Appointment to further enhance profile of Oman's top tourism and seafront residential development project

Dubai, 06 March, 2005: The promoters of The Wave, Oman's top tourism and seafront residential development project, today announced the appointment of Dubai-based Bates PanGulf PR as its Public Relations consultancy.

The Wave is a joint venture comprising Oman's Waterfront Investments, representing the Government of the Sultanate of Oman, the National Investment Funds Company that represents the Omani Pension Funds and State General Reserve Funds, and the UAE's Majid Al Futtaim Investments.

The appointment of Bates PanGulf PR as its communication partner is a strategic initiative aimed at promoting and further enhancing the profile of The Wave. Bates PanGulf PR is the exclusive Middle East partner of leading international PR firm Burson-Marsteller.

The Wave project is scheduled to be developed in two phases. The first phase of the project will involve reclamation of land, infrastructure development and site improvement, which will include a world-class Golf Course and Marina. The second phase will feature the development of hotels, villas, condominium towers and upscale apartment complexes, as well as retail and restaurant outlets.

H.E. Abdullah bin Abbas bin Ahmed Chairman of Waterfront Investments said, "The Wave is being developed keeping in mind discerning international and regional tourists, who will be looking for a new and unique destination offering an exclusively upscale lifestyle. To be able to reach our key audiences, we believe we need to work with a dedicated public relations consultancy to effectively put across our message and unique initiatives. In Bates PanGulf PR, we have found an experienced communications partner to undertake this task".

Mr. Peter Walichnowski, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Investments (MAFI), said: "With Oman's tourism industry on the threshold of an exciting era, it is important that major projects like The Wave obtain exposure in key markets through the appropriate media.

Communicating the correct messages is vital to ensuring the success of any project, and we are confident that Bates PanGulf PR is the right consultancy to help us achieve this".

Mr. Abdulla Majed Al Ghurair, Chairman of Bates PanGulf Group said: "We are delighted to add The Wave to our client list. As The Wave's communications partner, Bates PanGulf PR is looking forward to working closely with the promoters to develop and position The Wave as a unique and differentiated investment opportunity in the Sultanate of Oman, a truly magnificent tourism destination".

Bates PanGulf PR is one of the leading PR agencies in the region, and is part of the Bates PanGulf Group that has been operating in the region for over 20 years. Bates PanGulf PR is the exclusive Middle East partner of leading international PR firm Burson-Marsteller.

Bates PanGulf PR's client list includes some of the region's leading brands across all disciplines, including retail, shopping, hospitality, banking and finance and fashion. The agency also serves a growing number of leading international brands through its regional network of affiliates and fully-owned offices.

For more details on The Wave please log on to www.thewaveoman.com

-Ends-

Note to Editors:
THE WAVE
The Wave is being developed through a joint venture consisting of Oman's Waterfront Investments (representing the Government of the Sultanate of Oman), National Investment Funds Company (representing the Omani Pension Funds and State General Reserve Funds), and the UAE- based Majid Al Futtaim Investments. Overlooking the Gulf Of Oman near the Seeb International Airport, The Wave will occupy a beachfront of more than 7 kilometers, across a total area of more than 200 hectares. The Wave project will be developed in two phases. The first phase of the project will involve reclamation of land, infrastructure development and site improvement, which will include a world-class Golf Course and Marina. The second phase will feature the development of hotels, villas, condominium towers and upscale apartment complexes, as well as retail and restaurant outlets.

For further information, please contact:
Sabra Thani, Manger
Corporate Communications
Majid Al Futtaim
Tel + 9714 294999:
Fax: +9714 2951767
Email: sabra@mafgroup.ae

Or

Anosh Ahamath/Lubna Abdelhaq
Bates PanGulf PR,
P.O. Box 3294,
Dubai,
UAE
Tel: +9714 2219 065;
Fax: +9714 2247839
email: publicrelations@batespangulf.com

© Press Release 2005