Muscat International Book Fair

The concept of having an international book fair in Oman first started in the 30th of October, 1992. A number of publications from 19 different countries participated in it. It was a success and so, they've had another book fair the year after from the 20th to the 29th of October, 1993 with 20 countries participating.

And then, the book fair stopped for while to put up expectations for the coming stage and to figure out what needs to be done to better it.

And in 1997, the Muscat International Book Fair re-opened after formating a government committee consisting of:
- The Ministry of Information.
- The Ministry of Heritage and Culture.
- Sultan Qaboos University.
This committee is responsible of making the book fair grow and become a success.

The third round of the book fair began in 1997 with (176) participants, (100) participants across Agencies and 18 countries participated. The success continued all the way. And in 2007, 316 participants from 20 countries contributed in making it a mega hit.

In this year's book fair, from the 27th of February to the 7th of March, 548 publishing houses from 31 different countries are participating with Turkey being among that list for the very first time. There are so many participations this year that they had to add two extra halls to fit them all. One hall is entirely dedicated to English and foreign publications. The total space of the halls combined is about 6354 square meter.

More statistics on this year's book fair to be published after the end of it.

2007/2008 General Certificate Success Rates

HE Yahya Bin Saud, minister of education has announced the success rates of the general certificate of the students in the Sultanate and was published in Al Watan newspaper today.

The success rates for this year are as follows:

- General Certificate of General Education (83.70%).

- General Certificate of General Education and Islamic sciences (95.28%)

- General Certificate of the bilingual Technical College of the Royal Omani guard (93.55%)

- General Certificate of General Education for bilingual private schools (86.96%)

- General Certificate of General Education for private education systems (100.00%)

- General Certificate of General Education for adults (82.80%).

MOE Website Crashed

This is a video of the Ministry of Education's website today when all the scores are supposed to come out.



I got my scores and I am not too happy. It could have been better but it could have also been worse.

What's your experience?

The System Of Minor Accident Procedures

In the old system, people had to call the ROP (Royal Oman Police) whenever any accident occurs no matter how small it is. This causes lots of traffic conjunctions and much inconvenience for both drivers involved in the accident.

This is where the new system comes in. The new system was first tried out "The First Stage" in June, 2007. And based on the success, they are now implementing it all over Oman.

The Royal Omann Police in cooperation with the capital market authority and insurance companies will start implementing the system of minor accident procedures in all regions of the Sultanate from Saturday the 1st of March.

Now, with the new system, you don't have to call the ROP whenever you are involved in a minor accident. Both, you and the other driver can deal with it on your own however you think is appropriate.

As we have all seen here in Muscat, the traffic has gotten so bad and even worse when accident occur, we need this system to make the process faster and more convenient. Let all the dirty work for the insurance companies and we just go on with our lives.

Origin Oman 2008

Origin Oman is ran by the Public Establishment for Industrial Estate (PEIE). This program was especially designed to promote Oman made products and services. The principal objective of Origin Oman is to encourage consumers, institutional buyers and companies to choose Omani Made products and to prove to them that products which are made in Oman are as good, if not better, than many other products made out of Oman.

In Short, Origin Oman offers every Omani-based resident an opportunity to help promote the Sultanate's products and services and by doing so, help create employment opportunities, stimulate the national economy and reduce carbon emission by shipping less products from out of the country.

So, what to expect from Origin Oman?

Well, Origin Oman is committed to a sustained growth with an emphasis on public education. They will organize and promote multiple public education and promotional events that highlight the enormous contribution local businesses provide to Omani communities.

If you want to help and make their goal a success, this is what you have to do:

First and foremost, we want you to buy Oman made products and services. Whether you are a business owner, in institutional buyer or a private individual, recognize and value the way your buying decisions can influence the shape of Oman's economy.

they said.

Origin Oman will be organizing a bunch of exciting and great events to promote their vision. The events vary and there's always something for someone.

Here is the 2008 event calender:

- Winning Public Sector Business:

Event Date : 25 Feb, 2008 - 04 Mar, 2008

Place: Muscat Inter-Continental Hotel

Workshop Program: 8.45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.: Registration and refreshments
9.00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Introduction, what opportunities are there, where to find them and what are the prerequisites?
10.00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.: Private sector case studies, hot tips, how to avoid non-compliance, meeting pre-qualification requirements, tender responses and presentations.
10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.: Networking Break.
11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.: Delivering the Pitch: How to Deliver Wining Presentations.
11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Final Questions.
12:00 p.m.: Close.

Description given from Origin Oman: "As part of Origin Oman's 2008 campaign we are organizing two free-of-charge workshops on Winning Public Sector Business. The workshops will be held 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Monday 25 February (English) and repeated 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday 4 March (Arabic) at the Muscat Inter-Continental Hotel.

Although many companies do tender for public sector contracts, many reduce their chances of being successful by poor presentation, inappropriate information or just fail to meet the specific requirements demanded of them."

The only investment asked for is your time - the two workshops are offered to you at no cost, yet it could open up tremendous opportunities for the success and development of your business. You will have access to private and public sector experts who will pass on knowledge to improve your relationship with the public sector. .

PEIE is working in partnership with the Tender Board to provide these two workshops to local businesses, free-of-charge, as part of the Origin Oman campaign – helping local businesses increase their commercial reach.

Things you should know: The two workshop are aimed at owners and managers of local businesses who wish to grow their operations through winning public sector contracts. Places are limited to 75 people.

Contact: For more info please contact Hamida Al Balushi, Origin Oman Co-ordinator on: 2415 5114 or via e-mail on: hamida.albalushi@peie.om

- Origin Oman Week Reception:

Event Date: 18 Mar, 2008 - 18 Mar, 2008

Place: Muscat Inter-Continental Hotel

Description given by Origin Oman: "Buy local, use local, eat local - that's the message of this Origin Oman Reception. And we want you to play your part in a campaign that's not only healthy for Oman's economy - but healthy for you."

The aim of the Origin Oman Reception is to encourage not only more shops to stock more produce and goods made in the sultanate, but to urge more local businesses, institutional buyers, contractors and hotels to use local products and persuade more people to buy what's made and grown on their doorstep.

- Face - 2 - Face:

Event Date: 25 Mar, 2008 - 25 Mar, 2008

Place: Muscat Inter-Continental Hotel

Description given by Origin Oman: "A unique event which offers manufacturers and service providers the opportunity to meet and sell to, buyers from the Public Sector and large organisations. Face-2-Face is designed to welcome commercial and institutional buyers, investors and supply chain partners to meet Oman's commercial producers of goods and services. In brief, to get firms in front of buyers who need their products or services, so that they can sell to them. The buyers are listed with an indication of the kinds of products or services they need, so appointments can be booked with potential customers. Prior to the event Origin Oman will hold a briefing session which will help attendees understand more about how the event works and how procurement systems operate. This pre-event briefing will also be the time for firms to make their appointments for the day."

- Origin Oman Week Exhibition:

Event Date: 13 Apr, 2008 - 18 Apr, 2008

Place: Lulu Hypermarket Car Park, Al Khuwair

Description given by Origin Oman: "The exhibition will offer consumers as well as institutional buyers free samples/demonstrations of Origin Oman products and services. The exhibition will consist of 5 pavilions:

1 Omani Manufacturers
The manufacturers' zone will showcase the finest products made in Oman, with its main objectives being to increase both institutional buyer and consumer awareness of the quality, variety and availability of locally manufactured goods and services.

2 The Omani Department Store
Fashion accessories, crafts, textiles, jewelery, confectionery, perfumes, soaps and lotions.

3 Touring Oman
Tour operators, hotels, airlines, visitor attractions and activity operators.

4 Omani Innovation
Information communication technology companies.

5 Live, Work & Study in Oman
Universities, colleges, training providers, public bodies and real estate developers."

- The 150 Kilometre Meal:

Event Date: 13 Apr, 2008 - 18 Apr, 2008

Place: The Grand Hyatt; Muscat Inter-Continental; Shangri-La; & The Crowne Plaza [Muscat & Salalah]

Description given by Origin Oman: "The concept of food kilometres helps show how far many foods and drinks are transported through global trade and the costs of this transport - in economic, social and environmental terms. The more food kilometres that attach to a given food, the less sustainable and the less environmentally desirable that food is. Indeed, in recent years, the distance food is transported from producer to plate has increased by around 50%, and even a simple roast dinner could have travelled over 38,000 kilometres before being eaten. With the global political and economic focus turned firmly towards the environment, the Origin Oman team, in partnership with Oman's major hotels, will host the 150 kilometre meal - an initiative that is intended to reduce food miles by sourcing produce locally to produce a sumptuous and exciting local menu and encourage consumers and institutional buyers to buy what is being grown on their doorstep."

- Students On Buy Local:

Event Date: 15 Apr, 2008 - 15 Apr, 2008

Place: Sultan Qaboos University

Description given by Origin Oman: "To celebrate Origin Oman Week, Sultan Qaboos University, the Middle East College of Information Technology, Caledonian College, Nizwa University, Sohar University and the Waljat Colleges of Applied Sciences will hold an evening debate on the importance of promoting and buying Oman made products and services and the contribution each student can make to the future success of Oman through the implementation of learned skills where it matters most - in the workplace."

- Buylocal Day:

Event Date: 04 May, 2008 - 04 May, 2008

Place: Al Fair, Spinneys, Lulu, Carrefour, Al Jadeeda, Safeer

Description given by Origin Oman: "The Origin Oman Buy Local Day is about celebrating food that is fresh and local, knowing where food comes from and forging relationships across the web of food systems. Demonstrations in: Al Fair, Spinneys, Lulu, Carrefour, Al Jadeeda, Safeer and Sultan Centre. The Buy Local Day is a celebration of the very best Oman has to offer in food and drink. The Buy Local Day campaign will also promote locally grown produce and healthy eating."

- Taste Of Oman:

Event Date: 18 May, 2008 - 18 May, 2008

Place: Muscat Inter-Continental Hotel

Description give by Origin Oman: "The Muscat Inter-Continental will host the Young Chef Competition, which will pit teams of young Omani chefs in a cook-off competition. The young competitors will have to contend with the pressure of producing top-notch local food in a limited time in front of a live audience."

- The Origin Oman Road Show:

Event Date: 01 Jul, 2008 - 17 Oct, 2008

Place: Salalah, Al Buraimi, Sohar, Nizwa

Dates & Venues:
Salalah (July for 1 week)
Sohar 5 - 7 October
Al Buraimi 9 - 11 October
Nizwa 15 - 17 October

Description given by Origin Oman: "The Origin Oman Roadshow will showcase Oman-made made products and will celebrate and promote Omani innovation, entrepreneurship and manufacturing successes. The Roadshow will call in at Sohar, Nizwa, Al Buraimi and Salalah and is part of a wider government program to celebrate and promote Oman made products and manufacturing success.The roadshow aims to increase consumer recognition of branding that identifies products as Oman made and promote voluntary branding and labelling for that purpose.

Residents of Oman will have the opportunity to view and sample a raft of Omani products on the Roadshow and Omani chefs will be on hand to prepare delicious meals and snacks incorporating the eclectic flavours and styles that make up Omani cooking. It's a great Omani culinary adventure."

- Product Design Workshops & Competition:

Event Date: 19 Oct, 2008 - 11 Nov, 2008

Place: SQU, MECIT; Sohar University; Nizwa University

Description given by Origin Oman: The Origin Oman Student Product Design Workshops will give an overview of the importance of gaining a deep understanding of customers' underlying beliefs, desires and values and integrating this insight with a product design process for product success. The Workshops will also give case studies along with tools and techniques for translating customer insight into product designs.

If you would like to register for any of the three Workshops please contact Mulkie Al Hashmi via email at mulkie@kom.om Entries to the Origin Oman Student Product Design Competition are not restricted by theme or product group. Designs submitted should focus on the total product - it must solve a problem, work well, and provide a real advantage over existing offering.

The Origin Oman Student Product Design Competition is intended to foster business and public understanding of the impact of industrial design excellence on the quality of life and the economy. Winners will enjoy broad exposure through multiple media channels."

- Origin Oman Originals Photo Exhibition:

Event Date: 08 Dec, 2008 - 11 Dec, 2008

Place: Muscat Inter-Continental Hotel

Description given by Origin Oman: "PEIE will host Origin Oman Originals - a photographic journal that tells the story of the Origin Oman campaign 2008. Images that recount stories of businesses as well as people involved in promoting locally made goods and services."

- Origin Oman Influencer's Dinner:

Event Date: 08 Dec, 2008 - 08 Dec, 2008

Place: Muscat Inter-Continental Hotel

Description given by Origin Oman: "The Origin Oman Influencer's Dinner will include updates on the progress of the initiative and showcase success stories from the year-long campaign. The evening will also be a fantastic networking opportunity for local businesses genuinely interested in developing their involvement in the Origin Oman campaign."


Most of these events are just fun to attended as well as it being very informative. We are contributing to our country's economy by following Origin Oman's goal and so, I fully support what they are trying to do and I will definitely try to attend as much of these events as I can.

I will keep you updated with any changes that might happen to these programs and events. I will also post a review of every event which I attend.

Muscat Festival 2008 - Qurum Park

Second Semester

After a brutal three and a half month semester, a month of exams and two weeks of break to end with the ending of the festival, it's already time to go back to school to meet the second half of the brutality.

It has been one tough semester and the scores of the exams are still not out. You can see the suspense in the 12th grade (final year) students' faces. There is this desire to go to school and over come the anxiety but in the other hand, that feeling that they didn't do well and don't want to meet their unpleasant fate.

There has been a text message going around lately amongst 12th graders telling them not to attend the first week of this semester and that many will start attending on the 23rd. This also happened to last year's 12th graders and many of them didn't attend.
I personally think that these, whom started the chain message, are lazy and have nothing better to do. And all who follow are the same.

I think two weeks are more than enough. Think of it this way; the sooner we start, the sooner we finish.

Muscat Festival 2008 - Nancy Ajram

The famous Lebanese singer, Nancy Ajram performed in A'Seeb Beach, one of the festival's venues, yesterday.
She was scheduled to arrive at 3:00pm but arrived at 4:00pm. The performance lasted for about an hour and it was broadcast live on Oman TV.

For that reason, I thought I would focus more on the crowed and traffic that the event caused.

Here is the video I shot from attending the event:

Part 1:


Part 2:

Oman vs Bahrain: The Audience's Point Of View

The game's score is 1 to 0 in Bahrain's favor. This is not what I am going to talk about in this post.
I don't want to talk much about the game itself because I am pretty sure you know enough about it. But if you want to know more, follow the link to this fellow Blog "Oman Community Blog". One of their members has posted a detailed description of the game.

This post is the other side of the game. In this post, I will be showing you the audiences who attended the game's point of view. What is it like to be there live? How does it feel to be there live?

I will help answer these questions by the video that I've created for you. It should give you a pretty good idea of what's it like.

Tariq Al Barwani's 90.4 FM Interview

Tariq Al Barwani was recently interview by 90.4 FM's Lakshmi Kothaneth. This interview was part of the career planing show where Lakshmi has professionals from different fields and occupations come and talk about their careers to give students and job seekers a better idea of what the job is like.

Tariq also talks about how he got to where he is today and how you can too. He explains how failure in the beginning doesn't mean the end.

Here is the interview:

Part 1:


part 2:


Part 3:


Part 4:



I, personally, enjoyed it and learned a lot out of it and I hope you did too.

English Sabla

I don't usually promote other websites but this website I had to talk about.
English Sabla is an Omani english forum that discusses just about anything. They are very active and very helpful.



I usually hate forums, to be honest, but when I first visited this one and saw how many posts come in per minute, I thought "WOW"!
So I joined in and now I am completly addicted to it. I should have took with their slogan's advice which is "simply addictive...".

If you are an Omani, a person who lives in Oman or a person interested in Oman and looking for a good forum, that is deffinatly the forum for you!

Forum address: www.englishsabla.com

Tariq To Participate In Secur Middle East Congress 2008

Tariq bin Hilal Al Barwani, the celebrity Omani IT expert has been invited to speak in the Secur Middle East congress in Dubai which is a two day event that will be held on the 18th and 19th of February in Dubai.

Tariq explains in detail:

Not Suitable for children

I've came across this video whilst surfing in a local Omani forum.
This video shows cartoon characters that participated in the festival doing things which were unsuitable for children in front of the children on a stage.

The show was meant for kids and it was a family thing but apparently they got a little too excited and did something that, I think, they should be sued for.

Watch the whole video to see what I am talking about.



I just wanted to add that this is against everything that we, Omanis, believe in. This was an outrageous act and the people in charge should be punished for it.

Muscat Festival 2008 - A'Seeb Beach

I always thought that this beach venue was the best of all others. There is always much to do and the fact that it's on the beach, makes it even better.

The A'Seeb Beach venue is known for hosting great arab music artists every Friday or/and Thursday.

Entry is free and there are many activities for children and the whole family. It's the shows that make it as great as it is.

I made this video of the place to give an over view of what it's all about. Hopefully if you havn't gone yet, you will go next week because of the video.



So? Am I right or what?