Over 550,000 searches were performed on Wego’s platform from GCC to Oman in Q3 2021…reports Asian Lite News
Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism have signed an agreement to promote Oman tourism attraction sites in the GCC region.
Al Wusta – Artisans in Al Wusta, Oman
Oman has opened its borders to visitors from the GCC and it recently announced that it is open for travel for COVID-19 vaccine holders from 1 September 2021. The Sultanate has eased its travel restrictions, lifting flight prohibition for people travelling from previously banned countries. It is implementing precautionary measures and following through with the vaccination drive across the country, ensuring safe travel for everyone.
All travelers to Oman should present a vaccine certificate containing a QR code that states they have received two doses of a vaccine that is approved in Oman(Pfizer BioNTech, Oxford Astrazeneca, Covishield AstraZeneca, Sputnik, Sinovac, Moderna, and Sinopharm, or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson). The last dose of the vaccine needs to have been received not less than 14 days before the arrival date. Travelers should have done Pre-registration via (https://covid19.emushrif.om ) and upload the vaccine certificate as well as the COVID-19 PCR certificate, both containing QR Codes
Over 550,000 searches were performed on Wego’s platform in Q3 2021 from the GCC to Oman. Out of these searches, 34% from KSA, 27% from UAE, 16% from Kuwait, 14% from Qatar, and 10% from Bahrain.
HAITHAM BIN MOHAMMED AL GHASSANI, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF TOURISM PROMOTION, MINISTRY OF HERITAGE AND TOURISM, SULTANATE OF OMAN: “We are glad to partner with Wego. Oman has always been at the forefront of tourism, and this partnership reflects our commitment to continue the positive momentum in months to come. We are confident that this association will help us to promote Oman tourism among the GCC countries, as well as attract more foreign investment to Oman.”
Mamoun Hmedan, Managing Director, MENA and India, said: “We are seeing an increase in the number of searches from the GCC to Oman following the flight resumptions. We are glad to partner with the Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for the second time to promote this beautiful gem. Its proximity, ancient culture, green mountains and wadis make it the best escape during the summer period for GCC travelers.”
Castle Al Dakheleyah – Jabreen Castle
Through this partnership, Wego and Oman aim to drive the conversation around Oman across all the marketing channels and social media platforms and increase visitor footfall to the country.
Oman overlooks the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman, and the Arabian Gulf. It is a land of heritage and natural beauty with mountains and greenery everywhere. It is the best escape for your summer vacation, with the nice moderate weather and wide array of activities for everyone to enjoy.
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first five-bladed H145 to Milestone Aviation and Al-Sharqiya Aviation…reports Asian Lite News
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first five-bladed H145 to Milestone Aviation and Al-Sharqiya Aviation, which will operate the helicopter in the Sultanate of Oman for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) missions. It is the first five-bladed H145 in the Middle East region. With the new helicopter, Al-Sharqiya Aviation will further expand its service offering providing reliable onshore and offshore passenger transport and Emergency Medical Services throughout the Sultanate of Oman.
First five-bladed H145 arrives in the Middle East
“AL-Sharqiya Aviation is very proud to be the first operator of the five-bladed H145 variant in the Middle East. The on-time arrival of the helicopter was critical to deliver for our customers and we thank Airbus and Milestone for their support,” said Tariq Al Barwani, CEO of AL-Sharqiya Aviation.
CLAIRE BRUGIRARD, VICE PRESIDENT COMMERCIAL AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST, MILESTONE: “We are extremely grateful for the confidence that ASA has in the Milestone team, and for the hard work by the Airbus team to ensure the timely delivery of the aircraft. We wish ASA all the success with this brand new five-bladed H145 and look forward to continuing to work closely with them in the future.”
“We’re honored that the H145 will enter into service for HEMS missions in Oman soon”, said Axel Humpert, Head of the H145 programme at Airbus Helicopters. “Especially the excellent hot & high performance and the increased useful load the new five-bladed version offers make it the perfect choice for those missions in the Middle East.”
The new version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 light twin-engine helicopter was unveiled at Heli-Expo 2019 in Atlanta in March. This latest upgrade adds a new, innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design will also ease maintenance operations, further improving the benchmark serviceability and reliability of the H145, while improving ride comfort for both passengers and crew. The helicopter’s high-mounted tail boom and wide opening clamshell doors facilitate access to the H145’s spacious cabin.
Today, Airbus has more than 1,515 H145 Family helicopters in service around the world, logging a total of more than six million flight hours. For EMS alone, there are more than 470 helicopters of the H145 family conducting air rescue missions worldwide.
UAE and Oman discuss to broaden cooperation in the industrial sector
UAE and Oman Discuss Cooperation and Investment in the Industrial Sector, Advanced Technology and Quality Infrastructure…reports Asian Lite News
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, lead an Emirati delegation to the Sultanate of Oman today, accompanied by representatives of several government entities and private-sector companies. His Excellency Dr. Al Jaber met with His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in the Sultanate, and a number of officials in related sectors.
UAE and Oman discuss to broaden cooperation in the industrial sector
The visit explored ways to broaden cooperation between the two countries at both governmental and private-sector levels, especially in the areas of industry, advanced technology and quality infrastructure.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber conveyed the greetings of the UAE leadership to the leaders of the Sultanate, stressing the deep and abiding relations between the two countries, which are based on close historical ties and the development of common interests. Bilateral ties between the two were first laid down by the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said the continued strength of the bilateral relations between the countries is a source of encouragement and pride, adding that he is looking forward to further enhancing cooperation in the areas of industry and advanced technology. He noted that the next steps will focus on creating investment opportunities and facilitating measures for investors.
HIS EXCELLENCY DR, AL JABER: “Thanks to the vision and directives of our wise leadership, the UAE is moving rapidly to develop the industrial and advanced technology sectors in the country, investing in research and development and integrating 4IR concepts to achieve the key goals of boosting the national economy and achieving sustainable development.”
His Excellency Dr. Al Jaber and his delegation were welcomed by His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, His Excellency Dr. Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, and a number of officials in the public and private sectors.
For his part, His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, underscored the importance of developing bilateral relations with the UAE, particularly in industrial sectors.
UAE and Oman discuss to broaden cooperation in the industrial sector
His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, pointed out that the visit of the Emirati delegation to the Sultanate reflects a determination in both countries to exchange views on expanding private-sector partnerships, investment opportunities and trade volumes between the UAE and Oman.
The visit included meetings with representatives from the Oman Investment Authority, the Public Authority for Economic and Free Zones in the Sultanate, the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn), and Oman’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber was accompanied by His Excellency Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, His Excellency Mohammed Al Shamsi, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, Khaled Salmeen, Executive Director of ADNOC’s Downstream, Industry, Marketing & Trading Directorate, Jassim Thabet, TAQA’s Group CEO, and a number of officials from MoIAT, Abu Dhabi Holding, and Mubadala Investment Company.
The Sultanate of Oman is among the top 10 trading partners of the UAE. The trade exchange volume between 2017 to 2020 totaled AED172bn, which represents about 2.7 percent of UAE’s total foreign trade during this period, with a compound annual growth rate of about 5.7 percent – an average of AED43 billion per annum.
The KPMG MESA region is one of the largest and fastest-growing sub-regions within the KPMG network of member firms…reports Asina Lite News
The KPMG Middle East and South Asia (MESA) region’s Board has announced the appointment of Nader Haffar as its Chairman, effective 1 October, 2021. In this capacity, he will represent MESA on the KPMG Global Council and the KPMG Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMA) Board.
Nader Haffar is presently the Chairman and CEO of KPMG Lower Gulf (UAE and Oman), a role he has held since 2018. Prior to this, he led the management consulting practices of the KPMG member firms in the Lower Gulf and Saudi Arabia.
KPMG_ Nader Haffar _Chairman of KPMG MESA
As Chairman and CEO of KPMG Lower Gulf, Nader Haffar was instrumental in transforming the practice through several initiatives including a laser focus on quality, ramping up of Advisory and Tax capabilities, and hiring top talent. As a MESA Board member over the past three years, Nader brought his drive and resilience to the MESA region helping to strengthen the region’s professional services capabilities.
NADER HAFFAR: “I am honored to have been elected as the Chairman of KPMG MESA, and privileged to have the opportunity to continue building an organization that is recognized for quality. We strive to inspire confidence and empower change, creating a positive impact for our clients, our people, and our communities. Our success has been driven by our purpose and strong values, which are reflected in the many initiatives we have implemented across the region, from our extensive CSR program and inclusive HR policies, to supporting our clients with a broad range of services and solutions as they navigate the complexities of digital transformation and ESG. I look forward to working with KPMG’s extraordinary team and our clients across the region to deliver on our mandates and build on our growth momentum. I would also like to thank Reyaz Mihular, outgoing Chairman, for his stellar contribution to the MESA region over the past two decades.”
The KPMG MESA region is one of the largest and fastest growing sub-regions within the KPMG network of member firms. The KPMG MESA region covers more than 25 office locations across 15 countries and territories, including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates. With a combined talent pool of more than 8,000 professionals and associates, including over 500 partners and directors, KPMG MESA member firms provide a broad suite of audit, tax and advisory services.
The Middle East region, although considered remote and non-core by a section of Chinese policy makers, has witnessed a noticeable rise in Chinese engagements over the past decade….reports Sumit Kumar Singh
The Chinese pursuit of its rightful place on the global stage and emergence from a century of humiliation at foreign hands has an intricate design. Sun Tzu’s golden nuggets of winning without firing a shot and winning through cunning seem to be at the core of its approach.
For its neighbours, the Chinese gambits at territory grab reveal its hegemonic ambition, both on land and in the maritime domain. On the other hand, for its distant targets, there is debt trap diplomacy at play, fuelling its economically imperialistic desire.
Chinese approach for its neighbours has followed a coax and coerce design. To the vulnerable and strained economies, China has been offering sugar-coated deals in return of long-term projects, strategic leverage and economic dependency facilitation.
As a result, many susceptible states are becoming ensnared in a debt trap that leaves them exposed to China’s assertive influence. Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal and Cambodia have joined its long list of victims.
For those who resist the Chinese overtures, there has been cunning military coercion, both on the land front as well as in the maritime domain.
Harassment of vessels belonging to its maritime neighbours in the South China Sea, to the extent of endangering life through intentional collision, has been a regular affair in these waters.
The dastardly act of using improvised tools to kill Indian soldiers on their land borders was yet another viciously cunning act on the part of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in its continuum of cunning.
All claimed to be within the agreed terms and without firing a shot, yet lives were lost. Such actions by the Chinese forces seem to suggest employment of vicious tactics to undercut the benign spirit of agreements signed in good faith, while claiming to operate within its textual content.
Trust China to honour its commitment, but watch out for its surreptitious approach to undermine the same.
Beyond its borders, the Chinese leadership has truly excelled in the use of economic tools to advance its interests. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is conveniently bejeweled with grandiose infrastructure projects and lucrative loans.
However, in the overall scheme, the BRI behemoth is ultimately aimed at facilitating Chinese access to resources and markets. Contribution of BRI to local economic development and other advertised benefits, if any, are at best consequential.
Loans offered towards infrastructural developments are not without riders. Interestingly, the sheer size of Chinese economy offers it a cushion to absorb minor debt. The heavy loans thrust by China, if paid, are welcome, and if not, there’s always opportunity for economic and strategic entrapment.
Either ways, it’s a win-win situation for China. Several projects are already bleeding money and the initially enthusiastic host states are finding themselves under burgeoning debt, spiraling towards an increasingly helpless situation at the mercy of the Dragon.
Flag of Oman Pic credits: Wikipedia
Liberal democracies might stand a chance at course correction due to inherent dynamism in the governing processes. However, states with a weaker democratic setup and monarchies would be most vulnerable to this economic onslaught.
Countries in the Gulf being absolute monarchies are relatively easy game for China. The region, although considered remote and non-core by a section of Chinese policy makers, has witnessed a noticeable rise in Chinese engagements over the past decade.
Heavy dependency of the Gulf states on Chinese energy imports for generating state revenue contributes substantially to Chinese economic clout in the region.
However, it is equally true that GCC countries remain weary and expect no hand holding from China in times of crisis. Consequentially, GCC countries tend to balance between China and the US for their economic and security needs.
For the time being, most of the oil rich members of GCC are expected to remain economically stable despite severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, it may be interesting to note that the state of Oman seems to suggest otherwise. Oman remains precariously over-exposed to Chinese dependency for its economic needs. Vulnerability of this debt-ridden country has only amplified over years.
Despite measures at diversification away from its oil-based economy, Oman has managed only modest progress on this count.
With a promised $10.2 billion investment in its ambitious Duqm project, Oman sees a friend in China for its diversification plans. Oman has embraced the BRI under this grandiose promise, but on ground realisation is far from envisaged.
For Oman, more than 80 per cent of its oil is also exported to China, making the latter its essential source of revenue.
Oman’s borrowings from Chinese banks exceed $3.55 billion, the highest among GCC states. A substantial part of this would be due for payment in the coming year.
In December 2019, the Oman Electricity Transmission Company sold off 49 per cent of its stake to the China National Electricity Grid Corporation for $1 billion.
Huawei, the ICT giant, is also making rapid inroads into Oman’s 5G setup. As it stands, China is slowly but steadily spreading its tentacles in Oman.
With large stakes in power sector, dominant presence in ICT and associated infrastructure, fiscal influence due to loans and promise for future investments, the Dragon is clearly inching towards a greater influence on Oman.
Its recent gift of Covid vaccines to Oman, which came with a rider of prioritising Chinese citizens over others, clearly highlights the glitch in its generosity.
Limited oil reserves, fluctuating oil prices and demand, slowdown due to Covid-19, increasing pressure on the social schemes and job creation programmes in country, and rising budget deficit makes Oman most vulnerable to economic opportunism by China.
Oman this year has already received some financial assistance from its neighbours, but remains on the lookout for more. As its fiscal fate hangs in balance, who would bail out Oman remains to be seen.
Chinese hawks could very well jump at the opportunity of bagging yet another strategically located and economically vulnerable prey in its treacherous trap. As the dragon makes inroads in the Middle East, there would be more to swallow.
Tropical Cyclone Shaheen killed at least three people as it slammed into Oman..reports Asian Lite News
Tropical Cyclone Shaheen killed at least three people as it slammed into Oman on Sunday with ferocious winds and heavy rain, flooding streets, prompting evacuations from coastal areas and delaying flights to and from the capital, Muscat.
As the cyclone approached, a child who had been swept away by water was found dead, the state news agency said, and another person was missing. Two Asian workers were killed when a hill collapsed on their housing area in an industrial zone, the state news agency reported.
oman
When its eye crossed land, the cyclone was carrying winds of between 120 and 150 km per hour (75-93 mph), Omani authorities said. It was throwing up waves of up to 10 metres (32 feet).
Video footage from Omani broadcasters showed vehicles submerged as people tried to make their way through muddy brown floodwater.
Part of the eyewall of the storm, where the most severe weather occurs, had entered Al Batinah South governorate, the state news agency said. The eye also entered between the states of Musanah and Suwaiq.
Massive rainfall of as much as 500 cm (20 inches) was expected in some areas, potentially causing flash floods.
Cyclones steadily lose their power once they stop travelling over ocean waters and Shaheen was downgraded to a tropical storm after it had hit land, the local meteorology service said in a tweet.
The national emergency committee said the power supply would be cut in al-Qurm, east of the capital, to avoid accidents.
More than 2,700 people were put up in emergency shelters.
Most of the oil-exporting country’s five million people live in and around Muscat. Authorities said roads in the capital would be open only to vehicles on emergency and humanitarian journeys until the storm dies down.
A wooden ship sank at Sultan Qaboos Port and its crew was rescued, said the National Committee for Emergency Management in a tweet.
Precautions in UAE
In the United Arab Emirates, authorities said precautionary measures were being taken. Police officials were moving to ensure safety by conducting security patrols near beaches and valleys where torrential rains were expected.
Government and private sector employees in the city of Al Ain on the border with Oman have been urged to work remotely on Monday and authorities called on residents to avoid leaving home except for emergencies, the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office said.
“Authorities are working proactively around the clock to evaluate residential units in expected affected areas and transport families to safe locations until it is safe to return,” it said.
Saudi Arabia’s civil defence authorities called for caution in several regions from Monday to Friday in expectation of high winds and possible flooding, the state news agency reported.
The richness of designs and the incredible depth of the collection will allow customers to create countless arrangements that will enhance your outdoors, giving it a distinctive personality…reports Asian Lite News
Just in time for winters, Danube Home, the leader in home furnishing and home improvement industry, is inviting everyone to live a little bigger outdoors, to weave a little piece of heaven in the urban jungle, with the launch of its new Garden Collection in stores in the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain and online at www.danubehome.com. With over 2500 outdoor furnishings, themed furniture pieces, and garden accessories – Danube Home is the ultimate winter weather destination for your front-yard, back-yard, terrace, and balcony needs.
Danube Home launches new garden theme catalogue
Whether you wish to cover your outdoor space with emerald-green, silky, fine grass dotted with geometrically aligned pebbles, in the midst of which squats a fountain elegantly squirting water into a basin, while a golden lamp accentuates your themed outdoor furniture, where in the winter-time you can share a hearty laughter with your loved ones, Danube Home gives you a luxurious opportunity to reconnect with nature through its “My Style, My Way” garden collection. Artistically incorporating the vision for simplicity, sophistication, and functionality of design into this year’s Garden Collection, customers are offered an eclectic choice of popular colour pallets, hard & soft top gazebos, quirky & fun kids play items, outdoor furniture, BBQ sets, camping equipment, décor pieces & fountains, grass carpets, and everything that can elevate any outdoor space into a family retreat.
MR. ADEL SAJAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR DANUBE GROUP: “With special attention paid to aesthetically combining comfort, craft, and functionality, Danube Home’s My Style My Way themed Garden collection stands a cut above the rest because it offers our valued customers a bewildering array of choices, exceptional value, great comfort, and functionality without compromising on style. With winter arriving soon, Danube Home’s My Garden Collection ensures that your outdoors could be the most emphatic statement of self-expression.”
The new Family Collection includes larger lounge sets that fit the whole family to smaller lounge sets that most elegantly fit into your space. Whether you have a large outdoor space or relatively small, My Style My Way themed gazebos, umbrellas, sofas, and dining collection ensure consistency of style and colour and comfort. On top of that, you can take your outdoor game up a notch by customizing your pillows to perfectly match your furniture. With the bewildering selection of pieces perfect for even the smallest of space, your balcony or terrace could be a perfect statement of style.
Imbibing the spirit of space travel & mimicking candy-land, the themed garden collection for kids includes a selection of swings, slides, & trampolines to create a perfect setting for mischief and play.
Focused on elevating your backyard game to chime in perfectly with your dreams, Danube Home has launched its game-changing Pool & Landscaping Services that sets out to become the most preferred choice of customers in the UAE for decorating, designing, and refurbishing swimming pools and other outdoor spaces. Danube Home has put together a highly experienced team of designers and landscapers to transform your landscape into a scrumptious piece of visual delight.
Danube Home launches new garden theme catalogue
Mr. Shubhojit Mahalanobis, Director Retail & Danube Hospitality Solutions, was quoted as saying, “anticipating a hike in spending on outdoor furniture in preparation for the start of winter season in the Gulf Region in the coming weeks, we have launched our much-awaited Garden e-Catalogue boasting an incredible array of choices and unbelievable product depth, so much so that consumers can make their outdoors spaces as fun and relaxing as possible. As a customer-focused retailer we understand that, with the advent of cooler weather, people are gearing up to spend more time with friends and families in their back-yards, front-yards, patios, terraces, and balconies, therefore we want to have those things that make their stay meaningful, exciting, and pleasing. There is an increased interest right now in improving and enjoying the outdoors of homes. That is why we have strategically shifted our focus on ways to make outdoor spaces into staycation destinations.”
Mr. Syed Habib, Director Business Development Franchise & e-Commerce, speaking candidly on the occasion said, “The Pandemic has had a profound effect on the concept of outdoor spaces and garden furniture. The search for safer outdoor hangouts became a hot trend among homebound people and that explains the increased focus on sprucing up the outdoor living spaces. This trend has attained permanence. Keeping tabs on the pulse of market and changing consumer preferences, Danube Home has launched My Style My Way Garden. We believe that every single person is different. People have experiences, opinions, emotions, and sense of style that are unique to them. And people like their clothing, homes, and immediate environments to be representative of what makes them unique. So, why our outdoors should be left behind? We, at Danube Home, clearly understand this. That is why this year’s My Style My Way Garden e-Catalogue sets out to achieve just that, helping our customers in transforming their outdoors to be a statement of their uniqueness. On the basis of our years of exhaustive research and through a year-long meticulous planning, we have put together a garden collection of the highest quality, incomparable range, and ready availability that would allow you to set up your outdoors in innumerable number of ways, and each of them will be a hit.”
The new collection is exciting, ingenious, and fun in aesthetically pleasing ways. The richness of designs and the incredible depth of the collection will allow customers to create countless arrangements that will enhance your outdoors, giving it a distinctive personality.
Admiral Singh will also be interacting with the senior hierarchy of Oman’s armed forces…reports Asian Lite News
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh arrived in Oman on Sunday on a visit to consolidate bilateral defence relations with Oman and explore new avenues for defence cooperation.
During his three-day official visit which begins from Monday, the Chief of Naval Staff is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser bin Mohsen Al-Rahbi, Commander of Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) in Muscat.
Admiral Singh will also be interacting with the senior hierarchy of Oman’s armed forces, the Ministry of Defence said.
They include Vice Admiral Abdullah Khamis Abdullah Al Raisi (Chief of Staff Sutan’s Armed Forces), Maj Gen Matar Bin Salim Bin Rashid Al Balushi (Commander of Royal Army of Oman), Air Vice Marshal Khamis Bin Hammad Bin Sultan Al Ghafri (Commander of Royal Air Force of Oman) and Mohammad Bin Nasser Bin Ali Al Zaabi (Secretary General, MoD).
He will also visit key defence installations like Muaskar Al Murtafa (MAM) Camp, Maritime Security Centre (MSC), Said Bin Sultan Naval Base, Al Musanna Air Base and National Defence College, Oman.
This official visit of the CNS to Oman highlights the growing cooperation between Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman, the defence ministry said.
The Indian Navy cooperates with the Royal Navy of Oman on many fronts. These include operational interactions, training cooperation, and exchange of Subject Matter Experts in various fields.
The Navies of both countries have been participating in the biennial maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr since 1993. This exercise was last conducted in 2020, off Goa and the next edition is scheduled in 2022. (India News Network)
As Oman announced its reopening to vaccinated visitors this September, guests looking for luxury and a peaceful getaway can explore The Chedi Muscat, a mountainous haven of wellness and tranquillity in the Gulf…reports Asian Lite News
CMU – Architectural Detail
1. Explore sophisticated and symmetrical surroundings
Located by the Al Hajar Mountains with its own private beach, The Chedi Muscat’s serenity is created by the imaginative design of its pristine buildings and manicured grounds. A superb confluence of elegant touches of traditional Omani architecture and Asian-inspired motif envelopes the property with an aura of elegant simplicity.
The symmetry of the gardens and ordered pools provide a peaceful backdrop that fashions an air of restful, sophisticated style. The hotel’s entrance is an enchanting white stucco building of arches and domes resembling a grand Omani palace.
The resort was designed by Jean-Micheal Gathy, celebrated for creating harmony between the architecture, interior, and landscape that incorporates local style into a stunning contemporary design. The 21 acres of gardens and water features were designed in a simple restful Zen-ordered style by renowned landscape architect Karl Princic.
Starting at OMR 90, GCC guests can take advantage of the”SAtay 3 Pay 2 GCC Residents Offer” which provides three nights stay for the price of two so they can take the time to relax and explore Muscat!
2. Savour traditional and international flavours
CMU-Dining-The Restaurant
Dining at The Chedi Muscat resonates understated elegance and commitment to superior service. From the electrifying ambience of entertaining show kitchens, the romance of a moonlit dinner on a private beach, the stylish surroundings of a private dining room or a picturesque courtyard, one can select a scene to fit every mood.
Guests can enjoy expertly prepared meals at the award-winning, The Restaurant as its outstanding chefs dazzle and delight with their cooking skills in the venue. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an elegant chandelier-lit indoor dining area, on a spacious outdoor terrace or in one of the chic private rooms, and offers live piano music late into the evening.
CMU-Dining-The Beach Restaurant
From October to April, epicureans can feast on seafood at The Beach Restaurant whilst The Arabian Courtyard serves Arabic mezze, Shawarma and Kebabs to the tune of gentle music, al fresco.
For more relaxed dining, the Shisha Lounge with its comfortable divans and traditional water pipes completes the experience. Guests can also take shade at the poolside cabanas, enjoying Japanese cuisine at The Long Pool Cabana, and light International dishes at The Serai Pool Cabana or The Chedi Pool Cabana.
3. Retreat into a world of understated peace
CMU – The Spa
The Spa at The Chedi Muscat offers an extensive variety of beauty rituals based on the holistic principles of aromatherapy, Ayurveda and herbalism. Visitors can retreat into a world of understated elegance, enveloped by a soothing peacefulness, as they relax under the healing touch of trained therapists in one of the 13 meditative spa suites, that combine dramatic Omani architecture with calming Asian interiors.
The Spa embraces eastern philosophy with Asian oriental rituals, and also offers an extensive variety of beauty rituals based on the holistic principles of aromatherapy, Ayurveda, and herbalism by Ren, Voya, Ila, and Tiyya.
Guests can select from an incredible array of treatments from tip to toe. The Indulgent Oriental Rituals uplift and soothe the body, the Reviving Body Polishing Rituals rejuvenate the skin and the Rejuvenating Beauty Rituals offer an array of finishing touches such as deluxe facials, waxing, manicures, and pedicures. Couples can unwind and relax with the Romantic Bathing Ritual in the spa’s deluxe double suites starting with a private steam shower and then enjoying one of the exceptional bath and aromatherapy options.
4. Unwind and restore energy at the longest pool
CMU – The Long Pool Cabana
Another unique design feature including the 103-meter infinity The Long Pool, the longest in the Arabian Peninsula, and the 800 sqm Asian-style spa, one of the largest in Muscat. Guests can relax and recharge as they escape into the luxurious world of The Chedi Muscat. With a special daycation offer, they can enjoy day access to all facilities and an OMR 20 hotel credit to spend on F&B and Spa, wander around refreshing gardens, and relax in one of the three stunning swimming pools.
5. Explore the exceptional heritage of Oman
Muscat
The Chedi Muscat offers exceptional experiences to explore the destination and dive into its culture. Whether guests choose to take in frenetic souks scented by coffee and frankincense, timeless fortresses, vast deserts, soaring dunes, or romantic seascapes, The Sultanate of Oman inspires a diversity of exceptional natural and manmade experiences. On the outskirts of Muscat, it’s possible to sniff the world’s most expensive perfume by Amouage, to view turtles at the Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve, or capture the colours and characters at the weekly livestock market at Nizwa.
Those looking for adventure can head into the rolling Wahiba Sand dunes, summit Oman’s highest peak Jebel Shams in a 4×4, or hike to the Sultanate’s remote mountain villages where artisans still craft traditional pottery by hand. Alternatively, travelers can watch the equally skilled craftsmen build dhows at the harbour in Sur and visit the Corniche at dusk when the lights come on around Muttrah’s souk, a hive of Omani social activity late into the Arabian night.
AlphaDhabi’s Response Plus Medical Holding lists on ADX Second Market
AlphaDhabi’s Response Plus Medical Holding lists on ADX Second Market…reports Asian Lite News
Response Plus Medical Holding (RPM), an associate of ADX-listed Alpha Dhabi Holding PJSC (AlphaDhabi), made its market debut today on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) Second Market.
Trading under the ticker RPM, Response Plus Medical Holding is one of the UAE’s largest providers of on-site healthcare management, with over 1,600 employees and paid-in capital of AED 200 million. Established in 2010, the company specialises in medical emergency transfers from remote work sites with over 260 medical facilities, as well as a fleet of over 160 ambulances, one of the largest in the region.
AlphaDhabi’s Response Plus Medical Holding lists on ADX Second Market
RPM, which provides medical support for the oil and gas sector, chemical industries, construction sites, has operations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, and is implementing a strategy to expand further in the GCC, Africa and India over the next five years.
Hamad Al Ameri, Managing Director and CEO of AlphaDhabi, said: “We are excited to be bringing RPM, on to the ADX Second Market. RPM has grown rapidly into a leader in healthcare management and medical emergency transfers, providing innovative and accessible solutions to corporate clients. The company is executing a well-defined five-year strategy to expand into new markets, and to integrate and launch new services. By taking RPM public, we can share this exciting growth prospect with a broader base of investors.”
Alpha Dhabi Holding PJSC, which listed on the main board of ADX in June 2021, is one of the fastest-growing investment holding companies in the Middle East, and a leading real estate and construction company in the UAE.
SAEED HAMAD AL DHAHERI, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ADX: “I am pleased to welcome RPM as the latest listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. ADX is becoming increasingly vibrant due to a strong pipeline of listings, and a broadening offering of products and services. By connecting growth companies such as RPM to significant pools of regional liquidity and major global investors, the exchange will play a key role in the region’s economic development in the coming years.”
RPM is the 13th company to list on ADX’s Second Market since it was established in 2014. Market capitalization of the Second Market, by the end of August, reached AED 38 billion an increase of 273% compared to the same period last year.
DR. SHAMHEER VAYALIL, CHAIRMAN, RPM: “Listing on ADX is a major milestone in RPM’s development into a leading healthcare company in the region. The company has built a strong track record in serving the specialist medical needs of major industries such as energy and construction. We are now expanding geographically and enhancing our offering of services, ensuring that the company benefits even further from economies of scale and opportunities to grow our client base significantly. This is an exciting time to be part of the RPM growth story.”
