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Tata Steel, Al Bahja form JV

Tata Steel, the world’s sixth largest steel manufacturer, and the Al Bahja group, have entered into a joint venture agreement to develop the Uyun limestone deposits in Salalah. Ajit Hamlai, chairman of the Al Bahja Group, and B Muthuraman, managing director of Tata Steel, signed the deal in the presence of H E Anil Wadhwa, India's ambassador to the sultanate.

Tata Steel will hold a 70 per cent stake in Al Rimal Mining through its subsidiary, TS Global Minerals Holdings. Al Rimal Mining will execute the project of developing and operating the Uyun mine. Says Hamlai, “The Al Bahja group is proud to have joined hands with Tata Steel as its partner for this limestone project. It is one of the major steps towards bolstering the country’s mineral resource base and opening up new opportunities. We are confident that Tata Steel's technical excellence, and proven expertise will take this project to a successful fruition.”

Tata Steel is also well known for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which provide opportunities to the people to explore their talents and strengthen community-based institutions. “This is an important milestone in the journey of industrialisation of Oman. This agreement is the culmination of a year’s work between the two stakeholders,” says Muthuraman.
Muthuraman says a majority of the people employed in this project will be Omanis. Tata Steel will provide training to them and some of them will be taken to India to undergo such training. This project is expected to provide direct and indirect employment to between 800-1,000 Omanis.

Tata Steel has upped the ante in its globalisation bid following the acquisition of Corus in 2007. It recently entered into joint ventures in Ivory Coast for an iron ore project, and in Mozambique for a coking coal project. According to Muthuraman, the company’s current requirement of limestone is in the region of three million tonnes per annum (mtpa). This demand would grow to around 10mtpa in the next six to seven years. The limestone produced in Oman would be used for its steel plant in India. The quality of limestone in Oman is of a higher grade than that in India, Muthuraman points out. On the question of investment, Muthuraman says that the company will examine the feasibility before deciding on the quantum of investment. According to preliminary estimates, the company is confident of touching production levels of 10mtpa within three to four years.

Grand opera marks opening

A grand opera at the Al Buhaira lake-side amphitheatre in Qurm Natural Park marked the official opening of Muscat Festival 2008, with the event taking place under the auspices of H E Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh al Mantheri, chairman of the State Council and in the presence of H E Eng Abdullah bin Abbas, chairman of Muscat Municipality and Muscat Festival Organising Committee. The festival simultaneously also started at other venues like Festival Plaza at Azaiba and Al Sahwa Park. The theme of the 26-day festival is ‘Charm of the Place and Glory of Interaction’.

The opening-day event at Al Buhaira lake theatre highlighted the tourist potential of Oman and its historical and cultural heritage through dance, drama, music, laser-work, pyrotechnics and other special stage effects. The six-part opera opened showing the flight of migratory birds into Oman. The second part focused on the old forts like Jibreen and various other forts and their historical importance. Moving into the third part, the audience saw Oman's varied and bountiful nature, greenery and pristine marine life that attracts tourists from far and wide. The fourth part depicted the expansive magnificence of the desert, its importance to bedouins and their life and living that revolves around desert. Moving ahead, the fifth part showed the majestic mountain ranges that has historical and geographical importance. The final part welcomed everyone into the magical beautiful land of Oman.

in Limelight

Eng Hamad bin Salim al Harthy
Director General
Rusayl Industrial Estate

Rusayl Industrial Estate is set to undergo an expansion as 200,000sqm of land has been acquired in Al Misfat area to meet the growing needs of investors who are keen to set up projects inside the industrial estate. Eng. Hamad bin Salim Al Harthy, director-general of Rusayl Industrial Estate, informs that a survey for the expansion project is currently being carried out and the land will be acquired from the Ministry of Housing. "The aim of this survey is to identify the number of land plots that will be included in the expansion so that they can be distributed according to sectors, utilities, services and infrastructure that will be set up in the expansion area." Discussions on acquiring nearly 300,000sqm of land behind the food reserve stores of the Ministry of Defence and annexing it to Rusayl Industrial Estate is under way. More than 15 factories are now seriously considering expanding their facilities.

Saif al Maskary
Chairman
Nawras

It was a time to celebrate for Nawras as the privately owned mobile operator clocked its one-millionth customer. Saif al Maskary thanked customers and the media for their support in helping the company reach the milestone. To celebrate the achievement, Nawras customers, who came from as far as Sur, Salalah, Sharqiyah, Batinah and Dakhilyah regions, were treated to a fun filled evening at Marah Land in Qurm Natural Park. Free rides, raffle tickets and some of Oman’s most popular musical stars, entertained the public. Families could be seen and heard enjoying themselves as popular songs were belted out by Badriya, Ayub, Naif and Autyfa. The first 1,000 people to enter the gates were also given free Nawras recharge cards. At the prestigious Leaders in Dubai conference in December, Nawras was given the Middle East Business Achievement Award for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Salim Ali Nasser Aliyabi
Owner
Allied Oman

RCI's recent tie-up with Allied Oman is a boost for Oman's tourism sector. It is not often that we find a company of RCI's stature announcing deals. The world leader in vacation exchange will affiliate the timeshare project at Barka Resort, a project owned by Salim Ali Nasser Aliyabi. “The Barka Resort is an excellent example of how RCI Group has the potential to add value to a developer’s project,” says Nick Turner, managing director of RCI Group in the Middle East. “With our regional network of customer service centres, we offer Allied Oman the opportunity of distribution through a global network. We recognise the potential of the Omani market.” The 129,000sqm development consists of 65 units for timeshare market with a further 131 residential units intended for a rental programme. Inspired by traditional Arabian architecture, each apartment will be luxuriously appointed with a full range of appliances and modern amenities.

OCCI signs two MoUs

The decks have been cleared to set up training centre for plastics technology and train accountants in the sultanate, with two memoranda of understanding signed for this purpose. The first MoU signed between Prof S K Nayak, director general of the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET) and Awad M Bamkahlef, CEO of Oman and Emirates Investment Holding Co (OEIHC), includes assistance in setting up a Plastics Technology Training and Development Centre (PTTDC) in Sohar and helping OEIHC in identifying a suitable accreditation agency for the courses to be offered as well as with the curriculum.

The other MoU inked between Iqbal bin Ali Khamis, senior vice president at the Central Bank of Oman and chairman of the board of directors of College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS), and Sunil Talati, president of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) envisages the setting up of a chapter of ICAI in Oman to train and produce chartered accountants in Oman and extend other services as well. Oman is the 19th chapter of ICAI. "The PTTDC project will help in raising the knowledge and skill levels of the plastics processing sector. The training offered by the centre will also prove beneficial in developing downstream industries," says Awad of OEIHC.

The signing ceremony was held under the auspices of Khaleel al Khonji, chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, E Ahmed, India's minister of state responsible for external affairs, Eng Ahmed al Dheeb, undersecretary of commerce and industry at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and H E Anil Wadhwa, India's ambassador to Oman.

MSM gets new Dow Jones index

Dow Jones Indexes and Muscat Securities Market have launched the Dow Jones MSM Index. The index is a total-market index that measures the performance of all companies listed on the Muscat Securities Market. The index currently includes 66 stocks. The Dow Jones MSM Index is designed to underlie financial products such as exchange-traded funds and other investable products that enable investors to participate in the performance of the Oman stock market. "We are delighted to partner with Dow Jones Indexes for the launch of the Dow Jones MSM Index. This will allow Muscat Securities Market to enhance the service quality and to be well positioned among exchanges worldwide, in line with international standards and practices," says Ahmed Saleh al Marhoon, director general of MSM. The index universe for the Dow Jones MSM Index is defined as all companies listed on the Muscat Securities Market that trade at least ten days in a quarter. Companies that trade fewer than seven days in a quarter will be deleted from the index. The top five companies in the index by free float market capitalisation are Raysut Cement, National Bank of Oman, BankMuscat, Omantel and Renaissance Services. The Dow Jones MSM Index will be reviewed every quarter. The weightage of individual stocks are capped at ten per cent in order to prevent the index from being dominated by just a few securities.

GBCM to expand activities

Gulf Investment Services (GIS) has tied up with Germany’s Baader Wertpapierhandelsbank to form Gulf Baader Capital Markets (GBCM) in a bid to expand their activities and offer services on a global scale. The newly formed company will have GIS management team and will seek to add value to the national economy, enhance the skills of young Omanis and encourage foreign investment in the sultanate. GBCM is jointly owned by promoters GIS, Baader Wert-papierhandelsbank and Silver Circle Oversees. While GIS holds the majority stakes of 70 per cent, the others have 25 per cent and five per cent respectively. “GIS had RO4.2mn worth of licensed businesses, which have been transferred to GBCM,” says Pradeep Asrani, CEO, GIS, adding, “Meanwhile Baader Wert- papierhandelsbank has brought in RO1.8mn.”

Flight info on Oman Mobile

Customers of Oman Mobile will now be able to benefit from a new scheme introduced, in conjunction with Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC), that provides live flight information directly through text messages (SMS). The My Travelmate service is applicable to scheduled passenger flights to and from Muscat, where flight number searches, updates and status checks can be made. The cost of these services are 100bz, 300bz and 150bz respectively. Dr Amer al Rawas, managing director of Oman Mobile, said the service would enrich subscribers’ lives by saving them valuable time and money. George Bellew, CEO of OAMC, concurred and adds, “With My Travelmate, people will be able to better manage their time.”

Bank Sohar results impress

Despite a net loss of RO2.4mn for the nine months ended December 2007, Bank Sohar has posted an operating profit of RO2.8mn for the same period. According to Nani Javeri, CEO, the bank has posted a net loss figure only after making non-specific provisions as required by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) to the tune of RO4.4mn and deductions for its pre-operational expenses. “We have had a 300 per cent increase in our asset value from what had been stated in the prospectus initially,” he said, indicating the bank’s actual asset value of RO420mn as opposed to the RO139mn in the prospectus. Outlining the challenges that the bank faced after its inauguration in April 2007, Raman Kaicker, CFO and deputy general manager, said, “Since our inception, the interest rate in the market has fallen from 3.63 per cent in April to 1.95 per cent in December, there is surplus liquidity in the market, more competition and a plunging dollar leading to inflation.” Despite these challenges, the bank saw a growth in its operating profit from RO455,000 in June to RO1.13mn in September and finally RO2.8mn by the end of the year, he said. Regarding the future plans of the bank, the CEO said that there would be ten to 15 branches opened across the country by the end of the year besides the inauguration of credit card facilities, SMS banking and online banking facilities. He also added that the bank was now planning to set up its first training and development centre in the near future.

BankMuscat to enter Pakistan

BankMuscat is acquiring a majority stake in Saudi Pak Commercial Bank in Pakistan in association with Sinthos Capital, International Finance Corpo-ration and Nomura International. The consortium has already signed the share purchase agreement with Saudi Pak Investment Company (Sapico) to buy a 68 per cent stake in the bank. BankMuscat’s total stake in the Saudi Pak Commercial Bank will be 35 per cent. BankMuscat has obtained the necessary regulatory approvals in Oman to go ahead with this investment. An approval from the State Bank of Pakistan, the country’s banking regulator, is currently awaited. Says Sheikh AbdulMalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, chairman, BankMuscat, "Historically, Pakistan and Oman had longstanding economic and social ties. Our entry into the country is therefore both strategically and commercially important to us. We will be pleased to be of service to the local business community in Pakistan and hope this move will further strengthen our ties with members of the community who are well settled across the GCC region. We definitely look forward to contributing significantly to the economic and social development of Pakistan, even as we take another step toward fulfilling our goal of establishing a significant presence in those countries that have an abiding interest in the sultanate and the GCC region.” As per the agreement, Sinthos Capital will manage the bank. The Saudi Pak Commercial Bank was set up in 2001 and currently services its client base across a network of 50 branches nationwide. Says AbdulRazak Ali Issa, chief executive of BankMuscat, "We are very excited about taking our business and services to the country and believe that this new international experience will be of significant value both to the banking industry in Pakistan and to BankMuscat, as it continues to grow into a strong regional bank.”

OAB launches India Access

Oman Arab Bank's Investment Management Group has launched India centric wealth management products and services under the brand India Access. India Access will provide an opportunity to invest in the booming Indian economy through Kotak Securities, which has tied up with OAB's Investment Management Group to offer financial products and services to potential investors in Oman, including non-resident Indians, Omanis, other nationals as well as corporate and non-corporate bodies.
Says Somer Massey, director, Kotak Mahindra International, “The response to the alliance has been overwhelming. With India being the second fastest growing economy in the world and set to grow at 8.5 to nine per cent in the next three to five years, we expect the India Access brand to do well.” OAB and Kotak Securities will offer a wide array of financial products investing in India through rupee and dollar routes including diversified large cap, mid cap, thematic equity funds, long and short term debt funds and money market products. Kotak Securities, along with OAB, also plans to unveil real estate, infrastructure and other Indian and international products to investors in Oman. The qualified and trained financial professionals based at Investment Management Group of OAB will cater to the wealth management needs of the potential investors in Oman. The bank is also entering into an arrangement with Kotak Mahindra Bank, India to offer easy and efficient fund transfer facilities to India.

Big Ideas goes to Sohar

The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, will organise a Big Ideas exhibition and seminar on February 9-10 at the Sohar Industrial Estate. The two-day programme is being held to celebrate Oman’s Industry Day. The Big Ideas seminar and exhibition will be held under the patronage of H E Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, Minister of Commerce and Industry and chairman of PEIE. The seminar and exhibition are free of charge and open to all though advance registration is required. Panelists for the seminars include representatives from well known companies in the region.

Motorola dealers' meet

Khimji Ramdas Computer and Communication Systems (KRCCS), authorised distributor for Motorola mobile handsets, hosted a dealer conference recently in the capital. Over 80 representatives from its country-wide dealer network attended the show. The forum was used by KRCCS and Motorola to present new products as well as to give a glimpse of Motorola’s ambitious plan to make a major impact here. Some of the key differentiators for Motorola’s retailer friendly business philosophy were emphasised. The second-generation range of Motorola Razr-V8 and the MotoQ smart phone were presented. Says Rajendra Verma, business manager for personal devices division, “We see our dealers as business partners, not just another channel. Hence, dealers’ comfort and profitability are key consideration while planning any of our marketing campaigns. In 2008, Motorola is launching a range of exciting handsets. We will ensure that they are released in the market with our partners’ interest foremost in our mind. We want our business partners to do business with us as a matter of choice and enjoy it.” At the meeting, the retailers were also briefed on major steps under way for significant upgradation of service infrastructure. Additional service centres, collection points and training dealer’s technicians were some of the key steps.

Oman Oil enters Yemen

Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) has embarked on a strategic international expansion strategy with the launch of its own range of premier diesel and petrol engine oils in Yemen in its first international venture. With a first-of-its kind partnership with Yemen’s integral player in the automobile industry, Nasser General Trading, OOMCO aims to offer consumers the very best in lubricant technology. Says Omar Ahmed Qatan, CEO of OOMCO, “This new partnership with Nasser General Trading (NGT) will ensure OOMCO’s dominant presence in the Yemen market as well as strengthen the economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. As the flagship of the nation and part of our diversification strategy, the Sultanate will play an active role in providing high quality lubricants both locally and internationally.” OOMCO's lubricants which comprise diesel engine oil Maximo Super and petrol engine oils Optimo Gold and Optimo Diamond. Says Aidrous Bazara, managing director of Nasser General Trading, “NGT has a commitment to excellence and to provide the very best support services to Yemen’s thriving automotive industry. “We are very proud to be representing OOMCO's high performance range of lubricants which are a perfect addition to the current range of products and services available in the country and I am confident that they will be a success in Yemen.”

OHI backs Pelco

OHI Electronics, the authorised distributor of Pelco security solutions systems in Oman, sees Pelco taking strides to develop and release numerous third-party systems integrations this year. “Pelco integration partners have commented on how pleased they are with Pelco’s easy-to-deal with attitude, our fanatical customer service, ample supply of development tools and sample code,” says Terry Carver, Pelco API Business Development Manager. “Pelco has demonstrated its forward-thinking attitude and commitment toward integration and openness by providing a well-defined API, utilising widely used non-proprietary interface protocols and the use of standards that were developed and adopted by industry-recognised standards bodies. This has made integration to Pelco products fast and efficient.” Respected as a major product innovator, Pelco is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of video security systems and equipment ideal for any industry. Recently acquired by Schneider Electric of France, Pelco continues to produce the security industry’s most complete offering of discreet camera domes and enclosures, digital video recorders, IP solutions, and much more.

QNB opens branch

Qatar National Bank (QNB) has started operations in Muscat offering full banking services to Omani and Qatari businesses and individuals. Says Ali Shareef al Emadi, group CEO of QNB, “Oman and Qatar share close ties and opening this new branch will foster better trade relations between the two countries. With our customer base increasing rapidly within our country and beyond, it has become imperative for us to expand our services in new markets.” “Backed by more than 40 years of experience in various banking operations, the new branch will offer comprehensive services such as various types of accounts, loans, fund management and other corporate level services in the Omani market,” al Emadi adds. QNB is the first Qatari bank to open a branch in Oman, thus falling in line with QNB’s strategy to develop its regional and international presence and business.

In Person

On January 23 Jet Airways started a daily service from Muscat to Kochi and Muscat to Calicut. Abraham Joseph, senior general manager – Gulf, Middle East and North Africa, Jet Airways was here to brief the trade on the commencement of these flights. Excerpts from an interview:

What is the initial response to the services?
The initial response has been quite encouraging. The bookings on the first few flights have been extremely good and we hope to make it a profitable venture very soon. We are looking at a passenger load factor of 80 per cent. People have heard of Jet and have travelled on our flights within India and are aware of our service standards. We will be offering the same level of superior service our customers have come to expect of us. Besides, our fares are priced in line with the other carriers. They are not the lowest or the highest, but somewhere in between.

What is the status on flights to the UAE and Saudi Arabia?
The Indian government will open bilateral talks with the governments of the UAE and Saudi Arabia in the next few months. They need to enhance the number of seats in the bilateral agreements, and only then we will be able to fly to these countries. However, these developments are likely to happen sometime this year.

What about flights to other destinations in India from Muscat?
We already have permission to fly to Thiruvananthapuram. We are awaiting the arrival of new aircraft and then we shall start flights to Thiruvananthapuram. However, we are also looking at flying to Mumbai and Chennai, for which we haven't received permission so far. We are confident the permission for Mumbai will come through in the next few months. We haven't applied for rights to Delhi, but it is a possibility. We see great potential from Oman to India. The population has grown and continues to grow, which also includes the expatriate Indian community.

How serious is Jet about its international expansion?
Like I mentioned, we are awaiting the arrival of new aircraft, which we are getting at the rate of one every two months. As new aircraft arrive, we will be starting flights to Hong Kong from Mumbai. We also plan to connect San Francisco via Shanghai. Jet's revenue mix is 75-25 from its domestic and international operations. We hope that in the next three years, the revenue from both operations will even out to 50 per cent each. However, do not forget that our domestic operations will continue to grow as India has strong potential.

Is Jet also looking at introducing Jet Lite in the Gulf?
Jet Lite will start flights to all destinations in the Gulf. The carrier, which is positioned between a full service airline and a low cost carrier, will fly to secondary cities in India. However, the government is still deciding on the matter and when we get the permission we will start flights.

Forging closer ties
Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister, India

India’s External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee during his visit to the sultanate last month advocated elevating India-Oman ties to a “strategic” level. Mukherjee, who was here to inaugurate the new Indian chancery in the diplomatic enclave in Al Khuwayr, also chaired a brainstorming session with 21 ambassadors posted in the region. The Indian minister met Deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmood al Said and also held talks with his Omani counterpart Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah. Says Mukherjee, "Our long-standing and traditionally close ties stand on firm foundations and are being consistently expanded in all fields.” Both sides expressed a shared concern for enhancing security and stability in the region. They identified information technology, telecommunications, oil and gas as key areas for deepening ties. The scope for opening new Indian banks, expansion of civil aviation links, and advancing tie-ups in the fields of science and technology, education and defence were discussed. Mukherjee was also briefed about the scope for enhancing cooperation with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League. Two memoranda of understanding (MoU) relating to the setting up of a plastics technology and accountants institute were also signed during his visit.

High-flying executive
Raymond Korban, Regional general manager, UAE & Oman, Etihad Airways

Raymond Korban was in Muscat to sign an agreement for the frequent flyer programme between Etihad Airways and Oman Air. The agreement was signed by Abdulrazak al Raisi, senior manager, sales, Oman Air and Korban. "The tie-up is complementary and will add value for travellers flying both the airlines," says Korban. The partnership enables frequent flyer members of the two airlines to earn miles while flying with either of the airlines. The scheme is expected to be very popular with Etihad guest members visiting Oman from overseas, as they will earn mileage points while flying to inbound destinations like Salalah and Khasab. Korban pointed out that Etihad's frequent flyer programme has been a runaway success since it was launched 18 months ago. The programme has grown to reach a membership of 300,000. Etihad has direct flights to 46 destinations and is planning to introduce four flights a week to Beijing, China from March 30. This service will be upgraded to daily flights soon. Says Korban, “Despite stiff competition we want to be the best airline in the world and this association is another step in that direction.”

Taking stock
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman, Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organisation

The Majan Professional Development Centre (MPDC) of Majan University conducted its first seminar entitled ‘Booming Arab Economy in a Changing World Order’. The seminar was addressed by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and founder of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh organisation. Ghazaleh painted two scenarios. One for the next 30 years and the other for beyond it. He forecast that the price of oil in the next five years will go up from US$100 per barrel to US$200 per barrel. With oil prices expected to continue rising in the foreseeable future, the region is seen generating a surplus of US$20tn in the next 20-30 years. This wealth will create an unprecedented boom in the region. According to him, most of this will go into infrastructure upgradation and capacity building. He lauded the efforts of Saudi Arabia, which has earmarked 25 per cent of its US$400bn budget for training and education.

Eng Awadh bin Salim al Shanfari
CEO, Salalah Free Zone Company

Salalah Free Zone Company has appointed Eng Awadh bin Salim Said bin al Shanfari as its CEO. Shanfari has vast technical and administrative experience and has donned top posts in various large companies. Prior to joining Salalah Free Zone Company, he was the general manager at Salalah Port Services Company. Says H E Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Undersecretary of Financial Affairs, Ministry of Finance and chairman of Salalah Free Zone board of directors, “Shanfari’s appointment will provide the leadership required to fulfil the objectives.”

Giles Cunningham
CEO, Zubair Corporation

Giles Cunningham has joined Zubair Corporation as the new CEO. Giles started work with the investment bank Kleinwort Benson before moving to Lloyds TSB Bank where he has been working for nearly 17 years. He has undertaken a number of senior roles with Lloyds, both in the UK and internationally. This included three years as the bank’s Middle East CEO, based in Dubai. Giles, an associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, is a mathematics graduate, holds an MBA and is an active Harvard Business School alumnus.

Eirik Bergvoll
General Manager, Radisson SAS Hotel

Eirik Bergvoll has been appointed as general manager of the Radisson SAS Hotel. Bergvoll’s international career spans over two decades and his initial association with the company, now known as the Rezidor Hotel Group, goes as far back as 1984. His hospitality expertise includes opening and managing five-star properties for world-class hotel chains in Europe. Prior to his appointment in Muscat he held the position of general manager for the Radisson SAS Astorija Hotel, Vilnius in Lithuania from 2005 till date.

Ajay Kaul
General Manager, Muscat Electronics

An electronics engineer with specialisation in instrumentation from Maharaja Sayajirao University, India, Ajay Kaul, has recently taken over as the general manager of Muscat Electronics. Kaul has been with Muscat Electronics for 15 years. "We will continue to provide the Oman market with the latest technology products backed by exemplary service," says Kaul. He is the only winner in the MEA region of the coveted ‘Marketing Manager of the Year’ award by Ricoh International, the world leader in office automation products.

Insherah Ghaleb Bawazir, 29
Customer Relationship Executive
Consumer Banking
Standard Chartered Bank

Bawazir is focused and has her head firmly on her shoulders. This marketing major is responsible for customer service at Standard Chartered Bank. "I find the job quite challenging and I'm looking at different ways to enhance customer experience. I love problem solving. You have to realise that the customer is mad at the situation and not at you. My job embodies different elements of skill, including critical thinking." The marketing major from the University of Missouri, St Louis, was involved as a business manager for her university newspaper and as a peer educator, counselling students. On her return to Oman, she landed a job with Emirates as a media and marketing executive. In future she sees herself as a consultant. "I'm not sure of the area as I'm still exploring a few things. I like decorating and I love writing poetry about my experiences." Bawazir also wants to write a book.