Dubai Ranks First in Risk Factor

Dubai Skyline

According to a new survey taken by Aon, a US-based human resources company, Dubai came out on top as the Middle East’s least risky city, and scored 29th when compared to 130 other cities worldwide.

The Aon Hewitt 2012 People Risk Index measured 131 cities for crime, violence, terrorism as well as ease of recruitment, employment and relocation. New York City in the United States was ranked first overall as the world’s safest city, with Toronto and Singapore coming in second and third.

Aon explained that Dubai’s excellent risk status is due to its, “demographics, government support and talent development. In terms of demographics, Dubai has a young population with a projected growth of 0.4 per cent year on year in working age population in the next 10 years."

Other international cities which earned a similar ranking to Dubai’s are Washington, DC, Zurich, Sydney, Amsterdam and Oslo.

Alternative Energy a Hot Topic Today in Oman

Solar Panels in Oman

In a country like Oman where the sun seems to always be shining, it makes sense to take advantage of this abundant and renewable natural resource. Recently more companies in the Sultanate having been showing interest in expanding their use of solar power.

As long ago as twenty years there were some pioneers who began to install small-scale solar power systems, such as Omantel and the Petroleum Development Oman (PDO.) They were convinced that they could reduce their energy consumption costs while simultaneously helping preserve the fragile environment.

"Wherever we can, we're trying to reduce energy consumption. Whether it's street lighting, facilities, electrical data relays, we introduce a number of solar panels. They continue to be a bigger and bigger part of our business,” commented Raoul Restucci, managing director of PDO.

Energy from wind is another area which companies in Oman are beginning to show an interest in.

Peter Broers is the CEO at the Port of Duqm. He said that in Duqm the use of wind has more potential as a reliable source of power, since the area is extremely windy, although he added that there could also be a solar farm in conjunction with a wind farm.

"I think if we look at a project that will be a world-class facility; renewable energy should be part of the daily approach. If you want to be modern and take care of environmental issues, then renewable energy is one of the steps you have to take,” Broers said.

Oman Air Adding Daily Flight to Tehran

Oman Air Adding Flights to Tehran

Beginning on September 1st Oman’s national air carrier, Oman Air, will begin servicing the Iranian capital of Tehran with a daily flight from Muscat. There were will be two departure times: 2am three days per week; and 9:30am four days per week. Return flights will also be offered in two time slots; 6:10am three days; and 12:40pm on four days.

Wayne Pearce, CEO of Oman Air announced the new flight, saying,

"We are extremely pleased to be launching our new service between Muscat and Tehran and to be offering customers the opportunity to travel aboard our outstanding Embraer 175 regional jets. Tehran offers visitors the opportunity to gain insights into not only Iran's unique culture, but also its rich and ancient history. Furthermore, Tehran is a major business hub and we anticipate strong demand from both business and leisure passengers.”

Omani and Korean Leaders Meet to Discuss Aquaculture Development in Oman

South Korean Minister of Food and Agriculture Suh Kyu-yong

In order to boost foreign investment in Oman’s burgeoning fisheries industry, His Excellency Dr Fuad bin Ja’afar al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries met with the South Korean Minister of Food and Agriculture Suh Kyu-yong along with representatives from several South Korean companies.

Last Friday’s meeting is part of an overall effort by the Sultanate’s government to attract international companies into Oman to develop the fisheries industry by providing a supportive climate for businesses to take hold in Oman, especially those with previous success in processing, ports-of-entry management and fish farming industries, such as South Korea.

Sajwani said that, "The meeting discussed promotion of relations between the two countries in the fisheries sector through reviewing available investment opportunities and facilities provided to investors in this field, especially in the new fishing port in Duqm and other establishments in industrial zones."

His Excellency Dr Hamed bin Said al Awfi, the undersecretary of fisheries said that the development of “aquaculture” is a key ingredient in diversifying the Omani economy away from its present enormous dependence on oil and gas.

Awfi said that, "The world will need 40 million tons of additional fish by 2025, which will drive the need to develop aquaculture."

Oman Convention Center Focus of Industry Recognition

Oman Convention Center

In anticipation of the completion of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Center set for 2016, several organizations have already acknowledged the expected unique attraction of this up and coming meeting venue.

Speaking in Frankfurt, Germany at IMEX, one of Europe’s most important tourism industry trade fairs was Geoff Donaghy, the Director of Convention Centers for AEG Ogden, manager of the Oman Center, said that the significance of international awards and recognition was crucial as a way to sell the convention center to potential customers.

"Oman and its capital city Muscat recently being acknowledged by both Lonely Planet and National Geographic for its range of attractions was very timely.

"Oman has been trading with the world for more than 5,000 years and is an active global community member so it comes as no surprise that our preliminary research and promotional activities has uncovered strong interest in the Sultanate as a destination," said Donaghy.

"AEG Ogden has been working in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Oman's key stakeholders in introducing the world to Oman and as the new hub for major international conventions, meetings and business events. Many international and regional organizations have already expressed a strong desire to hold future or expand events in the sea side city of Muscat.

"Our message to these decision-makers is consider Oman not only for the world class venue that will be there but the diversity of attractions at their disposal. It's a total package that delegates will be inspired to attend and an experience they won't forget," Mr. Donaghy added.

The Oman Convention and Exhibition Center is being built to the highest international standards in modern, integrated fashion which will included 1,000 hotel rooms distributed among one five star, two four star, and one three star hotels. The Center will include a shopping mall, business park, and will be conveniently located only 4 kilometers from Muscat International Airport.

Taameer Investment and Shaza Hotels Sign Agreement

Salalah is the Capital of Dhofar in Southern Oman

Suleiman bin Masoud al Harthi, the CEO of Taameer Investment, and Simon Coombs, CEO of Shaza Hotels signed a “Resort Management Contract” and a “Hospitality Management Contract” during the Arab Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai which was recently held. The contracts stipulate that Shaza Hotels will manage the Dhofar Beach Resort, a major tourism project which Taameer Investment developed in the Dhofar Governorate.

The intention of Taameer is to create a five-star exclusive resort with a 300 room capacity and international standards of luxury. Included will be hotel apartments and world-class restaurants.

Taameer has already signed contracts with several other international consultants to design and implement swimming pools, landscaping and building and room interiors.

Also present at the signing were Omani senior tourism executives headed by Maitha al Mahrouqia, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism.

Al Harthi said that, “The signing ceremony would be followed by various activities and preparations for the start of the construction while the inauguration of Dhofar Beach Resort is planned for September 2012.”

Oman Air Wins Award for Business Class Excellence

Awarding Winning Oman Air

The Business Destinations Travel Awards 2012, sponsored by the UK magazine Business Destinations, has voted Oman Air, the official airline of the Sultanate of Oman, as the “Best Business Class Airline in the Middle East.”

The magazine has a readership of over 100,000 and is published every other month. It is distributed in upper class aircraft cabins, airport lounges and to experts in the travel profession. The magazine is also sold in retail outlets.

CEO of Oman Air, Wayne Pearce, said:

“We are delighted that Oman Air has been named as ‘Best Business Class Airline, Middle East’ in the Business Destinations Travel Awards. This follows on from last year’s win by Oman Air of the ‘Best Luxury Airline, Middle East’ category, so we are extremely pleased that the quality of our premium service has been recognized for the second year running. My thanks go to Business Destinations’ readers and to all our staff, throughout Oman Air, who have played a vital role in transforming the airline into the luxury carrier it is today, and ensuring the success of our outstanding and internationally recognized business class offering.”

During the course of the past two years Oman Air has won on average one international prize per month including the following awards: ‘Best Airline in the World’ at France’s leading travel show IFTM Top Resa in September 2011; ‘Best Business Class Airline Seat in the World’ and ‘Service Excellence, Middle East’ at the World Airline Awards 2011; ‘Most Promising Newcomer’ at Malaysia’s KLIA Awards 2011 and ‘Best In-flight Connectivity and Communications’ at the APEX Passenger Choice Awards 2011.

CEO Pearce added:

“Oman Air’s aim is to continue to ensure an outstanding travel experience for all our passengers and, as this award again confirms, our Business Class cabins offer the ultimate in comfort, space and service. Whatever your destination, Oman Air’s competitive rates ensure that Business Class style and luxury are surprisingly affordable.”

Oman Going to Riyadh Travel Fair 2012

Riyadh Travel Fair

After realizing a 17% increase in tourism from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to the Sultanate of Oman from 2010 to 2011, the Ministry of Tourism in Oman has decided to participate in the upcoming Riyadh Travel Fair 2012.

Director General of Tourism Promotion at Oman’s Ministry of Tourism Ali Khaburi said:

"Saudi Arabia is a key tourism market from many perspectives. Saudi visitors are growing in number and we think they are also increasing their length of stay. The market is broadening from business and family segments with short break leisure travel becoming more prominent. We also think Salalah has significant year-round potential for the Saudi Arabian market, and growing demand for travel will lead to non-stop air services between Saudi Arabia and Salalah.”

The fair will be held from May 15 to 18 and is considered an important event for tourism networking with many countries participating. The Oman Ministry of Tourism is especially excited to showcase many of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, with an emphasis on newly opened resort hotels at Jebel Sifah and Salalah.

Middle East Investors Anxiously Awaiting Facebook IPO

The excitement about the upcoming Facebook Inc IPO, scheduled for May 18 is about to go up several notches as Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and founder of the Facebook empire, embarks on the roadshow this coming Monday.

In the financial world a road show is designed to drum up interest in the company which is going public among investors. Company officials travel from investor to investor, explaining the potential value in backing their company. In the case of Facebook it is hard to see how interest can increase, as it already has reached borderline hysteria.

Investors from the UAE have been watching Facebook’s developments, anxiously waiting the launching, said by many to be the most awaited tech-related IPO since Google’s in 2004.

One investor, Rai Gaga from the UAE, has already informed his fund managers to get ready for the moment.

“I have been waiting since the first announcement was made in December. I have filled out the form. Although I am not sure of getting it due to such high demand. I am planning to invest anywhere between $150,000 to 200,000,"said Gaga.

GCC Planning Long-Term Food Surplus Strategy

GCC Planning for Food Shortages with Food Storage Silos

As the population of the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries continue to grow apace government officials are beginning to prepare a long-term strategy which will ensure a constant and adequate food supply under any circumstances.

Officials fear that the GCC countries’ heavy reliance on food imports could leave the countries vulnerable to food price changes and other global conditions. In the face of this concern the GCC, which together control over 40 percent of the world’s oil supply, has decided to create a food surplus which could maintain their needs for up to one year. However at least one official, Gasem Al-Assiri, the sub-regional office coordinator for the GCC and Yemen in the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) believes more needs to be done.

In an interview with the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ESCCR) Al-Assiri said that there are several reasons the GCC should be prepared with an adequate food supply on hand. He explained that the countries of the region should protect themselves against global price fluctuations of food, which, as domestic food consumption increases and eating styles change with increased affluence, can be a dangerous development if the countries are not prepared.

"The GCC states must draft a long-term plan for any food emergency whether a natural or geo-political problem," he said.

"The building of strategic reserves of basic commodities would protect the country from price fluctuations, and from problems affecting food producing countries that prevent export of agricultural goods."

Al-Assiri added that the GCC states have already begun designing silos for grain storage of up to 12 months, which should be enough reserve food to get the GCC states through any foreseeable food shortages.

"One of the most important features of this strategy would also be the establishment of an agency to monitor water and food security in GCC states, including all factors related to domestic production or food deficit, global production or prices. This will help decision makers to take the right decision and solve many problems for them," Al-Assiri said.

"We must keep in mind that the problem of food security cannot be solved domestically, but through international cooperation."