Observer & Busness 3 Mar 2012 - Oman Daily Observer

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By A Staff Reporter MUSCAT — In a landmark agreement, Oman LNG and Oman Sail have committed to establish the first sailing school in Sharqiyah at Sur, the historic hub of Oman’s illustrious seafaring past. The building of the sailing school will begin shortly and will be ‘open for sailing’ in early 2013. The school will also offer local employment for up to 40 people who will be introducing the sport of sailing to Sur and Sharqiyah and support the Sultanate’s aspiration to build regional and national teams that will compete at all levels in the sport. Sur’s history is steeped in the sea and many of its families can boast forefathers who were masters of the oceans from India and further east as well as down the coast of Africa. They created an “empire” and businesses that were the backbone of Oman’s prosperity for centuries. “Today’s agreement today will help revive Sur’s fabulous seafaring traditions and allow the youth of Sur rediscover the challenges and thrills of mastering the seas through sail. It will be a source of sporting talent for national and international competitive sailing and heralds Sur’s re-entry into the global world of sailing. We are very happy to sign this agreement with ‘Oman Sail’ that will not only develop young sailing talent but also create new employment opportunities in the community,” said Dr Brian Buckley, CEO of Oman LNG, ahead of the signing ceremony during the ‘Extreme Sailing’ event hosted by Oman Sail at The 4 OMAN OMAN DAILY Observer SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012 Oman Air sail to victory in opening round By A Staff Reporter MUSCAT — In a thrilling close to the Extreme Sailing Series, Muscat yesterday, all eyes were on the two Omani boats, Oman Air and The Wave, Muscat who stormed to first and second place in the final race of the day. Big celebrations were expected in Muscat later in the night, as the Omani-flagged teams congratulated themselves on a perfect start to the 2012 Series. In his second year as bowman on Oman Air, this is the first time Nasser al Mashari has stood at the top of the podium and he was elated after racing. “It is a big achievement in such an international sailing race. For me it is extra special that we are playing in our homeland and we thank all those who supported and encouraged us. Our team was determined to win and we worked so hard. We have definitely set ourselves a standard for the rest of the year!” The French favourites Groupe Edmond de Rothschild went into the day in pole position, with Oman Air and The Wave, Muscat trailing just a few points behind in second and third respectively. The three teams jockeyed for points with the standings changing after every race, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats. Despite receiving a penalty during the start of race one for crossing the line too early, Oman Air managed to finish two places clear of Groupe Edmond du Rothschild, edging their way to the top of the leaderboard, and knocking the French off the top spot for the first time during the event. A spectacular win for The Wave, Muscat in the opening race saw them climb to second, and in race two the Omani teams continued to extend their advantage over the French. A win in race three for double Olympic-gold medallist Roman Hagara and the Austrian team on Red Bull Extreme, reminded the teams that they had to keep an eye on their other competitors, and with the points so close, any of the top five boats could have finished in a podium place. In race four, Oman Air were given a penalty on the start line which added to the ever mounting pressure, leaving them trailing to finish seventh, allowing The Wave, Muscat and Groupe Edmond de Rothschild to gain valuable points and close the gap — leaving the Omani teams tied at the top, with the French just two points adrift. Race five and it was all change again with a penalty on the water for Groupe Edmond de Rothschild for an infringement against Oman Air, whilst The Wave, Muscat sailed on to finish second — which put them at the top of the leaderboard for the first time — one point ahead of their teammates, Oman Air. Just when the crowds thought it couldn’t get any closer, during the penultimate race it was Oman Air who this time had the advantage over The Wave, Muscat, and the Omani-flagged teams went into the final double points race tied on points at the top of the leaderboard — with a 12 point cushion over Groupe Edmond de Rothschild. The teams were not out of danger yet however, and during the last race of the day Groupe Edmond de Rothschild were determined to make one last assault on the leaderboard. A second for the French and a third place for Oman Air was enough for the Omani team to claim the top spot, while sixth for The Wave, Muscat was the icing on the cake and secured both Omani boats positions at the top of the leaderboard. For The Wave, Muscat’s Bowman, Hashim al Rashidi, the podium position held extra significance, in his debut event on the Extreme 40. “I very happy that we made it to the podium and won the second place. We worked very hard as a team and this was a great way to start the Series! The competition was very fierce between Oman LNG and Oman Sail to establish sailing school in Sur Wave, Muscat. In the agreement, Oman LNG is committing RO 582,000) for the construction of the Sailing School, slipway and supply a boat and safety equipment for the School at Sur to be operated and maintained by Oman Sail. The project has been given the blessing and support of the Ministry of Tourism, which recognises the importance of sailing in promoting Oman internationally as well as the Ministry of Sports Affairs which welcomes the addition of this facility to us and Oman Air and the changes in the direction of the wind played a major role today in changing the positions of the teams — every race the score board was changing!” Shaikha Aisha bint Khalfan al Siyabiyah, Chairperson of the Public Authority for Craft Industries, officially presented the awards to the teams today, and praised the event and the efforts of all those involved. “I am very happy to be part of this event. Having visited a lot of cities around the world, I can say that when Muscat hosts an event such as this it is proof that we have the infrastructure and facilities here to successfully host an international race, such as the Extreme Sailing Series. “Oman has a great maritime heritage and I would like to encourage all the youth to take up this great sailing opportunity and to learn not only from the professional Omani sailors but also from the international expertise that are sailing in this event with us. I congratulate them all of them all the best.” The public flocked to the beach to watch the Omani teams challenge for glory yesterday, with thousands of people turning out to show their support for the national teams. The action on the water was complemented by Oman Sail’s Try Sailing programme for children, which saw an incredible 400 young people from the local area take to the water for the first time — and amongst them may be Oman’s promote sporting activities, particularly amongst the youth of Oman. “This partnership comes in line with Oman Sail's five year development plan to establish seven sailing schools throughout the country by 2015 to provide opportunities for the local communities to learn the sport of sailing whilst creating employment opportunities for the youth of Oman. We already have two sailing schools in Marina Bandar al Rowda and Al Musannah which are attracting a big number sailing stars of the future. Oman’s singing sensation, Salah al Zadjali rounded up what has been a fantastic opening to the Extreme Sailing Series at The Wave, Muscat yesterday, performing a live concert for the sailors and the crowds. Described by Oman Air’s new sipper Morgan Larson as an ‘awesome experience’ the new skipper to the series is already turning his attentions to the next event which will take the teams to the 2008 Olympic sailing venue in Qingdao, China. “To win the first event of the year is huge for us and we understand what a great field we are playing on. Everyone pushed us all week long right down that last race, and I am sure the other teams are now already thinking about Qingdao. It is going to be a very different venue from Muscat with different conditions, and we need to start thinking about that. For now though, we couldn’t be happier.” The eight-boat fleet will next meet in China, from April 17-20, before visiting Turkey, Portugal, the UK, Italy, France and the final event of the 2012 Series in Brazil, in December. Muscat Results: 1. Oman Air – 165 points; 2. The Wave, Muscat – 159 points; 3. Groupe Edmond de Rothschild – 155 points; 4. Red Bull Extreme Sailing – 148 points; 5. GAC Pindar – 138 points; 6. ZouLou – 111 points; 7. Alinghi – 109 points; and 8. Team Trifork – 95 points. of young male and female Omanis amongst whom are our ambitious young female sailors in the all-women boat Al Thuraya BankMuscat who have just finished fourth in the Sailing Arabian — The Tour in their first participation and Musaab al Hadi and Ahmed al Balushi who took part in the Asian Sailing Championships in Malaysia and won a Bronze medal. The new LNG Sailing School will further allow us to expand our offering to another significant region of Oman,” said David Graham CEO of Oman Sail.
By A Staff Reporter MUSCAT — Knowledge- Oman.com, the community and knowledge sharing initiative in the Sultanate, has been honoured with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Cause of Education Award’ at World HRD Congress 2012, held in Mumbai, India. The prestigious award presented to KnowledgeOman. com consisted of a trophy and a citation commending on the excellence contribution rendered to the community and academia towards education development in Oman. Tariq Hilal al Barwani, founder and president of KnowledgeOman.com, repre- sented the team and received the accolade at the event that attracted top educational institutions from over 60 countries around the world. “It is of great pleasure and pride to everyone at KnowledgeOman.com to be recognised globally and to receive this prestigious award from one of the foremost platforms that brings the best organisations under one roof to celebrate achievements from all over the world,” noted Tariq. The award programme recognises the contributions of organisations whose unique efforts have contributed to the education of students in the country. The awards of the no- 5 OMAN OMAN DAILY Observer SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012 Haya Water welcomes 75 new employees By A Staff Reporter MUSCAT — Haya Water has strengthened its commitment to increasing levels of Omanisation by launching a training programme for 75 new staff that began with an induction briefing day at Al Ansab to commence their in-depth training programme. Following the induction, 30 students who are degree holders have now successfully completed their initial training programmes and are engaged in full-time activity across a diverse range of disciplines at the company. Forty-five are now engaged in training programmes ahead of joining the company in their full-time roles in May. During the induction day the new staff intake was briefed about the profile of Haya and the main objectives of the company to ensure a smooth transition into the business. This comes after the company has carried out a very comprehensive test and interview process to choose the best candidates and Haya Water will also hire more than 20 job-seekers directly. The induction day was held at Al Ansab, the heart of the company’s pioneering water reuse project, and hosted by acting CEO Abdulla al Hatmi and General Manager for Human Resources Ibrahim Al Suleimany who congratulated the new staff on joining the ever growing Haya Water family. Training and career development is a vital part of what Haya Water has to offer which meant that the 75 new staff were given a thorough explanation of the training programmes that the company has to offer them and that they are now undertaking. The new staff are now actively engaged a training programme to prepare them to work at Haya, and this includes self development, professional excellence and professional careers, stepping in to the business world and on the job training. Commenting on the successful induction day, Haya Water HR General Manager Ibrahim al Suleimany said: “We are very proud to have successfully hired so many ambitious Omanis who want to work at Haya Water and develop rewarding long-term careers. “Achieving the highest levels of Omanisation which has now increased from 72 to 76 per cent has always been an important objective for Haya Water as we strive to become an employer of choice for talented Omanis. As a business Knowledge Oman wins international honour Job openings for nationals in Galfar By A Staff Reporter MUSCAT — Galfar Training Institute LLC is selecting Omani nationals interested in joining six months’ training under the Ministry of Manpower-funded National Projects Training programmes for HDD and Operators of Heavy Equipment. During training candidates will be offered a monthly stipend of RO 110, with free food and accommodation. Selected candidates will undergo training in the ministry-approved Heavy Vehicle Course, during 1024 hours involved in comprehensive training with licences for the various heavy vehicles like Tipper, High Bed, Trailer, Low Bed Trailer, Tanker, Crane mounted truck (HIAB crane). And, Heavy Equipment Courses involved in comprehensive training with licences for the various heavy equipment like Bulldozer, Wheel Loader, Back hoe loader (JCB), Crane, Forklift, Tool Carrier, Roller, Grader and Excavators. After successful completion of the training programme, the candidates will join Galfar Engineering and Contracting SAOG with a starting salary of RO 310. (Also possible overtime between RO 100 to RO 150 and desert allowance if deputed in those areas). Nationals above 21 years old who have not availed of the ministry funding before and having passion to take challenging jobs can register online on www.galfartraining.com or contact the Registrar at Al Hail or Sohar. we are fully committed to training our new employees to become highly valued and experienced professionals in their careers and make a significant contribution to our core objective of making Muscat a better city through our water reuse project. “We are delighted that already 30 degree holders have completed their initial training and the other training programmes are going well for the remainder of our new intake who will join us full time in May” Many of the new employees say they are delighted with the new career opportunity they now have with Haya Water and are looking forward to a stimulating and rewarding career with the company. Maiada al Sabaheya, a bachelor’s degree holder said: “I would like to thank Haya for believing in the capabilities of Omani youth and its commitment to Omanisation and opening opportunities to Omanis. Haya has hired a lot of graduates from schools, colleges and universities into many engineering and administrative positions. blest stature were designed to be presented to individuals and institutions that have excelled in diverse ways, especially in the areas of academic leadership, innovation, industry, among others. The World HRD Congress is a non-profit body that is run and managed virtually by professionals who have a full time job and passion to make a difference to the community. The award winners are selected by a Global Research Cell. This Cell constitutes professionals from different parts of the world whom actively monitor the progress and achievement organisations make towards education development.
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Observer & Busness 3 Mar 2012 - Oman Daily Observer

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