Muscat, November 19th 2013 - Zaree, the Khasab based micro-tourism community centred project, designed, conceptualised and supported by Omran, has won First Place in the Entrepreneurship Award category as part of the recent Al Roya Youth Awards. The accolade was received by Fauziya Al Sharqi, Head of Public Relations at Zaree Project, during a ceremony held at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel under the auspices of H.E. Khalid bin Omar Al Marhoon, Minister of Civil Services.

On the occasion, Iman Al Salti, Zaree Team Leader, expressed, "To be singled out by the judges for the Al Roya Youth Business Excellence Award is truly an honour for us especially in light of all the other commendable enterprises we competed against. In our first year, we successfully showcased our bright and rich culture to more than 8,000 tourists on board 24 cruise ships visiting Khasab, we generated income to sustain a good standard of living and we are starting to change the perception towards women's employability in Khasab."

Iman added, "This has been made possible thanks to the combined efforts of Omran, who helped us setup, sustain and promote our business, coupled with the will and determination of the Zaree Team to showcase the Sultanate's rich and unique heritage."

Zaree is an income generating micro-tourism business based in Khasab that revolves around a group of skilled women from the Wilayat selling tour packages to visitors. Zaree offers tourists the opportunity to experience authentic Omani hospitality by demonstrating local traditions and values through a variety of enjoyable and engaging activities. With Omran's support, Zaree has become part of the overarching vision to provide visitors with an authentic tourism product that perfectly expresses the heart and charm of the Omani people while delivering economic value to local communities and remaining sustainable.

With the busy tourist season in Khasab starting, the Zaree Team are set to welcome many repeat cruises who have already booked their services from last season. Ministry of Tourism statistics have showed that an average of 47 cruise ships stop in Khasab Port during the peak tourism season, between November and April, ,attracting many visitors on a yearly basis.

The Zaree Team has been featured in many local, regional and international print publications and television channels. They have also participated in several business and tourism events locally and regionally including an SME Exhibition in Musandam and the Arabian Travel Market 2013 in Dubai.

-Ends-

About Zaree
Zaree is conventionally known as 'even threads made of fine gold and silver' woven into fabrics to create intricate patterns, commonly used in Omani garments. The use of zaree in traditional garments reflects the country's rich customs and heritage linking it directly to the goals of the project which is to promote cultural exchange and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of local traditional practices. Zaree offers a range of exciting packages for the guests that include Omani Henna, traditional Omani outfits and delicious Omani food.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Shaza Taher
Sr. Media Relations Manager
TRACCS Oman
Tel: +968 24 649099
Mob: +968 99714145
Email: shaza.taher@traccs.net

© Press Release 2013