Latest news with #AlGhassani
Observer
15-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
New branding strategy to elevate Khareef experience
SALALAH, JULY 15 Dhofar has introduced a new dual branding strategy that highlights the governorate's multi-faceted attributes, on the one hand, and tourism and investment-driven appeal, on the other, this was revealed by Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, during his appearance on Oman TV's 'People and Khareef' programme on Tuesday. The temporary campaign 'Dhofar: Land of Glad Tidings' has been launched in parallel with a comprehensive development strategy composed of six pillars: human capital, environment, economy, society, culture and urban planning. The governorate's commercial identity is represented by the 'Frankincense Route', a long-term brand rooted in Dhofar's historical and cultural legacy. It is intended to guide both tourism and investment marketing initiatives across local and international platforms. Dr Al Ghassani explained that Dhofar Municipality initiates planning for the next khareef immediately after the previous season concludes. A dedicated evaluation team from the Youth Committee of Dhofar Governorate, established two years ago, conducts field visits to key tourist locations, engages with visitors and residents, and compiles opinion surveys. The findings are submitted in a detailed report to the Governor of Dhofar, in coordination with stakeholders from all sectors, to inform next season's planning. He noted that recent years have seen the implementation of several critical road projects — not only within Salalah, but across the wilayats of Rakhyout, Taqah, Mirbat and Dhalkout. While some projects have been completed, others are under construction and scheduled for delivery ahead of the season's peak. He also highlighted a number of high-impact initiatives, including road enhancements, traffic flow improvements and the development of new seafronts. Notable among them are: the waterfront at Dahariz and the seafront at Awqad. Some contracts have already been awarded, while others are nearing final signature stages. Additional upgrades are planned for long-overlooked tourist sites, with a strong focus on maintaining Dhofar's ecological character. Dr Al Ghassani reaffirmed the municipality's commitment to sustainable development. 'We do not pursue construction projects that compromise the environment,' he stated. 'Our vision is to adapt the natural environment to serve people while preserving it for future generations.' A national task force was formed to address seasonal environmental concerns, such as mosquito proliferation and heavy fog. The task force includes representatives from government agencies and universities. Initial pilot trials have yielded promising results, with ongoing assessments to ensure safety and scalability. To better understand visitor motivations, Dhofar Municipality launched a social media campaign. The interactive initiative has generated widespread public engagement. According to Dr Al Ghassani, early responses highlight three recurring themes: nature, the people and the community. He explained that this initiative is part of a broader strategy led by the Office of the Governor of Dhofar, in line with the Royal Directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik — issued after visitor numbers exceeded one million during last year's khareef. The overarching goal is to improve service delivery by listening directly to visitor aspirations. Dr Al Ghassani emphasised Dhofar Municipality's renewed focus on local content and youth entrepreneurship. For khareef 2025, commercial and event spaces were allocated directly to Omani youth-led enterprises, bypassing traditional bidding processes to ensure local impact. 'We have successfully engaged Omani entrepreneurs at key locations,' he said. 'They offer high-quality local products spanning food, crafts and family entertainment. These young Omanis are building success stories that we hope will expand into national and international franchises.'
Observer
10-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
More projects to diversify tourism
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is implementing an ambitious plan in 2025 to diversify tourism sectors and enhance recreational offerings through a series of high-quality projects. These initiatives, coordinated with the governors' offices across Oman's various governorates, fall under the broader framework of the comprehensive tourism development plan. They aim to strengthen tourism infrastructure and expand the range of experiences available to visitors. The ministry highlighted some of the most prominent projects, including the Recreational Slides Project, Al Ashkhara Gateway Project, Recreational Fishing Project, Mountain Slopes Project, Aromatic Tourism Experiences Project, Falaj Experience Activation Project, Adventure Tourism Initiatives and the Great Oman Journey Experience Project. Fakhriya al Ghassani, Director of the Product and Tourism Experiences Development Department at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, stated that these projects align with the objectives outlined in the comprehensive tourism development plan. They seek to enhance the quality of tourism offerings, boost competitiveness and provide unique opportunities and experiences across various destinations, she explained. She added that these efforts support increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP, attract local and foreign investments to Oman and offer exceptional experiences for domestic, regional and international tourists while appealing to diverse demographic groups. 'Omani Cuisine and Culinary Arts Tourism" programme includes multiple initiatives such as documenting Omani cuisine and developing dedicated culinary tourism routes. These routes feature visits to traditional kitchens and restaurants serving authentic recipes, elevating Omani gastronomy as a key element of the tourism experience. She affirmed that the ministry continues to promote cultural tourism as a cornerstone for diversifying the tourism product and reinforcing national identity. The ministry launched the 'Omani Cuisine and Culinary Arts Tourism" programme, which includes multiple initiatives such as documenting Omani cuisine and developing dedicated culinary tourism routes. These routes feature visits to traditional kitchens and restaurants serving authentic recipes, elevating Omani gastronomy as a key element of the tourism experience. Al Ghassani lauded the pivotal role of Omani museums in showcasing history, culture and living heritage. The ministry, she said, is enhancing museum content through interactive digital displays, allowing visitors to engage deeply with Oman's rich civilisation. Museums serve as both educational and tourism institutions, blending physical exhibits with modern technology to present historical narratives in an engaging manner. She noted that statistics indicate significant growth in heritage site visitors. For instance, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate — home to landmarks such as Nizwa Fort and Jibreen Castle — welcomed over 415,000 visitors in 2024, marking a 32% increase compared to the previous year. This surge, she explained, is attributed to the development of heritage neighbourhoods, improved services and diversified tourism experiences. — ONA
Observer
10-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Plan devised for diverse projects in recreational tourism sectors
Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is implementing an ambitious plan in 2025 to diversify tourism sectors and enhance recreational offerings through a series of high-quality projects. These initiatives, coordinated with the governors' offices across Oman's various governorates, fall under the broader framework of the comprehensive tourism development plan. They aim to strengthen tourism infrastructure and expand the range of experiences available to visitors. The ministry highlighted some of the most prominent projects, including the Recreational Slides Project, Al Ashkhara Gateway Project, Recreational Fishing Project, Mountain Slopes Project, Aromatic Tourism Experiences Project, Falaj Experience Activation Project, Adventure Tourism Initiatives and the Great Oman Journey Experience Project. Fakhriya Khamis Al Ghassani, Director of the Product and Tourism Experiences Development Department at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, stated that these projects align with the objectives outlined in the comprehensive tourism development plan. They seek to enhance the quality of tourism offerings, boost competitiveness, and provide unique opportunities and experiences across various destinations, she explained. She added that these efforts support increasing the contribution of non-oil sectors to the GDP, attract local and foreign investments to Oman, and offer exceptional experiences for domestic, regional, and international tourists while appealing to diverse demographic groups. She affirmed that the ministry continues to promote cultural tourism as a cornerstone for diversifying the tourism product and reinforcing national identity. The ministry launched the 'Omani Cuisine and Culinary Arts Tourism" program, which includes multiple initiatives such as documenting Omani cuisine and developing dedicated culinary tourism routes. These routes feature visits to traditional kitchens and restaurants serving authentic recipes, elevating Omani gastronomy as a key element of the tourism experience. Al Ghassani lauded the pivotal role of Omani museums in showcasing history, culture, and living heritage. The ministry, she said, is enhancing museum content through interactive digital displays, allowing visitors to engage deeply with Oman's rich civilization. Museums serve as both educational and tourism institutions, blending physical exhibits with modern technology to present historical narratives in an engaging manner. She noted that statistics indicate significant growth in heritage site visitors. For instance, A'Dakhiliyah Governorate—home to landmarks such as Nizwa Fort and Jabrin Castle—welcomed over 415,000 visitors in 2024, marking a 32% increase compared to the previous year. This surge, she explained, is attributed to the development of heritage neighborhoods, improved services, and diversified tourism experiences.
Observer
04-05-2025
- General
- Observer
CEO TALK: From hands-on work to high office
MUSCAT, MAY 4 In the southern city of Salalah, long before titles and accolades, a young boy sat behind the counter of his father's shop, textbooks open, mind focused, and hands occasionally fixing bicycles. That boy — now Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality — would rise to become one of Oman's most respected public servants. His journey, grounded in discipline and shaped by learning, is more than a success story — it is a case study in leadership, perseverance, and national vision. From an early age, Dr Al Ghassani learned the realities of responsibility. By the fourth grade, he was working after school in his family's shop — a small but formative environment. There, he developed the habits that would stay with him for life: structure, reliability, and respect for effort. By the sixth grade, he was assembling bicycles, not as a pastime but out of necessity. His evenings were devoted to studies at the shop, often until 9 pm, forming a routine of resilience that quietly defined his future. His secondary education years were a masterclass in commitment. His day began with regular school and continued with intensive sessions at the British Council and the French Institute. After dusk, he attended Quran memorisation classes until 10 pm. This intense schedule led many around him to assume he would eventually collapse from exhaustion — but instead, he rose. In his final year, he made the strategic decision to pause language studies and focus entirely on the General Secondary Certificate, securing a place on the prestigious Sultan Qaboos Scholarship Programme to study civil engineering abroad. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Sultan Qaboos University in 1993. However, academic achievement was never his endpoint — it was his platform. In 1998, he left for the UK to pursue advanced studies. He obtained a Master's degree in Structural Engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 1999. Determined to deepen his expertise, he continued to Loughborough University, earning a PhD in Construction Management in 2003. His doctoral research focused on the integration of knowledge management into structural design processes — a pioneering approach for its time. Returning to Oman, Dr Al Ghassani chose not to enter administrative roles immediately. He instead resumed teaching in the department he helped establish at Salalah Technical College. His belief in the power of education led him to stay close to students, listen to their challenges, and shape an academic culture rooted in openness and inclusion. Over time, he would serve in various senior academic positions, including Dean of the Higher College of Technology, and later at the College of Banking and Financial Studies, where he aligned academic offerings with real-world market needs, championed student innovation, and ensured graduates were job-ready. In 2018, Dr Al Ghassani was appointed CEO of the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprise Development (Riyada). It was a pivotal period — Oman was seeking new engines for economic diversification, and youth entrepreneurship was a central pillar. At Riyada, he led with clarity and decisiveness: reworking the institutional structure, introducing targeted funding and support mechanisms, and fostering a startup ecosystem driven by Omani talent. His leadership reasserted a simple truth: a single idea, when nurtured, can evolve into a national asset. In October 2019, Dr Al Ghassani was appointed Chairman of Dhofar Municipality. The transition from academic reformer to urban executive was significant, yet seamless. In Dhofar — a region of rich culture and growing infrastructure needs — he faced the challenge of balancing development with preservation. He led projects that included the revitalisation of traditional markets, the redevelopment of coastal promenades, modern flood prevention infrastructure, and enhanced wastewater systems. His administration adopted a development model that was as strategic as it was sensitive — combining modern urban planning with cultural and environmental stewardship. His leadership came into national focus in 2024, when he achieved three major distinctions: • Best Leader in Government Digital Excellence — a title awarded in the inaugural edition of Oman's national digital performance awards. • Best Digital Transformation Team — won by Dhofar Municipality under his chairmanship, recognising the integration of digital tools in public service delivery. • 'Excellent' Rating in Institutional Performance Evaluation — the highest recognition in the national governance review for that year. Yet Dr Al-Ghassani is quick to redirect praise. 'These are not individual achievements,' he often says. 'They reflect teamwork, accountability, and a shared culture of results.' Across all his roles, four core values stand out in his leadership approach:1. A relentless commitment to lifelong learning — both personal and institutional. 2. Community engagement — ensuring planning is informed by those it serves. 3. Cultural realism — blending progress with respect for heritage. 4. Results-focused governance — where policies are measured not by announcements but by public impact. Perhaps most importantly, Dr Al Ghassani has never lost sight of the next generation. In speeches and interviews, he consistently addresses young Omanis with conviction: 'Opportunities do not come by accident. They are built through intention and hard work. Every young person must believe that the country is counting on them. The future begins the moment you choose to develop yourself.' His story — from the back room of a shop to the forefront of urban transformation — is not defined by luck or shortcuts. It is a testament to structure, vision, and commitment over time. In an era that often favours visibility over value, Dr Ahmed Al-Ghassani's life is a reminder that leadership is not found in noise, but in quiet, consistent service. For young Omanis, his path is both a mirror and a map: a reflection of what is possible — and a direction toward what can still be achieved.
Observer
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Khareef Dhofar from June 21 with diverse tourism, cultural experiences
DUBAI: The activities of Khareef Dhofar Season 2025 will begin on June 21 and continue until September 20, coinciding with the astronomical start of the khareef season, according to Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality. He revealed that Heritage Village will be transformed into a global village on similar lines such as Khan Al Khalili (Egypt), Souq Al Hamidiya (Syria) and Souq Waqif (Qatar). During a press conference on the sidelines of its participation at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, the Sultanate of Oman unveiled the activities and events of Khareef Dhofar Season 2025, featuring a variety of tourism and cultural experiences. Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, stated that this year's main and accompanying events will be distributed across both existing sites undergoing continuous development and new locations, offering visitors exceptional experiences. He explained that the "Return of the Past" activities in this edition will feature a new approach reflecting Omani authenticity and traditional life from across the Sultanate of Oman's governorates. These will include folk art performances, heritage markets and handicraft displays. He noted that last year's event achieved significant success and widespread acclaim from visitors and participants. He added that the event's site has undergone comprehensive upgrades to enhance its heritage character, blending the charm of the past with the spirit of the present. He affirmed that 'Ateen Square' will be a hub for major entertainment events and performances, building on the remarkable success of previous editions that attracted large audiences. The site will serve as a global events centre, featuring an integrated shopping area, an open-air theatre, a modern games zone, new light and laser shows and contemporary dining facilities — solidifying its position as a premier cultural and entertainment destination. Dr Al Ghassani pointed out that Awqad Park will be a family entertainment centre with activities tailored for children and parents, featuring a distinct theme this year. Meanwhile, 'Up Town' in Ateen Plain will debut with diverse events catering to all age groups. He noted that Salalah Public Park will host various sports activities throughout the khareef season, with broad participation from all age groups and people with disabilities. 'Al Murooj Theatre' will be dedicated to cultural events, featuring local, Gulf and Arab theatrical performances. The municipality is expanding events to include coastal wilayats affected by the khareef season, with diverse cultural, sports and commercial activities. Development projects — such as enhancing natural viewpoints, tourist sites, road paving and urban beautification — have been implemented in collaboration with government and private entities to improve visitor experiences and tourism infrastructure, he further added. On his turn, Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, affirmed the ministry's readiness to promote Khareef Dhofar Season 2025 through various programmes under a coordinated plan with relevant authorities. He added that several new tourism and hotel facilities will open this year in Dhofar, where 83 licensed hotels — offering 6,537 rooms — are already prepared to welcome visitors. The ministry has launched promotional campaigns for the season, starting with its participation at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, including a press conference to announce key events. Marketing efforts include media campaigns, social media promotions, direct outreach in Gulf and regional markets, digital ads, and familiarisation trips for travel agencies, media delegations and influencers, he pointed out. He explained that special tourism packages have been designed in collaboration with local and international travel companies to enhance visitor experiences and boost inbound tourism by connecting Omani tourism entities with global markets. Government and private entities prepare annually to receive tourists during the khareef season, providing necessary services and facilities. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, visitor numbers to Dhofar during the 2024 khareef season rose by 9%, reaching approximately 1.048 million tourists. - ONA
