<rss version="0.91">
<channel>
<title>www.bi-me.com RSS feed for &#8211; Oman</title>
<link>http://www.bi-me.com</link>
<description>Middle Eastern Business News and Data</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title><![CDATA[ Oxford Business Group launches Oman report ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44945</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Oman&#039;s economic success story, which combines tapping new fields of business with positive, ongoing oil and gas exploration, is mapped out in a business guide just published by OBG. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Standard Chartered offers mortgage facility in Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44916</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Standard Chartered has for the first time in Oman introduced a complete mortgage solution, targeted at residential owners. It complements Standard Chartered&#039;s current array of retail finance products. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Paramount strengthens presence in Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44864</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Paramount Computer Systems has announced the opening of its branch office in Muscat, Oman. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[OnAir makes airline history with both mobile and WiFi Internet access on Oman Air]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44810</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. OnAir together with Oman Air celebrated a successful first flight using the full spectrum of mobile and WiFi Internet connectivity services based on Inmarsat SwiftBroadband. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman Air awards US$2.6 million contract to Spartial Composite Solutions]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44801</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Spatial will design and build A330-300 and B737 NG cabin evacuation trainers, for installation at Oman Air&#039;s new Aviation Crew Training facility at Muscat International Airport. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[House of Fraser to open stores in the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44645</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAl. House of Fraser, the UK retailer, could soon open its first stores in the Middle East after signing a franchise agreement with Retail Arabia International.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Standard Chartered Bank launches Custody and Clearing Services in Bahrain and Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44564</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The expansion of Custody and Clearing Services takes Standard Chartered&#039;s coverage of the Middle East to five markets and reinforces the Bank&#039;s commitment to the Middle East region.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Hyundai invites region&#039;s media to &#039;Drive in Style&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44497</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Hyundai recently hosted a 3-day &#039;Drive in Style&#039; media conference - an opportunity to road test its new 2010 Tucson and Sonata models on the highways and off-road terrain of Oman. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Moody&#039;s upgrades Oman&#039;s sovereign ratings]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44449</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Moody&#039;s Investors Service has today raised Oman&#039;s local and foreign currency government bond ratings to A1 from A2.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Tabasco selects NTDE as exclusive distributor in UAE and Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44443</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The NTDE new distribution rights are covering the entire market of UAE &amp; Oman to gear up Tabasco distribution &amp; coverage. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Enhance UAE unveils new corporate identity ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44221</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. WJ Towell Group  unveils brand restructuring to strengthen regional identity,  explore new opportunities and deliver improved performance.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[BMI Bank outlook revised to negative on weakening asset quality and financial performance]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44170</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Standard &amp; Poor&#039;s Ratings Services revised its outlook on BMI Bank to negative from stable. At the same time, it affirmed the &#039;BBB-&#039; long-term and &#039;A-3&#039; short-term counterparty credit ratings on the bank.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[BMW&#039;s Premium selection programme records 25% sales increase in 2009 ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44050</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Dubai recorded the highest volume of sales with 501 Premium Selection vehicles sold during 2009. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman Insurance Company reports 2009 net profit of US$51.50 million]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43950</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Oman Insurance Company has announced positive financial results for the 12 months ending 31 December 2009.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Zed Communications wins top honours at Oman Web Awards]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43541</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Zed Communications was presented with the prestigious Diamond Award for the Best Website in Oman on Saturday, in a glittering event at the Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Hotel in Muscat. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Human Dimensions announces the launching of Thomas International Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43493</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. &#039;Thomas International Middle East&#039;, which will be dedicated to providing consultation services utilising Thomas International Systems&#039; psychometric tests and job profiling assessments.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Aramex partners with Oman&#039;s Zubair Corporation ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43464</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The new venture will offer businesses in Oman integrated services such as warehousing and distribution, sea, air and ground transportation, freight forwarding and customs brokerage. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Mubasher unveils new service for investors ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42939</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Mubasher has announced that it has recently completed the development of a new service that provides website users and investors in the Middle East with real-time financial information from Beirut through the Mubasher Pro real-time stock market information service. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf states to keep public spending high in 2010 supported by oil prices]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42933</link>
<description><![CDATA[GCC. Spending is seen staying particularly high in Saudi Arabia, the world&#039;s top oil exporter, which has embarked on a US$400 billion five-year spree, and in Qatar with a multi-billion dollar expansion of its natural gas facilities]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Multi-country shared energy system inaugurated in the Gulf]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42854</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. AREVA&#039;s Transmission and Distribution division congratulates the GCCIA on the successful inauguration of their North Grid system. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[The Future of technology in Oman: where from here?]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42760</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Knowledge Oasis Muscat will bring its 2009 season of Digital Nation seminars to a close on Monda at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[AES Oasis enters into agreement to sell equity interests in barka facilities]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42764</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The sale agreement culminates a process which began in the second quarter of 2009. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Knowledge Horizon plans for success]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42729</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Knowledge Horizon recently presented two sessions on writing business plans to entrepreneurs at the Oman Women&#039;s Association.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[MENA equity markets fall by 4.2% in November ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42734</link>
<description><![CDATA[The November performance of Arab markets would have been worse if it had not been for the Eid holiday that forced Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain to be closed for the entire last week of the month. 

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<title><![CDATA[Muscat Youth Summit launched]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42633</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The launch of the 1st Muscat Youth Summit with 180 participants from schools and colleges from across Oman took place on Monday at Al Nahda Resort &amp; Spa. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf jobs and pay rises hit by downturn, but remain ahead of most markets ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42614</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The UAE and Kuwait have seen most job cuts and largest drops in pay rises. Real estate sector most affected, while audit professionals received the largest pay increases this year, according to GulfTalent.com research.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman construction industry to hit US$274 million by 2013]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42613</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. OMNIX eyes growing demand for more cost effective and resource-efficient buildings and infrastructure in the Sultanate.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman&#039;s quiet industrial revolution transforming manufacturing]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42563</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The quiet industrial revolution which has been transforming Oman&#039;s manufacturing sector over the past decade will be entering the limelight at a major international conference later this week.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Omani Architecture competes on Global Stage]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42532</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Oman is celebrating the unprecedented success of The Wave, Muscat at the prestigious CNBC International Residential Property Awards.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Canadian Clear Water installs desalination plants in Egypt, Iraq &amp; Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42456</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The desalination plant working on cutting edge technology of Reverse Osmosis converts sea water into potable water useful for industrial and drinking water purposes. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[S&amp;P assigns A rating to Vision Emerging GCC Fund]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42365</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Standard &amp; Poor&#039;s Fund Services announced today that it has assigned an A (New)fund management rating to the Vision Emerging GCC Fund, an Oman domiciled open-ended investment fund.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman&#039;s public spending to rise by 9% in 2010 to boost economy ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42340</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Oman plans to boost government spending by 9% next year as it seeks to revive the economy after the global economic crisis. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Smart Manufacturing demands R&amp;D]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42338</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. As the demand for innovative products grows Omani manufacturer&#039;s are allocating more of their time and budget to R&amp;D activities.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ibis enters two new markets: Jordan and Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42310</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Accor Hospitality Middle East added two new ibis hotels to its growing Middle East portfolio with the opening of ibis Amman in Jordan and ibis Muscat in Oman. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Muscat Youth Summit &amp; urban development]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42165</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Today, more than half the world&#039;s population live in urban areas, and by 2030, city dwellers will make up roughly 60% of the globe&#039;s population- these are amongst the issues that the 1st Muscat Youth Summit. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Mubasher integrates with Gemalto&#039;s strong authentication solution for e-trading]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42103</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. As part of the program, Al Amin&#039;s investors authenticate themselves to the Mubasher e-trading platform using the Gemalto OTP token and trade online with increased security.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Zighy Bay named best new resort in the world ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42081</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay in Oman has been voted the &#039;World&#039;s Leading New Resort&#039; at the grand final of the World Travel Awards - also known as the travel industry&#039;s &#039;Oscars&#039;.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Volkswagen Middle East hosts regional qualifier of 2009 Service Qualification World Championship ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42061</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Volkswagen Middle East invited its partners in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, KSA, Bahrain, Syria and Oman to participate in the regional round of its 2009 Volkswagen Service Qualification Championship.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[A population boom is transforming the Gulf]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42038</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The profound demographic and social changes that have transformed the GCC are set to continue over the next decade, raising significant questions related to labour and immigration policies.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Business Software Alliance organises anti-piracy roundtable in Oman ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41929</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The Oman Roundtable gathered representatives from BSA and the Public Prosecution to discuss key measures to further improve Oman&#039;s major anti-piracy initiatives.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Knowledge Oasis Muscat receives royal visit]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41843</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN.The Duke of York, who was visiting KOM in his capacity as The UK&#039;s special representative for International Trade and Investment, was met by HE Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, Minister of Commerce &amp; Industry and presented to key KOM Management personnel.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East credit association set up to share regional data]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41838</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Credit bureaus based in the UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Pakistan have come together to establish the MECRA, a non-profit association of credit information suppliers in the Middle East. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Over 52% of Middle East employers plan to recruit]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41805</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. More than half of the region&#039;s employers, 52%, are planning to recruit over the next few months, as the region picks up following the global economic downturn, reveals Bayt.com, YouGov Siraj survey. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ICDL GCC Foundation steps up campaign to promote IT literacy in Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41813</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. International Computer Driving Licence program, has recently granted ICDL certification to 69 students of the Azzan Bin Qais prvate school in Oman.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[BankMuscat partners with HP and Avaya]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41723</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. BankMuscat has selected HP and Avaya to meet its growth objectives by consolidating its existing disparate technology infrastructure into an integrated and unified business system. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai Mercantile Exchange hits new average daily volume record ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41634</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. DME today announced that a record average daily volume of 2,624 contracts was achieved in its flagship DME Oman Crude Oil Futures contract  during the month of October 2009.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Shariah-compliant equities lag as investors dive back into financials]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41646</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Shariah-compliant stocks underperformed the broader market in the Gulf Cooperation Council, United States and Europe during the third quarter of 2009, according to the latest Shariah Scorecard published by Standard &amp; Poor&#039;s.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Shell endorses first Muscat Youth Summit]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41469</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The first Muscat Youth Summit, organised by the Brand Oman Management Unit received the endorsement of Shell Development Oman.  

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<title><![CDATA[OMAN Insurance Company announces gross written premium of US$490.5 million]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41467</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Oman Insurance Company posted 8% growth in the revenue for the nine-month period ended 30 September 2009 over the previous year. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Brand Oman announces 1st Muscat Youth Summit]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41371</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Of the world&#039;s 1.5 billion people who are between 12 and 24-years-old, 1.3 billion live in developing countries with young people comprising more than 50% of the population of some countries. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GCC business confidence rises to highest level in a year]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41288</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Business people across the GCC grew in confidence about the outlook for their companies in the third quarter, according to the HSBC Gulf Business Confidence Index, compiled by YouGov. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[BankMuscat chooses HP and Avaya to integrate and unify its business systems]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41232</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. BankMuscat selected HP and Avaya to meet its growth objectives by consolidating its existing disparate technology infrastructure into an integrated and unified business system. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Origin Oman&#039;s Meet the Buyer to start Monday ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41140</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Local businesses looking to boost their sales are being offered a unique opportunity to meet some of Oman&#039;s largest buyers thanks to Origin Oman&#039;s Meet-the-Buyer event that will be held Monday at The Wave Muscat. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GCC rail network likely to be operational by 2017]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41086</link>
<description><![CDATA[GCC. Gulf countries are working to link the region&#039;s various rail projects into a single network, which will run from Kuwait City through Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE before ending in Oman, for freight and passenger movement.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UAE strongest Arab stock market in September]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41038</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The UAE market was the strongest Arab market in September as it gained 12.6% bringing its year to date gains to 53.6% and overtaking Egypt as the leading Arab market year to date. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman&#039;s Big Business Idea reaches competition final]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41011</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. An SMS service, website templates and accounting software solutions make up the new ventures shortlisted for this year&#039;s TKM - Ernst &amp; Young Big Business Idea Competition Final.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[FRiENDi Mobile sponsors Oman explorer exquisite]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40986</link>
<description><![CDATA[Oman. Dubai based Explorer Publishing has just released the 4th edition of the Oman Explorer - the complete residents&#039; guide, supported by Friendi Mobile. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Investment in green technology is essential for the future    ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40840</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. A panel of local environmental experts concluded Monday night at a Knowledge Oasis Muscat Digital Nation seminar that drastic changes in energy-consumption are necessary to avert a global crisis. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf states set for return to solid growth but risks remain, says IIF]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40754</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL.  Gulf Arab economies are seen returning to solid growth in 2010, with Qatar and Oman soaring on rising oil and gas output, but &#039;corporate distress&#039; remains a risk. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GCC rail network on track]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40751</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. The long-awaited rail network linking the six members of the GCC was approved at a leaders&#039; summit in 2004 and is expected to begin construction in 2010 or 2011. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[EMCOR Facilities Services Group launches operations in Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40654</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. EFSG Middle East, has announced the launch of its operations in the Sultanate of Oman for the delivery of integrated facilities, estate and property management solutions.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman economic growth between 1%-2%, says central bank chief]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40600</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The head of Oman&#039;s central bank said on Monday that the sultanate may gain from some of its foreign reserve holdings but warned that growth may still be affected by falling oil prices.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[High rate of genetic disorders indentified in Arab populations]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40444</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The Centre for Arab Genomic Studies (CAGS) said some 906 genetic disorders have been identified in Arabs and their descendants and about 200 of those are prevalent among Arabs in the GCC alone.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman Air takes delivery of first Airbus A330]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40277</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Oman Air has taken delivery of its first A330-200, becoming the newest operator of the aircraft, enabling the carrier to introduce long haul flights for the first time. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Origin Oman&#039;s &#039;Meet the Buyer&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40189</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The Origin Oman campaign is working with The Wave Muscat on a Meet the Buyer event to bring local buyers and suppliers together to optimize both present and future local business opportunities.
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<title><![CDATA[Oman Air selects SITA for global hybrid network services]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40154</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. SITA has announced that it has signed a five-year, US$4.6 million contract to implement and maintain a hybrid network solution for Oman Air as it migrates from legacy connections for all its business operations.

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<title><![CDATA[Manufacturing is the protein that feeds Oman&#039;s economy]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40070</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Manufacturing brings two important things that most other sectors do not: high-paying jobs and major inward investment.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman&#039;s index hits 10-month high as oil climbs ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40006</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Most Gulf markets gained on Thursday with  Dubai  gaining 2.2% as crude climbed and US futures gained, prompting investors to bet yesterday&#039;s losses were &#039;overdone.&#039;]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Sector one completion more than just a milestone for The Wave, Muscat ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39478</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. While many market analysts are still arguing over how long the downturn will last, The Wave, Muscat is flying the Middle East development flag with more gusto than ever.

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<title><![CDATA[Dubai hotels hit hardest in Middle East with RevPAR plunging 35%, says survey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39276</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Beirut&#039;s occupancy levels soared 69.4% and RevPAR surged 125.2%, due to a significant inflow of tourists, the survey said, adding that it expected the city&#039;s hospitality sector to continue growing.

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<title><![CDATA[First Corvette for the Royal Navy of Oman is launched]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39192</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Royal Navy of Oman Vessel has been formally named during a launching ceremony in Portsmouth Naval Base by HH Al Sayyed Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. 

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<title><![CDATA[Aeroports De Paris to manage construction of six Oman airports]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39173</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. ADPI, an ADP unit, has won a contract to manage the construction of six regional airports in Oman, the company said in a statement.
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<title><![CDATA[Oman economic growth to grow at slower pace, says central bank ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39044</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The economy of Oman will grow at a slower pace this year because of lower crude prices, the country&#039; central bank said in its annual report.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Petrofac awarded gas compression project worth more than US$350 million]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38772</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The contract was awarded on behalf of the Government of Oman by Petroleum Development Oman, which has been developing the Sultanate&#039;s gas fields on behalf of the Government since 1978.

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<title><![CDATA[Sustainable manufacturing - mission possible?]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38730</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Carbon-footprint reductions, design-for-manufacturing, lean and green, accessing finance, zero waste, the industry&#039;s media image and supply chain management are all on this year&#039;s Smart Manufacturing Conference agenda. 

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<title><![CDATA[The Wave Muscat joins Association of International Property Professionals]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38688</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The AIPP works to set standards in the property industry, improve services to homeowners and enhance regulatory frameworks.
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<title><![CDATA[Oman offers four oil, gas areas for exploration]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38336</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Sultanate is offering blocks 40, 51, 36 and 38 for exploration and hopes to sign one or two production-sharing agreements with companies this year.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Mashreq says Saudi exposure &#039;not significant&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38158</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Dubai-based Mashreq  said it has taken legal action to protect its interests because of problems with Saudi clients, but that amounts involved were &#039;not significant&#039;.

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<title><![CDATA[Oman reports first cases of H1N1 flu]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38114</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Three Omani students returning from the United States have been confirmed as the Sultanate&#039;s first cases of the new H1N1 flu.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman hotel contracts awarded]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38027</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Fort Hotel development to be located close to Muscat.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ANC Holdings acquires majority stake in Dhofar Fisheries]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37956</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Strategic partnership between Dubai firm and Oman &amp; Emirates Investment Holding created.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Renaissance of Oman wins US$12 million contract in Angola]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37915</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. New contract supports the company&#039;s vision to be an internationally competitive and premier oil and gas and industrial services company.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Brand Oman to coordinate national branding with Oman Air]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37838</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. With a surge in visitor numbers, particularly intra-GCC travel, and Oman Air&#039;s recent network expansion into the UK, France and Germany, prospects look good for the Sultanate&#039;s growing tourism sector. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Pirates expand to Oman&#039;s waters]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37815</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. A cargo vessel has been hijacked by suspected Somali pirates off the coast of Oman, the first such attack in the area, NATO says.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman to take majority stake in Dhofar Power]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37731</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Oman plans to buy the majority stake in Dhofar Power from international and regional private investors, a company statement said on Wednesday.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman acquires C-130J Super Hercules planes]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37485</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. A total of 11 nations have now acquired the rugged new C-130J military transport plane.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Origin Oman&#039;s 150 Kilometre Meal a success on all fronts]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36493</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Members of the Origin Oman team, a government-run campaign dedicated to the economic, environmental and nutritional benefits of buying local say their campaign to &#039;Think Local&#039; goes way beyond taste.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf states look to Asia as EU trade deal hits wall]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37156</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The GCC suspended talks with the EU late in 2008. Now trade pacts are expected to be signed with China, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, according to Abdulmalik al-Hinai, Under Secretary at Oman&#039;s Ministry of National Economy.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman-India flight diverted following security scare]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36928</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. A flight from Oman&#039;s capital Muscat to Chennai in southern India was diverted on Monday after a suspicious object on the plane sparked a security alert, officials said. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman, PetroTel sign oil exploration deal]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36913</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. US firm PetroTel signed a three-year exploration and production sharing agreement with the Sultanate of Oman, and the government is hoping for other similar deals.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran, Oman set up joint investment company]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36905</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Signing between Omani Centre for Investment Promotion and Export Development (OCIPED) and Iran Foreign Investment Company (IFIC) takes place in Muscat.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[KOM showcases Omani entrepreneurs at COMEX]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36790</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Five Knowledge Oasis Muscat-based companies are vying to hit the ground running in 2009 as they pitch their innovative concepts to top executives and investors at Oman&#039;s annual ICT exhibition.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[&#039;Frontline Oman&#039; makes a good first impression]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36700</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Some 100 members of Royal Oman Police (ROP) have now completed the first phase of &#039;Frontline Oman&#039; an initiative of the Oman Brand Management Unit (OBMU) and conducted by Al Athaiba-based training centre, Knowledge Horizon.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UKS rolls-out content development training to Oman Ministry of Education ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36693</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Middle East&#039;s leading learning solutions enabler is chosen by the Oman Ministry of Education to deliver training on content development as part of a drive to digital.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Leading telco Nawras deploys Secerno DataWall for comprehensive database protection in the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36593</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Mobile service provider chooses UK firm for streamlined protection, reporting across extended network.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman reviews pilot projects for solar, wind energy]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36289</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Sultanate targets 2010 to take bids for concentrated solar plant as it seeks to meet US$800 million demand for new energy generation.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Origin Oman cooks a &#039;150 Kilometre Meal&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36085</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. According to Origin Oman market research 68% of consumers want to buy local and 49% want to buy more local produce than they do at the moment.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman Brand Management Unit backs OBG report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36101</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Oxford Business Group&#039;s Oman Report 2009 expected to contribute to promoting Oman and all it has to offer.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Zeenah launches new era of communications expertise in Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36087</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Announcement on creation of separate companies for advertising, events, media and public relations.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Standard Chartered Bank opens new branch in Oman ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=35875</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Bank says Oman is one of its most resilient franchises in the Gulf region.]]></description>
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