Nawras offers SMS link to Muscat Municipality

Oman-based communications provider Nawras has launched a new SMS service to help its customers easily access Muscat Municipality service centre information by using a mobile phone or handset.

Customers can check the status of building permits, rent contracts, technical inspections, parking violations and other services by simply sending an SMS to the Municipality rather than needing to pay a visit in person.

In a media release, Nawras product manager, Mohammed Al Najwani, said: “We are delighted to work with Muscat Municipality to enable our customers to get closer to the information they need and to access it in a fast and convenient way. Importantly, the information is on hand whenever it is needed.”

This service is useful for any customer who has made an application with the Muscat Municipality and wishes to follow up its progress in an easy way. Each application is given a reference number and with that number in hand, customers can track progress via SMS.

In a similar way, customers may also be able to enquire about parking violations.

This latest service follows the introduction of SMS parking, which enables Nawras customers to send an SMS to pay for parking instead of needing to find the relevant coins to feed a parking meter, the company said.

Source: www.arabianbusiness.com

HM visits Oman’s Special Force HQ

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday paid a visit to the Sultan’s Special Force at Al-Somoudh Garrison located in Halbaan on the second day of his state visit to the Sultanate of Oman.

According to a statement from Brunei’s Prime Minister’s Office, His Majesty was greeted by General Ali bin Majid Al-Ma’maari, the Minister of Royal Office and Brigadier Amar Al-Amri, the commander of the Sultan’s Special Force upon his arrival.

Following a briefing on the organisation and task of the Sultan’s Special Force, His Majesty was shown a display of the equipment used by the mobile regiment. His Majesty then proceeded to the gymnasium to witness a self-defence performance.

His Majesty continued the tour of the facilities with a visit to the anti-terrorism training area, where he saw demonstrations of rescue operations, involving a hijacked aircraft and hostages. His Majesty was then invited to try the regiment’s weapons at the firing range.

Before concluding the visit to the Al-Somoudh Garrison of the Sultan’s Special Force, His Majesty was invited to the Officers’ Mess where senior officers of the regiment greeted His Majesty. General Ali bin Majid and Brigadier Amar presented His Majesty with souvenirs shortly after His Majesty signed the guest book. In return, His Majesty presented military plaques to General Ali and Brigadier Amar.

On Wednesday night, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said, the Sultan of Oman, hosted a state dinner at the Banquet Hall of Al-Alam Palace in honour of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. The state dinner was also attended by Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmood Al-Said, Omani Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers and Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq Al-Said, Minister of Heritage and Culture as the Minister-In-Attendance.

Also present were other members of the Royal Family and state dignitaries as well as members of the Omani Government, members of the diplomatic corps and members of the official delegation of Brunei Darussalam.

Source: english.siamdailynews.com

‘Origin Oman’ to Highlight Importance of Product Packaging

Origin Oman, the country’s first workshop on packaging, will underline the vital role that the look of a product plays in selling it, according to organisers of the event.

“In today’s congested business world, packaging has become a critical factor; it can often make or break a product. It is generally accepted that 70-80 per cent of a consumer’s purchasing decision is made at the point of sale,” said Zuhair Al Zadjali, the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates’ Coordinator for Origin Oman. “If the packaging is right, people will buy a product without even trying it because most associate superior packaging with quality.”

Key experts addressing the seminar include Peter Ford, Reader in Design Innovation at Leicester’s De Montfort University. Ford is a major player in his field, having worked on product design and packaging initiatives with companies like Adidas, British Nuclear Fuels, Black & Decker, The Post Office and Lucas Automotive.

He will be joined by Rawan Darwish, Shaun Loftman and Stuart Jeal from Landor Associates — a firm with an international reputation for bringing innovative design solutions.

“Packaging is an important marketing strategy and one that Oman-based manufacturers shouldn’t neglect,” Ford said. “Most consumers judge a product by its packaging before buying. So it’s logical to say attractive packaging is crucial in order to get the first time buyer to choose your product. Without good packaging, who would buy it in order to try it? Your first step to enter the market is crushed if the packaging is ugly.”

Source: www.khaleejtimes.com