Royal Opera House Muscat will be opened in October 2011 .
For information and tickets visit website :
www.rohmuscat.org.om
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Royal Opera House Muscat - Oman
Royal Opera House Muscat will be opened in October 2011 .
For information and tickets visit website :
www.rohmuscat.org.om
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Flight to Manila set to take wings
Come third quarter of the current year and the Filipinos living in Oman will have
new reasons to rejoice, as they celebrate the 113th anniversary of the Declaration
of Philippine Independence.
Oman Air and Philippines Airlines are expected to launch their direct flights between
Oman Air and Philippines Airlines are expected to launch their direct flights between
Muscat and Manila latest by September.
Announcing this during an exclusive interview with Times of Oman, Omar M. Pangarungan,
Announcing this during an exclusive interview with Times of Oman, Omar M. Pangarungan,
office-in-charge of the Philippine embassy in Muscat, said the service was long overdue.
In fact, the maiden flight of the service ought to have taken off in June last year, rued Pangarungan.
Oman and Philippines had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 14,
Oman and Philippines had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 14,
2009, updating the bilateral Air Service Agreement (ASA) signed way back on October 11, 1992.
The MoU took provisional effect from the very day it was inked designating the maiden fligh
The MoU took provisional effect from the very day it was inked designating the maiden fligh
t to take off within six months.
Unavoidable circumstances delayed the launch of the service.
Yet, beaming with optimism, Pangarungan said that the normal service would start soon after
Unavoidable circumstances delayed the launch of the service.
Yet, beaming with optimism, Pangarungan said that the normal service would start soon after
the maiden flight takes off the ground.
Looking forward to the launch of the direct flight between Muscat and Manila, Pangarungan said
Looking forward to the launch of the direct flight between Muscat and Manila, Pangarungan said
the service would bring in its wake a plethora of benefits to both Oman and Philippines in
sectors including tourism, trade, health care and investment.
Cultural exchanges between the two countries, sharing a friendly relation since a very long time,
Cultural exchanges between the two countries, sharing a friendly relation since a very long time,
are expected to gain new boost.
The direct flight would benefit the Filipinos in ways more than one, and the foremost will be
The direct flight would benefit the Filipinos in ways more than one, and the foremost will be
Monday, February 22, 2010
New cruise terminal opened
The Sultanate’s first ultra modern passenger cruise terminal was opened at Port Sultan Qaboos (PSQ) yesterday with Costa Deliziosa — a brand new vessel from the Costa Crociere stable — becoming the first cruise liner to call at the 3,300sqm terminal.
The terminal — a joint venture of Ministry of Transport and Communication, Ministry of Tourism and Port Services Corporation — has been built at a cost of RO2.7 million.
Chief guest at the inaugural function Mohammed Al Toobi, undersecretary, Ministry of Tourism, said, “The opening of this terminal is a huge gain for our tourism industry especially with the number of cruise liners visiting Oman expected to see a big surge in the years to come.”
More than 300,000 tourists are expected to arrive at the port this year, while a total of 84 cruise vessels have already called at the port in 2009. “Cruise shipping is the sleeping giant of our tourism industry and the ministry is serious about making it work for the country,” the undersecretary said.
Features
The full vessel traffic control system room will have a sophisticated maritime automatic Radio Identification System (AIS), state-of-the-art Direction Finder (DF) and CCTVs.
The Port Control Tower — which is 30 metres high — is equipped with a high-end video phone and automatic door lock system. Besides, the cruise terminal is monitored by port security.
The terminal has a quay — landing place — length of up to 470 metres and has 11 to 13 metres draft — the depth to which a vessel is immersed when bearing a given load — for ships of all sizes.
The ground floor hosts the arrival and departure halls, immigration, coffee shop, Internet café, tourism office, shipping and travel agencies, baggage counter, customs. A money changer and an ATM are expected to open soon.
Duty-free and coffee shops and handicraft shops are located on the first floor.
“Such a terminal, the first in Oman, is going to add valuable services to cruise operations. We are proud to see this dream become a reality,” said Saud bin Ahmed Al Nahari, CEO, Port Services Corporation, adding that the PSQ would now become an important cruise destination.
“It is time for PSQ to keep on improving. Under phase two, we expand our facilities to handle big cruise ships.
“Right now, our port can receive ships of size 260 metres but we will soon have ports to handle ships of size 350 metres and above,” Al Nahari said.
Looking further ahead, Al Nahari says plans are also on to open more cruise terminals in other ports.
“More hotel rooms need to be made available along with better air connectivity. If more destinations are added more passengers will disembark in Oman for extended stay. This will substantially benefit the national economy,” he said.
Pointing out that Port Sultan Qaboos was selected among the four most efficient ports out of 231 ports and destinations at the Sea Cruise trade exhibition hosted in Miami, USA, in 2008, Al Nahari said: “This speaks a lot for us and with this terminal we can live up to our image.”
“Moreover, with Dubai closing its terminal, we are the only cruise terminal operating in the region,” he said. Said bin Hamdoun Al Harthy, undersecretary, Ports and Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transport and Communication and other officials were present for the inaugural ceremony.
Times Of Oman
The terminal — a joint venture of Ministry of Transport and Communication, Ministry of Tourism and Port Services Corporation — has been built at a cost of RO2.7 million.
Chief guest at the inaugural function Mohammed Al Toobi, undersecretary, Ministry of Tourism, said, “The opening of this terminal is a huge gain for our tourism industry especially with the number of cruise liners visiting Oman expected to see a big surge in the years to come.”
More than 300,000 tourists are expected to arrive at the port this year, while a total of 84 cruise vessels have already called at the port in 2009. “Cruise shipping is the sleeping giant of our tourism industry and the ministry is serious about making it work for the country,” the undersecretary said.
Features
The full vessel traffic control system room will have a sophisticated maritime automatic Radio Identification System (AIS), state-of-the-art Direction Finder (DF) and CCTVs.
The Port Control Tower — which is 30 metres high — is equipped with a high-end video phone and automatic door lock system. Besides, the cruise terminal is monitored by port security.
The terminal has a quay — landing place — length of up to 470 metres and has 11 to 13 metres draft — the depth to which a vessel is immersed when bearing a given load — for ships of all sizes.
The ground floor hosts the arrival and departure halls, immigration, coffee shop, Internet café, tourism office, shipping and travel agencies, baggage counter, customs. A money changer and an ATM are expected to open soon.
Duty-free and coffee shops and handicraft shops are located on the first floor.
“Such a terminal, the first in Oman, is going to add valuable services to cruise operations. We are proud to see this dream become a reality,” said Saud bin Ahmed Al Nahari, CEO, Port Services Corporation, adding that the PSQ would now become an important cruise destination.
“It is time for PSQ to keep on improving. Under phase two, we expand our facilities to handle big cruise ships.
“Right now, our port can receive ships of size 260 metres but we will soon have ports to handle ships of size 350 metres and above,” Al Nahari said.
Looking further ahead, Al Nahari says plans are also on to open more cruise terminals in other ports.
“More hotel rooms need to be made available along with better air connectivity. If more destinations are added more passengers will disembark in Oman for extended stay. This will substantially benefit the national economy,” he said.
Pointing out that Port Sultan Qaboos was selected among the four most efficient ports out of 231 ports and destinations at the Sea Cruise trade exhibition hosted in Miami, USA, in 2008, Al Nahari said: “This speaks a lot for us and with this terminal we can live up to our image.”
“Moreover, with Dubai closing its terminal, we are the only cruise terminal operating in the region,” he said. Said bin Hamdoun Al Harthy, undersecretary, Ports and Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transport and Communication and other officials were present for the inaugural ceremony.
Times Of Oman
Sunday, September 13, 2009
More than 257,000 visit Dhofar during Khareef
The number of visitors to the Governorate of Dhofar stood at 257,554 from
the start of the Khareef (monsoon) season on June 21 to August 17
It's worth mentioning that the Khareef Salalah 2009 Survey being implemented
by the National Economy Ministry in conjunction with the Tourism Ministry and
Royal Oman Police aims at availing data that reflects the tourism status in
the governorate during the Khareef season to further develop the tourism
sector in the governorate .
www.omantourism.gov.om
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Hilltop Nakhal Fort attracts tourists
Nakhal Fort is the first tourist spot on the way to the wilayat of Nakhal. This fort can be observed from far away due to its location on a 70-metre hill.
Nakhal Fort is unique for its high position, solid building and huge exterior. The fort also includes number of towers, particularly the Eastern Tower which is also called the Wind Tower, the Middle Tower and the Western Tower. Two water wells are also available in this prestigious fort.
Nakhal Fort was built before the Islamic era and was rebuilt by Imam Al Sult Bin Malek Al Kharousi. It was rebuilt in many stages and the final one was in 1990 after which tourists have been enjoying their visit to the fort as they enter through its huge antique gate.
As tourists reach the fort’s surface, their delight increases as they see the green palm tree oasis, old villages and mountain tops. The tourist guides in the fort provide visitors with all information related to the fort, its defensive features and its historical events.
Nakhal Souq is located near the fascinating fort. Many foreign tourists are keen to watch the traditional methods of selling and purchasing in the souq.
Tourists can enjoy their drive in the 2-kilometre-long road that leads to the stream, Ein Al Thowara, passing through palm tree gardens.
Ein Al Thowara attracts a large number of tourists. The water of the stream flows from under the rocks of Al Hajar Al Garbi Mountains which lead to the green areas around the site.
The continuous flow of the stream and its carving in the rocks leads to the formation of the central source of the stream which is called Al Kharas. warm water gathers in this place and then drops into a small waterfall, Wadi Al Hmmam. Ein Al Thowara is the main source for Kabah Falaj, which is the biggest valley in Nakhal as well as Al Ghareed Falaj.
The tourism site is equipped with all facilities necessary for tourists like wooden sunshades, chairs, car parks, bathrooms, children’s games and cafeteria.
Al Sheeba Mountain is the most famous mountain in Nakhal. It is 700 metres high from the sea level and several kilometres long. Nakhal mountains form a natural connection with the wilayat of Sumail. To cap it all, there is a passage through the mountains that has existed since ancient times and which leads to the wilayat of Sumail. All these facts together make Nakhal town one of the important tourist destinations.
Oman Tribune
Nakhal Fort is unique for its high position, solid building and huge exterior. The fort also includes number of towers, particularly the Eastern Tower which is also called the Wind Tower, the Middle Tower and the Western Tower. Two water wells are also available in this prestigious fort.
Nakhal Fort was built before the Islamic era and was rebuilt by Imam Al Sult Bin Malek Al Kharousi. It was rebuilt in many stages and the final one was in 1990 after which tourists have been enjoying their visit to the fort as they enter through its huge antique gate.
As tourists reach the fort’s surface, their delight increases as they see the green palm tree oasis, old villages and mountain tops. The tourist guides in the fort provide visitors with all information related to the fort, its defensive features and its historical events.
Nakhal Souq is located near the fascinating fort. Many foreign tourists are keen to watch the traditional methods of selling and purchasing in the souq.
Tourists can enjoy their drive in the 2-kilometre-long road that leads to the stream, Ein Al Thowara, passing through palm tree gardens.
Ein Al Thowara attracts a large number of tourists. The water of the stream flows from under the rocks of Al Hajar Al Garbi Mountains which lead to the green areas around the site.
The continuous flow of the stream and its carving in the rocks leads to the formation of the central source of the stream which is called Al Kharas. warm water gathers in this place and then drops into a small waterfall, Wadi Al Hmmam. Ein Al Thowara is the main source for Kabah Falaj, which is the biggest valley in Nakhal as well as Al Ghareed Falaj.
The tourism site is equipped with all facilities necessary for tourists like wooden sunshades, chairs, car parks, bathrooms, children’s games and cafeteria.
Al Sheeba Mountain is the most famous mountain in Nakhal. It is 700 metres high from the sea level and several kilometres long. Nakhal mountains form a natural connection with the wilayat of Sumail. To cap it all, there is a passage through the mountains that has existed since ancient times and which leads to the wilayat of Sumail. All these facts together make Nakhal town one of the important tourist destinations.
Oman Tribune
Monday, August 24, 2009
Increased passenger traffic at Muscat, Salalah airports
The number of arrival and departure passengers through Muscat International Airport has increased by 6 per cent up to July
of the current year compared to the same period of the year 2008. Statistics shows an increase in the arrival passengers by 4 per cent to 1,000,431 passengers ending in July 2009 comparing to 963,282 passengers for the same period of the year 2008. The number of departing passengers has also increased by 8 per cent to 977,560 passengers ending in July this year comparing to 907,113 passengers for the same period of the year 2008.
The increase in arrival and departure traffic into Muscat International Airport is attributed to the increase of the number of flights to most of the airlines operating into Muscat. The total passenger traffic (including transit and transfer passengers through Muscat International Airport has increased by 8 per cent to 2,545,525 passengers for the period ending in July 2009 compared to 2,350,467 passengers for the same period of 2008. In terms of air cargo traffic at Muscat International airport, Aviation Statistics indicate a decline in the total unloaded and loaded freight by 1 per cent, with total shipment (33,514 tonnes) compared to (33,696 tonnes) in the same period in 2008.
Salalah Airport has witnessed a marginal increase in the total number of arriving and departing passengers to 239,445 passengers for the period ending in July in 2009 compared to 234,432 passengers for the same period of 2008. As for the movement of air cargo at Salalah Airport, freight traffic has recorded 10 per cent rise in total unloaded and loaded freight, bringing the shipment to 744 tonnes till July 2009 compared to (674 tonnes) in the same-period in 2008.
www.omanobserver.com
of the current year compared to the same period of the year 2008. Statistics shows an increase in the arrival passengers by 4 per cent to 1,000,431 passengers ending in July 2009 comparing to 963,282 passengers for the same period of the year 2008. The number of departing passengers has also increased by 8 per cent to 977,560 passengers ending in July this year comparing to 907,113 passengers for the same period of the year 2008.
The increase in arrival and departure traffic into Muscat International Airport is attributed to the increase of the number of flights to most of the airlines operating into Muscat. The total passenger traffic (including transit and transfer passengers through Muscat International Airport has increased by 8 per cent to 2,545,525 passengers for the period ending in July 2009 compared to 2,350,467 passengers for the same period of 2008. In terms of air cargo traffic at Muscat International airport, Aviation Statistics indicate a decline in the total unloaded and loaded freight by 1 per cent, with total shipment (33,514 tonnes) compared to (33,696 tonnes) in the same period in 2008.
Salalah Airport has witnessed a marginal increase in the total number of arriving and departing passengers to 239,445 passengers for the period ending in July in 2009 compared to 234,432 passengers for the same period of 2008. As for the movement of air cargo at Salalah Airport, freight traffic has recorded 10 per cent rise in total unloaded and loaded freight, bringing the shipment to 744 tonnes till July 2009 compared to (674 tonnes) in the same-period in 2008.
www.omanobserver.com
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Oman Air to launch German operations in September
Oman Air will launch its first non-stop flights from Germany next month. Starting September, scheduled flights from Frankfurt will start their operation four times a week. Starting October, Oman Air will launch three weekly flights between Munich and Muscat.
The PR activities for Oman Air in Germany, Austria and Switzerland will be handled by Munich-based PR agency Combo Communications GmbH. PR agencies in France and the UK have also been appointed.
Peter Hill, CEO of Oman Air, said: “We are happy to work together with Combo Communications in Germany as the team has decades of know-how and experience in PR and media relations for national and international airlines.”
Oman Air also has major international expansion plans: Starting October, Oman Air is launching new routes from Muscat to Paris, to Maldives and to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Furthermore, a worldwide brand campaign for Oman Air is scheduled to commence at the same time.
Yvonne Molek, managing director of Combo Communications, said: “We are very proud to be in charge of the PR activities for Oman Air in German-speaking Europe. Oman Air has enormous expansion plans and one of our targets is to position Oman Air as premium brand in Germany.”
The PR activities of Combo Communications will be handled by senior PR consultant Julia Pawelczyk and PR consultant Roberto La Pietra in Munich as well as PR coordinator Dishna Schwarz, based in Frankfurt.
Times of Oman
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