•    Up to 70% discount on shipping costs now valid until June

Al-Khobar, 16 May 2012: In response to the strong demand for shipping services to and from the Kingdom by Saudi scholarship students living abroad, DHL, the world’s leading cross-border express services provider, has extended its special offer for an additional two months until June 2012, allowing students and their families up to 70% discount on various express services.

Muscat, 18 May 2012 – Nawras, Oman’s customer friendly communications provider, is proud to have been the Ideas Partner of TEDx, a vibrant conference for young people that was dedicated to stimulate ‘Ideas Worth Spreading’. The sole telecoms supporter of the event held at the Millennium Resort in Musannah on 16 May, Nawras was a natural partner as innovation and creativity are strong company characteristics.  

Raed Dawood, Acting Director of Communications at Nawras, said, “TEDx is a high-profile global event and as the Ideas Partner for TEDx, Nawras brings together corporations and individuals who want to help change the world through educational forums and the sharing of ideas. We are committed to building the capacities of youth and hope that TEDx inspires the young people of Oman to follow their creativity, remarkable thinking and innovation.”

Salalah Port Services Company SAOG, also Port of Salalah, has announced its unaudited results for the first quarter (Q1) of 2012 to the Muscat Securities Market.

Port of Salalah has reported Q1 revenue at RO 13.76 million (US$ 35.77 million), against RO 13.56 million (US$ 35.26 million) for the corresponding period last year, on the back of increased volumes in the port’s container terminal and general cargo terminal operations.

Container traffic at Port of Salalah increased by 3% to a throughput of 922,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit), while general cargo terminal operations have recorded a 10% growth and throughput of 1.621 million tons in Q1 of 2012.

Muscat, 16th May, 2012:  A’Saffa Foods has continued its support for broad ranging community initiatives across Oman by sponsoring the “Alam and Amal” Open Day event held recently.

The Alam and Amal organisation – which means “Pain and Hope” in English - was founded just over a year ago with the objective of supporting underprivileged families and helping them secure support from the Government in terms of housing, social security and other benefits.

The Open Day was an event that provided a range of education and training advice and information to under privileged families who attended and were able to gain a comprehensive range of information and help from the different speakers and presentations.

Muscat, 15 May 2012 – Nawras, Oman’s customer friendly communications provider, was proud to be the Gold Sponsor of the First Students Creative Forum for Higher Education Institutions, recently held at the Oman International Exhibition Centre under the patronage of H.E. Dr Madeeha bint Ahmed Al Shibaniyah, Minister of Education, and H.E. Dr Abdulmunim bin Mansour Al Hasani, Minister of Information.

Around 200 science and social projects from over 30 institutions of higher education were displayed across a variety of categories including poetry, short stories, play script, arts (paintings, sculpting, drawings and photography), media artwork and design, journalism, volunteerism and community work. The forum was the first of its kind and showcased the limitless pool of creativity and talent available in academic institutions across the Sultanate.

Muscat, 14th May 2012: With the advent of holidays season that witness thousands of citizens and expats traveling abroad, Omantel has recently issued a statement requesting its customers to review the roaming charges prior to leaving the country.

This comes as part of Omantel’s obligations towards its customers as a caring and responsible operator. Omantel owns the largest international roaming network having voice roaming agreements with more than 550 operators in addition to 400 data roaming agreements, which have enabled Omantel customers to remain connected while they are abroad.

In this respect, the General Manager for Customer Care at Omantel Nabil bin Ahmed Al-Rawas said, “Being a responsible and caring operator, we are keen to educate our customers about the roaming charges as they vary from country to country and operator to another. We are urging all our customers willing to travel this summer to review the roaming rates in the countries that they are visiting prior to their departure by visiting Omantel website www.omantel.om or calling Omantel contact centre 1234”.

Muscat, 13th May 2012:  In a step to keep pace with the growing demand for medical services, and to add a new dimension to health care services through mobile phones, Omantel Mobile, the mobile business arm of Omantel in coordination with the Ministry of Health has launched its new Mobile Health service to deliver health lifestyle guidance, advice and consultations through SMS and MMS messages.

This service is in line with the launch of Ministry of Health health awareness campaign  under the title "Let’s Rise”, which aims to spread health awareness among the community and to reduce health risks. Subscribers to the service will receive instant health information and advice regarding diet, obesity, diabetes,, men, women and children’s health and more.

Muscat, Oman; May 13, 2012: Zurich, one of the world’s leading insurance groups, announced today that it has relocated its headquarter in Oman to Abdullah Said Al Sukery Building next to Zakher Mall in Al Khuwair, as the insurer continues to expand its operations in the Sultanate. With the move to new offices, Zurich is now primed to launch a range of innovative products tailored to the needs of personal and commercial customers in Oman.

13^th May 2012 – Dubai, UAE:  The largest ever Australian trade mission to the Middle East, led by the Victorian Coalition Government, is now expected to lead to an annual increase in exports of at least $137.4 million according to the participating Victorian companies.

Victorian Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher said the Coalition Government-sponsored trade mission was an overwhelming success for local businesses and a boost for the Victorian economy.

Muscat, 12 May 2012 – H.E. Hamed bin Khamis Al Amri, Undersecretary of Labour at the Ministry of Manpower, honoured 28 graduates of the hallmark Nawras Ruwaad training programme at a special ceremony held at Grand Hyatt Muscat hotel. Oman’s customer friendly telecommunications provider designed the Ruwaad programme to train young, talented and motivated Omanis to become the future of Nawras; and cultivate the necessary skill sets and enthusiasm for a career in the telecommunications industry.