omani banknotes of the denominations RO 10 and RO 5 with additional security features. From today, these new banknotes shall be in circulation as legal tender along with the existing banknotes which shall continue to remain legal tender, and circulated side-by-side with these new notes.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:39:51 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120213035410Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120213035723/New_urban_planning_set_in_OmanThe Supreme Committee for Town Planning yesterday reviewed a number of urban planning projects, including initiatives for the redevelopment of Masirah Island and Ghala Industrial Area.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:37:25 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120213035723Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120213053122/NACA_holds_palliative_care_course_for_nurses_in_OmanThe National Association for Cancer Awareness (NACA) in an effort to provide patient support is conducting an introductory course in palliative care for community and hospital nurses in Oman.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:52:59 GMTMuscat Daily ZAWYA20120213053122Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120213053145/GAC_Oman_joins_Muscat_Daily_paper_recycling_initiativeGlobal shipping and logistics giant GAC recently joined Muscat Daily's recycling awareness campaign. Recycling in any form is one of the easiest ways to enhance awareness among people, according to a press release.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:51:50 GMTMuscat Daily ZAWYA20120213053145Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120213053310/Muscat_Finance_mulls_Islamic_finance_entryMuscat Finance Company, one of Oman's leading finance and leasing companies, has said that it is conducting a feasibility study on expansion into Islamic finance. The company will also renew its focus to expand its business and market share in existing segments.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:51:08 GMTMuscat Daily ZAWYA20120213053310Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120213053340/BankMuscat_rolls_out_IT_recovery_solutionBankMuscat said it has achieved a unique disaster recovery capability covering all of the bank's information technology-based operations. The scale and complexity of the solution, implemented by HP, makes the BankMuscat capability the first of its kind in Oman and the region, a press release said.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:48:36 GMTMuscat Daily ZAWYA20120213053340Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120213053508/MSM_posts_highest_gains_this_yearThe MSM30 index ended last week (February 6-9) with the highest weekly gain this year, adding 1.04 per cent to 5,622.18, with all the sectoral indices in green territory.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:09:51 GMTMuscat Daily ZAWYA20120213053508Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidGN_12022012_130218/Oman_prepares_to_roll_out_latest_4G_technologyThe interest of the expatriate customer base will be at the fore even as former monopoly Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) gears up to provide Long Term Evolution (LTE) 4G technology for consumers in the country.Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:35:02 GMTGulf News GN_12022012_130218Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120212105955/Mobile_operators_to_lower_rates_for_roaming_in_GCC_countriesWith the consumers' interest in mind, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Bahrain in coordination with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC) has issued an instruction to all mobile operators to implement reduced tariffs for international calls made to GCC countries while roaming in GCC countries.Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:07:55 GMTPress Release ZAWYA20120212105955Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidANA20120212T101451ZICS81/Iran_speaker_warns_Gulf_Arab_states_not_to_side_with_USIran's parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani warned Iran will not forgive Gulf Arab nations if they continue backing US "plots" against Tehran, local media reported.Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:27:49 GMTAFP ANA20120212T101451ZICS81Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120212041855/UAE_takes_lions_share_of_1t_projects_in_GCCThe UAE ranked top among GCC countries with its lion's share of $636 billion construction projects while the region has more than $1 trillion worth of major projects.Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:06:06 GMTKhaleej Times ZAWYA20120212041855Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120212033946/UES_Oman_acquires_two_Malaysian_marine_firmsUnited Engineering Services (UES), one of the leading engineering oilfield services provider and a subsidiary of MB Holding LLC, has announced the acquisition of Professional Power Craft (PPC) International Sdn Bhd and Wise Marine assets.Sun, 12 Feb 2012 07:45:54 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120212033946Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120212033833/National_United_wins_RO_32m_Wadi_Sahtin_road_contractonstruction work on the Wadi Sahtin road project -- a 30-kilometre blacktop whose implementation was decreed by His Majesty the Sultan early last year -- is due to commence shortly.Sun, 12 Feb 2012 06:50:26 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120212033833Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120212034253/Muscat_Finance_Company_unveils_new_identityThe Sultanate's leading financial services provider, Muscat Finance Co Ltd SAOG has officially unveiled a significant change to its corporate identity, as part of celebrating 25 glorious years in Oman.Sun, 12 Feb 2012 06:49:06 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120212034253Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120212052450/ROP_discusses_road_safety_concerns_with_NGOs_private_sector_officialsThe ROP recently held a meeting with representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private sector to discuss measures on how to reduce road accidents in Oman.Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:46:52 GMTMuscat Daily ZAWYA20120212052450Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120212052511/Oman_becomes_a_member_of_the_Apostille_TreatyCitizens of several countries such as Germany, India, the Netherlands, South Africa, South Korea, UK, US, Turkey, Russia, France and Australia will see a change in document attestation rules if they plan to move to Oman on a work visa in the future.Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:45:35 GMTMuscat Daily ZAWYA20120212052511Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120212052533/Omantel_to_invest_RO84mn_on_its_network_in_2012Omantel will be least affected by the recent GCC ruling to slash regional roaming rates, according to CEO Dr Amer al Rawas, adding that the telecom company is looking to invest around RO84mn on its network this year.Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:45:13 GMTMuscat Daily ZAWYA20120212052533Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120212052617/SMN_Powers_profit_soars_222_in_2011SMN Power Holding Company reported a 222 per cent rise in year-on-year net profit in 2011. Net profit surged to RO3.8mn from RO1.2mn in 2010, according to a company disclosure to the Muscat Securities Market (MSM).Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:44:27 GMTMuscat Daily ZAWYA20120212052617Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120211091841/Muscat_Finance_Company_unveils_new_identityThe Sultanate's leading financial services provider, Muscat Finance Co. Ltd (SAOG) is pleased to officially unveil a significant change to its corporate identity, as part of celebrating 25 glorious years in Oman. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:30:53 GMTPress Release ZAWYA20120211091841Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120211083910/UES_Oman_secures_assets_and_operations_of_PPC_International_Sdn_Bhd__Wise_Marine_MalaysiaUnited Engineering Services (UES), one of the leading engineering oilfield services provider and a subsidiary of MB Holding LLC has announced the acquisition of Professional Power Craft (PPC) International Sdn Bhd and Wise Marine assets.Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:13:07 GMTPress Release ZAWYA20120211083910Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120211061029/Rehabilitation_of_NRIs_to_pose_huge_challenge_in_coming_years_for_GCCRehabilitation of Non Resident Indians (NRIs) returning to their home country due to the nationalization drive in many states in the GCC is going to be a huge challenge in the coming years, said former minister of Kerala, M.M Hassan.Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:50:13 GMTArab Times ZAWYA20120211061029Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120211035214/GCC_airports_expansion_woos_investorsThe massive airports expansion programs underway in the GCC countries have been attracting international aviation companies to the region as the airport operators look for technology and services to handle future growth volumes.Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:36:36 GMTThe Saudi Gazette ZAWYA20120211035214Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120211035339/Construction_machinery_business_booms_in_regionNew investors shift focus on construction machinery business amid construction boom in the region.Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:33:46 GMTThe Saudi Gazette ZAWYA20120211035339Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120211042024/GCC_mutual_fund_assets_decline_6_to_34_billionMutual fund assets in the Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC, shrank six per cent to $34 billion while global mutual fund assets grew 14 per cent to $25.9 trillion in the first half of 2011, results of survey show. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:32:03 GMTKhaleej Times ZAWYA20120211042024Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120211050303/RO_55m_for_industrial_estates_in_OmanAiming at developing high quality infrastructure for the Sultanate's various industrial estates, the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE) is implementing a number of projects at a cost exceeding RO 55 million during 2011-2012.Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:28:20 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120211050303Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120211050405/Omantel_to_roll_out_4G_servicesOmantel is planning to roll out new generation Long Term Evolution (LTE) 4G technology that will enable the delivery of wireless broadband at superior speeds. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:27:55 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120211050405Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120211050456/Jindal_Shadeed_firms_up_plans_for_500m_pelletising_project_at_SoharJindal Shadeed Iron and Steel is targeting a 2015-16 time frame for the launch of a new iron ore pelletising plant as part of its rapidly expanding steel project at the Port of Sohar. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:27:34 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120211050456Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120211050551/SMN_Power_declares_first_results_since_IPOAnnouncing its first financial results since its listing on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM), following its Initial Public Offering (IPO) last October, SMN Power Holding SAOG reported a net profit of RO 3.836 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2011. Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:26:54 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120211050551Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidpdf_100212130710/BMI_Oman_Water_Report_Jan12BMI View: Omanis can be broadly confident that the authorities will prioritise the development of the country?s water sector, as it is one of the main service provision pressure points where public discontent can make itself shown. The welcome regulatory initiatives seen during 2011 - such as the announcing of a new Power Sector Law that will include provisions for large independent water projects, such as at Al- Ghubrah - are a confidence booster for potential investors in desalination projects. Desalination is clearly going to remain a strong focus for the Sultanate through 2012. Further confirmation of Oman?s continued commitment to private water provision came in Q411, when the Oman Power and Water Procurement (OPWP) Company announced plans to develop two new independent water projects at Quriyat and Suwayq. There is also much anticipation regarding the large-scale Duqm project.- Privatisation is a watchword for the authorities. However, in the wake of the Arab Spring protests which took place during H111, which brought out a number of protestors to the streets of Muscat, there may be a slowing down of private projects and a greater focus on state-backed schemes. Under the 2012 budget, there are estimated to be 20% increases in state expenditure, which will see a larger share of state spending geared towards the water sector.- A positive sign of Oman?s continued commitment to IWPPs came in Q411, when the OPWP announced plans to develop two new independent water projects at Quriyat and Suwayq. The former will have a capacity of 40mn gallons a day (g/d) using reverse osmosis (RO) technology, while the latter will have a 50,m g/d capacity, again using RO technology.- A decision on the future of the proposed Duqm IWPP is anticipated during Q112. OPWP is expected to announce details of how the Duqm project will be structured, following a study on the scheme and how it will be linked to Oman?s main interconnected system.With greater investment in the water sectoFri, 10 Feb 2012 13:02:00 GMTBusiness Monitor International Limited pdf_100212130710Subscriptionhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidpdf_100212130122/BMI_Oman_Information_Technology_Report_Nov11The total size of the Omani IT market in 2012 is forecast by BMI to be worth US$363mn, up from an estimated US$339mn in 2011. BMI forecasts a CAGR of 6% for 2012-2016. Oman's economy is relatively well positioned, but we do not see IT spending returning to its previous rate of growth during our five-year forecast period. Meanwhile, global trends such as cloud computing, virtualisation and convergence are gaining traction in the Omani market. Oman's IT market is only about 10% of the size of the Saudi market but the government is investing in IT as part of its e-Oman initiative, the strategy to diversify the economy and computers for schools procurements. In addition to ongoing demand from the oil and gas sector, this should generate IT spending in industries such as telecoms, financial services and aviation. Oil and gas remain the main pillar of the local economy and will generate spending on customised solutions, hardware and software support. Economic reform and trade liberalisation will fuel spending by public sector organisations and private enterprises. Growth in e-commerce will also drive spending by businesses on e-commerce platforms and back-office systems.Industry DevelopmentsThe government's e-Oman goals include bridging the digital divide and making e-government services available to all people in the country. The ITA has launched a number of IT-related infrastructure projects, with one core component being an e-government services portal, which is a gateway to services offered by government departments online. During the global economic slowdown, private sector IT spending slowed, but the government kept spending on IT projects within its e-Oman framework. Government projects in education and e-services will be an important source of spending. In FY10/11, government procurements of PCs and accessories for schools by the Ministry of Education were worth around US$3.2mn. The US-Oman free trade agreement, which came into effect in January 2009, has prFri, 10 Feb 2012 12:55:00 GMTBusiness Monitor International Limited pdf_100212130122Subscriptionhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120210080630/Gulf_countries_line_up_1_trillion_of_projects_by_2020Combined with Qatar's $106bn (to be awarded) projects, more than $1 trillion worth of major new projects are expected to be completed in the GCC region between now and 2020 which is the largest construction work per capita in the world, said a statement issued by MEED Quality Awards for Projects 2012, yesterday. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:33:27 GMTThe Peninsula ZAWYA20120210080630Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120209035217/Global_mutual_fund_assets_put_at_259_trillionShashank Srivastava, acting CEO of the Qatar Financial Centre Authority, said, "The QFCA is delighted to be a sponsor once again of this latest GCC Mutual Fund Industry Survey.Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:03:08 GMTArab News ZAWYA20120209035217Openhttp://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20120209032743/Quality_top_agenda_for_1tn_GCC_projects_industryWith more than $1 trillion worth of major new projects expected to be completed in the GCC between now and 2020, the largest construction work per capita in the world, industry stakeholders are setting up initiatives to ensure these new projects are completed to the highest standards of quality.Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:34:04 GMTOman Daily Observer ZAWYA20120209032743Open