Panel to review medical errors - Oman Daily Observer

Bank Muscat supports
family business meet
MUSCAT — Bank Muscat,
the flagship financial services
provider in the Sultanate,
extended lead support to the
Family Business Conference
organised by Muscat Securities
Market yester.
Ali Bin Masoud Al Sunaidi,
Minister of Commerce
and Industry, presided at the
conference held on the theme
‘Preparing Family Business for
Global Competition’.
The conference attended by
owners, CEOs and senior management
members of the family
business fraternity in Oman
addressed topics of family
business in light of global competition,
their role in the development
of economy and creation
of jobs for Omani citizens.
The conference also discussed
the legislative and technical
mechanisms for transformation
of closed and family companies
to public companies.
Ali Mustafa, Head of Brokerage,
said: “Bank Muscat’s
support and participation in the
Family Business Conference
was aimed at achieving several
important goals, most notably
equipping Omani familyowned
companies towards global
competition and creating a
conducive environment for the
transition of family businesses
to public joint stock companies
to enhance sustainability and
thereby contribute effectively
to the performance of Omani
economy.”
The conference discussed
the future prospects of Omani
economy and the need to build
competitive entities in today’s
global world. Topics highlighted
at the conference included
‘Activating the role of the pri-
22
OMAN/INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013
vate sector in the development
and stability of the Omani
economy’ and ‘Importance
of family businesses in the
Omani economy’. The conference
focused on issues for the
betterment of family business
systems to face the global challenges.
Port of Salalah union holds elections
MUSCAT — Port of Salalah has lent
administrative support in the interest
of good worker and employee relations
to the election process of the company’s
Union Administrative Authority
(UAA) and registration of the General
Assembly (union) members last week.
In all, 875 employees at Port of
Salalah have registered with the union
for the upcoming four year period, of
which approximately 85 per cent are
Omani nationals and the remaining 15
per cent expatriate employees, to elect
the leadership structure of the UAA
from a band of 11 Omani candidates, in
accordance with the legal framework
for the establishment of trade unions in
the Sultanate of Oman.
The Port of Salalah, currently the
largest private sector employer in the
Dhofar region with over 2200 employees,
has since its start of operations
in 1999 taken an active approach in
supporting the organisation employee
representative bodies as a resource for
facilitating communication between
the employer and the employee, having
formed the first representative body in
the year 2000.
Following the amendment to
Oman’s Labour Law in 2006 to formalize
the establishment of trade unions
in Oman, the first official union
body was elected at the port in 2009,
which served its four year duration until
2012.
Under a climate of enthusiasm and
hope for the new UAA to achieve common
goals for the organisation and the
employees, the current round of elections
lasted for two days following a
thorough period for staff members to
enroll and campaign.
The elections were attended by
Masoud bin Ali Jaaboub, head of the
trade union organisations at the Dhofar
MUSCAT — Daleel Petroleum
LLC, an oil & gas production
company, held its 9th Annual
Quality, Health, Safety and Environment
(QHSE) Awareness
Day in the field where it operates.
The event has developed
into one of the most significant
awareness campaigns within
the organisation over the years.
The awareness day is
conducted to highlight the
company`s commitment to existing
policies and standards as
well as to ensure compliance
with health and safety legislations.
Continuous improvement
programmes are introduced to
create a health & safety culture
as part of the awareness efforts
within Daleel Petroleum with
particular interest on the area of
operations.
The theme for this year`s
governorate office for the Ministry of
Manpower, who said that the Port of
Salalah union was the largest and most
organised in the province, while praising
the role of the administration’s organising
committee for the transparency
in its registration, nomination and
screening process.
Jaaboub said that the active approach
reflected in the administration’s
awareness and interest in the
formation of its union would reflect on
stronger industrial relations and held it
as a model for companies to follow.
The new UAA members that were
elected by majority are: Salim Masoud
Ali Bait Said, Zeyad Ahmed Salim Al-
Marhoon, Khalid Salim Ali Jaboob,
Said Mahad Musallam Bait Said,
Musallam Said Ahmed Tabook, Ali
awareness day was “prevention
is better than cure”. The
programme included activities
such as presentations, an exhibition,
a two kilometre walk,
and a lot more to promote the
concept of prevention in the aspects
of quality, health, safety
and environment. Discussions
were held to introduce ideas on
investigating incidents, fully
identifying areas of weakness
and specific trends as well as
implementing effective and
timely corrective actions.
Present at the event was
Gong Changli, Chief Executive
Officer- Daleel Petroleum
LLC, who commented on the
occasion: “At every level of our
organisation, from top management
to each employee, our
activities are managed so that
quality, health, safety and en-
vironment is given the same
priority as every other aspect of
our business.”
The same emphasis was
demonstrated by Moza al Adawi,
Chief Operating Officer,
Daleel Petroleum LLC: “We
strive to ensure that no activity
should put the safety of people
or the environment at risk. All
employees are responsible for
ensuring that the commitments
in this policy are made into action
throughout our company’s
operations, to fulfill our goals
of no harm or injuries to our
people, the public, no environmental
pollution and no material
damage.”
Daleel Petroleum LLC practises
its commitment to engage
all its managers in this event
where the culture promotes
them as the people responsible
Salim Ali Al-Jahfali, and Salim Said
Musallam Al Kathiri.
Ahmed Akaak, Deputy CEO at the
Port of Salalah, said: “The vital role
ahead of the new union administrative
authority demands a lot of work to
ensure the interests of the employees
are cared for and followed up continuously
while co-ordinating between the
staff and management of the company.
At the administrative level at the Port
of Salalah we put a lot of emphasis on
providing the support that can help to
facilitate the work and duty ahead of the
union authority towards the employees
and the organisation, and we praise all
the efforts made in this regard.”
Commenting on the election process,
the head of the election organising
committee and member of the port’s
for providing the leadership
and resources to enable employees
at every level of our
organisation to contribute to
the achievement of our QHSE
goals.
Dr Ghudayyer Al Wahaibi,
QHSE Manager said: “Clearly
defined organisational structures,
responsibilities and arrangements
for QHSE are
established and maintained
to ensure that we proactively
identify and control hazards
and risks that may affect the
health and safety of employees
and non-employees when at
work. Therefore, all managers
should always ensure through
their actions and behaviour that
employees are encouraged to
proactively follow safety rules.
Daleel Petroleum LLC is
one of the leading oil producing
AB Foods says
Primark drives
better first half
LONDON — Associated
British Foods forecast first
half results ahead of its expectations
at the start of the
year, driven by the performance
of its Primark discount
fashion chain.
The firm said yesterday
adjusted operating profit
for the half to March 2 will
be higher than the previous
year, with earnings
per share "substantially
ahead".
AB Foods said Primark's
first half sales were expected
to be 23 per cent ahead
of the same period last year,
with sales at stores open
over a year up 7 per cent.
The group said Primark's
profit margin was
also much higher, reflecting
the benefit of lower
cotton prices and better
trading.
"Our expectation for the
full year is unchanged and
earnings growth for the full
year will therefore be heavily
weighted towards the
first half," added the group,
noting stabilisation in the
performance of its sugar,
grocery and ingredients
businesses. — Reuters
Human Resources department, Hind
Jumaan Hubais, said that the focus on
legal procedures and that the employees
were in full exercise of their electoral
rights were the factors resulting
in the election’s success and employee
credibility. Hubais also underlined the
support from the members of the organising
committee in delivering on
the successful regulation.
Former president of the port’s
UAA, Ahmed bin Salim Al Amri,
said that the new union authority was
picking up from the previous unions’
success and results that were achieved
from an era of dialogue and sound negotiations.
Al Amri also thanked the
former members for their hard work
and wished the new members future
achievements.
QHSE Awareness Day celebrated at Daleel field
company in the Sultanate. It is
a 50/50 joint venture registered
in Oman between Mezoon
Petrogas SAOC (Subsidiary
of MB holding) and Mezoon
Petrogas BVI (Subsidiary of
China National Petroleum Corporation).
The company was
formed during the second half
of 2002.
Daleel Petroleum LLC is involved
in exploration; appraisal
and production of hydrocarbon
reserves located onshore Oman
approximately 450 km North
West of Muscat. Daleel Petroleum
LLC aims to maximise
the development of oil and gas
reserves in a responsible and
cost effective manner for the
social and economic benefit of
the people of Oman, the shareholders
and employees of the
company
Iran sees rising inflation as sanctions hit output
DUBAI — Iran's inflation is
continuing to rise and is likely
to top 30 per cent in coming
weeks as economic sanctions
contribute to shortages and
stockpiling by anxious consumers,
the central bank governor
was quoted as saying
yesterday.
"The reduction in supply
of some product lines and the
psychological effect of concern
about access to goods have led
to inflation," the Iranian Stu-
dents' News Agency quoted
Mahmoud Bahmani as saying
at a conference on monetary
policy. Bahmani said output in
areas such as dairy products,
vehicles and ferrous and nonferrous
metals had dropped,
prompting consumers to buy
out of concern they could lose
access to such goods.
His remarks were an unusually
frank description by a government
official of an economy
which has been hit hard by US
and European sanctions imposed
over Iran's disputed nuclear
programme.
The country has been largely
frozen out of the international
banking system, disrupting
its trade and prompting a sharp
depreciation of the rial currency
last year. A weaker rial has
raised prices of imported goods
and made it difficult for some
factories using imported parts
to operate. Year-on-year inflation
hit 27.4 per cent at the end
of 2012, according to official
data; including imported goods,
actual inflation is believed to
be roughly twice as high.
Bahmani was quoted as
saying on Monday that the inflation
rate had reached 28.7
per cent in mid-January and
was estimated at 29.8 per cent
in mid-February. It is now forecast
to rise to between 30.6 and
31.5 per cent at the end of the
Iranian calendar year, which
falls on March 19, he added.
Initially, officials expected
inflation to reach 40 per cent by
the end of the Iranian year, "but
with controlling measures implemented
by the central bank,
it has remained at this level,"
Fars news agency quoted Bahmani
as saying. The report
did not describe the measures,
which may have included action
to limit consumers' access
to credit and allocations of foreign
exchange to ease import
bottlenecks. — Reuters
BUSINESS ALERT
Toyota Aurion now at attractive price
MUSCAT — A proven performer, the Toyota Aurion is available at RO 10,999 onwards. The
price is for base grades and valid on available stock, according to a press release from the Saud
Bahwan Group.
Conveying class and prestige with its wide, expansive stance, the Aurion is available with
6-speed sequential automatic transmission, with a 3.5l engine and a maximum output of 268
HP, delivering top-class level fuel economy and a powerful driving experience. A newly adopted
ECO meter allows drivers to recognise when they are driving in a fuel efficient and economical
manner. The Aurion has also been designed to significantly reduce road and wind noise, resulting
in a quieter cabin experience expected from prestige sedans.
The headlamps and the grille have thin, long headlamps on either side of the impressive
front grille. An elevated hood adds thickness to the vehicle, expressing a majestic and powerful
presence. The side of the Aurion is accented for a stronger appearance through a flared bottom
section and an accented door-cross section.
The Aurion's 17-inch wheels enhance the character of the vehicle and provide a feeling of
advanced luxury. The rear of the Aurion has also been redesigned, blending into the rear combination
lamps for a greater emphasis on width, with the bumper corners protruding outwards,
creating a wide stable feeling and a ground hugging stance.
The interior of the Aurion is made with an emphasis on luxury and quality, creating a unique
personalised appearance. The cabin of the Aurion offers roomy occupant room and the dashboard
has an exclusive horizontal T-shaped design, which significantly enhances the feeling of
prestige. A thicker meter hood gives a solid feel that adds a modern beauty to the interior. The
feeling of quality is enhanced with leather stitching, and curved wood grain and silver accents
create a sense of functional beauty and high-quality. Chrome accenting on the air conditioning
vents and audio controls complete the sense of prestige that extends even to the smallest of details.
Luxury features inside the Aurion include audio switches on the steering wheel and a two
seat position memory system.
Cutting-edge aerodynamic technology ensures that the Aurion experiences straight line stability,
while the column mounted electric power steering mechanism allows an optimum level
of vehicle control.
“Were the Aurion a human being, I would say that its VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) plus
TRC (Traction Control) technologies give it a ‘firmer footing’ while the HID (High Intensity
Discharge Headlamps) help it see better in the dark, by improving nighttime visibility,” says a
fan, in a manner of speaking.
The Aurion offers new utility features such as a Parking Assist system, which alerts the driver
when approaching obstacles in blind spots. The Aurion also has a new audio system with a
6.1-inch display, a USB/AUX Terminal for external audio devices, advanced Bluetooth communication
compatibility, keyless entry, dual-zone air conditioning, and a back window power
sunshade.
The Aurion is also available in a sport grade for a sportier and advanced appearance and performance.
Additional features include front and rear bumper spoilers, a wing-type rear spoiler,
sports seats and suspension, aluminum pedals and a steering wheel with paddle shift switches.
On the one hand, Toyota offers enduring quality. On the other, nothing comes close to it in
terms of value-retention. It is no surprise; therefore, that Toyota soars far above the rest, with a
dominant market share and ever-expanding customer base. The unmatched, nationwide parts and
service support of Saud Bahwan Group makes Toyota's pride of place a reality.
Nawras service for Arabic poetry fans
NAWRAS is introducing ‘Adab Mobile’ service for
keen Arabic poetry fans to enjoy, as the latest addition
to its long list of customer driven services. Adab Mobile
provides customers with a daily Arabic poem sent
by SMS according to their preferred category selection.
For only 300 baisas a week, customers can select
one genre from a list of six popular categories.
Nawras Content Specialist, Marwa Salim Al-Farsi,
said, “Arab poems and poetry are very much part of
our culture in Oman and in the region. People like to
express their emotions and feelings through rich verses
and this new service is another example of Nawras
providing entertaining content for our Arabic speaking
customers.”
She added, “Customer experience is at the core of
our operations and the Adab Mobile service further
reinforces our commitment to continuously offering
rewarding and innovative ideas.”
Customers can register for the service by sending ‘help’ to 91942. They will then be able to
enjoy seven beautifully written and renowned Arabic poems every week. The service will be
renewed automatically and a reminder will be sent one day before.
Nawras, a Qtel Group company, constantly listens to its customers to provide innovative
and tailored services to meet current trends. As a dynamic company, Nawras is committed to
bringing customers new products and plans to make communications easier, more versatile and
a rewarding experience.
Overwhelming response to Ahsaas Toyota
IN the major branches & interior regions of Oman, people eager to test-drive their favourite
Toyota and get a first-hand feel thronged to 'Ahsaas' Toyota test-drive tents.
Conveniently placed at local souqs/malls and hypermarkets, the 'Ahsaas' Toyota Road Show
gave them a chance not only to test drive a new generation Toyota, but to also get exciting gifts.
This was in addition to winning high value prizes in a raffle draw (at specific locations) with
prizes including Samsung Galaxy Note, iPhone, 40" Samsung LED TV, iPad Mini and the
Samsung Galaxy Tab.
As noted by the Saud Bahwan Automotive spokesperson, “The ‘Ahsaas’ Toyota road show
spanning over a month is effectively covering the major towns in the Sultanate of Oman. This
activity is really stirring up the excitement. Through this event, Toyota is reaching out to a huge
number of people in Oman.”
According to the spokesperson, “To facilitate meaningful customer interactions, the specially
developed Toyota pavilion carries Brand / Product messages that are being disseminated in a
very interactive and impactful manner. Additionally, SMS and other channels are being used to
popularize the activity.” The Ahsaas Toyota road shows would continue until mid-March 2013
Toyota is Oman's most coveted brand.
The unmatched, nationwide parts and service support of Saud Bahwan Group makes Toyota's
pride of place a reality. Toyota customers in Oman enjoy 6-year unlimited mileage protection,
over 98 per cent parts availability and round-the-clock care, amongst many other exclusive privileges
from the Group.