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Oman, get
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from us.
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Photo by Abdulrahman al Hinai

Omani boys engaged in a

conversation while on their
way home
 ARTWORK

Artwork by Sheffy Tattarat

His Majesty
Oil on canvas
 IN THIS ISSUE

CONTENT SPARING NO EFFORT TO

ACHIEVE PEACE, SECURITY
& STABILITY
Oman can confidently claim
superiority over its peers in
its wise and pragmatic
diplomacy and its ability to
avoid entanglement in the
region’s conflict zones

OPENING
DOORS TO
QUALITY
TOURISM
More and more people of the
world are making travelling
part of their life’s objective
and Oman is right there on
the world map thanks to the
efforts made by the Ministry
of Tourism, affiliated agencies,
and its partners

12 WAYS TO
SEE OMAN
If you know where to look,
Oman can actually be a year-
round destination. And yes,
even in the hot summer
months

TRACING THE HISTORY AND

SIGNIFICANCE OF KHANJAR
Tracing the history and
significance of khanjar
A prominent fixture on the
flag of Oman, the Omani
dagger or Khanjar is a uniqe
symbol of Omani pride and
tradition worn on official
occassions. We take a look at
its long history and what it
meant to the people of the
Sultanate

OMAN’S UNIQUE AND

DIVERSE WILDLIFE GAINING
INTERNATIONAL INTEREST
In London, the success of
Oman Natural Heritage event
continues

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@OMANOBSERVER
Get the latest news and
updates about Oman as
reported by the most
Photo by Ahsan Ali Basra experienced news team in the
Sultanate
A man stands by the
giant door of Sultan
Qaboos Mosque
www.omanobserver.om
EDITOR’S NOTE

Photo by Khalid Jussain

Al Alam Palace
illuminated in the evening

O
ne of the goals of Oman Daily Observer’s OUR TEAM IN THE KNOW
National Day magazine is to remind EDITOR IN CHIEF All rights reserved. No part of
everyone of the important things that Abdullah bin Salim al Shueili this publication may be
happened in the last 12 months and reproduced, stored in a
CREATIVE DESIGNER retrieval system, or
how these developments may impact & EDITOR transmitted in any form or by
the future not only of the country but Yeru Ebuen any means, electronic,
all of its residents that benefit from its PHOTOGRAPHY PARTNER mechanical, photocopying or
Friday ShootOut Muscat otherwise without the prior
growth and continuous success. permission of the copyright
We’ve seen many milestones this year. Several heads of state PROOFREADER owner.
visited the Sultanate — from the Prime Ministers of Israel, India, Sebastiana Bensam
Said al Rhabi Printed and published by
and Romania to the Presidents of Palestine and Egypt. Many Oman Daily Observer
topics were discussed but we applaud the most the readiness Oman Establishment for Press,
of several leaders to pursue peace and stability not only in the Publication and Advertising
PO Box 974, Postal Code 100
region but the world. Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
In this issue, we revisited Salalah and how despite the two Tel: 2464 9444, 2464 9458
challenging typhoons, it managed to rise from the ruins and Fax: 2464 9469
Website: omanobserver.om
have broken records on the number of tourist visits compared
than the previous years. Images with names are
We also looked at some significant local events, from property of their respective
owners and permission was
issues and developments on women’s rights to progress granted for special use of
made in transport. this publication.
In business, we reviewed why “Oman is set to become
the fastest growing economy in the GCC” paying special
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
attention as well to how the Sultanate is moving towards
monetizing its gas reserves as well as how focus is now We would like to thank
everyone who actively
being placed on green energy. supports us year by year and
For the travellers at heart, we didn’t neglect you by making makes great contribution in
sure that we outlined which places and what activities you can ABOUT THE COVER realizing this magazine.
Special shoutout to Oman
do per month of the year while in the country. Photo by Jaison Chacko Observer staff who dedicated
We hope you’d enjoy reading all of these stories. their time and resources.
As we always say, we are all contributors to Oman’s progress. Al Alam Palace is the ceremonial Without all of your help, this
palace of His Majesty located in would not be possible.
This national day, we hope to thank you once again. Thank you Old Muscat. Its contemporary For comments and
for the contributions that each of us makes and as we welcome Islamic design and extravagant feedbacks email us at
the next year, we hope even great things will happen. blue and gold columns are two of feedbackobserver@gmail.
its defining characters. Here, it is com
shown with the row of modern
— YERU EBUEN houses behind it. © Oman Daily Observer 2018
 I
magine, if you can, if it is possible, a
land where bandits were a fact of life,
where violence and civil disobedience
ruled, and where tribal conflicts were
a perpetual risk to life, akin to the days

The sun
of the American Wild West.
No water, or very little water, in very few
places. There was little of good quality to
drink, and insufficient for the poor to be
able to cultivate crops as they wanted, or

always
more correctly needed, to survive. Only the
ingenuity of the traditional engineered Aflaj,
underground, hand-carved water reticulation
systems across the country, provided
sustenance to those communities fortunate

rise
enough to have access to them.
Imagine that same country, where
food was always in short supply, not
just sometimes, but always. It was
a country where life was, if not
cheap, difficult to sustain, given
the absence of any genuine form
of healthcare, and where one in
ten children born there, failed to
INTESAR AL ZAKWANI survive beyond their first birthday.
& RAY PETERSEN
Imagine too, a country that size,
with the same population as New Zealand,
for instance, with only three schools, where
no female students were allowed, and only
males could attend. In fact, not only were
females barred from education, but anything
other than cooking, cleaning and child-
rearing responsibilities.
Travelling throughout this country was a
distinct hardship, as, believe it or not, there
were only six miles of tarmac roads, and very
few cars. This was 1970, the generation
in which motor vehicles and airplanes
were becoming common around the
world. In fact not just airplanes, but jet
planes, and in this country, I repeat, six
miles of sealed roads, and very few cars.
The entire infrastructure of
the nation was fragmented and
incoherent, and the wealth generated
from oil and gas exploration was
shared, not by the population, but
by just a few with a ‘right’ to that
wealth, contributing little or nothing,
respecting none but each other.
Even the main currency of the
nation was that of another country,
the Indian Rupee.
Your mind’s eye is surely drawing a
picture of the scenario of an apocalyptic
society, where anarchy and poverty
were insurmountable obstacles to a
gentle, intelligent people kept submissive
by that poverty, divided not only by tribal
allegiances, but by design, for the ruling
credo was to divide and conquer, and
having done that, to divide and rule.
Oppression, however, while the
breeding ground for discontent, can
prove to be a potent force for good.
Martin Luther King wrote, “The ultimate
tragedy is not the oppression and
cruelty of bad people, but the silence
over that, of the good people.” However,
any form of revolution or renewal needs
a focal point, a person, a white knight,
to champion their cause, and such
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos came
to power in 1970, displeased with
the exclusion of ordinary Omanis
from the prospect and opportunity,
for both national and personal
opportunity. Sweeping aside all that
He gave his people was staid, stuck in years gone by,
hope and voice, misguided and misappropriated,
and they replied His Majesty Sultan Qaboos set in
as one, “We train the development of a national
promise to double infrastructure and identity to be
our efforts and proud of, resurrecting a proud nation
continue the hard through national pride and purpose.
work for our new “My people, my brothers,” began his
tomorrow, on our call to his people upon his ascension to
glorious march power. “Yesterday was darkness, and
towards a happy with the help of Allah tomorrow will be a
future” new dawn for Oman and its people.” No
longer would Oman be an economic
wasteland, a desolate landscape, with
desperate people, it would rise to be
acknowledged as the ‘Jewel of the
Gulf,’ a Middle-Eastern powerhouse
charismatic individuals grow thin on the of diplomacy, commerce and trade,
ground among the oppressed. respected and cherished both home
However in this country, this dry, and away.
arid, often unforgiving country of Oman, He gave his people hope and voice,
a saviour was to be found not among and they replied as one, “We promise
the poor, but among the privileged, with to double our efforts and continue the
sufficient foresight, intelligence and hard work for our new tomorrow, on
bravery, to recognise that the people our glorious march towards a happy
deserved more, needed more and must future.” Oman’s eagle had landed, and
have more. Not money, not wealth as the Sultanate would never be the same.
such, but opportunity. Here, at last, The sun would always rise on a nation
was the white knight the country had slow to prosperity, but appreciating it all
craved for decades. the more for the journey.
Photo by Biju K Vijayan
A fisherman traverses through
the scenic waters of Al Bustan
 Sparing
no effort
to achieve
peace,
security &
stability
REPORTED BY
SAMUEL KUTTY

Oman can confidently claim

superiority over its peers in its wise
and pragmatic diplomacy and its
ability to avoid entanglement in the
region’s conflict zones

T
he Sultanate’s foreign
policy is very clear and
transparent. It encourages
peace and stability
whenever and wherever
possible, especially in the region and
more generally, in the Middle East.
The country has adopted dialogue and
peace as basic principles since the Blessed
Renaissance on July 23, 1970 under the
leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.
This stems from the belief that dialogue
is the natural foundation to deal with all
conflicting issues.
The recent statement by Yusuf bin
Alawi bin Abdallah, Minister Responsible
for Foreign Affairs, at the United Nations
General Assembly’s 73rd session has it all.
He affirmed, “In the spirit of my
country’s firm belief that dialogue and
negotiation are the most convenient
means of resolving difference; we confirm
that the Sultanate of Oman will spare no
effort in supporting the initiatives that
will achieve peace, spread security and
stability in the Middle East and the world.”
TRANSFORMATION 2018
When His Majesty ascended to
the throne, the country had limited
contacts with the outside world,
including neighbouring Arab states.
Only two countries, the United Kingdom
and India, maintained a diplomatic
presence in the country.
A special treaty relationship
permitted the United Kingdom close
involvement in Oman’s civil and
military affairs. Ties with the United
Kingdom have remained very close
under His Majesty.
The United States and Oman have
enjoyed a long and stable friendship,
dating back over 200 years. The two
countries formalised their relationship
when they signed the “Treaty of Amity
and Commerce” in 1833 — the first
bilateral accord between the US and an
Arab Gulf state.
Both continue to collaborate closely
on regional security and stability, as
well as economic prosperity and trade.
Bilateral ties with China have also
increased considerably since 2007,
as trade between the two nations has
9
TRANSFORMATION 2018
League states, along with Somalia and
Sudan, which did not break relations
with Egypt after the signing of the
Oman can Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty in 1979.
confidently claim During the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war,
superiority over Oman maintained diplomatic relations
with both sides while strongly backing
its peers in its UN Security Council resolutions
wise and calling for an end to the war. Oman has
pragmatic developed close ties to its neighbours; it
diplomacy and its joined the six-member Gulf Cooperation
Council when it was established in 1981.
ability to avoid In recent years, Oman has
entanglement in undertaken diplomatic initiatives in the
the region’s Central Asian republics, particularly
conflict zones in Kazakhstan, where it is involved in
a joint oil pipeline project. In addition,
the Sultanate maintains good relations
with Iran, and the two countries
regularly exchange delegations. Oman
is an active member in international
expanded rapidly. and regional organisations, notably the
Oman pursuing a moderate Arab League and the GCC.
foreign policy allowing expansion of The Sultanate preserves its stand
its diplomatic relations was evident by not interfering in the internal affairs
when it supported the 1979 Camp of other countries, and by cooperating
David accords. It was one of three Arab with international and regional

organisations in containing the spread
of extremist ideology and terrorism.
Oman has a history of peacemaking
efforts to preserve regional stability.
It always played a mediator role
in matters of regional crisis, be it
the Kuwait invasion by Iraq, Iran
Nuclear Programme or Arab-
Israeli conflict, etc.
One area where Oman can
confidently claim superiority over
its peers, however, is its wise and
pragmatic diplomacy and its
ability to avoid entanglement in the
region’s conflict zones.
Oman described Israel as an
accepted Middle East state on Saturday,
a day after hosting a surprise visit by
its prime minister that Washington said
could help regional peace efforts.
As far as the Middle East dispute is
concerned, Oman is offering ideas to
help Israel and the Palestinians to come
together but is not acting as mediator.
This was evident from Alawi’s
statement at a security summit
in Bahrain.
TRANSFORMATION 2018
“Israel is a state present in the
region, and we all understand this.
REPORTER’S
NOTEBOOK
The world is also aware of this fact.
Maybe it is time for Israel to be 2018 has been a very interesting
treated the same [as others states] year for the Sultanate for many
and also bear the same obligations,” different reasons.
Alawi has reportedly said.
More importantly, his comments On the politics front, Samuel
followed a rare visit to Oman by Israeli Kutty compiled the world leaders
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who visited Oman and created a
which came days after Palestinian summary of what transpired on
President Mahmoud Abbas paid a those visits. See next story...
three-day visit to the Sultanate.
“We are not saying that the road
is now easy and paved with flowers,
but our priority is to put an end to the
conflict and move to a new world,” Alawi
told the summit.
Oman’s role in the historic pact
signed between great powers (P5+1)
and Tehran is possibly the crowning
achievement in Oman’s diplomatic
record thus far and grows its reputation
as a state that can help resolve the
region’s thorniest issues.
Iran lauded Oman’s role and spoke of
a new chapter of regional cooperation.
10
 WORLD
LEADERS
VISIT
OMAN

12
 Photo by Vinayak Patil

Omani boys paint the Oman flag

on the side of a mountain as a
way of showing pride and
celebration of the National Day

13
HISTORIC
VISIT BY
NETANYAHU
PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN
Netanyahu, in what is
described as a first-of-its-
kind meeting in more than 20
years, visited the Sultanate in
October this year.
The premier was received
by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.
Netanyahu and his wife
Sara were joined on the trip by
Mossad Head Yossi Cohen, his
Foreign Ministry director, and
other defence officials.
According to Oman News
Agency, the meeting between
the two leaders discussed,
“the Middle East peace
process and other issues of
shared interest”.
The meeting was the
first between leaders of the
two countries since 1996
and former Israeli premier
Yitzhak Rabin made a similar
surprise visit to Oman two
years earlier.
“The meeting stressed
Oman’s deep faith in peace
and efforts for stability and A memorable
visit, says Modi
prosperity in all countries and
people of the region and their
aspiration for a better future,”
the state news agency was
quoted as saying.
The Sultanate and Israel INDIAN PRIME MINISTER Narendra countries signed eight agreements,
do not have diplomatic Modi made a historic visit to the relating defence, health and tourism.
relations. Yet, Oman has long Sultanate in the second week of Modi, during his visit, also addressed
had a quiet role in fostering February this year. a mammoth meeting of Indians in
negotiations between the The trip, according to Modi, was one Muscat. The audience was also treated to
Israelis and Palestinians of the most memorable visits he had traditional Indian dance performances.
and has openly called for the undertaken anywhere. Waving both Indian and Omani flags,
need for a Palestinian state “This Oman visit is one I will cherish Indian community members were
while also acknowledging for a long time to come. This visit has overcome by patriotic fervour.
a need for an Israeli state. helped in building upon the centuries- While addressing the crowd, the
A joint statement issued by old ties between our enterprising people, prime minister said that ties between
Jerusalem and Muscat said and will impart a substantial momentum India and Oman remain strong and that
the two leaders discussed to our relations in all spheres, including the Indian community in Oman played a
“ways to advance the peace trade and investment relations,” the key role in strengthening the ties.
process in the Middle East Indian prime minister noted in his Modi also met with HH Sayyid Fahd bin
as well as several matters of official Twitter account about the visit. Mahmood al Said, Deputy Prime Minister
joint interest regarding the During his visit, Modi met with for the Council of Ministers, and HH
achievement of peace and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos at the Sayyid Asaad bin Tareq al Said, Deputy
stability in the Middle East.” Bait Al Barakah Royal Palace for a Prime Minister for International
Oman has long had a quiet special dinner. Relations and Cooperation Affairs
role in fostering negotiations The two leaders held wide-ranging and Personal Representative of His
between the Israelis and talks and discussed measures to Majesty the Sultan.
Palestinians and has openly strengthen cooperation in trade and The India-Oman association dates
called for the need for a investment, energy, defence, security, back to Indus Valley civilisation.
Palestinian state while also food security and regional issues. Oman also enjoys close ties with
acknowledging a need for an Following the bilateral discussions, both India in all fields.
Israeli state.

14
 MILESTONES 2017

Palestinian
president
meets HM
YET ANOTHER IMPORTANT visit that the
Sultanate witnessed in the fourth quarter
of this year was that of President Mahmoud
Abbas of the State of Palestine, Chairman
of the Executive Committee of the Palestine
Liberation Organisation.
The president was in Oman on a three-
day visit from October 21 during which he
met His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.
The visit was within the framework of
the good fraternal relations binding the
two sides and the keenness to enhance
and promote them to serve interests of the
Omani and Palestinian people.
Egyptian president
During the visit, the Palestinian president
was accompanied by Jibril Rajoub,
Secretary of Fatah Central Committee,
meets His Majesty
Hussein Al Sheikh, Minister of Civil Affairs, EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT ABDEL Fattah el Sisi visited the Sultanate
Maj Gen Majed Faraj, Head of the General in the first week of February this year. During the visit, President
Intelligence Service, the Palestinian Sisi met with His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos
Ambassador appointed to the Sultanate hosted a special dinner in honour of President Abdel Fattah el Sisi of
and a number of officials. Egypt, and his delegation, on the occasion of his visit to the Sultanate,
The president, on departure, was seen at Bait Al Barakah.
off by HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tareq al Said, The dinner was attended by a number of dignitaries and members
Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, Minister of the official delegation accompanying the Egyptian president. The
Responsible for Foreign Affairs, Dr Tayseer two leaders also discussed regional issues in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen
Ali Farhat, Ambassador of the State of and Iraq. Talks between the two leaders also addressed economic
Palestine appointed to the Sultanate and cooperation and trade deals through the mutual committee.
members of the embassy. His Majesty expressed hope for Sisi’s visit to boost bilateral

15

relations between the two countries. President Sisi
affirmed his admiration for the landmarks he visited as
well as the comprehensive development being witnessed
under the leadership of His Majesty the Sultan.
The economic relationship and cooperation between
the two countries come as part of the Great Arab Trade
Agreement. The Greater Arab Free Trade Area is an
economic alliance between Arab states for economic
integration and low tariffs trade. It began operation as of
the beginning of 2005.
The president also visited Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud al
Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers,
within the framework of his visit to Oman. During his visit,
the Egyptian president was accompanied by Sameh Shukri,
Foreign Minister, Mustafa Sherif Mahmoud, Chief of the
Egyptian President’s Office, Eng Tariq Qabeel, Minister
of Trade and Industry, and Dr Hala Helmy, Minister of
Planning and Administrative Reform.
Romania’s Viorica
holds talks with
Omani leaders
AS PART OF STRENGTHENING its bilateral and trade relations
with the Sultanate, Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila
held talks with Omani leaders during her three-day visit from
November 3.
The prime minister and her delegation were received by Sayyid
Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Secretary-General of the Foreign
Ministry, Dr Madeeha bint Ahmed al Shaibaniyah, Minister of
Education (Head of the Mission of Honour), Sayyid Saud bin Hilal
al Busaidy, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat.
During the talks at Oman Council of Ministers’ headquarters,
the prime minister affirmed that the visit aimed at enhancing the
friendship relations between the two countries.
The Omani side was led by His Highness Sayyid Fahd
bin Mahmood al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the
Council of Ministers.
Sayyid Fahd expressed the Sultanate’s welcome of this
visit and its prospective outcomes towards enhancing joint
cooperation. He requested the Romanian prime minister to
convey His Majesty’s greetings to the Romanian leadership and
best wishes of further prosperity for the Romanian people.
He hailed the growing relations between the two countries
and the development they witnessed for the interest of both
friendly countries.
Viorica pointed out that her country welcomed joint
cooperation and invited the Omani investors to Romania and
share experience in the different fields. The prime minister
praised the balanced policies adopted by the Sultanate towards
all issues which earned it the respect and appreciation of all
the world. From the Romanian side, the session was attended
by a number of their excellences and members of the official
delegation accompanying the Romanian prime minister.
16

Calling for
adherence to
the principles
of the UN
organisations was essential to the
Sultanate, which very quickly began
showing its support to the outside
O
world during times of political crisis.
ne of the major Throughout its deliberations at the
milestones that the United Nations General Assembly,
Sultanate achieved the Sultanate stressed on promotion
after His Majesty of peace, coexistence, tolerance,
Sultan Qaboos rose dialogue and close cooperation with
to power was the other nations.
country’s entry During the speech before the 73rd
into the United Nations on October session of UN this year, Yusuf bin Alawi
7, 1971. It was again in September in bin Abdallah, Minister Responsible
the same year that the Sultanate was for Foreign Affairs, affirmed, “Peace
also accepted into the Arab league and dialogue are an important
demonstrating Oman’s credibility as a necessity for humankind and their
sovereign state, under the leadership collective responsibility. The United
of His Majesty. Nations must act in this direction.
Membership to these two Its role requires the support of the
17
international community to promote national
and international interests”. Alawi said that while
humanity had achieved much, it was important
not to become complacent, as that was the main
source of political and economic discontent.
“The international community should
commit to providing support and assistance to
the least developed countries, which has caused
many problems and conflicts such as the
issue of international migration from different
continents and created concepts of chaos,
revolutions and instability in many regions of
the world,” he stressed.
The work of the United Nations must focus on
facing challenges, settling international disputes
and conflicts, and achieving peace.
“Hence, in the spirit of my country’s firm
belief that dialogue and negotiation are the most
convenient means of resolving the difference.
We confirm that the Sultanate will spare no
effort in supporting the initiatives that will
achieve peace, spread security and stability in
the Middle East and the world,” he asserted.
The Palestinian cause is the central problem
for the Middle East. Therefore, the cooperation
of the international community in creating a
suitable environment to help the parties involved
end the conflict is considered, as a matter of
particular strategic urgency.
“We think that despite the difficult current
situation and the stalemate in dialogue,
however, it is convenient to create favourable
conditions for positive discussions between
the Palestinian and Israeli parties, to reach
a comprehensive settlement, based on the
two-state solution, since not establishing a
Palestinian state will perpetuate violence and
terrorism,” he told the UN.
Alawi touched upon the condition of
the Republic of Yemen urging for the
international community to adopt a
humanitarian project that would enable
access to humanitarian aid by the Yemeni
people. He also noted the receding violence
in several Syrian areas, due to the collective
effort to reduce violence and tensions.
“Undoubtedly, the collaborative effort had a
significant role in combating terrorism; and we
hope that such efforts and cooperation continue
in Syria and other conflict areas,” he told the UN.
Alawi welcomed the positive developments in
the African Horn Region and hopes that efforts
being made will result in restoring confidence
and ending differences.
“My country renews its call upon all countries
of the world to adhere to the principles of
United Nations and International Law, and
resolve differences in peaceful means, without
resorting to wars, and consequently, their tragic
fallouts, so that there would be security, stability,
development and prosperity for the peoples of
the world,” he affirmed.
Seeing youth community.
The SDI summit aims to drive solutions
for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable

first hand
Development and Paris Agreement on
climate change. Some of the key takeaways
from the summit were the announcement of
100 Coalitions to accelerate climate action

how the
and sustainable development, hearing
Christine Lagarde of IMF saying that
finding financing needed to deliver SDGs is
challenging, but not impossible, and seeing
Al Gore, Vice-President of the United States,

unsung 1993-2001, encourages each and every one

of us to do our part to save the environment.
The UN Solutions Summit at the
UN headquarters, on the other hand,

heroes highlighted selected global innovators.

They gave ‘lightning talks’ outlining their
breakthrough efforts to an audience of
senior policymakers, investors, industry

work development goals (SDGs) aim to end

all poverty, fight inequality and tackle
climate change within the next 15 years,
in order to fulfil the UN’s 2030 Agenda for
leaders, fellow entrepreneurs and
members of the general public, including
youth, who bring additional creative
insight. It showed me that people already
have extraordinary solutions in progress
to our most complex challenges, and we
are just learning about them!
I was privileged enough to be given the
opportunity to speak at both summits about

I
f you have too many things you need
to do, it’s best to write them down.
Saving the world, it seems, follows
the same principle.
In 2015, the UN announced a 17-point
to-do list to transform the world for the
better. Between them, these sustainable
Sustainable Development.
I had the honour this year to witness the
unsung heroes making sure these goals
are achievable during UN Week — the week
when the United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) takes centre stage. This year marked
the 73rd year where world leaders from all
advancing the agenda of nature through
the power of disruptive technologies.
Given the speed at which technologies are
reshaping economies and societies, how
can we embrace disruption and accelerate
sustainable development outcomes in
harmony with nature? Disruptive trends,

193 member states congregate and discuss
issues that the world face and our progress
in achieving the SDGs.
Witnessing the beginning of fall in rainy
New York added some revelry to the setting
of sharp formal clothing and flag pins
adorning everyone’s lapel. I was participating
in two events during the week namely the
Sustainable Development Impact Summit
organised by the World Economic Forum
and the UN Solutions Summit organised by
the UN; both powerhouses of summits for
a young person like me representing the
even though many perceived as threats, are
becoming increasingly important because
they change the way we think, behave or do
business. It is time that we push more youth
to embrace those disruptive ideas, so we
can harness and leverage them to pursue
development aspirations for themselves
and their countries.
I found it fascinating to be able to
exchange ideas and be included in
the decision-making table with senior
officials and government heads in a non-
conference workshop format

18
Opening
doors to
quality
tourism
More and more
people of the world
are making
travelling part of
their life’s
objective and
Oman is right
there on the world
map thanks to the
efforts made by
the Ministry of
Tourism, affiliated
agencies and its
partners

Photo by Michael D’souza

Men gather for a traditional

celebration overlooking a date
plantation
 A
land that has been described by ancient
travellers for its beauty and charm,
a land that has been known for its
historical trade links, a land that is
etched in the world maritime history,
a land that has had heroic warriors
and poets, a land where the people are
known for their love for peace and hospitality — this land is
the Sultanate of Oman.
In the last five years, the country has opened its doors to
quality tourism ranging from eco and adventure to luxury
tourism. More and more people of the world are making
travelling part of their life’s objective and Oman is right there
on the world map with international tourism promotions by
Ministry of Tourism and properties being developed in the
Sultanate by Omran and private entities.
With the national carrier Oman Air increasing routes,
the latest being Russia, in addition to another local
airline, SalamAir, travelling to Oman and within Oman
has become easier than ever before. November 11, 2018
saw the official opening of the Muscat International
Airport but within the period of soft opening, the airport
has captured the imagination of the world travellers with
its efficiency and design.
The Sultanate, the land of history, has secured its heritage
at the international level with many
of its sites being added to the Unesco
World Heritage list.
In June 2018, Qalhat made yet
another history through its inclusion
in the list of Unesco world heritage.
The archaeological land is the fifth
Omani site on the list after Bahla
Castle (1987), Bat, Al Khatam and Al
Ain (1988), Frankincense Land (2000), Aflaj Irrigation System
(2006), which includes five Aflaj; Daris, Al-Khatmeen, Al-
Maliky, Al-Mayser and Al-Jeila.
On the occasion, Sultan bin Saif al Bakri, Director General
of Antiquities at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture pointed
out that this indicates the global exceptional value of Qalhat
as a significant cultural and economic connection point in
the thirteen century.
“The city is characterised by fusion of cultures and this is
evident through buildings, tombs and mosques inspired by the
Persian Safavid architecture. In addition to Ottoman baths
which depends on steam, indicating the extent of prosperity
that this city enjoyed in ancient times” Al Bakri stated.
According to Unesco, ‘The city developed as a major
port on the east coast of Arabia between the 11th and 15th
centuries CE, during the reign of the Hormuz princes. The
ancient city bears unique archaeological testimony to the
trade links between the east coast of Arabia, East Africa,
India, China and South-East Asia.’
“Qalhat was distinguished by its harbour which was a
stopping port for many trading ships from India,” wrote
Marco Polo, the famous Italian traveller, who visited Oman
in 1272; adding, “Qalhat is a great city located on a bay called
Qalhat. It is an important coastal city 600 miles north-west
of Dhofar and its people are Arab subject to Hermes who
whenever found himself in a war with a stronger king, he
would resort to the city of Qalhat for its fortification and
strategic location. Its people do not farm grains, but import
21
them from outside the country on commercial boats. The
port is very large and good. From this city, spices and other
goods are distributed to interior cities. They also export to
India many of the original Arabian horses.”
Qalhat also inspired Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan traveller,
when he visited Qalhat in the fourteenth century. He noted in
his book that it had fine bazaars and one of the most beautiful
mosques. He describes it saying, “Its walls are tiled with
Qashani, which is like Zilij, and it occupies a lofty situation
which commands a view of the sea and the anchorage. It was
built by the saintly woman Bibi Maryam, Bibi meaning in their
speech ‘noble lady.”
He gave an insight to the lifestyle of people in Qalhat when
he wrote, “And I ate in this city fish that I did not eat like in any
region, and I preferred it to all other meat. They grill it on tree
leaves, then eat it with rice. And rice is brought to them from
the land of India. They are people of trade and live on what
comes to them from the Indian Sea.”
Today visitors of the world can relive these moments
reading their words while enjoying the sea breeze. A
protected land, the once bustling city is serene with just the
sound of the sea and voices carried over from nearby towns.
Another ancient settlement that became a major
attraction in recent years has been Al Baleed — an integral
part of the Frankincense Land that earned its place on the
Unesco World Heritage list in 2000. In
its 18th year since the official list, the
site is on the itinerary of each tourist
who is on for a cultural tourism
experience.
Today with international hotels
and tourism companies in the area
has made it a traveller’s delight. The
land that lured ancient travellers is
today with amenities of international standards ready to host
major events. And leading the trend is the Oman Convention
and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), a project of Oman Tourism
Development Company (OMRAN).
OCEC, owned and developed by OMRAN in the heart of
Madinat al Irfan in Muscat, aims to strengthen Oman’s
position as a leading MICE destination in the region. According
to OCEC, over two years, the centre has demonstrated its
potential to attract major local and international conventions,
recording 291 events in its two years of operations, thus
making a significant 65% growth rate compared to the first
year. The events agenda of OCEC include conventions, live
meetings that could bring over 40,000 visitors from around
the world from now until 2024.
Established in 2005, the role of Omran is to drive the
investment, growth and development of the rapidly growing
tourism sector in Oman. While being the master developer of
major tourism, heritage and urban developments, delivering
iconic projects.
Even the residents themselves are discovering new
destinations and serving as brand ambassadors, have
catapulted many of the local sites as must-visit destinations.
In the last three years, Oman’s beautiful wadis, unique
in the Middle East region, are becoming source of great
adventure diversifying outdoor activities that can be done
in the country. With a good mix of historical sites, adventure
destinations and luxury and modern amenities, Oman is
ready to welcome more tourists in the coming years.
 SNAPSHOT
TRANSFORMATION 2018
12 WAYS JANUARY
TAKE A HIKE
TO SEE
The weather in January is
perfect for hiking and Oman has
plenty of trails for you to explore.
Jabal Al Akhdhar and Jabal
Shams, of course, are always the
OMAN scenic options but there are
many underrated hiking trails
not known to a lot of newbies yet.
The abandoned village of As Sab
and the terraced garden of
Bilayd Sayt are good starting
point but if you’re looking for
something close to Muscat, then
you can never go wrong with the
REPORTED BY Trekking path in Muttrah or
Riyam.
YERU EBUEN
Check out https://bit.ly/2Ffb0av
for five hiking trails to get you
started
Photo by Sunil Rao
The terraced garden of Bilayd
Sayt is one of the top five
favourite hiking trails by
residents due to its scenic path
FEBRUARY
TASTE THE
ROSE WATER
OF JABAL
AKHDHAR
In February, the damask roses
of Jabal Akhdhar would already
have started blooming. While the
most fun and enjoyable time to
visit is during the harvest
season, we recommend you to
visit in February and meet the
people making the rose water.
They will not be too busy so they
would be able to show you how
they convert the blooms into
rose water.
For some background, read
these two stories:
https://bit.ly/2DAg5bV
https://bit.ly/2DimVlh
22
Photo by Rajith Ranagan
A man from Jabal Akhdhar
processing damask roses

Photo by Yeru Ebuen Photo by Sudhi Sukumaran

Wadi Qurai is one of the easiest Wakan village illuminated by the
aflaj to hike morning light

20
 TRANSFORMATION 2018
MARCH
WATCH THE
PINK
BLOSSOMS
OF WAKAN
Wakan will always be a personal
favourite. Ask anyone and they
will describe it as a paradise
hidden in the mountains. While
Wakan can be visited any time of
the year, in March is the loveliest
time as the apricot trees will be
in full bloom giving you a piece of
Japan in Oman — at least the
sakura bloom-feel of it.
Wondering what else you can do
once in Wakan, read this https://
bit.ly/2Cj6EZo
APRIL
Photo by Nasser al Harthy’ PLUNGE INTO
A common scene in UNDERGROUND
habta markets
CAVES
There are many caves in Oman,
Al Hoota is the most popular
because of the full attention paid
to it by people working in the
Ministry of Tourism. While its
definitely worth a visit, we urge
you to try abseiling and there’s
no better place than the 8th hole
—Tahiri. It’s quite a long drop
and the chambers are very
interesting to explore — maybe
you can even take a dip in the
cold pool inside.
For inspiration, read this https://
bit.ly/2Fj4vni
MAY
TAKE A DIP
AT WORLD
HERITAGE
SITE AFLAJ
OR WADI
Since Oman is starting to get hot
by this month, nothing can get
more eclectic than swimming or
taking a dip in Oman’s popular
falaj or one of its dozens of
wadis. Did you know that Oman
has five aflaj listed in the world
heritage site list of Unesco? And
did you know that the wadis in
Oman are the fastest attractions
growing in popularity?
Don’t know where to start, try
Falaj Al Khatmayn https://bit.
ly/2DhYJ3R
JUNE
GET A GOOD
BARGAIN AT
HABTA
If you don’t know what a habta
is, then you’d been missing on
something truly spectacular.
Habta is a flourishing Eid
tradition. Think of it as a pop-up
market that can happen under
the shades of date palms or in
more traditional souqs.
During this time of the year,
there will be plenty of habta
markets popping up especially in
the interior parts of the country.
It would definitely work to your
advantage if you know how to
speak Arabic
You can get great bargains if you
know where to look. Check out
https://bit.ly/2B1LRMk
JULY
SURF THE
WAVES OF
ASHKARAH
AND AL
JIZAR
Ashkarah, located about an hour
from Sur and Al Jizar, located
about an hour from Duqm, are
underrated destinations in
Oman. But for many years now,
both have been preferred
destinations by adventure lovers
especially surfers and
paragliders. In July, the water
may get too cold in Ashkarah,
but it also means that the wind is
starting to pick up in this side of
the Arabian Sea resulting in
huge waves. Al Jizar always have
strong winds so caution is
needed at all times.
AUGUST
BATHE IN THE
GREENERY
OF KHAREEF
IN SALALAH
In August, all roads definitely
lead to Salalah. Do a simple
Google search and it will provide
you with the reasons why. If you
can afford to rent a camper van,
you have to try it once. With the
prices of accommodations
during this time of the year, it
will be a worthy and fun
investment. There’s nothing like
being able to camp anywhere
you like in place embraced by
fog almost every day for three
or so months.
24
Photo by Yeru Ebuen
A local guide staring at the rock
formations in Wadi Al Hoqain

25
Photo by Abdulrahman al Hinai
A boy harvesting damask roses
in Jabal Akhdhar
Photo by Abdulrahman al Hinai
A farmer checking his
pomegranates for pests
Photo by Viju Kothanath
Dune bashing is one of the must-
try adventure in the country
today
SEPTEMBER
WATCH THE
HATCHLINGS IN RAS
AL JINS
Watching sea turtles create a nest for their eggs is a
truly memorable experience, one that residents of
Oman are fortunate to have plenty of opportunities to
do. But one thing you can’t miss as well is when these
eggs become hatchlings. If you like watching National
Geographic, this will give you a real thrill. A fox running
after an itsy-bitsy turtle is just one of the things you’ll
see.
For what it’s like, read this https://bit.ly/2DeD5M
OCTOBER
GO POMEGRANATE AND
PLUM PICKING
Pomegranates are very interesting fruits. Not to say
they make up for a very healthy drink and food. In
October, Wadi Mistal and Jabal Akhdhar will be buzzing
with farmers harvesting their fruit crops, not just
pomegranates. We’re really looking forward to
‘pomegranates picking’ to pick up in the country the
same way that apple picking is a great outdoor activity
in some parts of the world. You don’t mind to get your
hands dirty, don’t you?
NOVEMBER
BASK IN THE DUNES
OF RIMAL AL
SHARQIYA
November is the perfect time to go to the desert. It’s not
too hot and not too cold. We tested this recently and
suffice to say, with not so many people flocking to the
desert yet, we enjoyed stargazing and dune bashing as
we had the desert all to ourselves. When headed to
Rimal al Sharqiya, don’t forget to stop by Jami Al
Hamoda Mosque in Ibra. The reason? It’s one of the
most interesting mosques in the country because
instead of just having one dome, this one has many.
DECEMBER
TRACE THE FRANKINCENSE
ROUTES
Oman is blessed with many historical sites. Qalhat has
recently been listed as a Unesco World Heritage site
and if you haven’t paid a visit to Bibi Maryam’s
mausoleum yet, December is the best time to go. We’d
recommend you, however, to take the less travelled
route and visit Ubar — the Atlantis of the Desert which
is about two hours drive from Salalah at least once.
Don’t forget to stop by Sumhuram and if you want a
little bit of Biblical or Quranic importance, then visiting
Prophet Ayoub’s tomb will make for a great side trip.
26
Tracing the
history and
significance of
khanjar
A prominent fixture on the flag of Oman, the Omani
dagger or Khanjar is a uniqe symbol of Omani
pride and tradition worn on official occassions. We
take a look at its long history and what it meant to
the people of the Sultanate

Early khanjars from archaeological Dutch East India Company in 1082-83

contexts are invariably straight-bladed, AH/1672 CE.
and the origins of the broad, curved The symbolic importance of
blade which typifies the present-day weaponry is fully expressed in the

K
Omani Khanjar remain enigmatic, national emblem, which comprises a
hanjars have been but literary and iconographic sheathed khanjar superimposed on two
used in Oman since evidence suggests the development crossed, curved swords.
at least the 3rd of increasingly curved khanjars The emblem is featured on the
millennium BCE, and starting in the 9th-10th century current national flag of the country and
even in the distant AH/15th-16th century CE. stands as a reminder of the historic
past, they appear The wearing of a khanjar by the battles waged to build the peaceful and
to have fulfilled a Imam Sultan bin Saif al Yarubi is clearly prosperous nation that is Oman today.
ceremonial as well as practical purpose. described in a transmission of the The Saidi style Khanjar, named

27
Photo by Abdulrahman al Hinai
A participant in a National Day
celebration wearing the
traditional Omani dishdasha with
the embellished khanjar

27
 Photo by Abdulrahman al Hinai

An Omani demonstrates how a

khanjar is made

28

Photos courtesy of the
National Museum
after the royal house of al Busaid, is
characterized by a pommel-shaped
hilt and seven-ringed construction.
It features a rhinoceros’ horn hilt
and a silver-embroidered leather belt
with a case silver buckle. A cartridge-
shaped tweezers set is affixed to the
belt and an auxiliary knife is fitted into
a leather sheath on the back of the
scabbard. The decoration on the hilt
and scabbard of the Khanjar include
chased, stamped and applied work,
filigree, and granulation.
The Suri style Khanjar, named after
the willayat of Sur is characterised by
its small and lightweight size. Its hilt is
usually glided. The scabbard is made
of leather decorated with silver yarns.
The scabbard ends with a silver funnel
decorated by applied work.
The Bedouin style khanjar or
(al Sifani) is made of wood. The
scabbard is also made of wood
and covered with a leather silver
decorated piece. This type is found
in al Wusta and North al Sharqia.
Al Nizwani style Khanjar is made in
Nizwa. The scabbard is made of wood
TRANSFORMATION 2018
covered with silk yarns.”
The German Engelbert
Kaempfer who visited Muscat
Khanjars come at in the year 1688 mentioned that
men were wearing daggers and
different prices the British Captain Alexandar
depending on the Hamilton also mentioned that men
size and the raw were wearing daggers or a wide
materials they sword fixed vertically to their belts”.
Khanjars come at different prices
are made of. depending on the size and the raw
Some are made materials they are made of. Some
of silver while are made of silver while others are
others are plated plated with gold. The average price is
RO 100- 500 but some can be around
with gold RO 2000. The prices are determined
according to the quantity of gold and
silver used, and embellishments also
factor in. If a khanjar comes with the
covered with a silver panel and the hilt bone of a Giraffe, the Horn of buffalo,
is made of ivory and silver, similar to al or Sandalwood, their
Saidi Khanjar hilt. prices are expected
The Khanjar is mentioned in the to be a little steeper
European travelers’ books like Robert than the artificial
Padbrugge book when he described horns which many
Imam Sultan bin Said “His Highness.. of the decorative
had a belt around his middle, in which khanjars are
he wore a dagger which was crosswise made of.
30
 Defying adverse
weather with
toughness
and ease
30
Despite the two cyclones that
battered the Dhofar Governorate
this year, the number of visitors for
the Khareef season exceeded that of
the previous year proving that
despite challenges, Salalah and its
neighbouring cities will always rise Photo by Uwe Richter

to the occasion The terraced waterfall of Wadi

Darbat is one of the most visited
attractions in Salalah

31
REPORTED BY
KAUSHALENDRA SINGH

T
he two cyclones that
Salalah faced in less
than six months
were real endurance
tests for the city,
its people and the
administration.
The timing of both the cyclones was
worrisome as the first one called
Mekunu came just before the Salalah’s
most popular Khareef (monsoon)
season, while the other called Luban
passed through the city just before
the beginning of the spring and winter
seasons, which attract tourists from
around the world in cruise ships and
charter flights.
The mood of both the cyclones
was devastating, as it was a make and
break situation. As if there was a call
from the nature that “you make it, I
will break it”. Everyone was helpless in
front of nature’s fury, but commendable
was the role of first responders who
took up the challenge by telling the
people to “maintain maximum safety
by remaining indoors” while standing
guard in the middle of the storm
directing people not to go further as
there was danger of being drowned or
washed away.
Post cyclone, the situation was more
Before the monsoon hit Salalah, access to all
challenging as the authorities were left the tourist sites was restored as people’s
with a little time to meet the Khareef expectations had soared due to the circulation
season deadline of June 21. Mekunu of Salalah greenery and waterfall videos and
had hit slightly far from the Salalah
on May 25, but its impact on the city
photos on the social media
infrastructure was massive. Broken
roads, bridges and most importantly,
access roads to most of the tourist sites
were damaged. many hearts by saving many lives and Salalah. The road leading to Mughsayl
The challenge was big in terms of properties during and after the cyclone had got damaged due to the collapse
restoration of damaged roads and that hit slightly away from Salalah city of two approach bridges. Everyone was
cleaning of debris. Trees got uprooted and made a landfall in adjoining Raysut. surprised to see a two-lane diversion
and water entered into low lying Before the monsoon hit Salalah, road ready within five days. The road
residential houses. access to all the tourist sites was is important due to this being the only
The government machineries restored as people’s expectations had connecting link between Salalah-
proved their high level of efficiency, soared due to the circulation of Salalah Rakhyout and Dhalkout.
planning and their perfect ability to do greenery and waterfall videos and Not only everything was in place for
disaster management and full credit photos on the social media. the tourists during the Khareef season,
for this goes to the Civil Defence and Mughsayl beach and adjoining caves Salalah nicely handled more than
Royal Oman Police personnel, who won are signature tourism destinations of 800,000 visitors.

33
 All photos from
Oman Daily Observer Archive

33
 Similarly, another cyclone Luban,
that finally weakened into a tropical
storm hit Salalah recently. The
authorities were well prepared to face
the situation due to many lessons
learnt during the previous cyclone.
It is a pleasant surprise now for
the charter and cruise tourists to find
Salalah so green and many natural
waterfalls running.
The storm had damaged
the makeshift road, which was
constructed after the tropical cyclone
Mekunu. It was redone in record time
ensuring easy access to the tourists as
no visit to Salalah is complete without
a visit to the Mughsayl beach, its bay
35
and one of the major attractions of
Salalah — the blowholes.
During both the adverse
weather conditions the government
machineries proved their high level
of efficiency, planning and perfect
ability to do disaster management.
Full credit for this goes to the Civil
Defence and Royal Oman Police
personnel, who won many hearts by
saving many lives and properties.
Besides them, all other government
functionaries worked in close
coordination and proved a nice
example of cooperation in which
committees and sub-committees did
their jobs in perfect harmony.
 TRANSFORMATION 2018
Cruise tourism
picking up in Salalah
Cruise tourism in Salalah is
beginning to display signs of future
potential. Due to its location, the
Port of Salalah has the advantage
to receive crossing cruises,
which are bound either to Asian,
European or African countries
but make a stopover at Salalah to
give its occupants an entirely new
experience.
The rugged beauty, which tourist
Matty Carvalho calls “the paradise
of the Gulf” and recommends “a
must visit to have an awesome
experience.” Everyone gets a mind-
blowing experience even during
their short tour of the city, as most
of the cruises have a short stopover,
maybe for six to 10 hours.
The cruise movement for 2018-19
has already started with a positive
and better outlook for the season.
With the likely movement of 40 cruise
ships from different locations, the
destination is expecting more than
30,000 cruise tourists this season.
The vessels coming from
countries like Italy, Germany, Egypt,
Jordan, Turkey and Denmark and
many more destinations after
stopover at major ports and cities,
these cruise liners are giving good
business to local tour operators, who
deal with their ground operations
and manage local sightseeing
services.
Ahmed Said al Afri, Manager of
Zahra Tours in Salalah, confirmed
this trend and said more cruise ships
were lined for Salalah stopover on
way to their different destinations.
The volume of tourists in one ship
varies from 1,000 to 3,000 thus
making immediate demand for
services to take the tourists around.
“This is a fact now that the destination
is no more limited to Khareef
(monsoon) season. It has changed
into four-season destination with the
movement of cruises and charters…
it has expanded a lot and demand for
expert guides is growing up. It is up to
the policymakers and tour operators
to decide as to how this demand-
supply gap can be fulfilled,” he said.
Among the cruise ships, which
called Salalah last season included,
Costa neoRiviera, AIDAstella,
Boudicca, Nautica, Azamara
Journey, Seven Seas Voyager, Star
Legend, Costa neoClassica, Crystal
Symphony, Silver Spirit, Albatros and
Costa Mediterranea. Early this year,
cruise ships like Artania AIDAcara,
Costa Victoria, Costa Luminosa
AIDAstella Amade, Silver Whisper,
Seabourn Encore, Azamara Journey,
Crystal Serenity, Nautica and Seven
Seas Voyager made calls at the Port
of Salalah.
36
 A brightening
economic
outlook
Boding well for Oman’s public finances is a
strong uptick in international crude prices and
burgeoning segments of the non-oil economy

Photo by Sunil Suresh Rao

A view of Muscat roads at night

36

T
he omens are good
for a healthy rebound
in the Sultanate’s
economic and fiscal
fortunes, thanks to
buoyant international
oil prices and prudent
macroeconomic policies that have kept
expenditure in check.
According to the International
Monetary Fund (IMF), Oman is set to
become the fastest growing economic in
the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) bloc in
2019. The Sultanate’s real GDP is expected
to grow by more than 5 per cent next year,
the multilateral financial institution’s said
in its World Economic Outlook report
issued last month.
The positive outlook follows an upward
revision of Oman’s 2019 growth forecast
from 4.1 per cent projected in its April
2018 World Economic Outlook report. The
Omani economy is expected to grow by 1.9
per cent this year, said the report, citing an
uptrend in international oil prices, which
are expected to average $69.38 per barrel
in 2018, up from an average price of $52.8
per barrel in 2017.
Adding further cheer to this brightening
outlook is the announcement that the
Sultanate is the 47th most competitive
nation in the world out of 140 countries
ranked in the 2018 edition of the Global
Competitiveness Report published by
the World Economic Forum. Oman’s
competitiveness ranking averaged 42.55
from 2008 until 2018, reaching an all-time
high of 62 in 2016 and a record low of 32 in
2012, the report said.
Indeed, Oman’s fiscal position has
improved significantly due to a sharp
recovery in oil prices and reform measures
undertaken by the government. The policy
measures implemented to mitigate the
stress conditions, including expenditure
rationalization and augmentation of non-
oil revenue, continue to have a salutary
impact on the fiscal consolidation and
helped in addressing the macroeconomic
challenges.
The government has been aggressively
promoting economic diversification in
a bid to reduce the nation’s dependence
on the hydrocarbon sector. The 9th Five-
year Development Plan and Tanfeedh
programme for enhancing economic
diversification reinforce the government’s
vision to reduce its reliance on the
hydrocarbon sector by promoting non-oil
economic activities.
According to the Central Bank of Oman
(CBO), the uptick in crude oil prices, coupled
with ongoing fiscal consolidate efforts, has
contributed to a significant reduction in
Oman’s budget deficit over the first five
months of 2018. The deficit plummeted to
RO 1.095 billion during the January-May
2018 period, down from RO 2.035 billion
during the corresponding period of 2017,
the apex bank said.
“The economic recovery in the
Sultanate is gaining traction as domestic
demand improves and market sentiment
becomes more conducive to growth,” the
CBO said. “Also, the sustained increase
in oil prices coupled with strong external
demand will give the non-oil activities
the needed stimulus. The diversification
policy continues to add more strength to
sustainable economic growth,” it noted.
On the other hand, non-oil & gas
revenues dropped by 4.6 per cent in 2017
mainly due to a significant decline in
capital repayments. On the other hand,
the expenditure declined for the third
year in a row during 2017, reflecting the
government’s commitment towards fiscal
consolidation. The decline in government
expenditure by 4.9 per cent during 2017
was contributed by moderation in both
current and investment expenditure.
The spending norms have been
restructured aiming at a reduction in
deficit and eventually restoring the fiscal
balance. The current expenditure declined
by 4.3 per cent in 2017 compared to an
increase of 1.7 per cent in 2016, while the
investment expenditure contracted by 9.3
per cent in 2017 in comparison with 11.7
per cent drop in 2016. Total expenditure as
a percentage of GDP reduced to 43.9 per
cent as compared to 50.2 per cent in 2016.
Banking credit to the private sector
rose 5.7 per cent to RO 21.5 billion at the
end of May 2018, according to the report.
The household segment accounted for
45.6 per cent of this figure, the non-
financial corporate sector 46.0 per cent,
while financial corporations and other
sectors secured 4.8 per cent and 3.5 per
cent respectively, of the total credit.
Deposits, on the other hand, climbed
TRANSFORMATION 2018
3.6 per cent to RO 22.3 billion during
the period under review. Private sector
deposits grew 4.1 per cent to RO 14.3 billion.
Households accounted for 49.1 per cent
of total deposits, followed by non-financial
corporations (29.2 per cent) and financial
corporations (19.1 per cent).
Financing by Islamic banks and
windows jumped to RO 3.3 billion this
year, compared to RO 2.7 billion a year
ago. Total deposits held with Islamic
banks and windows surged 21 per cent
to RO 3.2 billion in May 2018, up from RO
2.6 billion last year.
“The total assets of Islamic banks
and windows combined amounted to
RO 4 billion as at the end of May 2018,
constituting about 12.5 per cent of the
entire banking system assets,” the
report added.
The 2018 budget also continued with
reforms agenda and emphasised on
diversification, promoting private sector-
led growth, and removal of bottlenecks
and improving business environment.
The budget stressed upon reducing
the breakeven price of oil to ensure a
sustainable economy.
Government revenues are budgeted to
grow by 11.6 per cent in 2018 over the actual
in 2017. The hydrocarbon revenues and
non-hydrocarbon revenues are estimated
to contribute about 58 per cent and 42 per
cent, respectively, to the budgeted increase
in government revenue in 2018.
Total expenditure is estimated to go
up at a muted rate of 1.8 per cent in 2018
over the actual in 2017, with a growth in
investment spending budgeted at 3.4 per
cent over the actual in 2017. Overall, the
fiscal deficit is budgeted at RO 3,000 million
in 2018, which will be largely financed
through debt.
Furthermore, the 2018 budget
intends to expedite the privatization of
government-owned entities or semi-
government companies (manufacturing,
petrochemical and electricity industries)
to elevate participation of the private
sector in the economy and also contribute
to government revenues.
“Other policy reforms that the
government undertook include the
deregulation of fuel prices, reduction
of electricity subsidy, restructuring
the capital increasing private sector
partnership, and changing the composition
between current and capital expenditures,”
the report added.
38
TRANSFORMATION 2018

to wider economic growth.

Integrated development: Initial agreements signed in May this
year have brought together Shell, Total
Oman’s new strategy and Oxy — along with state-owned Oman
Oil Company — in an unprecedented
for monetizing gas partnership (not seen since the
development of Oman LNG nearly a
reserves quarter century ago) to help monetise the
nation’s gas reserves.
In a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) signed by Dr Mohammed bin
Integrated gas development — a concept envisaging
investments across the upstream, midstream and Hamad al Rumhy, Minister of Oil and
downstream segments of the gas business chain — is Gas; Shell Gas & Power Developments
the new paradigm being employed by the Ministry of BV (Shell); and Total have broadly
Oil and Gas to monetise the nation’s natural gas committed to participating in upstream
resources gas exploration and development, gas-
to-liquids (GTL), liquified natural gas
(LNG) and renewable energies.
Total and Shell as operators will
WHILE CRUDE CONTINUES to hold sway value-creating, employment generating develop several natural gas discoveries
as the big revenue-earner for the national industrial and economic projects. located in the Greater Barik area
economy, natural gas is increasingly Not surprising, energy majors onshore Block 6, with respective shares
gaining cachet as the resource that has Shell, Total and Occidental Petroleum of 25 per cent and 75 per cent, as per
the potential to fuel the government’s Corporation (Oxy) have embraced this the agreement between both companies
strategy of diversifying the economy model, which espouses an integrated and before possible state back-in, with
away from its longstanding dependence approach to gas development spanning the objective of an initial gas production
on hydrocarbons. the upstream, midstream and of around 500 million cubic feet per day
From this perspective, the downstream components of the gas (MMcfd) and a potential to reach 1 billion
government’s adoption of the ‘integrated business chain. cubic feet/day (bcf/d) at a later stage.
gas development’ model to achieve the Since the start of the year, three key Total, for its part, says it will use its
rapid monetisation of Oman’s natural partnership agreements have been equity gas entitlement as feedstock
gas resources has been enthusiastically signed on the basis of this integrated to develop a regional hub in Oman for
welcomed by pundits. Many believe energy development model — a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) bunkering
this new model offers an attractive template that ensures the accelerated service which will supply LNG as a fuel
business and investment paradigm for commercialisation of the Sultanate’s gas to marine vessels. This calls for the
unlocking the nation’s gas reserves for potential, but crucially, also contributing establishment of a new small-scale

38
39 39

modular liquefaction plant to be built in
Sohar port. The plant will comprise a 1
million tonnes per annum capacity train,
offering the flexibility for expansion as
required by the development of the LNG
bunkering market.
Separately, the Omani government
also signed an MoU with Oxy and Oman
Oil Company to explore investment
opportunities in the petrochemical field.
At the same time, the State General
Reserve Fund (SGRF) — a sovereign
wealth fund of the Sultanate of Oman
— signed an agreement with Shell and
EnerTech Holding Company to invest in
the renewable energy sector.
More announcements are anticipated
in the coming months as the Ministry
of Oil and Gas works with its partners
in sustainably developing the country’s
natural resources and maximizing value
from its hydrocarbon wealth.
Underpinning this new development
model is a bold new rationale that seeks
to harness synergies at the upstream
and downstream ends of the business —
a value proposition that is not available
in the approach enshrined in the
conventional Exploration & Production
Sharing Agreement (ESPA), according to
Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Under-Secretary
of the Ministry of Oil and Gas.
“The main driver in this integrated
approach is the sharing of a bit of the
risk with investors,” Al Aufi explained.
“As an investor, you can develop the
upstream end and take the gas over to
the downstream project. By integrating
the two ends, there is a beneficial
synergy that comes into play. So we are
Since the start of
the year, three
key partnership
agreements have
been signed on
the basis of this
integrated energy
development
model
attracting international players to bring
their downstream investments to Oman
too. Otherwise, we would be waiting for
someone to knock on our doors to make
use of the gas for downstream industries.”
Explaining the rationale and value
proposition behind this new integrated
development concept, the Under-
Secretary said this innovative approach
effectively grants complete control of the
gas business chain to the investors.
TRANSFORMATION 2018
“We are actually throwing the ball
into the investors’ court, pointing out
that if they want to the upstream gas
business, part of their obligation is to
also bring in the downstream industry
that will monetize the gas. Based on
our discussion with various interested
parties, this approach is working quite
well so far.
“There are many opportunities for
downstream industries — whether it Gas
to Liquids (GTL) that we are in discussion
with Shell about, LNG bunkering with
Total, or the petroleum industry that
we are talking about with Oxy. So this
approach is actually changing the gas
landscape in Oman.”
Under the integrated model, investors
take control of the complete chain from
the well all the way to the export tankers,
and connect everything together,
according to the official. The government,
for its part, hopes to unleash a multiplier
effect with benefits for the wider economy.
“We would like to capitalise on
the multiplier effect associated with
downstream industries. By definition,
when you go downstream you are also
increasing the In-Country Value (ICV) of
the gas, and we would like to be part of that
business as well. Downstream industries
improve ICV, create more direct jobs,
and also give rise to related industries —
direct and indirect. The socioeconomic
spinoffs are exciting,” he stated.
39
40
TRANSFORMATION 2018 TRANSFORMATION 2018

Green
energy
resour
at long
THE TRANSITION TO
RENEWABLE and
alternative energy 2018 is a watershed year
resources is finally in full for Oman’s renewables-
cry in the Sultanate. Over the based ambitions, as a
next five years, around 2,600 raft of utility-scale
megawatts of utility-scale solar and
wind based capacity is due to come
solar and wind based
on stream at key locations around the
schemes are
country, adding for the first time electricity unveiled for
generated from sustainable resources implementation
to the nation’s power grids. The positive in the coming
ramifications from the emergence of a years
new renewables-based industry taking
root in the Sultanate are immense.
The Authority for Electricity Regulation alternative energy resource development.
(AER), the sector regulator, and the Oman Majority-government-owned Petroleum
Power and Water Procurement Company Development Oman (PDO), the nation’s largest
(OPWP), the sole procurer of new power producer of oil and gas, has already made
and water capacity under the sector law, significant investments as well in support of
are jointly spearheading the Sultanate’s its energy sustainability ambitions.
aggressive foray into renewable and Spurring the transition to renewables is a

ces
last
new fuel diversification policy adopted
by the Omani government earlier
this year. It requires that renewable
energy projects contribute 10 per cent
of generation output by 2025 (and up to
3,000 MW of coal-fired generation to be
developed by 2030).
OPWP’s RE programme got under
way in earnest last December when it
floated a tender for Oman’s first ever
utility scale solar PV project — 500 MW
scheme — to be located at Ibri. Around
a dozen international developers,
including a number of prominent global
energy corporations, are competing
for the prestigious licence to build the
Sultanate’s maiden commercial-scale
solar power scheme.
In early October 2018, OPWP
unveiled plans for the procurement
of a second utility-scale solar power
plant, this time around sized at up to
a world-scale 1 gigawatts (GW). The
mega scheme, dubbed Solar 2022 IPP,
will be a solar photo-voltaic (PV) based
Independent Power Project (IPP) due
for commercial launch in 2022. It is
also expected to come up in the Wilayat
of Ibri in Dhahirah Governorate,
alongside the maiden Ibri II Solar IPP
slated for commercial launch in 2021.
New solar-based capacity additions
are planned at yearly intervals via a
succession of procurements, each
sized at a minimum of 500 MW, for
commercial launch in 2023 and 2024.
Also envisioned is a pair of large-scale
wind power schemes, each of around
200 MW, to be brought into operation
in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
OPWP says it expects that solar PV
projects will contribute at least 30 per
cent of their peak installed capacity
to the MIS peak demand, on the basis
of energy output profiles determined
from Manah and Adam site data.
Importantly, OPWP also has
substantive plans for the development
of wind energy projects of capacities
ranging from 150-200 MW. Sites in
Dhofar, Duqm and potential Sharqiyah,
are being weighed as possible locations
for these new investment, although the
choice of location will be determined
by its proximity to a new 400 kV
transmission line due to be built from
Izki to PDO and onward to Duqm by the
year 2023.
Already, the Sultanate’s first
utility-scale wind farm is under
construction at Harweel in Dhofar
Governorate. The 50 MW project is
being financed by UAE’s MASDAR,
to be operated by the Rural Areas
Electricity Company (RAECO) under
a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
with OPWP. The project is expected to
begin operation in 2020.
Supplementing the government’s
pursuit of utility-scale renewables
is an equally ambitious mass-scale
initiative to harness the sun’s
energy via the installation of solar
photovoltaic (PV) systems atop
residential buildings in the Sultanate.
Dubbed ‘Sahim’, which means
“contribute” in Arabic, the initiative
is spearheaded by the Authority
for Electricity Regulation Oman
to promote the exploitation of
TRANSFORMATION 2018
Oman’s limitless solar resources for
electricity generation.
Sahim is being implemented in two
stages. Sahim-1, which is currently
under implementation, allows larger
households as well as businesses
that install rooftop PV systems at
their own cost, to be compensated for
any electricity output exported into
the grid. Envisaged under Sahim-2 is
the large-scale deployment of small
PV systems of capacities ranging
from 3-5 kilowattpeak (kWp) covering
between 10-30 per cent of residential
premises in the Sultanate. Unlike PV
systems covered in Sahim-1, the costs
of procuring, installing, operating
and maintaining residential systems
under Sahim-2 will not be borne
by the customers, but rather the
developers who will recoup their
costs through contracts with the
licensed power suppliers.
Significantly, an incentive-based
tariff system approved by the regulator
will enable residential customers to
slash their annual electricity bills by
around 40 per cent when they install
grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV)
systems on their rooftops.
According to the electricity
authority, any surplus power exported
back into the grid will be remunerated
at prevailing Bulk Supply Tariffs (BST),
which are higher than the electricity
tariffs for residential customers — a
feature designed to incentivize the
rollout of rooftop solar capacity under
the Authority’s ‘Sahim’ initiative.
Preceding the full-fledged launch
of the ambitious, nationwide Sahim
programme, the Authority plans
to conduct a pilot phase targeting
between 1,000 and 3,000 homes in
Muscat Governorate. The pilot phase
will be tendered out to interested
developers sometime between the end
of Q3 and beginning of Q4 of this year.
In preparation for this pilot, the
Authority is drafting new regulations
and guidelines to designed to help
distribution and supply companies to
agree contractual terms with potential
developers, who will be responsible
for investing, funding, operating and
maintaining the rooftop solar PV
systems on residential homes.
42
TRANSFORMATION 2018

Duqm Refinery: AS THE SULTANATE’S largest

greenfield industrial investment to date,

A new the Duqm Refinery has often been hailed

by Oman’s authorities, and industry
experts as well, as a project with game-

engine for changing leverage to power Duqm’s

long-term development into a new
economic growth pole for Oman.

Oman’s
After all, the refinery project
is a mammoth, multi-location and
complex undertaking that will catalyse
over time the growth of an equally

economic gigantic downstream industry as well.

Numerous ancillary investments are
expected to proliferate all around Duqm

growth as well, providing a plethora of services

Construction work has commenced in earnest on
the Duqm Refinery project — a $7 billion
investment with the potential to anchor the Duqm
Special Economic Zone’s (SEZ) eventual growth into
one of the largest economic hubs in the Middle
East
necessary to support and sustain this
vital development not only at site, but
also the Liquid Terminal and the nearby
Ras Markaz Crude Park, which will be
integrated with the massive venture.
Duqm Refinery has all the hallmarks
of a strategic national venture
developed in alignment with the Omani
government’s goal of diversifying the
economy, fuelling long-term economic
growth and creating employment
opportunities for Omanis.
The project is also the first in other
aspects. It is the first major cross border
refinery project in the Middle East
region. It is also the first joint venture of

a refinery project in the region between
government-owned oil companies of two
Middle East countries. In addition, it is the
first refinery in the Middle East to process
crude from another Middle Eastern
country on a long-term contractual basis.
It is also the first major cross border
refinery project in the Middle East region
— a joint venture between government-
owned oil companies of two Middle
Eastern countries. Besides, it is the first
refinery in the region to process crude
from another Middle Eastern country on
a long-term contractual basis.
A joint venture between Kuwait
Petroleum International and the Oman
Oil Company, the project centres on
a 230,000 barrels per day capacity
refinery designed to process a range of
blended crude oils. It is configured as a
full-conversion hydrocracker/coking
facility, which will utilise advanced
technology, commercially proven at the
scale of the project, supplied by leading
technology licensors.
As the largest industrial investment
to date, the project comprises the
development, construction and operation of
the refinery, on-site utilities, infrastructure
and storage, together with offsite facilities
including crude tank storage facilities in
Ras Markaz, an 80-km crude oil pipeline to
the refinery and a product export terminal
at the Port of Duqm.
The engineering, procurement
and construction of the project
are being undertaken under three
lump sum turnkey contracts with
world-class contractors. A formal
notice to proceed was issued to the
contractors in June 2018.
Earlier this month, a key milestone
in the implementation of the estimated
$7 billion project was achieved with the
signing of project financing documents.
The $4.61 billion multi-sourced financing
was billed as not only the largest project
financing in the Sultanate, but also
included the largest Sharia-compliant
facility to a green field project in Oman
provided by a consortium of Islamic
financing institutions.
The facilities provided by 29
reputed financial institutions from
13 countries and insurance and
guarantees provided by three major
Export Credit Agencies were hailed
as a testament to the confidence
placed by international, regional, and
local lenders in the Sultanate, the
shareholders, and the project.
The facilities comprise an
international commercial facility, an
onshore commercial facility, an Islamic
facility, a United Kingdom (UKEF) covered
facility, a Spain (CESCE) covered facility, a
South Korea (K-EXIM) covered facility, and
a K-EXIM direct facility.
As a world-class grassroots refinery
based on advanced technology, Duqm
Refinery will produce an array of
clean products that comply with global
standards for quality and safety, while
striving to operate at internationally
recognized benchmarks as well. The
state-of-the-art refinery will bolster
the energy industry of the Sultanate by
strengthening the supply and production
of Diesel, Jet fuel, Naphtha, LPG, Sulfur
and Pet coke as its primary products.
The giant project is also expected to
unleash business and subcontracting
opportunities worth in excess of $1
billion for local Omani companies
and small businesses during the
construction phase.
The Engineering — Procurement
— Construction (EPC) of the mammoth
project, valued at $5.75 billion, is being
shared out among a trio of international
TRANSFORMATION 2018
consortiums, each shouldering a distinct
package of works. With each of the
consortiums pledging to outsource a
minimum 20 per cent of their contract
value to local Omani businesses, a
bonanza in subcontracts worth in excess
of $1 billion is potentially up for grabs,
according to project officials.
In line with its In-Country Value (ICV)
objectives — part of a national initiative
to prioritise opportunities for local small
and medium businesses (SMEs) and
Local Community Contractors (LCCs) —
Duqm Refinery has instructed the three
main contractors to set aside a sizable
chunk of subtracting and procurement
opportunities to local Omani firms.
Under these guidelines, the main
contractors are required to allocate
at least 10 per cent of their contract
value for purchases and services from
SMEs registered with the Joint Supplier
Registration System (JSRS) — an ICV
initiative of the Ministry of Oil and Gas and
leading oilfield operators. Additionally,
20 per cent of the project value has
been reserved for procurements of
locally sourced ‘Made in Oman’ goods.
Contractors are also required to achieve
a 10 per cent Omanisation target at some
functional levels.
Longer-term, Duqm Refinery is set to
drive the growth of the Duqm SEZ through
the development of new downstream
projects. Envisioned in the next phase
of the refinery’s development is a major
petrochemicals complex that will process
feedstock from the refinery into a range of
intermediate products, which in turn will
open up opportunities for further value
addition. This potential for investment
at every stage in the petrochemical
value chain will help enhance Duqm’s
brand appeal as the region’s preeminent
investment destination.
44
SNAPSHOT
 Photo by Ragu Muthukumar
The oldest mode of transport in
the Sultanate, camels, to this day,
are highly valued not only for
their transport services but for
milk and other commercial uses
Transportation anticipated and planned industrial
township of the Middle East, Duqm today
is also the third biggest air hub of the

sector continues country after Muscat and Salalah.

Still in the development stages, Sohar

growth, expansion Airport has grown international over the

opening of the entire stretch of the
Batinah Expressway to the public in May.
However, the biggest or perhaps the so-
past few years with scheduled services
by Air Arabia (to Sharjah), Qatar Airways
(Doha) and the national budget airline
SalamAir to Salalah.
Batinah Expressway that was
dedicated to the nation on May 7 connects
nine wilayats and three governorates of

T
called landmark occasion of the modern
he transportation Day Oman was on March 20, when the
sector in Oman new Muscat International Airport was
has grown leaps dedicated to the country for all types of
and bounds over operations, including freight services.
the last years, After eight months of seamless and
especially with the almost glitchless operations, the new
development of the airport was officially inaugurated on
public transport system. November 11.
The year 2018 saw the bus Duqm airport, which was operational
network expanding to newer areas from a makeshift passenger terminal
of the capital, taxis services being since 2014, saw the completion of a full-
reorganized with on-demand services developed airport and cargo facilities
available through mobile Apps. in September.
Above all, not to be missed was the Emerging as one of the highly-
Muscat, South and North al Batinah. The
largest road project in the history of the
Sultanate starts at the end of Muscat
Expressway in Halban, Muscat, and ends
at Khatmat Malaha in Shinas with a
length of 270 km.
The project will have four lanes in each
direction with a width of 75.3m, per lane
23 interchanges, 17 flyover bridges and 12
underpasses, 11,400 lamp posts and over
250,000 ground reflectors.
To keep a tab on trucks with overloads,
the government plans to introduce
weighing machines on the Batinah
Expressway in the coming year with

47
 Photos by Sunil Suresh Rao

(Top) Muscat International

Airport at night; (below) general
view of roads in Al Khuwair

the tender to be issued very soon. The

integrated fuel stations are also expected
to come up at Barka, Saham and Liwa
through a public bidding.
Muscat Airport: Oman Airport aims
to make the new Muscat International
Airport, which includes an extensive
cargo complex, to be among the best 20
airports in the world.
The terminal has the capacity to
handle 20 million passengers annually
with 96 check-in counters, 29 passenger
boarding bridges, 10 bus boarding
lounges, 87 immigration counters (31 for
departures, 56 for arrivals) and a 90-
room airport hotel.
Apart from 20 self-service check-in
kiosks, it will have parking facility that can
accommodate 8,000 cars at any point in
time. Not to mention the nearly ten times
space allocated for the Duty-Free and Control (ATC), meteorology services, also equipped with IVMS, free Wi-Fi for
other retail outlets. airport services, and an air cargo complex passengers, AC bus stops and routes are
Duqm airport spread over 27,386 sqm, that can handle 25,000 tonnes a year. available on Google Maps.
9,614 sqm for the passenger terminal, Since rebranding in 2015, Mwasalat The taxi sector has been organised
can handle 500,000 million passengers a operates 14 routes in Muscat and 17 with three companies offering on-
year. The capacity can be expanded to two intercity routes, with over 2.5 million demand services and the government
million passengers annually. passengers using the network during plans to introduce electronic meters in all
The airport will have a 38m Air Traffic the first half of this year. Buses are orange taxis from June 2019.

48
TRANSFORMATION 2018

In equal
partnership:
Looking into
the status of
women in
Oman

Photo by Faisal al Shaqsi

(Right) Photo Nasser al Harthy
Women donning different
traditional clothing of the
Sultanate
 TRANSFORMATION 2018

T
he woman in Oman
is an equal partner
in the development
of the nation, and
that has been
the vision of His
Majesty Sultan
Qaboos, as he set the stage for the
country’s modern renaissance.
Women represent 49 per cent of the
total Omani population as per the report
published by the National Centre for
Statistics and Information (NCSI).
At every stage of development,
the Omani woman has been standing
shoulder to shoulder with the Omani
man. In education, administration,
policy making, healthcare, business and
now in providing security for the land
and its citizens.
Steps were taken to ensure
empowerment of women is happening
nationwide. The National Strategy for
Omani Women Development project
began in 2001 wherein Ministerial
Decision No 150/2014 formed a steering
committee comprised of more than
30 members representing different
agencies to implement this project on a
full national level.
NCSI also issued The Omani Women
Empowerment index that gives a men and women in the field of labour. reassuring the importance of following
detailed look at the indicators related to The Labour Law also considers the Sharia that commands to give women
the Omani women. role of a woman as a mother and a wife their full rights.
keeping in focus the welfare of women. Article (10/B) allows the judge to give
The provision in the Civil Services girls above 18 years of age permission to
WOMEN’S RIGHTS Law also addresses citizens as marry in case of insufficient justification
The Article 2 of the State Basic Law “employees,” without any gender for guardian refusal.
is allocated for women rights and a discrimination. There is more on Article (23) reads as: “Dowry is
number of legislations were formed to gender equality clarified in Article (12) a women’s right to spend as she
preserve women rights in all fields of of the Basic Law especially gender pleases, any violating condition is
life in Oman. equality in employment for public jobs. considered null.”
Meanwhile, the labour law issued It also states that women must be given Articles (125-137) the mother’s right
by the Royal Decree No 35/2003 that 50-day, full-paid maternity leave and to child custody is prior to the father’s in
addresses everyone both women 180-day leave for widows to provide case of divorce.
and men as just ‘employees’ (without women with job security. Furthermore, the Social Security Law
discriminating genders) includes The Personal Status Law contains states that the Omani woman who has
provisions that states equality between 282 Articles on women rights, no guardian gets pensions and the Law

50
TRANSFORMATION 2018
states the conditions where they are
qualified to get the pensions. The Royal
Decree No 125/2008 defined Women’s
right to own governmental land. The
women who received land from the
government are 16,226 in 2017. In order
to preserve Omani women rights, Article
(11) of the basic law states that women
have the absolute right of ownership and
may use her properties as she pleases,
whether it was real estate or movable
properties.
HEALTH
The “Maternity and Child Health” from
Directorate General of Health Affairs
at the Ministry of Health ensures that
women and children get the healthcare
they deserve.
Maternity and Paediatric health
services have been provided since 1987
and this has been instrumental in the
reduction in the fatality rate among
mothers and children.
EDUCATION
Article (13) in the basic law grants
education for both men and women.
According to the available data, the
building of schools throughout the
governorates helped in raising the
percentage of women attending school
education from
almost
0% to 49% between 1972 and 2007. In
2004, the female students had reached
48.4% while 56% of the Omani teachers
were females.
In fact in 2012, female students
at higher education institutions
represented 57%. Moreover, in the
academic year 2012/2013, 9,359 students
out of 16,675 students were females,
according to the Higher Education
Admission Statistics for the Academic
year 2012/2013, and 56.98% of the newly
enrolled higher education students
were females.
According to the National Report
prepared by the National Committee
on the Elimination of Discrimination
against Women, in 2009, 62.5% of the
Omanis studying abroad were females.
According to the report based on the
Census 2010 also states that 58 per cent
of those who passed general diploma
examinations in 2009-10 joined higher
education institutions.
WORKING WOMEN
Omani Women have the right to vote
in all the government elections. They
are also granted the right to nominate
themselves for Shura Council as stated
in the basic law of Oman in 2000.
Omani women are however yet to
make their impact felt in the Majlis
Ash’shura, but they are nine per
cent of the total members of
Majlis Oman. If the campaigning
techniques have been a
challenging factor, overcoming
the challenge, seven female
members secured their way
into the Municipal Councils.
The working women record
41% in the government sector
and 25 per cent in the
private sector. And
that is a change
from the data
of 2015,
according to the National Centre of
Statistics and Information it was 47%
of the manpower of government sector
and 22% of the private sector were
women workers.
Women in high ranking
government positions are 6.6 per
cent in the Council of Ministers and
three ambassadors. The Omani
women are also healthcare providers
as statistics of 2015 indicated Omani
women represented 49% of the Omani
doctors and 87% of the Omani nurses.
Traditionally, Omani women have
always been represented in the crafts
industry and they continue to do so with
younger generation taking up traditional
work as the doors have been opened to a
bigger market with the growing tourism
industry and international exhibitions.
WOMEN WELFARE
In 1971, women’s activities gained
momentum and now there are 58 Omani
Women Associations distributed all over
the Sultanate to develop her skills and
capabilities through workshops and
training courses.
With His Majesty Sultan Qaboos
declaration of October 17 as the
Omani Women’s Day the spotlight has
been on the achievements of Omani
women.
Yet there is much more to be
achieved in the case of widows and the
older population. The Census of 2010
had stated that 45 per cent of Omani
housewives are widows.
In the same year 60 per cent of
illiterates in Omani society were women.
However, at least 81 per cent of Omani
women knew how to read and write in
2010 compared to 70.5 per cent in 2003.
The illiteracy rate among women came
down from 12.6 per cent in 2013 to 8.4
per cent by 2017.
Women are 59 per cent of
the total social security
beneficiaries in 2017.
Photo by Shamsa
al Harthy
Women sharing
traditional tips on
beauty and hygiene
 Discover
Oman with us.

OMAN
OBSERVER
Photo by Sunil Suresh Rao
A celebration brought the
locals to this historical ruins

www.omanobserver.om
 Mahout a
staging
ground for
military
combat
exercises

T
he Oman-Britain joint carried out by Sultan’s Armed Forces
military exercises (SAF), Royal Guard of Oman (RGO),
Al Shumookh 2 and the Sultan’s Special Forces and the
Al Saif Al Sareea British allied forces. It took place at
3 concluded with two different locations — air and naval
live firepower forces’ exercise in Ghabbat Bantoot, and
demonstration. air and land forces’ exercise in Mahout.
Sayyid Badr bin Saud al Busaidy, The joint military exercises were aimed
Minister Responsible for Defence at enhancing combat and operational
Affairs, presided over the demonstration skills of the forces.
of exercises in the presence of British They demonstrated full integration
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson. between the different units in the
The firepower demonstration was successful destruction of enemy
positions. The maritime and air
components showcased the artillery
support that can be provided for land
troops, especially with amphibious
landing in the Bantoot Beach
According to experts, the
environment can be one of the biggest
challenges for amphibious landing but
that can be overcome by the use of right
equipment. Offensive operations were
conducted with live ammunition, in
addition to landing operations alongside
the navy, and coordinating efforts of the

53

joint combined land, air and naval forces
to highlight the power and effectiveness
of joint firepower.
The focus was on planning,
preparation, movement and practise
and then the assault. For the land
exercise, there was a combination of
operations by land and air forces.
Lt Col Peter Winton, Media
EX SS3, British Forces Sareea 3,
said, “Our friendship with Oman is
longstanding; now, it has reached this
level of complexity and commitment.”
Answering Observer’s question on the
six-week experience, Lt Col Winton said,
“It has been a challenging environment.
It has been a test for the personnel and
the equipment. We have been out in the
desert, living on vehicles and working
on vehicles and that has been the real
TRANSFORMATION 2018
success. The guys have enjoyed the
challenge and they have come through
happy and smiling.”
The preparation has been on for
more than five years, said Lt Col Rob
Brown, Lead UK Planned for EX SS3.
“To go through all these weeks what
we had planned and culminating today
successfully in Mahout is a great feeling.
The best aspect, I think, has been the
54
TRANSFORMATION 2018

relationship we have developed with the

Omanis and to sit with people whom I have
worked with for so long and to share the
experience of coming from planning to all
the way to execution is rewarding.”
More than 70,000 participants from
the Sultanate, including different military,
security and civil agencies, in addition to
5,500 participants from the British Royal
Armed Forces, took part in the exercises.
The finale concluded with a fly past.
Hamish Cowell, the UK Ambassador to
the Sultanate, on Wednesday said Omani-
British military exercise Al Saif Al Sareea
3 (Swift Sword 3) is a means to boost
cooperation between the two countries

More than 70,000

participants from
the Sultanate,
including different
military, security
and civil agencies,
in addition to
5,500 participants
from the British
Royal Armed
Forces, took part
in the exercises

in political, economic, cultural, social,

security and military fields.
The exercise is an evidence of the
strong and historic relations between the
UK and the Sultanate. He noted that the
bilateral relations reflect the deep-rooted
cultural, historic and economic ties and
the two nations are historic trade and
marine allies.
“The bilateral cooperation contributes
to enhancing world free trade and
regional political stability”, he continued.
He said during the exercise, the Omani
armed forces and the Royal British
armed forces work and train side by
side to test their ability for joint land, air
and maritime deployment. “Swift Sword
3, which is the outcome of years-long of
planning and cooperation, provides a
valuable opportunity to merge the armed
forces elements in both countries and test
their ability for joint work in the difficult
environment’, he said.

56
Oman’s unique
and diverse
wildlife gaining
international
interest
While Oman continues
the fight to protect its
wildlife, efforts being
made by Omani
conservation rangers
have gained the interest
of international
organisations. In
London, the success of
Oman Natural Heritage
event continues

Photo by Althaf Abdul

Arabian Oryx at the Al Wusta
Wildlife Reserve

Photo by Sunil Rao

TRANSFORMATION 2018

F
or the third year in
succession in the
UK, Oman’s Royal
Geographical Society
event, the Natural
Heritage Lecture
of 2018 was an
outstanding success, demonstrating
the international interest in Oman’s
unique and diverse wildlife, and a
shared interest in its salvation.
Event organiser, Dr Nigel Winser,
explained, “The large audience valued
the opportunity to learn more about
Oman’s ‘hidden’ wildlife as seen by
Omani conservation rangers and field
scientists using the very latest camera
trapping and observation techniques.
Both the Arabian Tahr and the Nubian
Ibex are gravely endangered, and their
future survival is in the hands of this
youthful and dedicated new generation
of experienced and very hardworking
wildlife biologists.”
The patronage of an increasingly
high-profile VIP list every year,
ensures the continued standing
of the event in the natural history
calendar in London, and with this
years attendance of Sayyid Badr bin
Hamad al Busaidi, Secretary General
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and
Abdulaziz Abdullah al Hinai, Oman’s
Ambassador to the United Kingdom,
and Issa al Shibani, First Secretary
of the Embassy, present at the event
was guaranteed a significant media,
scientific and academic audience.
The Secretary General Al Busaidi, set
the tone for the evening as he welcomed,
“several of those who were involved in The Secretary General recalled that, without the imaginative efforts for
these early initiatives are with us now. that, “At the same time a range of steps conservation in days gone by, the Tahr
Welcome to you all, we shall forever were taken, such as the regulation of and Ibex would simply no longer be
be in your debt,” and he congratulated hunting, to assist in conservation, and here. They would have become extinct.”
those with the foresight to create, then, in 1984, a full-scale Ministry of “So,” he told his audience, “The
develop and organise such events, the the Environment and Climate Affairs natural heritage we have today is
Royal Geographical Society, the Anglo was established, the first in the region. almost entirely a reflection of the
Omani Society, and of course the Diwan Tonight, we will learn about the Arabian foresight and hard work of those who
of Royal Court, who have been involved Tahr and the Nubian Ibex from two field came before. Indeed, in the natural
in conservation since the early 1970s, scientists who are currently actively world we are always dependent on
when an Office for Conservation of the studying these magnificent creatures those who go before. For instance, who
Environment was established under the in their natural habitat. And as we hear plants a tree for his own benefit? Even
direction of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. them I hope you will join me in reflecting in the best soil no acorn becomes a

59
fine oak tree within the span of a single
human lifetime. It’s all about the future
and those who come later.”
Dr Winser explained that, “the
London annual lectures are organised
by a small dedicated group of UK
volunteers who have worked in Oman
on a variety of past conservation
projects, and includes members of the
Oman Rimal al Sharqiya (Wahiba Sands)
Project 1986/87, so their commitment
to the Omani conservation scene is
motivated by their love, and concern
for the Sultanate’s flora and fauna.”
It appeared appropriate however,
that Omani scientific scholar and
researcher Hadi al Hikmani, himself
a presenter at the inaugural event
in 2016, chaired the evening, and
the Q&A session which followed the
three presentations.
The first presenter was Dr Mansoor
Hamed al Jahdhami, the Managing
Director of Environmental Affairs at
the Diwan of Royal Court of Oman. He
oversees the management of several
protected areas and scientific research
projects related to wildlife conservation
in different parts of the Sultanate and
manages over 200 members of staff in
several protected areas to safeguard
wildlife in their natural habitat. He
joined the Office for Conservation and
the Environment (OCE) as a wildlife
biologist. He spoke of the diversity
of Oman’s environmental initiatives,
(Arabitragus Jayakari) can be found in
Oman. Less than 2,500 individuals are
estimated to be surviving worldwide.
Al Rawahi said, “A systematic camera
trapping survey showed that Tahr
The patronage of prefer to live in steep, rugged mountain
an increasingly habitats between 800-1000m above
sea level and decreased with closer
high-profile VIP proximity to villages and increasing
list every year, number of domestic goats. To track
ensures the Tahr movement and activity patterns
continued 42 Tahr individuals were trapped and
27 were collared with the outcomes
standing of the of these studies were delivered
event in the to public through an Awareness
natural history and education programme which
calendar in includes Oman’s Environmental
Forum (2017), School Environmental
London Awareness Programmes, and
increased media exposure.
“The Nubian Ibex an Ikon of the Huqf
ecosystem,” Was the topic of Taimur
al Said’s presentation. He spoke of
developments, current research the recent finds on an ecology project
projects, higher education projects, concerning the Ibex in the central
community awareness training desert and discussed the results they
programmes and training of students. too obtained from camera trapping
A lecture on the “Arabian Tahr… data since 2016. The Huqf is a desert
the hidden Jewels of Oman`s Hajar escarpment ecosystem in Central
Mountains” was presented by Haitham Oman, home to nomadic herders and
al Rawahi, a wildlife biologist for the overlapping with the famous Arabian
OCE. The talk discussed previous Oryx Sanctuary and the flat gravel
studies which have been conducted in desert known as the Jidda. The area
the, Al Sareen Nature Reserve, Jebel seems like a desolate wasteland, but it
Qahwan and the Nakhl Mountains. The provides important biodiverse habitat.
only places where the Arabian Tahr Al Said and his team of biologists
60
Photo by Jaison Bejoy Photo by Kinnari Bhatt
An osprey about to take off Ruppell’s weaver building a nest

Some of Oman’s
interesting and Photo by Rasiq Sidhiq
diverse residents Arabian Scopes Owl

Photo by Chandran K P
Photo by Althaf Abdul Desert Wheator
Arabian red fox
Photo by Shine Balan
Oryx in Haima
have initiated an ambitious camera
trapping survey and research project
of the area covering over 5,400 sq km
of desert, cliffs, mountains and plains,
focusing on the Ibex, and to do this,
the team have set 170 camera traps.
While the Nubian Ibex was the focus of
the project, these camera traps have
captured many other large mammals
including the Arabian Gazelle, Arabian
Red Fox, Ruppell’s Sand Fox, Gordon’s
Wildcat, Honey Badgers and several
birds of prey. “Eventually,” he said, “the
team will implement management
and conservation actions within the
reserve to protect the Nubian Ibex, and
then continue their field work focusing
on the Southern mountains in Dhofar.”
“Clearly,” said Dr Winser, “The three
OCE field scientists have brought
into sharp focus the benefits of
conservation policies established in
the early seventies, while recognizing
the need for increased diligence
and commitment to protect existing
habitats and reserves.”
These sentiments were echoed in
the vote of thanks to all of the presenters
delivered by the outstanding academic,
Professor Robert Allison, President
and Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough
University, a scientist and
environmentalist of significant global
standing, as he reminded the audience
of the immense duty of care, today’s
generation of young Omanis has
embraced, and as evidenced by their
presentations on this prestigious stage,
with such passion and enthusiasm.
Professor Allison was joined on the
stage by Loughborough University
student, Mohammed Mustafa Ahmed
Salman who gave his vote of thanks
in Arabic for the Omani members of
the audience, and in return received
a rousing vote of thanks from a highly
appreciative audience.
It seems something of a fait
accompli, that one must mark the
calendar for future events in the series,
Oman’s Botanical Heritage, October
2019, Oman’s Geological Heritage,
2020, Oman’s Ornithological Heritage,
2021, and Oman’s Geographical
Heritage, in 2022. This is Oman, at its
best, saving not just its culture, but its
natural heritage.
62
 Brilliant
production
at the Opera
spectacular production of Verdi’s “Aida”,
performed by Teatro Regio Torino and
staged by the world-renowned director
William Friedkin, with an exemplary
interpretation in sets and scenes. It
was followed at the end of September
by a stunning presentation of
Tchaikovsky’s most famous and much-
T
loved ballet, ‘Swan Lake’. It was danced
he 2017/8 season superbly by The State Ballet Theatre,
at the Royal Opera “Astana Opera”, to music performed
House, Muscat by the world-class Orchestra Teatro
brought a feast Carlo Felice of Genoa, conducted by
of memorable Italian maestro, Giuseppe Acquaviva.
productions over It featured brilliant choreography,
a wide variety of atmospheric sets and evocative
styles and genres and all the shows period costumes in this exceptional
at the House were if an international production’s distinctive style.
standard of music and theatre. Some One of the most compelling, amusing
were small, intimate solo performances and popular operas of recent seasons
of Arabic and Western singers and was the Rossini Opera Festival’s
instrumentalists, while others were production of “Opportunity Makes
huge, spectacular multi-media a Thief”. It was a delightfully funny,
presentations such as the operas and beautifully sung tale of identity-theft
ballets, but all rewarded visitors with and mixed-up lovers which was
top-notch experiences of world-class unusually short – and laugh-out-loud
musicality and dramatic quality. hilarious. Singers included world-class
Last season opened with a stars, Soprano Olga Peretyatko and
63
tenor Maxim Mironov, all conducted by
the much sought American maestro,
Christopher Franklin.
Since last year’s Military Music in
November audiences have enjoyed
the meticulous attention to detail of
the Traditional Folk Dances of Russia
by Igor Moiseyev troupe, renowned
for technical brilliance and exuberant
virtuosity. It was enchantingly engaging
and demanded a second visit.
In December, schools from all over
Oman participated in a re-working
of Puccini’s opera, ‘Turandot’, with
professional Italian opera singers from
Teatro Sociale di Como AsLiCo in four
packed houses of, “The Moth Princess”.
For three performances before
Christmas, the Ballet de L’Opera de
Lyon presented a theatrical triumph in
a modern interpretation of Prokovief’s
sparkling score to ‘Cinderella’, set
in a Doll’s House with costumes and
face-masks to suit. The avant-garde,
break-through version of the tale was
accompanied live by ROHM’s favourite
orchestra, the Prague Philharmonia,
conducted by the award-winning young

Russian, Konstantin Chudovsky.
The first and remarkable opera
of 2018 was Bellini’s ‘La Sonnambula’
(The Sleepwalker), a landmark work
in belcanto style. It was performed
by some beautiful young voices from
Fondazione Arena di Verona.
Later in February it was twinned
with Bellini’s ‘Norma’ performed by
Opera de Rouen. This coproduction
with ROHM featured amazing sets and
backdrops marvellously staged by the
famous Argentine director, Hugo de
Ana, and singers renowned as experts
of the belcanto repertoire.
A truly memorable opera production
by Teatro dell’Opera di Roma came in
March with Franco Zeffirelli’s brilliant
direction of Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci
(Clowns). The short opera was brought
to life with star-singers, tenor José
Cura and soprano, Davinia Rodriguez
against a busy, complex set.
A fascinating world-class dance
production came in a graceful and
beautiful Vietnamese stage show, ‘À
Ô’, visiting in April. Amid evocative
backdrops, the show reflected
Vietnam’s transition from village to
city culture in a blend of imaginative
and charming genres including dance,
acrobatics, cirque bamboo, theatre and
live music.
The season ended with a Rahbani
brothers production from Lebanon, ‘On
the Land of Gypsies’ with a Brazilian
twist, in a social class war which became
a love story. It sported lush, descriptive
sets, some beautiful soloists and was
musically accessible to audiences from
all communities.
This year’s 2018/9 season began with
ROHM’s own patron and supporter,
the most famous tenor alive, Placido
Domingo. He revisited Muscat for the
third time in a fully staged production
of song and dance, ‘Gala Zarzuela’,
with the Orchestra Fondazione
Arena di Verona. In between his two
performances there was an exciting
flamenco ballet fusion, ‘Fuego’, with
brilliant filmic projections, which was
received to great critical acclaim.
The first opera, at the end of
September, began a romance with
the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre
in St. Petersburg. They presented
Borodin’s historical epic, ‘Prince Igor’
Photo by Khalid al Busaidi
with the illustrious Russian conductor,
Valery Gergiev on a three day visit. To
accompany the production for the first
time outside Russia, a lavish exhibition
of costumes, photographs and
memorabilia was housed in all foyers
of the theatre until November 10th.
It was quickly followed by one of the
best ballets ever seen at ROHM, Tokyo
Ballet’s performance of Minkus’ ‘La
Bayadère’ choreographed by Natalia
Makarova after the Mariinsky’s own
Marius Petipa 1887precedent.
With such a stellar role-call of
performers at the Royal Opera House,
Muscat it is hard to imagine how it
continues to amaze and astound
audiences each time. It goes from
strength to strength with each gem
or thespian pearl presented, and so
far this season has brought another
memorable Omani Women’s Day
Celebration, with guest star, the
immensely popular Lebanese singer,
Wael Kfoury. The latest ‘Military Music:
Oman and the world’ has yet again
established Oman’s position firmly in
global military and cultural ranking –
right up there at the top.
64
Photo Gallery
W
ithout good visuals In total, we received almost a thousand continues to be our partner this year.
and photos, a photos. Many of them did not make it to We also want to thank Abdulrahman
magazine would be a the magazine due to space constraint. al Hinai, Bader al Harthi, Shamsa al
total bore. This year’s We would like to thank the admin Harthy, and Mohammed al Hajri for
issue of the National and people behind Friday Shoot Out extending support and providing the
Day magazine would have not been Muscat, in particular to Michael visuals we requested.
possible without the help of the many D’Souza for pitching our collaboration We hope to still have you as our
photographers who collaborated with his team-mates. photography partners next year. The
with us and submitted their work for Sunil Rao has been our regular success of this magazine, we owe to you
inclusion without any fees. contributor and it is with joy that he too dearly. Our heartfelt gratitude.

— The Editorial Team

64
An Oman Daily Observer 48th National Day Special

TRANS
FORMA
TION
November 2018

© Oman Daily Observer 2018.

All rights reserved.