[Oman-l] Oman News from GulfWire #94 (7-13 May 2001)

[Joachim Duester]

Here are recent news and links to news about Oman from
Gulfwire #94  (http://arabialink.com/GulfWire/GULFWIRE.htm)


QABOOS UNIVERSITY TO CONDUCT MAJOR RESEARCH PROJECTS
Research projects in the areas of hypertension, blood cancer, Information
Technology, agriculture and science, supported by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos'
Research Trust Fund.  "It is not new to say that education is the most
important pillar of development for any nation and the university' role is
clear in this respect. Research will play a major part in pushing our
endeavors to solve social and economic issues.".  Complete report.
http://www.gulf-news.com/Articles/news.asp?ArticleID=16348

OMAN-IRAN MEETING
[ONA] Muscat, May 6 (ONA)-The joint political committee between the foreign
ministries of the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran held
its ninth meeting here today.  The Omani side was chaired by Ahmed bin
Yousuf al Harthy, head of the Arab Department at the Foreign Ministry, while
Hussein Sadiqi, Director-General of the Gulf Department at the Iranian
Foreign Ministry, chaired his country's side.  The two sides discussed the
latest developments in bilateral relations and views were exchanged on
regional and international developments of mutual interest.
Source: Oman News Agency

NAVAL TRAINING CRUISE
[GulfWire] The Royal Navy of Oman vessel "Shabab Oman" sailed from Said bin
Sultan Naval Base May 5 for a voyage to European destinations including the
UK fleet festival according to the Times of Oman.  The ship will carry new
recruits from the Sultan's Armed Forces who will be trained in marine arts
and skills. Source: Times of Oman

OMAN SEEKS WAYS TO EASE VISAS FOR TOURISTS
As part of its campaign to promote tourism, the government is holding a
seminar tomorrow at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel to explain the growing visa
facilities in order to attract the maximum number of sightseers from all
over the world. .the seminar was being held for the convenience of travel
agencies, tourism companies and embassies.  Complete report.
http://www.gulf-news.com/Articles/news.asp?ArticleID=16425

ILLEGAL INDIANS SET TO LEAVE OMAN
"The number of illegal Indian workers in Oman might be in the region of
5,000 to 10,000, and we expect at least 5,000 to come forward" during the
eight-week amnesty period, an embassy official said.
http://www.timesofindia.com/070501/07mide6.htm

GCC TO HOLD TRADE ARBITRATION MEETING IN MUSCAT
May 2, 2001
The board of directors of the Center for Trade Arbitration of the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) has scheduled its 23rd meeting for May 12-13 in
Muscat, Oman. The two-day meeting will review a number of reports and some
administrative and financial issues. The recent GCC Summit in Manama
stressed the importance of the Center, which was set up by the GCC in 1993,
and delegated it a greater role in settling disputes arising from the
ongoing unification of Gulf economies.

OTC - AGREEMENT
[ONA] Muscat, May 6 (ONA)-A deal worth Ro. 1,65 million to introduce
unsynchronized digital lines services to subscribers in the existing
telephone exchanges in Muscat governorate has been concluded between Oman
Telecommunications Company (OTC) and the German Siemens Company. The
agreement covering the deal with Siemens was signed here today by Sheikh
Suhail bin Mustahil Shimas, Minister of Telecommunications. The project
which will be implemented over six months will help remove congestion from
the information network by providing higher speed internet gateways and
broad band services to subscribers.  The signing ceremony was attended by
Abdullah bin Isa al Rowahi, OTC Executive President.
Source: Oman News Agency

SALALAH AIRPORT FACILITY VISIT
Members of the Airline Operator's Committee (AOC) visited Salalah Airport to
examine its facilities with the aim of expanding direct flights according to
the Times of Oman.  The AOC members, airport managers of airlines operating
to and from Seeb Airport, were advised that Salalah's facilities were
available on a 24-hour basis and the runway is suitable for all types of
aircraft in service. Source: Times of Oman

UAE TOPS LIST OF EXPORTERS TO OMAN IN 2000
.imports increased by 7.8 per cent to 1,937 million riyals in 2000 from
1,797.1 million riyals in 1999.   Complete report.
http://www.gulf-news.com/Articles/news.asp?ArticleID=16388

HEAD OF SCT PROMOTES TOURISM ON VISIT TO OMAN
April 29, 2001
Secretary-General of the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) Prince Sultan
bin Salman bin Abdulaziz left Muscat today after a short visit to Oman,
during which he toured tourist areas including the Nazwa Fortress and
Jibreen Castle. At the sixth conference of Arab travel agencies, he stated
the Kingdom's intention of utilizing its own historic sites to attract
tourists, providing them not only all facilities but also information on the
country's deep-rooted heritage, and tying in Islam's two pilgrimages (hajj,
the major annual pilgrimage, and umrah, the minor one) with tourism aspects.
Saudi Arabia, he said, is developing programs related to ancient and
historical landmarks, places of architectural and cultural heritage, and the
natural environment, as well as business, marketing, conferences and
festivals of all sorts, although tourist programs are directed primarily at
family travel.