Latest news with #MuscatMediaGroup
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Muscat Media Group Launches TOMI 2025 — Oman's Biggest Celebration of Marketing Excellence
Muscat: Muscat Media Group officially launched the 2025 edition of TOMI — the Oman Marketing Impact Awards — with a vibrant gathering of more than 80 leading professionals from the Sultanate's marketing, advertising, media and communications sectors. Held in Muscat, the launch event showcased the bold vision and high-energy format of the biggest celebration of marketing excellence in the Sultanate. Scheduled for 10 December 2025, TOMI 2025 promises a full-fledged festival of creativity, strategy, innovation and recognition. It brings together the entire marketing ecosystem — including agencies, clientside marketers, digital innovators, startups, media platforms, content creators, and production houses — in a powerful display of talent and impact. This year's event will offer a unique blend of experiential segments, from fun games and networking to keynote sessions and entertainment packed awards presentations. Speaking at the launch, Fadi Kattar, Chief Operating Officer of Muscat Media Group, shared key highlights of the upcoming event, which includes more than 35 award categories, international speakers, and a significantly expanded reach. 'TOMI is more than just an award show. It's a tribute to the minds and teams who turn ideas into impact and passion into purpose. It celebrates those who define, disrupt and elevate the marketing industry in Oman and beyond,' said Fadi. He further added, 'Among the most prestigious recognitions at TOMI are the TOMI Gold Awards, which will honour three outstanding individuals for their legacy, leadership and contributions to the marketing landscape. These include the Marketing Person of the Year, the Agency Person of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. These accolades are reserved for those who have made a lasting difference in the industry and inspired future generations through innovation, vision and consistency.' The 2025 edition will also see recognition of regional and global excellence, reflecting TOMI's commitment to celebrating creativity without borders. Submissions are now open, and nominations can be made through the official website. For any queries, contact [email protected] or call +968 9317 3774.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Climate
- Zawya
Temperatures soar to 48°C in Oman; health warnings issued
Muscat: Nizwa and Adam stations in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate has recorded the highest temperature in the Sultanate of Oman which 48 degrees Celsius. According to Oman Meteorology, Nizwa and Adam stations recorded a temperature rise of 48 degrees Celsius, followed by Al Qabil and Mahout stations, with temperatures reaching 47 degrees Celsius. Due to the high temperatures today, please avoid direct sunlight, especially during the afternoon, to prevent heat stroke. Heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and other symptoms associated with high temperatures are common, especially since many jobs and field activities require workers to be exposed to sunlight and high temperatures. To reduce and prevent heatstroke, it is recommended to: -Regulate and specify working hours so that there are breaks during peak temperatures. -Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the afternoon. -Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. -It is recommended to train workers and supervisors on how to handle heat strokes. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Forum charts bold future for Oman's young entrepreneurs
Muscat: In a powerful demonstration of national commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development, Muscat witnessed the successful launch of the inaugural edition of the 'Sout Al Shabiba – Tamkeen wa Ta'theer on Monday. Organised by Al Shabiba, a publication of Muscat Media Group, in collaboration with Gulf Leaders Circle, the forum brought together government leaders, business executives, academics, and civil society voices under one roof at the JW Marriott Hotel, Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre. Held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sayyid Faris bin Fatik Al Said, and attended by Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali, Chairman of Muscat Media Group, the one-day forum served as a dynamic platform to promote inclusive dialogue, advance the goals of Oman Vision 2040, and reaffirm the nation's dedication to empowering its youth and fostering the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 'I am honoured to attend this important forum,' said His Highness Sayyid Faris bin Fatik Al Said in his opening remarks. 'It is both timely and necessary for media groups like Muscat Media Group to play a leading role in driving national priorities forward, particularly through such economic forums and initiatives that support the country's development goals.' HH Sayyid Faris stressed that the forum aligns with the central pillars of Oman Vision 2040, which include economic diversification, governorate development, self-employment, and maximising the role of youth in nation-building. The forum opened with a compelling presentation by Dr. Ghalib bin Saif Al Hosni, Chief People Officer at Omantel and Chairman of the Oman Society for Human Resource Management (OSHRM). Dr. Al Hosni addressed the evolving needs of human capital and the essential leadership skills required in today's fast-changing landscape. He shared insights into Omantel's internal leadership programmes, highlighting that more than 60 percent of the programme's graduates now occupy managerial positions within the company. Engineer Amer Al Fadhel, Managing Partner at Competence HR, followed with a futuristic view on the world of work. He discussed how artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation are redefining the employment landscape, emphasising the need for critical skills such as digital literacy, analytical thinking, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving. 'Today, 33 percent of new employees lack basic soft skills,' he noted, stressing the need for flexibility and adaptability among the new generation entering the workforce. One of the highlights of the day was a vibrant panel discussion titled 'Cultivating Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Omani Youth,' moderated by Omani media professional Abdullah Nasser Al Saidi. The panel featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Eng. Abdulrahman Al Yahyaei, CEO of Integrated Gas Company; Eng. Said Al Shanfari, CEO of Oman Convention & Exhibition Center; Ali Ahmed Muqaibal, CEO of Sharakah; Dr. Suleiman Al Hasani, Deputy Dean for Academic and Resources at the Global College of Engineering and Technology; and Khalid Al Mahrouqi, Co-founder and CEO of QPay, a rising Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform launched earlier in 2025. Engineer Al Yahyaei made a strong case for entrepreneurship as the engine of job creation. 'If you want to build an economy, start with the entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship is responsible for the majority of jobs in many countries. In Mexico, for example, SMEs account for 95 percent of employment, and in Dubai alone, over 600,000 jobs are provided by small and medium enterprises.' Echoing the sentiment, Engineer Al Shanfari highlighted the commitment of Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre to SMEs. 'We work hand in hand with entrepreneurs, giving them real opportunities. Even the carpets in this venue are supplied by a local SME,' he said, pointing out the broader support such businesses receive from institutions like the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and its affiliated companies. Muqaibal emphasised the importance of originality and innovation in the SME sector, noting that while there are many ideas, the market still suffers from repetition and a lack of differentiation. 'Oman is doing well compared to many Gulf countries in supporting SMEs, but we must ensure liquidity and promote diversity,' he said. Dr. Al Hasani underscored the role of higher education in fostering entrepreneurial thinking. 'Entrepreneurship may not be a standalone subject, but it is embedded across all higher education programmes in Oman, as directed by the Ministry of Higher Education. Still, fear of failure remains a major barrier for many young people,' he added. For Al Mahrouqi, financial technology is a gateway to empowerment. 'Fintech is not new. Even traditional banks are embracing it now,' he said. 'At QPay, you can open an account or apply for a loan in under three minutes. We're here to remove the barriers that have traditionally slowed innovation.' The forum also included a detailed presentation by Qasim bin Mohammed Al Zadjali, Assistant Officer Customer Relationship Management at the Oman Development Bank, who outlined the institution's expanded mandate following Royal Decree No. 84/2023. With the bank now able to provide financing of up to OMR5 million, Al Zadjali emphasised its commitment to supporting small, medium, and even micro-enterprises. 'We offer interest-free loans up to OMR15,000 for self-employed micro-projects — provided the applicant is fully committed to the venture,' he explained. The second panel of the forum focused on 'Policy, Collaboration, and Sustainability for Youth Empowerment,' and was moderated by journalist Khalfan bin Said Al Amri. The session brought together key voices including Hassan Haider Mohammed Jawad Al-Lawati, Chairman of the Oman Association for Persons with Disabilities; Ghassan Fadhal, Director, Tashgheel; lawyer Omran Aljabri, CEO Deputy, Ahmed Al-Muqbali Advocate and Legal Consultants; and Rumaitha Al Busaidi, Vice President, Environment Society of Oman (ESO). Al-Lawati shared a personal and heartfelt perspective on the challenges faced by people with disabilities, particularly stigma and societal bias. 'Our capabilities are no less. What we need is acceptance and opportunity,' he said. Fadhel called for a more integrated framework to support freelance work and entrepreneurship. He also praised the 1.2% initiative, which allocates a portion of government procurement spending toward on-the-job training and employment-linked learning programmes. Aljabri addressed the legal challenges that often intimidate young entrepreneurs. 'It's not funding that stops many youth — it's the fear of legal complications and of failure itself. We need to help them overcome this psychological hurdle,' he said. Rumaitha brought the conversation full circle by emphasising environmental sustainability as a key part of youth development. 'Young Omanis are scientifically and practically ready. What they need is ownership — give them space, let them lead. We've seen great success through our projects, competitions, and environmental initiatives.' Sout Al Shabiba, in its first edition, has already positioned itself as a landmark platform for national dialogue, bringing together decision-makers, youth leaders, and innovators to explore actionable solutions for building a more inclusive and entrepreneurial Oman. In line with the objectives of Vision 2040, the forum champions youth as vital stakeholders in shaping the nation's future — and provides them with the tools, networks, and confidence to lead it. The event was supported by Development Bank, Changan, Turkish Airlines, Global College of Engineering and Technology, and Ahmed Al-Muqbali Advocate and Legal Consultants.
Zawya
09-06-2025
- Zawya
Oman: Tourist sites in South Al Batinah witness surge in visitors
Muscat: A number of tourist sites in the wilayats of South Al Batinah Governorate have witnessed increased activity over the past two days. Ain Al Kasfa in the Wilayat of Rustaq has seen a large influx of visitors drawn by its natural hot springs. The spring remains a popular tourist destination, especially following recent developments. Restaurants and cafes near the spring have also experienced a rise in footfall. Tourism has also been active in Nakhal, covering various tourist, archaeological, and historical sites such as Nakhal Fort and Ain Al Thawara. The Jabal Al Luban Trail has recorded a significant increase in visitors due to its unique terrain and rich ecological diversity. Located along the road to Ain Al Thawara, one of the area's key tourist attractions, the trail introduces visitors to the local flora and provides an opportunity for hiking. In the Wilayat of Wadi Al Ma'awil, the Hajarat Al Sheikh Walkway in the town of Afi has attracted a vibrant flow of tourists from within and outside the region. The project promotes tourism by connecting three significant heritage sites: Hajarat Al Sheikh Neighborhood, Al Safalah Castle, and Bait Al Ghasham Museum. The walkway allows visitors to explore these cultural landmarks, rich in Omani history, and passes by Falaj Al Washah amid green oases and palm groves, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and traditional heritage. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
31-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman CX Forum & Awards 2025: Highlights Oman's Commitment to Customer Experience Excellence
Oman's growing focus on customer-centric business practices came into focus at the Oman CX Forum & Awards 2025, held on May 28 at the St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort. The prestigious event, presented by Infoline and organised by Muscat Media Group — publishers of Times of Oman and Shabiba — in collaboration with Gulf Leaders Circle, brought together more than 250 business leaders, C-level executives and customer experience (CX) professionals from across Oman and beyond. His Highness Mohammed Bin Salim Al Said graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his welcome address, Fadi Kattar, COO of Muscat Media Group, emphasised the uniqueness of the event, stating, 'The Oman CX Forum 2025 — the first of its kind in Oman — has brought together CX experts from Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, India and the USA to share insights, spark innovation and elevate standards, and explore how digital transformation, service design and empathy can unlock more inclusive and impactful experiences for everyone we serve.' Backed by key partners such as Tadoom (Strategic Partner), Bahwan Cybertek (Digital Transformation Partner), and Jindal Steel Sohar (Support Partner), the forum explored how businesses in Oman can transform and enhance their CX strategies in an increasingly digital and competitive landscape. The event featured participation from over 80 companies across diverse sectors including banking, insurance, retail, telecom, automotive, utilities, FMCG, consumer electronics, food & beverages, tourism, manufacturing and real estate, etc. The Forum offered deep insights through a series of powerful presentations by CX thought leaders. Muadh Al Omairi, Vice President – Commercial at Infoline, spoke on the topic: 'The New Currency of Business'. Dr. Hazem El Nadi, Senior Vice President - Business Development – MENA at COPC, delivered a compelling session on 'The Silent Advantage: How Proactive CX Service Journeys Beat Reactive Support.' This theme was echoed by Dr. Emmanuel Manyonganise, Head of Customer Experience & Digital Transformation at Bank Albilad, who spoke on the topic: 'The Evolution of CX towards Hyper-Personalisation and the Use of AI in CX'. Navin Prasad Durgaprasad, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Experience at Bahwan CyberTek, delivered an insightful session titled 'Spirit of the Moment – A CX Meets AI Story'. Alex Rodriguez, Creative Director & Head of AI Creative Content at Saatchi & Saatchi, UAE, explored the future of brand engagement in his talk on 'The Future of Creative Content: How AI is Redefining Brand-Customer Relationships.' Other notable speakers included Tanmay Sahoo, President & IMEA Area Leader at Novulis, who discussed 'Future-Proofing CX with AI-Enabled Business Apps,' and Nour Taher, Co-Founder & CEO of Intella, who addressed the blending of emotional intelligence and automation in her presentation on 'Humanizing Automation.' A panel discussion on the topic 'Beyond Expectations: Designing CX Strategies for a Digital-First World' brought together key industry experts including Muadh Al Omairi, Infoline; Vanessa Humphrey, VP Strategy & Partnerships, Tadoom; Hawra Fida, Head of Customer Experience, Al Mouj Muscat; Dr. Hazem El Nadi, COPC; Ammar Askari, Head of Customer Experience, Bank Dhofar; and Eng. Asim Al Zadjali, Business Consultant. The moderation was done by Ahmed Khalifa, Head of Customer Experience, Oman Data Park. The event culminated in the Oman CX Awards 2025, which honoured top brands in over 25 categories based on nationwide consumer voting. Winners received the Times of Oman Best Brand in Customer Experience Award. In addition, nine exceptional organisations and professionals were felicitated for their role in advancing CX innovation in the Sultanate. The Oman CX Forum & Awards 2025 marked a significant step in the nation's journey towards a more service-focused, experience-driven business environment, setting the tone for future advancements in customer experience excellence.
