<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[New Omantel Mobile Marketing Services unveiled]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56494</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Hosted by digital marketing experts, Infocomm, the workshops were attended by a select group of guests from Oman&#039;s leading companies.

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<title><![CDATA[Instrata Capital acquires stake in Oman&#039;s Sembcorp Salalah IWPP]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56275</link>
<description><![CDATA[BAHRAIN. 445 Megawatt, 15 Million Imperial Gallons per Day combined cycle gas turbine power and water desalination plant located in the southern region of Salalah. 

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<title><![CDATA[MENA and emerging markets represent the immediate future for renewable energy, says Ernst &amp; Young]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=56150</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Energy requirements, policy and job creation are the key drivers; Solar thermal energy has been a particularly popular investment with several large projects on the way in Abu Dhabi, Algeria, Jordan and Morocco.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait stocks slump to new seven-and-half-year-low ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55999</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Kuwait&#039;s market slumped on Thursday on political uncertainty in the Gulf state, while regional bourses ended mixed. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East stocks plunge in 2011 on Arab Spring, eurozone woes]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55931</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Middle East markets, with the exception of Qatar, ended the year with deep losses after grappling with the Arab Spring and shaken local confidence. The losses ranged, from 3.06% in Saudi Arabia to 49.3% in Egypt. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman has potential to become GCC centre for aluminium recycling ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55913</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Delegates at ARABAL 2011 told of potential for sustainable developments and growth of downstream developments in the Sultanate&#039;s growing Aluminium sector.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman&#039;s Renaissance to raise new growth capital]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55900</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The proceeds will be used to fund the company&#039;s expansion plans, primarily in the Marine business in the GCC and Caspian regions.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Changes in MENA tax laws promote better transparency, says Ernst &amp; Young]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55882</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Tax authorities in the region have begun to depart from earlier accepted and expected tax norms.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Stuxnet 2 makes Middle East organisations rethink their cyber security plans]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55716</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. With many still struggling to recover from the damage caused by Stuxnet, the recent discovery of Stuxnet 2 ensures that 2012 will not be an easy one for cyber security experts.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East remains the easiest region to pay taxes]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55703</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. UAE ranked 6th out of 183 economies globally; Qatar remains the 2nd easiest country to pay tax globally, for the third year running, according to PwC report. 

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<title><![CDATA[Cautious outlook across Gulf businesses despite healthy 2012 salary forecast, finds Mercer study ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55707</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Survey results shows nearly every company surveyed in three key markets - Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar - plan to give pay rises and hire more people during the coming year.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Power generation challenges in the GCC: Immediate capacity increases and expanding sustainable power sources to meet soaring needs]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55656</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. A.T. Kearney analysis says improved interconnections, unbundling and faster migration to renewable sources will fill gaps in power generation.

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<title><![CDATA[S&amp;P Indices and Arab Federation of Exchanges create S&amp;P AFE 40 Index ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55631</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The S&amp;P AFE 40 is comprised of the 40 largest stocks (measured by float-adjusted market capitalisation) listed on AFE member exchanges.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle Eastern listed companies slowly improving transparency online, reveals webranking survey ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55609</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Al Khalij Commercial Bank from Qatar emerged as overall winner in the Middle East, followed by Aamal Company, also from Qatar, in second place. UAE real estate group Emaar maintained its position as third best corporate website.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GCC aluminum industry on brink of becoming a leading global contributor, says Deloitte]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55548</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. GCC to become a primary aluminum production powerhouse with 13% of the world&#039;s aluminum production by 2013.

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<title><![CDATA[Gas flaring reduction initiatives crucial for the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55521</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Rise in gas investments in the Middle East raise concerns to improved gas flaring reduction practices.

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<title><![CDATA[MEDGAZ executives discuss investment opportunities in the Algerian and European gas industry]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55442</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. General Manager and Deputy General Manager of MEDGAZ highlight the future of the gas industry in a Gas Arabia Summit interview.

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<title><![CDATA[Rising debt maturities in the Gulf pose refinancing risks, says S&amp;P]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55329</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Industry experts estimate bonds and sukuk of about US$25 billion will mature in 2012, rising to about US$35 billion in 2014. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Boeing, Oman Air announce order for six Boeing 787 Dreamliners ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55277</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Order increases Boeing&#039;s 787 customer base in Middle East
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<title><![CDATA[Topaz announces US$380 million financing initiative ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55110</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The initiative will involve both regional and international lenders in a refinancing deal that features Topaz&#039;s offshore support vessel division, Topaz Marine.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Over US$7 billion worth of major projects in Salalah to help drive major development in Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=55095</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Danube reveals plans to open two new showrooms in bid to become key supplier of building materials in country&#039;s ongoing projects. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Brand Oman surveys Gen Z]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54948</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. This is a generation that lives on Facebook and has been playing complex PlayStation games forever. They are resourceful, knowledgeable and natural users of technology. 

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<title><![CDATA[BP to invest heavily in gas sector in Sultanate of Oman ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54928</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Dr Jonathan Evans, BP&#039;s General Manager for Oman gives an insight into Middle East gas and Opportunities in the region&#039;s gas fields.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman Youth Survey launched]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54841</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. With the launch of this year&#039;s Brand Oman Management Unit (BOMU) Youth Survey young people across Oman are being asked their views on what it is like to live in the sultanate. 
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<title><![CDATA[Oman retail and industrual property sector expand on rising national revenues, government income]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54838</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Rising oil prices have raised Government income to 5,443 million riyals; Five new retail developments will add 100,000 sqm of good quality retail space to the market in the next 18 months. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman&#039;s economy drives demand in the residential sector, reveals Cluttons report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54760</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Tenant expectations dictate current rental trends in housing market; Two- tier residential property market developing as a result of tenant requirements, according to Oman Q3 market report for the residential market 2011.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Young Arab Entrepreneurs set to compete at annual INJAZ Al-Arab regional competition 2011]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54737</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Students from 12 Arab nations to vie for highly converted &#039;Best Company of the year Award&#039; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Omani firms score Italian success]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54658</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Four leading Omani companies participated in Italy&#039;s famous Marmomacc exhibition - Europe&#039;s leading trade fair in the stone and design sector.

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<title><![CDATA[Orascom Development opened first hotel in Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54512</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The Sifawy Boutique Hotel in Jebel Sifah offers 55 rooms and suites and aims to become one of the best 4 star hotels in Oman in terms of quality and service. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Major markets in MENA face shortage of 3.5 million affordable housing units]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54486</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Latest Jones Lang LaSalle report confirms that whilst governments across the region are increasing their attention on the supply of new homes, demand is far out-stripping supply.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Hamptons MENA put the spotlight on Iskan Oman&#039;s Salalah Project at &#039;Open Day&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54463</link>
<description><![CDATA[The event, spread over five days from September 17 to 21, will be held at the Hamptons office in Shatti Al Qurum, Muscat, Oman. 

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<title><![CDATA[Oman climbs the Global Competitiveness Index]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54374</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Oman&#039;s stable economic performance has seen it ranked as the world&#039;s 32nd most competitive country in the 2011/12 World Economic Forum&#039;s Global Competitiveness Index.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GCC states to invest over US$100 billion on rail networks ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54359</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Mega railway projects, connecting all countries of the Arabian Peninsula, set to transform transport and logistics links. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman&#039;s shares pace Middle East declines on Europe debt risk]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54322</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. &quot;Markets today are trading with a negative bias due to negative international lead,&quot; said Samer Darwiche, a financial analyst at Gulfmena Investments in Dubai.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Renaissance seeks to clarify &#039;misinterpreted statements&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54075</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Renaissance Services has issued a statement to clarify misinterpreted statements concerning the recent company&#039;s results and Chairman&#039;s Report.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Compagnie Libanaise d&#039;Assurances renamed Zurich Insurance Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54033</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Zurich is also seeking approval from the local regulators in Oman, Lebanon and Kuwait to allow its branches in those countries to operate under the same name.
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<title><![CDATA[Topaz top management fired as Renaissance uncovers financial fraud]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=54029</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Topaz Chief Executive Officer Fazel Fazelbhoy stepped down in May after Renaissance &quot;uncovered some serious issues&quot; at the unit, Renaissance said in a statement to the Muscat stock market today.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Travel &amp; tourism to contribute US$1.93 billion to Oman&#039;s GDP ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53983</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Oman Air reports a surge in tourism arrivals, with March 2011 witnessing 35,000 arrivals compared to around 25,000 in March of the previous year.

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<title><![CDATA[Gulf markets decline steadies]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53930</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Most Gulf markets edged lower on Monday on lingering investor concerns about slowing global growth but declines were limited; Abu Dhabi&#039;s index rose 0.37%.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman charts out strategy to become part of expanding Islamic finance industry ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53715</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. 15%-20% growth seen in Islamic banking around the world. 63% of Islamic finance institutions are in the Middle East, controlling more than 50% of Islamic banking assets. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman rating removed from Watch negative, affirmed at &#039;A&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53657</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The negative outlook reflects the likelihood of a downgrade if political tensions heighten due to renewed protests.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Bahrain is most expensive in the Middle East for construction, finds EC Harris report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53643</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The figures revealed that it was almost half as expensive to build in Saudi Arabia as in Bahrain. 

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<title><![CDATA[Global Mobility: Managing international assignments in the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53515</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. With businesses operating globally, it is increasingly common for employees to be working in business units spread across jurisdictions or to spend time on secondment to an associated company or a branch of their employer company.

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<title><![CDATA[Transport safety measures in the Middle East reduce accident costs]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53511</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. New research by Towers Watson shows that in 2006/07 Dubai, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia had road fatality rates among the worst 10 in the world.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman non-oil exports surge 32%]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53479</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Success in line with the strategy developed by the Public Authority for Investment Promotion &amp; Export Development which identified thrust products and target markets.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman&#039;s Haya Water reaches 1000km pipeline milestone in Seeb water reuse project]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53265</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. It is one of the largest civil engineering projects ever undertaken in the Sultanate and is dedicated to ensuring a &quot;Greener and Cleaner Muscat&quot;.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[BP may invest US$15 billion in Oman gas fields]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53221</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. BP investment over 10 years to develop the Block 61 tight gas fields, reported Oil &amp; Gas Journal report, citing the VP of BP Oman. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman eyes Baltic Tiger]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53194</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Oman continues to cement its relationship with the Baltic state of Estonia.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US$210 billion Middle East Islamic finance industry comes to Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=53183</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Oman could see double-digit growth if correct elements are in place.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Foreign creditors worried about US debt-default idea ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52991</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. &quot;Our economies are substantially tied up with the U.S. financial developments,&quot; said a senior central Bank official in Oman.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman to add US$6 billion in Islamic assets, says Ernst &amp; Young Islamic Financial Services Group]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52987</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Conventional banks expected to be the first to market Islamic finance with &#039;Islamic&#039; windows; Local Sukuks to aid the growth of Oman&#039;s economy.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman&#039;s Al Majal conducts identification of landfill site in Al Wusta region]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52915</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The study will be used for the planning, utilization and upgrading of traditional non hazardous waste landfill sites to engineered landfills and waste transfer stations.  
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Brand Oman Management Unit runs Muscat Youth Summit promotion campaign]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52900</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Over 250 young people aged 15 - 24 drawn from Oman, Asia, Europe and North America are expected to participate at the four-day residential program.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman shares rise, snap nine-day retreat]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52716</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Oman shares advanced the most in more than two weeks, rising for the first time in 10 days, on bets a drop prompted by lower first-quarter earnings was overdone.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Cavotec Middle East lands second contract for new Muscat International Airport]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52304</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Global engineering group to provide Dabico fuel hydrant pits for new airport in Oman.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Infocomm joins Mobile Marketing Association]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=52216</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Muscat-based mobile media company is the first business in Oman to be admitted as a member of the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA), the global association representing the mobile marketing value chain.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Topaz Energy pulls US$500 million London listing]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51954</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Oman&#039;s Renaissance Services has pulled the planned IPO of its oilfield services unit on valuation concerns and growing regional unrest, according to a source familiar with the matter.

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<title><![CDATA[GCC aid is unlikely to immediately affect ratings on Bahrain and Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51802</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Standard &amp; Poor&#039;s said ongoing political tensions in Bahrain and Oman remain a significant issue for the credit standing of both sovereigns. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman sultan grants parliament legislative powers]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51626</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Sultan Qaboos granted legislative power to the previously toothless Oman Council, or parliament, in his latest action to appease rare protests that flared up last month.

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<title><![CDATA[Gulf states set up US$20 billion fund for Bahrain and Oman, vow joint stand on security]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51577</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA. The GCC states reject any attempts for foreign interference in its affairs and declare they will firmly curb those trying to foment sectarian rift, said the statement issued after the foreign ministers&#039; meeting.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GCC to set up US$10 billion fund for Oman, Bahrain, says Kuwait Foreign Minister]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51564</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah said the announcement will be made today in Riyadh, where Gulf ministers are meeting. 

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<title><![CDATA[Gulf states to discuss regional aid plan, says UAE]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51512</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Gulf states will discuss a plan to provide aid to less prosperous regional countries Bahrain and Oman, the UAE foreign minister said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman&#039;s ratings placed on CreditWatch negative on possible economic and fiscal pressures]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51487</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Standard &amp; Poor&#039;s Ratings Services  has placed its &#039;A/A-1&#039; long-term and short-term local and foreign currency ratings on Oman on CreditWatch with negative implications. 

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<title><![CDATA[Possible scenarios of Middle East unrest on travel and tourism]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51483</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. A direct impact of the turmoil will certainly affect tourism flows to the countries involved, while in the worst case scenario, it would also impact global air transportation as well as international tourism flows worldwide.

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<title><![CDATA[Gulf states to aid unrest-hit Bahrain, Oman with Marshall-style plan]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51383</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Energy rich Gulf states plan to launch a massive Marshall-style plan to assist Bahrain and Oman which have been hit by unrest, Kuwait&#039;s Al-Qabas newspaper reported.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Expert views: Middle East and North Africa volatility]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51355</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. There has been significant disruption right across the region, most recently extending to Oman, and this inevitably has an impact on international commerce; Local knowledge is key to making the most of opportunities as they arise.

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<title><![CDATA[Oman stocks slump 4.9% as protests spread]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51325</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Gulf shares dropped, sending Oman&#039;s benchmark stock index down the most in more than a year, as political unrest in the region spread to the sultanate, prompting investors to trim riskier emerging market assets. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman protests do not halt oil product shipments]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51320</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Shipments of refined crude from Oman&#039;s port of Sohar are continuing, a port spokeswoman said on Monday after anti-government protests blocked roads leading to the key industrial area ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Two protesters killed in Oman clashes]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51300</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Two people have been reported killed in clashes between security forces and protesters in an industrial town in the Gulf state of Oman.

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<title><![CDATA[Oman&#039;s Al Majal conducts landfill site identification for Al Batinah]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51225</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The study will be used for the planning, utilization and upgrading of traditional non hazardous waste landfill sites to  engineered landfills and waste transfer stations.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman makes &#039;material&#039; oil discovery at Amal Southeast site]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=51163</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Petroleum Development Oman found a &quot;material&quot; discovery of oil holding some 300 million barrels as the nation seeks to raise output of crude and natural gas. 

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<title><![CDATA[Oman&#039;s tourism sector set to continue climb]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50928</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Sultanate&#039;s expansion of leisure and business tourism, with new hotels, airport links and conference facilities, shows continued optimism ahead of Arabian Travel Market.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf Arab governments tackle higher food prices]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50799</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Countries in north Africa and the Middle East are urgently seeking ways to soften the blow of surging food prices for their citizens, alarmed by protests against authoritarian rulers from Algeria to Yemen.

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<title><![CDATA[Edcomm Banker&#039;s Academy updates free Anti Money Laundering overview for Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50716</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The Government of Oman maintains a strong and effective regulatory regime with respect to its formal financial institutions.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Amman tops hotel regional occupancy growth in 2010, Abu Dhabi reports largest fall]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50628</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The region&#039;s occupancy ended the year with a 0.8% increase to 61.8%, average daily rate rose 3.1% to US$156.94.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Drake &amp; Scull  awarded AED160 million contract for prominent Oman project]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50383</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Drake &amp; Scull International starts the year with a promising regional outlook.

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<title><![CDATA[Mourjan Marinas IGY to develop Oman&#039;s The Wave, Muscat]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50343</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Dubai-based marina developer will develop and manage this luxury marina facility in Muscat, Oman, to ensure it becomes one of the region&#039;s top yachting lifestyle. 

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<title><![CDATA[Central Bank of Oman launches new national ATM/POS switch ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50318</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. National ATM/POS switch at the CBO has gone live, running BASE24-eps, ACI Worlwide&#039;s market-leading payments engine. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman to spend US$78 billion in five-year plan to 2015]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=50223</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Gulf state wants to invest in oil and gas production to increase government revenue and attract investment.

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<title><![CDATA[UAE hopes to rejoin Gulf single currency one day, says Economy Minister]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49941</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. GCC rulers will meet in Abu Dhabi on December 6-7 to discuss political, security and financial issues.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi tops rankings in &#039;Best Cities of the Midde East and North Africa 2010&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49769</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Cities were ranked on economic factors, labor rights, environmental factors, everyday life factors and socio-cultural factors, in latest Bayt.com and YouGov Siraj survey.

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<title><![CDATA[DME Oman linked swap and option contracts to be launched]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49767</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Go live trade date of 6 December 2010; Contracts subject to the rules and regulations of NYMEX and Chicago Mercantile Exchange.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Queen Elizabeth starts five-day Gulf state visit]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49735</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The Queen will first arrive in Abu Dhabi today, and later in the week travel to Oman where Sultan Qaboos is celebrating his 40th year in power.
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<title><![CDATA[Educational export of UAS Krems: Austrian courses initiated in Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49596</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAl. The first Arab-European university model in the Middle East, was initiated on 6 November in partnership with the University of Buraimi.

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<title><![CDATA[Oman launches global destination campaign, &#039;Beauty has an address&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49470</link>
<description><![CDATA[The campaign runs from November 2010 to 30 April 2011 and highlights an unprecedented international event calendar developed as part of Oman&#039;s 40th anniversary celebrations. 

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<title><![CDATA[The rise of divorce in the GCC]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49464</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Divorce rates in the GCC countries have risen dramatically in recent years and continue to rise. According to analysts, the causes seem to lie in two divergent forces: modernization and tradition. What can countries do to stunt this disturbing rise? 

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<title><![CDATA[Oman infrastructure and construction sector to remain one of the most active in the region]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49413</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. the construction industry is valued at US$3.7 billion this year and should register growth rates of around 5% in the next three years.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Omani youth explore social media ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49354</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The question being asked at the 2nd Muscat Youth Summit is can social media have a positive impact on local businesses and the nation&#039;s identity? 
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<title><![CDATA[HSBC Amanah Islamic Finance plans global expansion]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49351</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. HSBC Holdings plans to offer Shariah-compliant services in India and China after the countries issue regulations to develop their Islamic financial markets.

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<title><![CDATA[Nawras shares advance 5.4% on first day of trading on Muscat Securities Market]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49309</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The successful completion of the IPO underlines the enthusiasm the investment community shares for the Nawras story and for the company&#039;s future.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Software AG&#039;s University Relations Program to boost expertise, drive career prospects of graduates in Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49305</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Program provides access to state-of-the-art work experiences not normally available to Omani students.

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<title><![CDATA[Muscat Youth Summit talks Enterprise]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49296</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The Summit has attracted 180 students aged 15 - 24 from over 12 countries as well as leading presenters from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America.
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<title><![CDATA[Hawkamah and UAB announce winners of 2010 Bank Corporate Governance Award]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49294</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. A regional initiative aiming at recognising and  honouring Arab banks that have gone the extra mile in improving their corporate governance practices. 
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<title><![CDATA[Nawras shares to begin trading on 1 November ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49276</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Based on the IPO offer price, the initial market capitalisation of Nawras is OMR456 million (US$1.18 billion).

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<title><![CDATA[Muscat Youth Summit opens Monday]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49272</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The Omani government has increased substantially its efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation as a strategic means of creating sustainable opportunities that will take the sultanate&#039;s economy forward.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oman&#039;s MB Petroleum Service rated &#039;B&#039; and placed on Watch Positive]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49231</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. S&amp;P is also assigning a preliminary &#039;B+&#039; rating to the proposed $350 million bond issue to extend its debt maturity profile and improve liquidity. ssue to extend its debt maturity profile and improve liquidity.

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<title><![CDATA[Nawras IPO priced at Bzs 702 per share]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49206</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. The company is valued at a market capitalisation of US$1.18 billion. When listed on the Muscat Securities Exchange, the shares will trade under the ticker &#039;nwrs&#039;. 

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<title><![CDATA[Oman to showcase world-class business travel offerings at Business Travel Show Middle East 2010]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49127</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Oman strengthens reputation as attractive destination for business travellers and ideal venue for meetings, conferences and exhibitions.

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<title><![CDATA[Nawras initial share sale fully subscribed]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=49118</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Nawras, the Omani mobile phone company controlled by Qatar Telecom, plans to announce the pricing of the issue on October 31 and list the shares in early November.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ Nawras IPO extended by one week, retail gets 5% bid]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=48877</link>
<description><![CDATA[OMAN. Offer period for IPO extended by one week to October 21; Retail investors bid for 9 million shares or 5% of total; IPO oversubscribed by institutional investors.]]></description>
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</channel>
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