Latest news with #TheShapeofThingstoCome
Observer
21-06-2025
- Observer
CNN host marks milestone amidst Oman's wonders
Veteran CNN journalist Richard Quest recently marked a significant personal and professional milestone with his visit to Oman — his 100th country visited. Known worldwide for his distinctive voice and as the host of Quest Means Business and Quest's World of Wonder, Richard described the visit as 'a very special trip,' made even more unforgettable by the dramatic landscapes of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar. Richard Quest visits the famous Friday Nizwa goat auction market. - Pictures courtesy: CNN In an exclusive email interview, Richard shared, 'Oman was a fitting choice for number 100. Perched atop the cliffs of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, I couldn't think of a more beautiful place to celebrate joining the century club.' Richard's visit to Muscat was primarily to moderate the keynote session titled 'The Shape of Things to Come' at the inaugural Advantage Oman Forum. The forum brought together key global and regional leaders to discuss investment, sustainability, artificial intelligence and future economic trends. Reflecting on the event, Richard said, 'It was fascinating because there was a refreshing honesty in the discussions. People spoke freely and the dialogue around Oman's positioning on the global stage was encouraging.' During his brief but action-packed itinerary, Richard ventured deep into Majlis Al Jinn, one of the world's largest cave chambers. 'It was surreal, otherworldly,' he recalled. 'Just realising you're going inside Mother Earth like that — vast, deep and dramatic. Looking down and seeing my cameraman as a mere speck was unbelievable. That, for me, was a true highlight.' Richard Quest, Majlis al Jinn Richard also indulged in Oman's rich culinary traditions, developing a newfound love for lamb and particularly praising Shuwa, the slow-cooked spiced lamb dish traditionally prepared underground. 'It was tremendous. The hotel explained the whole process and the result was simply delicious,' he said. 'I loved the blend of Levant, Middle Eastern and international flavours in Omani cuisine.' Praising the warmth of Omani hospitality, Richard noted, 'It's the watchword here — from the airline to the hotels. There's an effort to position Oman as a unique, classy destination. I think that recognition is significant.' He also lauded Oman Air and the ongoing developments at Muscat International Airport, commending CEO Con Korfiatis for driving remarkable changes. 'There's potential here — not just as a tourism destination, but also geopolitically,' Richard added, 'especially given Oman's long history of internationalism.' Richard took home more than just memories. 'Yes, I bought my traditional souvenir spoon,' he chuckled, 'but it's the experiences — like seeing rose water distillation or sailing on a dhow — that will stay with me. Richard Quest, Majlis al Jinn Oman's versatility is astounding.' Muscat now takes centre stage in the next episode of Quest's World of Wonder, which will air on CNN International in August. The episode showcases the capital's dramatic coastlines, vibrant traditional souks and rich maritime heritage. 'Oman has long been a gateway between East and West,' Richard reflected 'and this trip reminded me why.' Looking forward, Richard shared that Angola will be his 101st country. 'I'm running out of countries — but not really,' he laughed. 'There's still about 95 more to go, but they do get harder as you go down the list. Oman, though, was a proud choice for number 100.' Mutrah Souq shot from CNN
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman sets stage for world's next investment conversation
As the sun rises over the Sea of Oman, leaders from across the globe are gathering under the lofty ceilings of the St. Regis Muscat for something more than a business forum. Today, the Sultanate of Oman begins an ambitious new chapter—not just as a host of capital, but as a curator of the world's next big investment conversation. The Advantage Oman Forum opens this morning with a promise: to rewire how we think about investment in an era of broken paradigms. And unlike the hundreds of forums that quietly fade into corporate memory, this one starts with a pulse. A purpose. A provocation. It's not just about money. It's about mindset. OMAN IS NOT PITCHING. IT'S POSITIONING For years, investment forums in emerging markets have followed a predictable playbook: project showcases, investor brochures, keynote promises. But Oman, ever the measured voice in a loud region, is doing something different. It is not shouting its arrival—it is shaping the conversation. Today's agenda is built on megatrends, not market clichés. Artificial intelligence, climate resilience, the evolution of global supply chains, the rise of storytelling as corporate currency—these are not abstract ideas. They are existential questions for companies and countries alike. From the first session—'The Shape of Things to Come'—Oman places itself at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and strategic foresight. Not as an observer, but as a co-architect of the future economy. WHY THIS FORUM, WHY NOW? Timing is not incidental. As capital shifts away from high-risk volatility and toward strategic reliability, Oman offers rare attributes: geopolitical stability, rule of law, fiscal discipline, and a long-term vision under Oman Vision 2040. The forum arrives amid quiet but radical transformation: new laws enabling 100 per cent foreign ownership, green hydrogen projects under development, a stock exchange restructuring, and global partnerships that go far beyond oil. This is Oman's moment not because it shouts louder—but because the world is ready to listen to a place that thinks deeper. Few would expect a Gulf investment forum to include sessions on vulnerability in leadership or storytelling as a trust-building tool. Fewer still would build an entire day around the psychology of risk. Yet here in Muscat, thought leadership isn't just performative—it's policy-informing. Whether it's Richard Quest leading dialogue on global volatility or CEOs mapping new ESG frontiers, the forum isn't content with panel platitudes. It is built to move the needle—on ideas, deals, and diplomacy. While international guests may marvel at the mountains of Al Jabal Al Akhdar or the cultural heritage of Nizwa, the real Oman transformation is happening in boardrooms and ministries. It's in the way the Ministry of Commerce now talks about AI. In how OPAZ speaks of 'investment ecosystems' instead of 'zones.' In the way the Oman Investment Authority speaks less about scale—and more about impact. This is not branding. It's a reset. SOFT POWER MASTERCLASS CNN is here, not merely to broadcast Oman's story—but to participate in writing it. With anchors like Becky Anderson and Eleni Giokos moderating, this isn't media coverage—it's media convergence. Oman is placing its narrative on the global stage through one of the world's most trusted channels, ensuring that the forum is not only seen—but understood. As a journalist, I've covered dozens of such events. But rarely have I sensed a country using an event not to catch up to the future—but to help define it. This morning, Muscat becomes more than a capital—it becomes a canvas. For ideas, for policies, for partnerships. As Oman bridges its natural elegance with economic intelligence, the Advantage Oman Forum is not a one-off. It is a declaration. And as the doors open today, the message to every investor, policymaker, and visionary is clear: You're not just entering a forum. You're entering the future—from Oman. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
26-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman sets stage for world's next investment conversation
As the sun rises over the Sea of Oman, leaders from across the globe are gathering under the lofty ceilings of the St. Regis Muscat for something more than a business forum. Today, the Sultanate of Oman begins an ambitious new chapter—not just as a host of capital, but as a curator of the world's next big investment conversation. The Advantage Oman Forum opens this morning with a promise: to rewire how we think about investment in an era of broken paradigms. And unlike the hundreds of forums that quietly fade into corporate memory, this one starts with a pulse. A purpose. A provocation. It's not just about money. It's about mindset. OMAN IS NOT PITCHING. IT'S POSITIONING For years, investment forums in emerging markets have followed a predictable playbook: project showcases, investor brochures, keynote promises. But Oman, ever the measured voice in a loud region, is doing something different. It is not shouting its arrival—it is shaping the conversation. Today's agenda is built on megatrends, not market clichés. Artificial intelligence, climate resilience, the evolution of global supply chains, the rise of storytelling as corporate currency—these are not abstract ideas. They are existential questions for companies and countries alike. From the first session—'The Shape of Things to Come'—Oman places itself at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and strategic foresight. Not as an observer, but as a co-architect of the future economy. WHY THIS FORUM, WHY NOW? Timing is not incidental. As capital shifts away from high-risk volatility and toward strategic reliability, Oman offers rare attributes: geopolitical stability, rule of law, fiscal discipline, and a long-term vision under Oman Vision 2040. The forum arrives amid quiet but radical transformation: new laws enabling 100 per cent foreign ownership, green hydrogen projects under development, a stock exchange restructuring, and global partnerships that go far beyond oil. This is Oman's moment not because it shouts louder—but because the world is ready to listen to a place that thinks deeper. Few would expect a Gulf investment forum to include sessions on vulnerability in leadership or storytelling as a trust-building tool. Fewer still would build an entire day around the psychology of risk. Yet here in Muscat, thought leadership isn't just performative—it's policy-informing. Whether it's Richard Quest leading dialogue on global volatility or CEOs mapping new ESG frontiers, the forum isn't content with panel platitudes. It is built to move the needle—on ideas, deals, and diplomacy. While international guests may marvel at the mountains of Al Jabal Al Akhdar or the cultural heritage of Nizwa, the real Oman transformation is happening in boardrooms and ministries. It's in the way the Ministry of Commerce now talks about AI. In how OPAZ speaks of 'investment ecosystems' instead of 'zones.' In the way the Oman Investment Authority speaks less about scale—and more about impact. This is not branding. It's a reset. SOFT POWER MASTERCLASS CNN is here, not merely to broadcast Oman's story—but to participate in writing it. With anchors like Becky Anderson and Eleni Giokos moderating, this isn't media coverage—it's media convergence. Oman is placing its narrative on the global stage through one of the world's most trusted channels, ensuring that the forum is not only seen—but understood. As a journalist, I've covered dozens of such events. But rarely have I sensed a country using an event not to catch up to the future—but to help define it. This morning, Muscat becomes more than a capital—it becomes a canvas. For ideas, for policies, for partnerships. As Oman bridges its natural elegance with economic intelligence, the Advantage Oman Forum is not a one-off. It is a declaration. And as the doors open today, the message to every investor, policymaker, and visionary is clear: You're not just entering a forum. You're entering the future—from Oman.
