New BlackBerry devices from Oman Mobile
Oman Mobile has launched the new BlackBerry service in the Sultanate for both individual and corporate users. Now corporate users can gain easy access to the database of their companies and benefit from its e-mail services. Individuals too can connect with their friends choose from the many available BlackBerry options. “The BlackBerry mobile offers a wireless service with internet browsing at any time and place,” said Mostafa Kombor, Oman Mobile Sales Manager, “BlackBerry users can then check their email and send and receive emails in ten different email accounts.” In response to the growing interest, Oman
Mobile introduced three new BlackBerry devices to the previous choices to keep subscribers efficiently connected 24 hours a day. They are the BlackBerry Pearl 8100, equipped with digital camera and
memory, the BlackBerry 8700g with features such as email, phone, web browser and SMS, and BlackBerry 8800, which offers GPS service and BlackBerry maps.

Bahwan CyberTek-Dubai eGovernment tie-up scales new highs
Bahwan CyberTek FZ LLC, a Suhail Bahwan Group entity, has emerged as a front-runner in providing enterprise class solutions, such as implementing tier one ERP products or internet technologies. A key differentiator is the company’s foray into building valuable software intellectual property under its flagship banner “Cuecent” (Customer Centricity). In 2001, the company partnered with Dubai eGovernment (DeG) to develop one of its core service offerings called ePay – a centralised payment gateway integrated with all the government departments’ payment systems in Dubai. Says Durgaprasad, Director & CEO of Bahwan CyberTek Group, the relationship with Dubai eGovernment has developed from strength to strength since 2002, from being a software solutions provider to co-creating a comprehensive ePayment Hub (Cuecent ePay).

BankMuscat Pravasi supports Miss India contender
BankMuscat’s Pravasi NRI services has committed to supporting Muscat-based Shruti Dilip in her run for the Miss India crown this year. One of the shortlisted 25 finalists competing in the Miss India pageant this year, Shruti has been living in Oman since 1989. An ex-alumni of the Indian School Al Ghubra, she is a qualified engineer who is currently employed in Muscat. Launched this January on the eve of India’s Republic Day, BankMuscat’s Pravasi services have been created specially for NRIs. Pravasi offers end-to-end banking solutions for NRIs in Oman and India.
 

Muriya participates in Gulf Eco Exhibition
Conservation of the environment is a major goal for Muriya Tourism Development in the management of its upcoming construction projects. The company was the silver sponsor in the fourth Gulf Eco Exhibition that was recently held at the Exhibition Centre in Oman. “Muriya is committed to keeping environmental concerns at the forefront of planning and design for each project,” said Cyril Piaia, Chief Executive Officer of Muriya.

 

Crepe Café celebrates first anniversary in Oman
Crepe Café, the Australian-based eatery, celebrates its first anniversary in Oman this year. The quaint eatery at Muscat City Centre offers a mouth-watering variety of sweet and savoury crepes, waffles, pancakes and omelettes together with an array of coffee bean blends. Founded in 2001 by Jean-Pierre, the ‘creperie’ franchise has spread across five continents. Today, it is represented throughout Australia and New Zealand, North Africa, the US and the Middle East. In January 2006, the eatery officially joined the ranks of Australia’s fastest growing franchises after being named the country’s second star performer in BRW’s 50 fastest growing franchises list.

Salmanstores reopens at CCC
Crockery and household goods retailer, Salmanstores has reopened its outlet at CCC, Qurum. The showroom now boasts a contemporary façade, a brand new corporate identity and signage system besides completely revamped and customer-friendly interiors. The store had been shut down after it suffered massive damage in last year’s Gonu cyclone.
Salmanstores, known for its range of crockery and kitchen accessories, has also expanded its range to include a variety of lifestyle products for women.

 

Good coffee for a good cause
Starbucks sponsored the “I:Woman:Flower” photography exhibition at Bait Al Baranda Museum in Muscat as part of its commitment to community and social development. Around 10 per cent of the proceeds went to the ‘Let’s Read’ campaign, a drive undertaken by the Dar Al Atta’a towards the nation’s first public library. Antoun Abou Jaoude, Marketing Manager of Starbucks Middle East, said: “Starbucks is socially responsible and initiatives like this exhibition provide us with an opportunity to strengthen our bonds with the community. Interestingly, it also marks a continuing tradition, as historically coffee and reading have had close links, promoting intellectual conversations and exchange of ideas. We hope this great initiative will go a long way in further refining and enlightening Omani youth.”

PEPSI’s new teen appeal
PepsiCo International has launched a massive brand makeover to pitch to the teens, which it sees as a whole new target audience. While remaining true to its brand DNA and spirit, Pepsi has redesigned the labelling of bottles, cans and cups to express today’s key trends, with themes such as Digital Download, Emoticons, SMS and Global Festival. In addition, the look of Diet Pepsi has been given a makeover to connect with the interests and hobbies of female consumers.
 

Festival of Style at MCC
The ‘Festival of Style’ at Muscat City Centre saw 22 winners walk away with interesting prizes. The event was held as part of the tenth annual edition of the Muscat Festival and part of the festivities this year included fabulous discounts of up to 75 per cent.

The perfect kitchen from Bosch
Bosch built-in kitchen appliances have been developed for ease of use and quality performance. The extra large oven cavity enables the preparation of family size dishes and automatic cooking programmes facilitate ease of operation. Bosch EPS system stands for the latest cooker convenience: easy operation, professional preparation and safety. By selecting from a list of pre-programmed food types, the EPS automatically decides on the optimum cooking mode, temperature and time. Programme selection is clearly shown on the interactive digital text display in 19 languages.
All appliances are designed with different levels of technological features to meet every demand. Bosch built-in appliances include cookers, ovens, microwaves, extractor hoods, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers.
 

Wal-Mart to headline at Retail City Conference
The driving force behind the “pile ‘em high, sell ‘em cheap” philosophy of the world’s largest retailer is to share its insights with Middle East business leaders on turning a modest business into a global giant. Don Soderquist, former Senior Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Wal-Mart, will be giving the keynote address on the remarkable growth of the US retail giant at Retail City 2008 scheduled from June 1 to June 3 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. The exhibition and conference brings together global retailers, investors, shopping centre developers, franchise networks, shopping centre managements, architects and regional authorities to discuss the dynamic retail sector both in the Middle East and other emerging markets.
Founded by Sam Walton in 1962, Wal-Mart is the world’s largest public corporation by revenue, according to the Fortune Global 500.

Omran CEO highlights Sultanate’s role in sustainable development
Omran CEO, Wael Al Lawati, highlighted the Sultanate’s role in sustainable development at the Global Real Estate Conference in Abu Dhabi. The conference brought together international experts in sustainable development and key regional leaders under the common theme of ‘Building a Sustainable Future: Trends, Opportunities and Challenges’.

 

BankMuscat announces “Partners In Progress Awards”
BankMuscat recently hosted the “Partners in Progress Awards” evening to thank and recognise merchants with highest card volumes traded during the year 2007. The Partners in Progress awards were constituted in 2006 as an annual event by the card services department of BankMuscat.



 

Workshop for Suhail Bahwan Automobiles
Bhawan CyberTek, a Suhai Bahwan Group entity, conducted a workshop titled ‘Performance Management System’ for the management of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles LLC. The programme was conducted by Pramod Sadarjoshi, EVP & Global Head-HR - Bahwan CyberTek Group.
The workshop with ‘real-time on-line issues’ by way of case studies, role plays, discussions and thought provoking interactions.

NBO upgrades SMS banking services
National Bank of Oman (NBO) has introduced SMS banking which enables customers to get details of their account, transaction history and foreign exchange rates along with automatic alerts such as periodic account balance updates; account debit/credit updates; overdraft and SRL approval; updates on latest product offers; account information etc, in addition to receiving regular updates from the Bank on account credits and debits exceeding RO100; personal loans and overdraft information; and information on new product launches.

Shell Oman & OTE celebrate 10 years of partnership
Shell Oman Marketing Co SAOG and Oman Trading and Establishment recently commemorated 10 years of partnership. OTE is the sole distributor of Shell packed lubricants in Oman.
Said Faisal Al Hashar, Managing Director Shell Oman, “We value our alliance with OTE as they have contributed to Shell Oman’s growth and expansion of the lubricants business in channels of high street shops, Retail & the small independent workshops.”

Majees Tech co-sponsors OER CEO Golf event
Majees Technical Services LLC recently co-sponsored the annual mega-event – the OER CEO Golf tournament as a prize category sponsor. The event was held in February at the Ghala Wentworth Golf Club. The winner of the tournament won an advanced 2 camera Video Door Phone System from Majees Tech which can be used in an apartment or a villa.
Majees Technical Services LLC is focused on offering turnkey solutions in the areas of Fire & Security Automation, Vehicle Tracking Systems, GSM Infrastructure, Oil & Gas and Civil Contracting.

Oman-Germany alumni soiree
Germany’s Ambassador to the Sultanate, HE Klaus Geyer together with the German Foreign Exchange Office (DAAD) recently hosted a social gathering for Omani students who’ve studied in Germany.






 

Home owners visiting The Wave, Muscat
The Wave, Muscat – developer of the iconic project now taking shape in Seeb – recently welcomed some of its first customers to witness first hand the development of their new home at the project site. Construction has reached Stage 5 of the process which means that houses’ electricity, plumbing, air-conditioning and internal partitions are complete. The roof slab is also completed. It is truly recognisable as the beginnings of a home.

Two new educational concepts by OITE
Oman International Trade & Exhibitions (OITE), leading organizers of trade and consumer events in Oman, recently announced the launch of two new concepts to enhance education – EDUTECH, Education Technology & Services Show and SCHOOLEX, Private, International & Boarding Schools Show. EDUTECH and SCHOOLEX are scheduled to be held alongside GHEDEX, the Gulf Higher Education Exhibition from April 7-9 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.

Nawras women scale great heights
The ladies at Nawras are sure making invaluable contributions to the company. Apart from constituting 30 per cent of its workforce, many hold key positions in IT, procurement, finance, marketing, customer service and networking. According to Khalid Al-Mahmoud, Nawras COO, “Women are given equal responsibilities and opportunities at Nawras, leading to them occupying significant positions in all departments of the business. Nawras is playing a major role in the national human resources development of the Sultanate by giving women training and support for their chosen career paths.”

The Wave, Muscat CEO at Arabian World Construction Summit
The Wave, Muscat CEO, Nick Smith recently participated in the region’s largest construction networking event of the year, The Arabian World Construction Summit held annually in Abu Dubai. The event was launched by MEED in response to industry demand for a business platform that enables real industry debate and interaction.

Speaking at the summit Smith said, “The real estate market in the region has matured and grown substantially over the years. When the Wave, Muscat is seen in perspective with other developments in the region one feels great pride that the project is recognized for what it is, a world-class development enriching life in the heart of Muscat.”
 

New Nawras store at Muscat City Centre
“With the opening of this new sales outlet, the growth of Nawras is continuing to support the Government’s plans for the economy, and the country’s motives for the development and progression under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. As the economical emphasis shifts to the private sector, it is worth noting that Nawras is 100 per cent privately funded, employing qualified Omani nationals in responsible positions. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Nawras on the company’s third anniversary and look forward to seeing many more achievements in the future,” said HE Sheik Mohamed bin Sakher Al Amri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications for Civil Aviation Affairs at the launch of new Nawras store.
 

OHI Electronics inaugurate Connexions Showroom
OHI Electronics, the exclusive distributors in Oman for high end world class products like JVC, Bose, Osim and NEC inaugurated their new concept store for multi brands called Connexions recently at Qurm. Being the first such store, OHI Electronics plan to refurbish its other two showrooms located in Ruwi and Sohar shortly under the brand Connexions.



 

Oman Mobile deploys Microsoft Windows Server 2008
Oman Mobile has become the first early adopter of Microsoft Windows Server 2008 in the region. The collaboration between the two technology giants is to evaluate the new software application and its capabilities to support mission-critical roles such as enhancing network performance and providing increased security.

LG Baby Show 2008
Golden Hornet LLC organised the LG Healthcare Baby Show 2008. The event was held at LuLu Hypermarket Bowsher on 20 March. The event attracted participation of about 350 babies.
LG gave away the DVD players to the most aware mothers in each age-group, while the mother of the year was presented by the platinum sponsors of the event, BellTel. The event was also supported by Muscat Pharmacy and Apollo Medical centre who were the golden sponsors
of the evening.

 

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