Click images to view larger versions

TheWeek on top

It is Oman’s only publication providing audited circulation data

At a reception at the Crowne Plaza on the evening of January 14, Saleh Zakwani, publisher, Apex Press and Publishing, proudly announced that TheWeek had completed its first BPA Worldwide audit making it the first and only publication in Oman to provide audited circulation data to its advertisers.

On a print run of 51,000, after an extensive audit check, Connecticut based leading glo-bal media auditors, BPA Worldwide, certified that 50,300 copies are circulated in the country every week. The audit is just the beginning, says Saleh as he plans to have his other publications – Business Today, Oman Today, Al Isbou’a and Al Youm scrutinised by BPA Worldwide.

So what difference will an official audit result make? Going by the reaction of media and advertising professionals, it seems no one could be happier than the local advertising agencies with the announcement about TheWeek’s audit results.

In fact, many deemed it long overdue. Rajesh Raman, vice president, The Holding Group, said, “Official auditing figures are critical parameters by which advertising decisions are made. We need to know for sure that our hard work is reaching an audience. It is high time that publications in the Gulf toed the line and thanks to TheWeek spearheading media transparency in the region, benchmarks have changed. indefinitely spark off a trend.”

TheWeek is among a handful of publications that are currently audited in the Middle East region.

Football fever again

Oman’s early victories at the Gulf Cup make Muscat go mad with joy

The battle for regional supremacy kicked off at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi with a match featuring the Gulf’s most celebra-ted rivalry – Oman up against hosts United Arab Emirates. Judging by that opening night when Oman upstaged the hosts 2-1, Muscat could be in for a spate of celebrations if Oman does go all the way in Abu Dhabi. For a team that many didn’t think would get past their opening rivals (they had never beaten UAE on their home turf before), Oman came up with a supremely confident display in their opening two matches against UAE and Kuwait to become the first side to book their semi-final slot. They hadn’t won the cup yet (at the time of going to press), but that audacious Hashim Saleh goal against Kuwait that booked Oman’s semi-final slot was reason enough for celebrations in Muscat.

Fun times in Muscat

Since its inception in February 1998, the Muscat Festival has played a significant role in celebrating the culture and arts of the Middle East

The Muscat Festival, one of the most anticipated annual events in the sultanate, once again attracted huge crowds, including visitors from around the world, capturing people’s imagination through eye-catching events and activities that successfully showcased the true essence of Oman.

Since its inception in February 1998, the Muscat Festival has played an important role in building and supporting the sultanate’s flourishing tourism and hospitality industry. The festival, being held at three separate venues – Azaiba grounds, Qurm Natural Park and Seeb beach – hosts a variety of cultural seminars, lectures and evenings with famous speakers and poets from the Arab world, apart from the usual fun and games. This year too, the Muscat Festival proved to be a mega event, one that lived up to the expectations of visitors as one of the most vibrant celebrations of culture and arts in the Middle East.

In Qurm Natural Park, a colourful train took passengers on board before chugging along the winding path to its destination. With loads of prizes and meal hampers given away, the Muscat Festival was a must-see, not just for kids but for adults as well. There were also a series of live entertainment shows designed to appeal to a diverse audience. The theme of the festival ‘living culture and family fun’, truly represented the multicultural spirit of Oman. It also celebrated Oman’s traditional arts and heritage while providing the people of Oman with fun, adventure, and entertainment.