Nawras launches off-peak broadband bundle

Nawras has launched an off-peak monthly mobile broadband bundle of 100GB for its Ajel and Mousbak customers. This innovative offer allows customers to enjoy music, movies and other heavy downloads from 2am to 9am with its generous monthly data bundle. This fantastic value comes with a monthly subscription of only seven rials. Customers choosing to opt in to this new service can use the off-peak plan on any day, alongside their existing bundle. Nawras is the only operator in Oman to offer an off-peak bundle plan for mobile broadband and this is the latest carefully designed data plan introduced to meet the varying usage styles of different customers. “For the first time in the Sultanate, Nawras mobile broadband customers can now enjoy off-peak data with fantastic value to handle heavy downloads overnight without affecting their regular data bundle,” says Mohamed Dilshard Anzary, senior manager broadband and BlackBerry.

BankMuscat CE named Arab Banking Personality

Dr AbdulRazak Ali Issa, chief executive of BankMuscat, has been named the Arab Banking Personality of the Year 2012 by the Arab Banking Union, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the banking sector in Oman and the Arab region. The announcement was made at the Arab Banking Conference 2012 organised by the Union of Arab Banks in Abu Dhabi. Every year, the Arab Banking Union honours one distinguished personality in recognition of his leading role and contribution to the Arab banking industry. Adnan Ahmad Yousif, chairman, Union of Arab Banks, president and CEO of Albaraka Banking Group (ABG), congratulated AbdulRazak on winning the prestigious award. “AbdulRazak has made significant contributions to the banking sector in Oman and the Arab region, securing major economic gains in the region”, says Adnan. “AbdulRazak’s insight will further enhance co-operation and business relations among members of the banking community in the region.”

PDO holds annual graduation ceremony

As many as 49 students who completed their higher studies abroad or from institutions within the Sultanate, on scholarships from Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), received their certificates from HE Nasser bin Khamis al Jashmi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Oil, recently. The PDO-sponsored scholars this year include six PhDs as well as 22 students who completed Master’s and 21 holders of Bachelor’s or diploma.
In a speech delivered at the graduation ceremony held at the Ministry of Oil and Gas, PDO’s managing director Raoul Restucci says, “The entry of these young graduates into our business adds to the growing pool of highly qualified Omanis working in the company. They join the ranks of more than a thousand Omanis who have graduated recently from foreign universities, Sultan Qaboos University and other institutions.”

AHEC secures EPC contract for PDO’s HRSG

Al Hassan Engineering Co (AHEC) won an EPC contract of a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) for Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) at the latter’s Amal facility. The multi-million dollar project to be executed on an EPC basis over a period of 22 months includes engineering, bulk procurement, construction and commissioning. AHEC will install a new HRSG which will have capability of producing around 6000 tonnes of steam per day. AHEC will also install high pressure feed water pumps, instrument air compressors and associated electrical switchgear systems. In addition, AHEC will construct a utility building to house the electrical switchgear and controls systems.

Now, private companies to vie for sultan qaboos e-government award

The Information Technology Authority (ITA) has offered an opportunity for the private sector companies in the country to participate in the third edition of its coveted Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence in e-government. Speaking about the new changes for the 2012 edition of the award, ITA’s CEO Dr Salim Al Ruzaiqi says, “For the first time, the Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence in e-government will now offer a chance for companies owned by government, as well as companies in the private sector, to participate in the competition. Opening the Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence in e-government to a new target segment will enable such institutions to actively contribute to strengthening the efforts to create a developed digital environment in the Sultanate, by providing electronic services to different segments of society.”
The award aspires to make qualitative transformation in the field of e-government services by honouring digital projects that deliver exceptional innovation and achievement in the field of information technology.

Starcare Hospital wins JCI accreditation

Starcare Hospital has achieved the accreditation of Joint Commission International (JCI), the world’s most respected accreditation body for hospitals, within 342 days of its inauguration. Starcare is the first and the only hospital in the Sultanate to achieve JCI accreditation in the first year of opening. Mohammed Saif Al Nabhani, director general for private health establishments, Ministry of Health, appreciated the Starcare team for this remarkable achievement at a function recently. “The accreditation process had its financial implications but it was the belief and commitment of our team that prompted the management to embark upon the epic journey and we are glad with fruitful results”, syas K Jayan, general manager. Adds Dr Askar Kukkadi, medical director, “Quality and safety are the prime requirements for a hospital. We are happy that an International body has stamped its approval.”

Big Bus comes to Oman

Travel Point and UK-based Big Bus Tours have entered into a joint venture to announce the introduction of City Tours into Oman. Tour Oman, which is the inbound Division of Travel Point and a full-fledged DMC, will handle the operations of the Big Bus in Oman. Big Bus Tours already operates sightseeing tours in 12 cities around the world, and this new tour, will provide visitors with the perfect introduction to the city of Muscat. Customers will be shown all the finest sights of the city, from the historic Muttrah Souk to the glistening waters of the Gulf of Oman; and from panoramic mountain views to traditional forts and palaces. The service is starting out with a two-hour panoramic tour of Muscat, departing at intervals throughout each day from Muttrah Souk. A dedicated tour guide will provide an entertaining and colourful commentary, providing valuable historical information and a real insight into the ways and workings of the city.

HSBC Oman merges with OIB

HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd has entered into an agreement to merge its Oman branch (HSBC Oman) with Oman International Bank (OIB). Following the merger, HSBC will hold 51 per cent of the combined entity which will be re-named HSBC Bank Oman. OIB, which is Oman’s fifth largest bank with the second largest branch network in the country, had gross assets of $3.2bn as at the end of December 2011. The merger will not affect OIB’s listing on the Muscat Securities Market. Under the terms of the merger, HSBC will inject additional capital of up to $97.4mn in cash from its internal resources into HSBC Oman and the business of HSBC Oman will then be merged with OIB. OIB will issue to HSBC new shares equivalent to a 51 per cent shareholding in the combined entity.

NBO awarded ‘Best Retail Bank in Oman’

National Bank of Oman (NBO) has been awarded the ‘Best Retail Bank in Oman 2011’ award by the Asian Banker Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards Programme. The official award ceremony was held recently in Singapore coinciding with the eighth annual meeting of inter-regional heads of retail financial services. Harsh Munjal, NBO’s general manager – retail and private banking, and Moosa Al Jadidi, head of wealth management, attended the award ceremony and received the award on behalf of the bank.

Bank Dhofar restructures housing loan

BankDhofar has recently reengineered ‘Daruna’, its housing loan, making it more accessible for everyone and simplifying the process. Now, Bank Dhofar offers its customers an interest rate of just 4.5 per cent, which is the lowest rate currently available in the Sultanate and facilitates lower total repayments. The bank has a dedicated call center to offer advice and guidance on the interest rate, the amount of the loan and the fees attached. “After assessing the market, Bank Dhofar understood that one of the major frustrations for anyone seeking a home loan was the time it took to process paperwork,” says Faisal bin Hamed Al Wahaibi, AGM, retail banking.

Omran holds GCC-wide tour

Omran has spearheaded the latest initiative to promote Muscat as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2012. The 11-day tour across eight cities, commencing from Manama, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Al Buraimi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaima, Musandam and finally to Muscat was held recently, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Friendship Arabia Expeditions. Through this partnership, Omran showcased Muscat’s diverse tourism assets, luxury hotels and eco-resorts, major sports venues, large joint-venture developments and business destinations such as the new Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre.“Oman as a destination has tremendous untapped potential and it is our national responsibility to promote our country to a wider international audience,” says Eng Abdul Wahid Al Farsi VP, external affairs, Omran.