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30 December 2008

HM: AGCC determined to preserve progress through strategic planning

MUSCAT — The AGCC leaders began their 29th summit here at Al Bustan Palace Hotel yesterday under the chairmanship of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
 

Hearty welcome to leaders

MUSCAT — The Sultanate yesterday rolled out a red carpet welcome to the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council leaders who arrived here yesterday for the 29th AGCC summit, to be held under the chairmanship of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, at Al Bustan Palace Hotel.
 

Media buzz at Inter-Con

MUSCAT — As Oman’s leadership, the government and people are united in seeking to ensure the success of the 29th AGCC Summit here, over 300 international journalists from all over the world have arrived in Muscat to cover the event.
 

29 December 2008

Great expectations as Muscat Summit promises concrete steps

MUSCAT — Great optimism surrounds today’s AGCC Summit as the leaders of Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain get together to take their countries closer to what every citizen believes is the ultimate objective — a solid regional alliance with common political and economic goals.
 

HM, leaders of Arab, Islamic nations exchange Hijri greetings

MUSCAT — On the occasion of the new Hijri year 1430 and the anniversary of the Prophet’s (pbuh) Hijra, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said exchanged greetings with the leaders of Arab and Islamic nations.
 

Award for best governance to be conferred on HM

MUSCAT — A prestigious gold medal and shield will be conferred on His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for the phenomenal achievements made by the Sultanate.
 

27 December 2008

ROP puts curbs on parking of vehicles during AGCC summit

MUSCAT — The Directorate of Public Relations, Royal Oman Police, has prohibited parking of vehicles on the service roads parallel to the following roads on account of the AGCC summit, which will be held here on December 29 and 30.
 

Omani exports to AGCC states increase by 46.6 per cent

MUSCAT — The non-oil Omani exports to other AGCC states rose considerably by 46.6 per cent to RO678 million during 2007 against RO462.4 million in 2006.
 

AGCC states’ banking meet in Manama on March 24

MUSCAT — The ninth AGCC banking conference will be held in Manama, Bahrain, on March 24 under the theme ‘New age of global banking practices and their impact on the AGCC markets’.
 

26 December 2008

AGCC leaders urged to discuss crisis fallout

MUSCAT — A regional commerce body is urging Arab Gulf leaders to discuss the effect of the global financial crisis on the region and come up with an economic stimulation plan with the private sector, regional newspapers reported yesterday. 
 

Macki rules out economic crisis in Sultanate

MUSCAT — Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, minister of national economy and deputy chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council, has ruled out any direct impact of the global financial crisis on the national economy, attributing the current decline in Muscat Securities Market (MSM) to investors’ worries and speculations on the crisis.
 

Women in Business Conference on March 30, 31

MUSCAT — The Women in Business Conference, scheduled for March 30 and 31, will bring together leading entrepreneurs, professional women and students at a forum to share experiences and gain valuable insight.
 

25 December 2008

Boosting brotherly ties

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said gave an audience at Bait Al Barakah yesterday to chairmen of the AGCC Shura and representatives of National and Ummah Councils.
 

HM receives message from Yemen president

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a message from Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh dealing with bilateral relations and regular consultations between the two brotherly countries in various fields and issues of concern.
 

Sheikh Hamad thanks HM

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, emir of Qatar, in reply to His Majesty’s greetings on the anniversary of his country’s National Day.
 

24 December 2008

Royal decree amends Law of Advocacy

MUSCAT— His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has issued two Royal Decrees.
 

Summit agenda reviewed

MUSCAT — The High Committee for Conferences, which met here yesterday under the chairmanship of His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, deputy prime minister for the Council of Ministers, reviewed the topics listed on the agenda of the 29th AGCC Summit to be hosted by the Sultanate on December 29 and 30.
 

AGCC suspends FTA talks with EU

MUSCAT — The Arab Gulf Cooperation Council has suspended talks with the European Union over a free-trade agreement, the Arab bloc’s secretary-general said yesterday.

23 December 2008

Undersea cable damage: Muscat faces the heat

MUSCAT — The Internet service across Oman might be limping back to normality, but it has certainly affected a cross-section of people across the corporate ladder with the service being either non-existent or very slow.
 

AGCC Majlis chiefs arrive for meeting today

MUSCAT — Chairmen of the AGCC Shura, Representatives, National and Ummah Councils arrived here yesterday to take part in the second meeting of the AGCC Councils, due to commence its deliberations at Al Bustan Palace Hotel today.
 

Omantel claims restoring 50pc of Internet traffic

MUSCAT — Thousands of netizens heaved a sigh of relief as Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) said it has restored more than 50 per cent of the Internet traffic yesterday after it had provided four alternative lines to boost telecommunications services following the cut in three undersea cables last Friday as a result of an earthquake that hit Sicily in Italy and Tunisia.

22 December 2008

Apex bank eases curbs

MUSCAT — The Central Bank of Oman said yesterday that it was reducing bank reserve requirements and raising the loan-to-deposit ratio as part of its efforts to defrost regional credit markets.
 

Wadi Al Ain-Sanat Road in Bahla opened to public

BAHLA — Wadi Al Ain-Sanat Road was opened at a ceremony held at Sanat village in the wilayat of Bahla yesterday under the auspices of Sheikh Majid bin Khalifa Al Harthy, wali of Bahla, in the presence of Salim bin Mohammed Al Nuai’mi, undersecretary for transport in the Transport and Communications Ministry, members of Majlis Al Shura, officials and citizens.
 

Oman, Uzbekistan explore joint investment areas

MUSCAT — An official session of talks was held between the Sultanate and the Republic of Uzbekistan at the Finance Ministry yesterday.
 

20 December 2008

Internet service badly disrupted

MUSCAT: Internet service in Oman and other Gulf countries was badly disrupted yesterday and Omantel officials attributed failure of undersea cables in the Mediterranean Sea for the fault.
 

‘Origin Oman’ e-survey in full swing

MUSCAT: The ‘Origin Oman Buy Local’ campaign has begun its end-of-the-year e-survey (http://www.peie.om/e-survey.htm).
 

Introduction of medical, agriculture insurance under study

MUSCAT: The Insurance Committee of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) organised an insurance workshop at the OCCI Sohar branch under the topic “The Challenges and Opportunities of Development in Insurance Sector”.
 

19 December 2008

Development as planned: Macki

MUSCAT — Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, minister of national economy and deputy chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council, said yesterday that the Sultanate would go ahead with its development plans despite the global financial crisis and its impact on the Omani economy.
 

Moosa, Belgian minister discuss health issues

MUSCAT — Dr Ali bin Mohammed bin Moosa, minister of health, received in his office here yesterday Karel de Gucht, Belgian foreign minister, and the delegation accompanying him, currently visiting the Sultanate.
 

No excuse for terror camps across Indian border: Alawi

MUSCAT — There can be no excuse for not dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism across the Indian border, the Indian news agencies reported yesterday quoting Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, minister responsible for foreign affairs, during his New Delhi visit.
 

18 December 2008

His Majesty greets Qatari emir, Niger president

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of greetings to Qatari Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on the occasion of his country’s National Day.
 

Financial crisis to top AGCC summit agenda

MUSCAT — The global financial crisis will be at the top of the agenda of the 29th Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC) Summit, to be held here on December 29 and 30.
 

National Detergent products on special offer at ATF 2008

MUSCAT — Known as the market leader in detergent powder, National Detergent Company (NDC) is showcasing its household product range at the best prices.
 

17 December 2008

Royal decree ratifies Oman joining IAEA

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said yesterday issued four royal decrees.
 

HM greets Bhutan king

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of greetings to Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on the occasion of his country’s National Day.
 

On New Year’s Eve, all roads will lead to Al Sawadi Beach Resort

MUSCAT — New Year’s Eve may still be two weeks away but preparations are on in full swing in Muscat.
 

16 December 2008

Ahmedinejad gets message from HM

TEHRAN — Iran President Dr Mahmoud Ahmedinejad received a message from His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said yesterday.
 

Thanks cables from Tunisia and Ukraine

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia in reply to His Majesty’s greetings on the 21st anniversary of November 7.
 

Majan College students win again in UAE

MUSCAT — Majan College celebrated the accomplishment of two of its students, Ojas Bhatia and Nabeel Al Balushi, who participated and won in the Inter-College Public Speaking Competition organised by Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) on November 20, 2008.
 

15 December 2008

AGCC summit to discuss five-year cap on expatriate employees in the Gulf

MUSCAT — A proposal by the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council labour ministers to impose a cap on expatriate workers is likely to be endorsed at the forthcoming 29th AGCC summit, according to official sources. It is being said that the ban would be imposed only on “unskilled workers”. Unskilled workers make up about 85 per cent of the around 13 million foreigners living in the six Gulf states which include Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
 

Majlis session to discuss global economic crisis

MUSCAT — The Majlis Al Shura will review the impact of the global financial crisis on the national economy in a session on Wednesday.
 

IT authority, Microsoft to hold regional events of Imagine Cup

MUSCAT — The Information Technology Authority of Oman (ITA) and Microsoft Corp have tied up to sponsor the Oman leg of the Gulf’s premier student technology competition — Gulf Imagine Cup 2009.
 

13 December 2008

Oman crude price rises as Saudi sticks to Opec cuts

MUSCAT — The price of Oman crude for immediate loading increased $2.33, or 5.5 per cent yesterday, to $44.45 a barrel on signs that Saudi Arabia is adhering to its Opec production cuts than thought.
 

AGCC states to sign FTA with Singapore

MUSCAT — The AGCC countries and Singapore will sign a free trade agreement (FTA) in Doha in the next few days.
 

Liwa, Barka tankers launched in Japan

OITA (Japan) — A ceremony was organised here yesterday in celebration of the launching of Liwa oil products tanker, bringing the total number of Oman Shipping Company’s tankers to 16.
 

12 December 2008

Ecumenical Carol service on Dec. 19

MUSCAT — The Ecumenical Church Committee, Ruwi, is organising a Christmas Carol service at St Thomas Church, Ruwi, on December 19, at 7.30pm, according to Rev. P.C. Joseph and Rev. Fr George Vadukkut, president and general convener, respectively of the committee.

 

Global financial crisis will not hit Salam-Yetti Project: Sama CEO

MUSCAT — Farhan Faraidooni, CEO of Sama Dubai Company, the arm for international development and real estate investment of Dubai Holding, has denied rumours about suspension of works of Salam-Yetti Project, executed by the company in the Sultanate, saying that “work on the project is on and will not be affected by the international financial crisis and will continue as scheduled”.

 

HM pardons a number of prisoners

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander, pardoned a number of Omani and non-Omani prisoners, who were convicted of different crimes.
 

09 December 2008

HM exchanges Eid greetings with emir of Kuwait and presidents of Egypt, Yemen

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said yesterday exchanged Eid Al Adha greetings (via telephone) with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, emir of Kuwait; Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
 

HM pardons a number of prisoners

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander, pardoned a number of Omani and non-Omani prisoners, who were convicted of different crimes.
 

Japanese PM thanks His Majesty

MMUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of thanks from Taro Aso, Japanese prime minister, in reply to his congratulatory cable on the occasion of appointing him as prime minister.
 

08 December 2008

Mantheri, Isa’ee, Sayyid Badr, Ma’amari greet HM

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received a cable of greetings from Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, chairman of the State Council, on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al Adha.
 

HM pardons a number of prisoners

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander, pardoned a number of Omani and non-Omani prisoners, who were convicted of different crimes.
 

Moon-sighting decision is ‘accurate’, says Council of Ministers

MUSCAT — The Council of Ministers affirmed that the decision taken by the Moon-Sighting Committee for the month of Dhul Hijja was accurate.
 

06 December 2008

Bausher abattoir all set to meet Eid rush

MUSCAT — All preparations are in place at the central abattoir in Bausher to meet the Eid Al Adha rush. Speaking to Times Shouky Zedjali, an official in charge of the slaughterhouse affairs in the Muscat Municipality, said that slaughtering services had been organised into two shifts since Wednesday and would continue like that up to Eid.
 

Indian company wins $400 million contract

MUSCAT — Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) has bagged a $400 million (Rs20 billion) contract from Petroleum Development Oman to erect and commission a series of 126 mega watt gas turbine generators for various power projects. The rate contract had been secured in the face of stiff international competition, the company said.
 

Al Kawther opens 4th outlet in Rustaq

MUSCAT — Hamad bin Saif Al Jassas, deputy wali of Rustaq, has inaugurated the fourth outlet of Al Kawther in Rustaq. Many distinguished guests from various ministries and governmental departments attended the inaugural ceremony.
 

04 December 2008

Eid Al Adha holidays announced

MUSCAT — On the advent of blessed Eid Al Adha and as per the orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Eid holidays for ministries, public authorities and other state administrative apparatuses, will start from Monday, December 8, and end on December 13, Saturday, according to a ministerial decision issued by Sayyid Ali bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, minister of Diwan of the Royal Court and chairman of the Civil Service Council.
 

Royal decree amends telecom law provisions

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has issued Royal Decree No. 134/2008 amending some provisions of the Telecommunications Regulatory Law. Article 1 says the attached amendments shall be introduced to the provisions of the Telecommunications Regulatory Law.
 

Badr receives Finland, Hungarian officials

MUSCAT — Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, secretary-general of the Foreign Ministry, received here yesterday Marjata Rasi, undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Finland, and the delegation accompanying her, currently visiting the Sultanate.
 

03 December 2008

HM orders special flight to bring home Omanis stranded in Thailand

MUSCAT — As ordered by His Majesty the Sultan, Oman Air will send a special flight today to Bangkok to bring back the Omani passengers stranded there.
 

Top Japanese honour conferred on Macki

MUSCAT — Japan acknowledged Oman’s contribution in promoting business ties between the two countries. In an extraordinary gesture Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, minister of national economy and deputy chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resource Council, was decorated with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun for his contribution to the promotion of economic exchange between Japan and Oman.
 

‘Renna’ unveils its brand, plans

MUSCAT — ‘Renna’ — the newest mobile service provider on the block from the stable of Majan Telecommunications — was unveiled at The Chedi, Muscat yesterday.
 

02 December 2008

Oman, Russia to activate tie-ups in trade, IT, tourism fields

MUSCAT — An official session of talks was held between Oman and Russia at the State Council here yesterday.
 

Agreement to develop resort in Duqum signed

MUSCAT — Omran, the government of Oman’s tourism and development arm, and IHG have announced the signing of an agreement to develop Crowne Plaza Duqum Resort, the second Crowne Plaza Resort in the Sultanate of Oman.
 

HM holds talks with Russian official, receives message from Iraqi premier

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said received Sergey Mironov, chairman of the Federal Council of Russia at Bait Al Barakah yesterday.
 

01 December 2008

HM, US official hold talks

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said gave an audience to General David H. Petraeus, commander of the US Central Command at Bait Al Barkah yesterday.
 

His Majesty receives more greetings

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has received more cables of greetings on the occasion of the 38th anniversary of the National Day from a number of leaders of friendly countries.
 

His Majesty greets Romania president

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has sent a cable of greetings to Traian Basecu, president of the Republic of Romania, on the occasion of his country’s National Day.