KLM Airlines introduce 5 ‘day-light’ flights from Dubai to Amsterdam from October 30, 2005. These five flights will be operated in addition to the current daily night flights with total 12 weekly connections to Amsterdam from Dubai. KLM will provide a Free Hotel at the Dubai Terminal Hotel for the overnight stay on the outbound sector. For details call 24566737
(OA/RE/7-08)

Passengers can enjoy added benefits with the Arabian Air Pass with Six Arab Member Airlines. The Member Airlines are Egypt Air, Kuwait Airways Corporation, Middle East Air, Oman Air, Royal Jordan and Yemen Air. The airlines aim to co-operate to improve mutual tourism, to encourage the Arabian traveler to fly on board these airlines and promotional prices. The Arab travellers can also benefit through the network of the international routes of these six airlines. The Arabian Air Pass is available for minimum of four coupons or sectors without any restrictions on the maximum number of coupons or sectors. The fares for the Arabian Air Pass is based on the mileage travelled from one city to another. The Arabian Air Pass fares start from RO31 in economy class and RO43 in Business Class and the ticket is valid for six months. For more information call Oman Air on 24750812, 24707222, visit us at www.oman-air.com
(OA/RE/26-07)

GULF Air offers two non-stop flights a week from Muscat - Kuala Lumpur. The flights on Wednesday will depart from Muscat at 2.05am, arriving at 1pm in Kuala Lumpur. The return flights are on the same day, starting 5.30pm and arriving in Muscat at 8pm; on Thursdays, the flight will depart from Muscat at 11.35am and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 10.30pm. The return flights start from Kuala Lumpur at 12.01am and arrive here at 2.30am. For more information call Toll Free no 800 774724, Muscat at 24763535, visit www.gulfairco.com 
(OA/RE/26-07)

Nizwa University has started Summer courses from July 2 to 27 and July 30 to 24 August for students of government and private sector employees. The courses include English language for beginners, mainly schoolchildren attending class 10 and above. There is also a course on advanced English for employees and General Secondary Certificate holders. Other courses include Holy Quran recitation and computer applications — formating, Microsoft and Office, Word Processing and use of Internet among other things.
(OA/RE/26-07)

Set up in 1986 near Sidab, Muscat Aquarium showcases rich and unique marine life from Omani waters. The aquarium has 12 tanks, 10 big ones and 2 small others, fitted with filtering and temperature-control devices for natural habitat. In addition to fish tanks, a special section is dedicated to seashells and shellfish as well as some stuffed rare fish species. Illustrated guides as well as information booklets are provided to the visitors. The aquarium has recently been renovated and is open to the public during our working hours. With a coastline stretching nearly 3,165 kilometres, Oman has more than 150 species of fish and crustaceans ranging from sardines to tuna. Marine Science and Fisheries Centre based in the same building as aquarium is studying marine species with particular emphasis on the conservation of ecosystems and endangered species, including turtles in co-operation with Sultan Qaboos University. It is located at Ministry of Fisheries, Near Marina Bandar Al Rowda, Sidab. The timings are Saturday - Wednesday from 8am -2.30pm, Thursday 8am – 1pm & Friday 3 - 7pm, there is no entrance fee. For more information call Ali Jafari 24736449
(OA/RE/26-07)

Oman Air, the national carrier of Oman and www.tejari.com, the Middle East’s online marketplace have joined hands to increase Oman Air’s efficiency in procurement operations and reduce its trading costs. Oman Air will utilise Tejari Strategic Procurement Services and will also benefit from Tejari’s state-of-the-art B2B marketplace. Tejari’s fast, intuitive consulting service is set to enhance the latest opportunities for agreements and acquisitions, and providing an insightful, long-term overview of future growth.
(OA/RE/26-07)

Thailand-based Six Senses Resorts & Spas will develop ‘Evason Hideaway and Six Senses Spa’, a boutique style resort at Zighi Bay on a seafront located north of Dibba harbour in Musandam. Total investment by Al Marsa Travel & Tourism, a leading dhow and dive specialist company is estimated at $27 million. Scheduled for completion by end-2006, the resort will offer a choice of dining alternatives — from a hilltop restaurant serving international cuisine to a central coffee shop with regional specialities. Wellness Spa operated by award-winning Six Senses Spas will offer eight treatment rooms rejuvenation. With the property surrounded by mountain outcrops, guests can choose three arrival experiences: a scenic 10-minute drive by speed boat; a road trip from the top of the hill overlooking the bay or glide in a companion passenger with the Hideaway’s professional paraglider. The Spa will be operated by Bangkok-based Six Senses, a Resort and Spa Management and Development Company established in 1995. This Spa will be the third major hotel property in Musandam after Golden Tulip Hotels, Inns & Resorts at Dibba and Khasab.
(OA/RE/26-07)

The Ministry of Heritage and Culture plans to upgrade main museum in Salalah city as well as renovate old traditional houses and mosques in Salalah, Mirbat and Taqah. The initiative is part of an ongoing drive to preserve the rich architectural heritage of the Dhofar. The museum has a wide collection of exhibits showcasing the architectural, archaeological, geological, historical and cultural heritage of the Dhofar region. An adjoining theatre to Salalah museum will also be refurbished with new seating galleries, state-of-the-art light and acoustics systems and a VIP box. Dhofari traditional houses were typically built with stones, mud, wood and limestone. The wood either came from trees high up in Dhofar’s mountains or from coconut palms. Ornamented and carved doors and windows adorn many of these traditional homes.
(OA/RE/26-07)

ONTC offers daily luxury coach service to Salalah at 6am, 1pm, 5pm and 7pm from Muscat and 6.30am, 11am, 5pm and 7pm from Salalah. For more information call Ghala at 24492948 & Ruwi at 24701294
(OA/RE/18-07)

OMAN AIR Summer schedule from July to include 25 flights a week from Muscat to Salalah during Khareef in addition to three flights from Dubai. The Airlines has also increased its frequency on all Indian sectors with daily flights to Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi in addition to 10 flights a week to Mumbai, three flights a week to Hyderabad and four flights a week to New Delhi. Also a daily non-stop flight will operate to Doha, six weekly flights to Bahrain, four weekly flights to Kuwait in addition to 41 flights a week to Dubai and four flights a week to Beirut via Dubai. Flights to the African continent have been increased to five weekly flights to Cairo, Zanzibar and Dar-es-Salam. For more information call 24750812, 24707222, visit us at www.oman-air.com
(OA/RE/14-07)

QATAR Airways to start 7 flights a week to New Delhi from 14th July, 2005! The airline is also upgrading it Doha-Singapore route with a daily non-stop service operated by A330-200 aircraft from 15th July. For more information call in Muscat at 24787770 or call your local travel agent! To Join the Privilege Club visit www.qatarairways.com
(OA/RE/6-07)

SMS & Win Chrysler Crossfire, Apple iPod Shuffle, Playstation 2 & Satin Silver, Hayyak Recharge cards & Ringtones with Pepsi! Purchase Pepsi and SMS the numbers shown under the closures to 95207227. SMS is charged 75 baisa. For more information call Toll free no 95207227. Promotion until 20th August 2005 or until stocks last.
(OA/RE/28-06)

Khareef Fesival in Salalah 2005 will celebrate the ‘Frankincense and Family Gathering’ theme from July 15 - September 21, 2005. The inaugural ceremony will be presided over by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Harthy, Minister of Transport and Telecommunications. The festival will include traditional performance and folk dances representing heritage, arts and history of GCC Countries including Oman. Information centres to assist tourists during the Khareef season are being opened in Salalah this year. These centres are located at Haridh (the gateway to Salalah by road), Salalah Airport and at Al Hussn traditional souq. A similar centre will be opened at the Municipality Tourism Centre to assist visitors during Khareef Festival period on July 15. These centres will provide assistance to the tourists through booklets, pamphlets, maps and useful tourism information such as names of hotels, furnished apartments, souqs and restaurants plus main tourism attractions such as mountains, springs, beaches, tourism sites in Salalah and other wilayats of Dhofar. A special ceremony will be held to mark the Renaissance day on 23rd July.
(OA/RE/5-07)

Kalabhavan Institute from Kerala to open in Muscat on July 6, 2005 in Al Ghoubra. The Institute will initially conduct classes in mimicry, painting, light and classical vocal music & musical instruments. The registration will begin on July 6. Cochin Kalabhavan Institute was founded 35 years ago and has produced several talented artistes. The Institute will follow the Trinity College of London syllabus for musical instrument classes. For more information contact Ali Al Amri, Director, Kalabhavan Muscat on 24492287
(OA/RE/4-07)

British Council Oman has introduced e-service ‘Talking English’ for keeping the ELT professionals updated with the latest developments in English language teaching. The 1st-edition of e-newsletter provides links to interesting websites that assist teachers in making lessons more interactive and interesting to students. For subscribing e-news for Free write to www.britishcouncil.org/oman or contact email azza.busheha@britishcouncil.org 
(OA/RE/4-07)

Salalah Airport to handle increasing tourist traffic during the Khareef Festival with Saudi Airlines operating 3 flights per week from Riyadh to Salalah on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from July 15. Gulf Air will operate two flights a week from Abu Dhabi to Salalah on Sundays and Wednesdays from June 22, Oman Air will operate three flights from Dubai to Salalah per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. This is in addition to its daily domestic flights between Muscat and Salalah.
(OA/RE/22-06)

A scientific centre and a museum at Ras Al Jinz in Ras Al Hadd, Wilayat of Sur to be set up as a part of tourism resort in the Sharqiyah region by the end of 2006 at the cost of RO1 million by the Ministry of Tourism and Oman LNG company. The scientific centre will be built on 12,000 square metres at the entrance of the turtle’s sanctuary of Ras Al Jinz. The Centre will help study the environment of turtles and other water creatures in the region, to supply comprehensive database, as a research and study centre. The museum will be set up in coordination with the Ministry of Heritage and Culture to display archaeology finds at Ras Al Jinz.
(OA/RE/22-06)

OMAN AIR has launched Arab Traveller Ticket in cooperation with Kuwaiti Airways, Egypt Air, Middle East Airlines, Yemen Airways and Royal Jordanian. The new scheme will allow efficient service to passengers travelling in the Middle East region to and from destinations served by Oman Air and these five airlines. For more information call 24750812, 24707222, visit us at www.oman-air.com
(OA/RE/20-06)

Special Summer Class at Little Gems Nursery in association with FasTracKids from 1st July – 25th August 2005. For more information call 2449864, 24495465, 99375702
(OA/RE/18-06)

Stay in traditional Omani style huts at TURTLE BEACH Resort, Ras Hadd Sur. Family rooms available for RO 14 with Special discount. Enjoy Sea tours from Ras Hadd to Khor Yrama for sea turtles and dolphin watching. Other Activities are snorkelling, scenic tours, bird watching, diving & dhow cruise. Tel: 25543400, Fax: 25543900, GSM 99056428, 99007709, email surtour@omantel.net.om , visit us at www.surtoursonline.com
(OA/RE/18-06)

The Ministry of Tourism will commission a passenger ferryboat designed and constructed by the Boats Manufacturing Company, Batinah to promote aqua tourism between Masirah Island and the mainland on the Wusta coast by November 2005. The 19-metre twin diesel engine fibreglass boat will accommodate up to 60 passengers. They can enjoy dolphins, whales, other coastal and marine wonders of Oman. The boat will be equipped with a coffee lounge in the lower deck, TV and interactive facilities for tourists. On the main deck, the bowsprit will be custom designed to allow children and adults to safely position themselves. The 15.5-ton craft with a service speed of 20 knots will be operated by a professional crew.
(OA/RE/13-06)

BRITISH Airways World Traveller offers Economy Class travel at RO 250 for Muscat – London, RO 420 for Muscat – New York & RO 460 for Muscat – Toronto! Its offers ‘Feed kids first’ policy, skyflyer packs for children with activities books & toys, electronic games or top trumps for older children, entertainment from Disney, Cartoon Network & the latest movies. Visit www.ba.com  or call 24568777
(OA/RE/9-06)

Shanfari Travel and Tourism offers Bangkok for RO 190 onwards, Chiang Mai for RO 195 onwards, Phuket for RO 199 onwards, Sri Lanka for RO 215 onwards, Singapore for RO 260 onwards, India + Thailand for RO 249 onwards & India + Malaysia for RO 261 onwards! Package includes Economy Class Return ticket with 3 night accommodation with daily breakfast, return airport, hotel transfers, half day city & taxes! Shatti Al Qurum 24601081/82, Fax 24601061, Ruwi 24700268, 24789812, Fax 24785371, Salalah 23297687, Fax 23294792, E-mail touroman@shanfari.com Visit www.shanfari.com
(OA/RE/8-06)

Omani, Bahraini and Qatari Citizens can now apply for a short stay visit visa to Australia using eVisa facility. Formerly only Kuwaiti & UAE citizens were able to avail this facility. Potential travellers can log on DIMIA website www.immi.gov.au and click on ‘eVisa online services’ to avail the facility. They can also later track the status of their application using the online visa enquiry facility available on the website.
(OA/RE/7-06)

AL SAWADI Beach Resort offer Summer Camp for kids offers squash, tennis, watersports, dance, music, cooking, kids’ fitness /gym, housekeeping, general administration & entertainment events. From 12th June – 12th August from Sat – Wed from 9 am – 1pm! Transport available from Ruwi taxi stand. For registration call 26795545, ext 199, 235, 182 or GSM 99764288, E-mail: sales@alsawadibeach.com, visit us at www.alsawadibeach.com 
(OA/RE/7-06)

The Muscat Municipality to develop seafront in Muttrah and beautify Airport Roundabout to Azaiba Roundabout ahead of the 35th National Day celebrations. The municipality also plans to place three million orchids in the city as part of the beautification drive. The Municipal Council also planning to shift the Friday Market (Jumaa Souq) to another place.
(OA/RE/7-06)

HORIZON offers membership for gymnasium, sauna, steam, Jacuzzi & swimming pool facilities as Summer Offer for 1 month for RO 28, 3 months for RO 45, 1 month membership with 8 Aerobic classes for RO 35! Branches at Qurum, Al Khuwair, 2 branches at Al Khoudh for ladies only & mixed. Call Mohammed for more information at 92207364
(OA/RE/2-06)

Construction of first nine holes of the 18 hole PGA approved grass golf course is ready at Muscat Golf and Country Club which is situated close to Seeb International Airport. The final nine holes will follow in close succession. The detailed shaping work on the course is expected to begin next month by international construction firm Laing O’Rourke who are overseeing the course preparation by contractors and consultants, Southern Golf. Cowi and Partners, the Omani arm of a Danish international company, the detail architects, structural and mechanical/electrical engineers for the project, are putting finishing touches to issue tenders for construction of villas, apartments, the clubhouse and other resort buildings. Endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Muscat Golf and Country Club includes a grass golf course, clubhouse and housing projects as well as the exclusive five star hotel, spa and shopping facilities. The project is expected to be completed by September 2006. For more information call Hamptons International on 24563557, www.muscatgolf.com 
(OA/RE/2-06)

DD Music & Arts Centre Summer Art & Creative Camp 2005! Activities include vocal music, all sorts of instruments and dance classical & cinematic, drawing, painting and excursions. Camp from 1st June – 15th July 2005. Transporation for Wadi Kabir area Free! For registration call 24817352
(OA/RE/31-05)

Omanis can now avail preventive and interventional medical care at Green Autumn Trading, Bavaria Medical Group in Germany in association with Qatar Airways. Green Autumn has a patient referral arrangement with Royal Hospital, Khoula Hospital and the Ministry of Health and private hospitals in Oman. The BMG clinics are publicly sponsored and organised on a non-profit basis. Patients’ records are sent at no extra cost to BMG clinics beforehand and the patients are sent after the clinic gives permission. The patients will have to pay for the air ticket and the cost of the treatment will have to be paid to the hospital in Germany. BMG participates in international exchange programmes for doctors to work at BMG clinics. It also provides scholarships to nurses and doctors who would like to work in BMG clinics. For more information contact BMG Representative Zahra Mustafa on 24499250
(OA/RE/27-05)

QATAR Airways has increasing frequency on Doha - Muscat route from 9 flights a week to 11 between Doha and Muscat to cope with the summer rush. The extra services, effective from June 17 will be operated by Airbus A320s in a two class configuration of 12 in First Class and 132 in Economy. For more information call 24787770 or call your local travel agent!
(OA/RE/27-05)

CENTRE Holidays offers Tops of Switzerland for RO 451, Amazing Thailand for RO 175, Australia from RO 373, Singapore & Kuala Lumpur for RO 339, Cosmos Coach tours from RO 338, Kerala Cochin for RO 188 only + get Free travel bag ! For more information call 24700363, extn 3, Fax 24795237, Madinat Qaboos 24601722, Mina Al Fahal 24564197, Ruwi 24708635, Sur 24441453, SQU 24413204, Govt 24708635 ext 2, Salalah 23294797, Email: centreholidays@ouaoman.com
(OA/RE/26-05)

AL HASHAR Tours presents Summer Holiday package for 4 days / 3 nights for Dubai RO 89 onwards, for Colombo RO 179 onwards, Bangkok RO 189 onwards, Delhi RO 196 onwards, Istanbul RO 199 onwards, Phuket RO 199 onwards, Cairo RO 201 onwards, Mumbai RO 203 onwards, Nairobi RO 244 onwards, Kuala Lumpur RO 250 onwards, Singapore RO 260 onwards, Zurich RO 299 onwards! Holiday Packages for 6 days / 5 nights to Goa RO 293 onwards, London RO 310 onwards, Paris RO 320 onwards, Rome RO 320 onwards, Madrid RO 320 onwards & Amsterdam RO 333 onwards! Package includes Economy class airfare, accommodation on twin sharing basis & daily buffet breakfast, city tour, return airport transfers and hotel taxes. For booking call Ruwi 24836100, Fax 24837100, Qurum 24560066, Fax 24567453, E-mail: nigel@ahtours.com 
(OA/RE/26-05)

CHOICE Holidays offers Sri Lanka for 6 days for RO 179, Kerala for 3 days for RO 199, Lebanon for 5 days for RO 209, Jordan for 5 days for RO 209, Far East via India for 4 days for RO 219, Cyprus for 5 days for RO 249, Turkey for 8 days for RO 259, UK for 5 days for RO 259, Far East for 21 days for RO 269, Switzerland for 5 days for RO 289, Euro Disney for 4 days for RO 319, Maldives for 6 days for RO 339, South Africa for 5 days for RO 339 & Australia for 7 days for RO 449! Special offer on Trafalgar’s Europe coach Tours & Costa Cruise packages. Package includes Economy class airfare, accommodation on twin sharing basis & daily buffet breakfast, other meals, sight seeing tour as per the itinerary. Packages valid until 31st August 2005. For booking call National Travel & Tourism, Wattayah 24566046, 24562568, 24571532, Fax 24566125, E-mail: nttoman@omantel.net.om, visit us at www.nttoman.com
(OA/RE/26-05)

INDIAN Airlines offer Special Add-on fares! Fly Muscat-Bangalore or Muscat-Chennai and get Special Add-on fares to Singapore / Bangkok RO 30 for Onward journey & RO 60 for Return Journey, Fly Muscat-Chennai and get Special Add-on fares to Colombo RO 10 for Onward journey & RO 20 for Return Journey! Passenger travelling to Hyderabad, Kochi & Kozhikode can also avail the offer via Chennai. Log on to www.indianairlinespackages.com  for more packages or visit www.indian-airlines.in  Tel: 24790771, 24791914, Fax 24781981, Email: ialmct@omantel.net.om
(OA/RE/26-05)

Oman Air will be launching two new routes to India — Delhi and Hyderabad from June 2, 2005. There will be four weekly flights to Delhi departing from Muscat at 11am and arriving in Delhi at 15.15 pm. The return flight will leave Delhi at 4.15pm and arrive in Muscat at 5.35pm. Hyderabad will be served three times a week with flights departing from Muscat after midnight and arriving early morning and returning from Hyderabad to Muscat in the morning. The Airlines will also increase its weekly services to Kochi from five flights to daily flights. This will bring the airline's services to India to 40 weekly flights, up from 30 weekly now, while the number of destinations served in India will increase from four to six. Flights between Muscat and Salalah will be increased from 17 to 21 weekly services. Oman Air will increase its weekly non-stop flights to Cairo from two a week to 6 per week under a code share with Gulf Air. Oman Air will also increase its frequencies to East Africa from four to five per week. Furthermore, all services to Doha (daily), Bahrain (6 weekly) and Kuwait (4 weekly) will operate on a non-stop basis. All Oman Air's services to Dubai will be now operated with jet aircraft. Later this year, Oman Air will introduce its own frequent-flier programme, e-ticketing and e-booking system through the Internet.
(OA/RE/25-05)

Polyglot Institute Summer School 2005 offers Computing & English Classes for young learners. Computing classes start on 11 June, 25 June & 16 July & English classes start on 11 June, 18 June & 16 July. For more information call Main Centre at Ruwi 24835777, Fax 24834602, Al Hail Annexe 24541545, Email polyglot@omantel.net.om
(OA/RE/25-05)

KALHAT Services offers Horticultural services for your plants in the new Holiday Plan for RO 2 per month per plant + cost of transporting the plant to its nursery in Seeb. The company will undertake a thorough plant audit before accepting any plants particularly the high value specimens. The cost includes pruning, training, cleaning soil change and repotting if necessary at an extra cost. call 24712119 for more details
(OA/RE/23-05)

The Al Sawadi development project ‘The Blue City’ 35 sqkm site at Al Sawadi will be developed in several phases in the next 10-15 years by Al Sawadi Investment & Tourism Company. the consortium includes Omani Company Cyclone LLC, Ahmed Abubaker Janahi Holdings (AAJ Holdings), an investor/developer from Bahrain and O.A.S.I.S. Middle East Holding, an investment company. The city will include several hotels, tourism attractions, colleges, healthcare, sports and marine facilities. This is one of the largest urban economic development projects of the Gulf region. The Blue City is expected to become home for more than 200,000 people.
(OA/GEN/27-3)

Muscat Private Hospital Special Offer on Health Screening program is tailored to each individual’s health needs and risk factors. Offer until 15th July 2005. for appointments or information call 24592600 ext 2906 between 9am – 9pm. Visit www.muscatprivatehospital.com, Email app@muscatprivatehospital.com
(OA/RE/23-05)

CROWNE Plaza Muscat introduces Junior Summer Camps with activities including tennis coaching, karate, music, swimming, art & crafts, get fit sessions, prizes and surprises for all children. Camp 1: 28th May – 29th June, Camp 2: 13th June – 17th July & Camp 3: 3rd July – 2nd August. Timings: 8.30am – 11.30pm from Sat – Wed. Fee: RO 45/- For more information call Recreation Manager Wilson Rayan at Cliff Club on 24560100, ext 3001, 02, 04, GSM 99883124 or Sameh Adel GSM 99514732, Email: cpmct@omantel.net.om, Visit us at: http://www.crowneplaza.com
(OA/RE/23-05)

Special KUWAIT Airways Hotel package for Kuwait offers double room in a 5-star hotel for RO52 per night inclusive of breakfast and airport transfers this summer! Children below 12 years can stay free with parents. Kuwait Airways is also offering special discount on Muscat-Kuwait-Muscat air tickets for passengers availing this package. Special discounted fare is also available for passengers who would like to make a stopover in Dubai. Kuwait Airways is also offers packages to Amman, Europe and Cairo with Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor. The special offer will be valid from June 15 - August 31, 2005. For more information call 24798861 / 24785087 / 24707119, Email: mctinku@omantel.net.om
(OA/RE/23-05)

INDIAN AIRLINES offers Free Onward Destinations to Chandigarh, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Patna, Ranchi, Jammu, Srinagar, Lucknow, Varanasi, Bhopal, Udaipur, Indore, Nagpur & Raipur when you fly from Muscat – New Delhi this summer! For more information call 24790771, 24791914, Fax 24781981, Email: ialmct@omantel.net.om , visit us at www.indian-airlines.com
(OA/RE/19-05)

Some of the new projects for development of tourism sector in Oman will be taken up in year 2005. they are construction new buildings for Seeb International Airport & Salalah Airport (scheduled to be completed in 2008) at the cost of RO18.3 million, Ras Al Hadd Airport in Sharqiyah region at the cost of RO160,00, expansion of Khasab Port worth RO2.9 million, a tourist centre at Sultan Qaboos Port at the cost of RO1.2 million, RO 788,000 will be spent for upgrading Sohar Industrial Port infrastructure, two new gates at Sultan Qaboos Port will be built at the cost of RO447,000, a sea anchorage and an asphalt road network at Al Halaniyat Islands worth RO 339,000.
(OA/RE/9-05)

Times of Oman Newspaper offers an Annual Insurance Scheme for accidental deaths for RO 5000 Free with annual subscription of the newspaper in association with Oman Qatar Insurance Company on occasion of its 30th Anniversary. Subscribers should be citizen/resident of Oman and between the age of 18 and 65 years. The existing subscribers who have a minimum 6 months subscription left can also join the scheme by paying RO 2.500. The insurance cover can be renewed every year by paying the premium along with the Times subscription fee.
(OA/REC/1-05)

Muscat Music and Arts Centre to start drama classes by M.S. Satheesh. Muscat Music and Arts Centre conducts classes for classical music, classical and free style dancing, all instruments including oudh, drawing, painting, yoga and photography. Satheesh has a degree from the School of Drama in Thrissur and Master’s degree in performing arts from Hyderabad Central University. He has directed many plays, telefilms and serials for Doordarshan. Muscat Music and Arts Centre plans to organise 3 theatre shows/drama festivals every year in Oman. For details call 24478248 or 95151617
(OA/REC/27-04)

A wellness retreat Coral Al Nahda Resort and Spa at Barka near Muscat to open later this year. Owned by the Al Bahja Group of Companies and managed by Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas, it is situated at Saq Souq on the outskirts of Barka in 30 acres of botanical gardens. The resort would combine both ancient traditions of Ayurveda and modern skills, disciplines, rituals and therapies to help improve your lifestyle. Surrounded by natural vegetation, the resort will have 109 bungalows, local and international cuisines eateries, leisure, entertainment and spa facilities.
(OA/REC/27-04)

Alex Tvaliashvili, is the new tennis coach at the Crowne Plaza Muscat Hotel. Born in Tbilsi, Georgia, Alex is a US professional tennis registry coach and has served in Georgia, Turkey and United States of America. He has also consulted developing tennis players in local clubs in Greece, Russia and Germany. For more information call 24560100, 24574448, Fax 24560650, Email: cpmct@omantel.net.om , Visit www.crowneplaza.com
(OA/REC/16-03)

Indian Social Club offer Yoga Classes for children of 5 – 15 years on Sundays & Tuesdays from 6 – 7pm & on Thursdays on 8 – 9.30pm. The classes will be conducted by D. Jasrotia & Vijayaraj, qualified Yoga teachers. Monthly fee: RO 8 for ISC members & guest children RO 10 only. For more information call ISC at 24701347
(OA/REC/12-03)

Indian Social Club offer Fitness classes by Anihita Ginwalla for ladies on Sunday 5 – 6pm, Tuesday 5 – 6pm, & Thursday 8 – 9pm. For more information call Anihita on 24787359
(OA/REC/12-03)

Kalamandalam Study Centre to start classes for Mohiniyattam, Carnatic Vocal Music and Veen conducted by Kalamandalam Pushpalatha and Kalamandalam Sreedharan Namboothiry. The institution is affiliated to Kerala Kalamandalam, a government of Kerala arts and music institution. The offered courses are divided into three different categories, Preparatory Course for children aged 5 years & above, Certificate Course for 2 years for children 12 years and above and Diploma Course for 4 years for children 14 years and above. For more details call 24787466
(OA/REC/6-03)

Oman Arab Cinema Co. LLC to construct Al Wafi Plaza, a new cinema complex in Sur at the estimated cost of over RO 800,000. The Plaza will have two cinemas with a capacity of 260 and 160 seats each. The ultra-modern building has been designed by Indian experts in the field and is being constructed by Towell Constructions. Al Wafi Plaza will also have a fast-food restaurant and two shops in the multiplex. The cinemas will show English, Arabic and Hindi films. The company also plans to open another multiplex in Sohar by the beginning of next year constructed on the same lines.
(OA/REC/3-03)

Log on to www.myoman.com , a concise edition of ‘Oman, My Beautiful Country’ by Shaikh Mohammed al Zubair. The website is dedicated to sharing some of the most exquisite images that capture the natural splendour of Oman's beautiful landscape with 250 pictures. Bait al Zubair will invite Omani and international photographers in the second phase to capture and document the beauty of Oman in their photographs and contribute the same to the website. The aim is to have a total number of 600 photographs on the website to showcase Oman's rich past, diverse climate and geological landscape with ancient oasis settlements, sandy beaches, coral reefs, caves, historic castles, archaeological remains, traditional craft industries, museums and friendly people. Shaikh Mohammed al Zubair's is an economist, businessman, an avid art collector and sensitive photographer. His personal exploration of Oman focuses on the vast mountain ranges, colourful deserts, lush oasis settlements and dramatic coastlines.
(OA/REC/23-02)

Log on to www.lgphotoclub.com for an online photography competition for residents of Oman, Bahrain, Qatar & the UAE. All photographs need to be high resolution 600 x 400 pixels and within 200 kbs. The uploaded pictures can be viewed online within four hours during working days after the webmaster’s approval. Registered members can host their digital pictures /scanned photographs on the website and vote for best pictures. The entry winning maximum votes in each category will Win LG Prizes every month.
(OA/REC/13-12)

Frankincense museum will be set up in Dhofar at the cost of RO 212,500. The museum will consist of six sections including one depicting the economic and social transformation taking place since 1970, a hall for maritime history to serve as tourist facility. The landmarks on the frankincense route registered as world heritage were also being rehabilitated for visitors.
(OA/REC/28-09)

BAHWAN Travel Agency will offer Special Visa Service for Omani Nationals & expatriates traveling to Australia. The processing of application after submitting the applications with completed papers takes 7 working days. For Europeans & other nationalities, BTA offers the Electronic Travel Advice service, a type of electronically generated visa issuing facility, which is endorsed on arrival in Australia. For more information call Baburaj Pillai, In Charge, Visa Cell on 707119, 704455, 785087, 798861, Fax: 795363
(OA/REC/17-03)

Historical Association of Oman organizes field trips giving close insight into Oman’s historic past and its beauty. For more information about the expeditions contact Membership Secretary Rosemary Hector on 563074 at patricia@cfbtoman.com
(OA/REC/10-10)

Visit PDO Planetarium shows for Free! Arabic Shows: Every Wednesday from the month of May - October at 5pm and November - April at 4pm, every Thursday 11-12noon. English Shows: Every Wednesday from 7- 8pm, every Thursday 10-11pm. School group for Arabic & English on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday & Wednesday: 1st show from 9 - 10am and 2nd show from 10.30 - 11.30am! There are no shows on Mondays, Friday and public holidays! For reservations call 675542 or fax 675553, email: planetarium@pdo.co.om , visit us at www.pdo.co.om/planetarium  
(OA/REC/14-08)

Mezoon Travels offers Mauritius holiday packages for 4-nights. Package includes return airfare, transfers, accommodation on half & full board basis, all taxes and service charges for RO 334 onwards. Sightseeing tours can be arranged at extra costs. Tourists from the AGCC citizens can enjoy a visa-free holiday for a period of one month. Air Mauritius operates 4 flights a week from Dubai to Port Louis, the capital and Main Island in Mauritius. For more information call 24796694
(OA/PAC/1-05)

an integrated lifestyle resort to be developed by Dubai International Real Estates Co. in association with Government of Oman for RO3 million at Yiti in the governorate of Muscat. The resort will include a coastal hotel, a health resort and a mountain resort, a golf course, yacht harbour, residential villas and tourism utilities. the project goals included re-planning the village of Yetti and establishing service utilities. It will be the first property to be offered for sale to non-AGCC nationals. The construction of the resort will start by the last quarter of 2005. The 2.6 million square metres resort will be completed in stages by 2007.
(OA/PAC/2-04)

India's first low cost carrier Air Deccan offers Special fares on Delhi-Jaipur one-way for RO 10 plus taxes, Delhi - Amritsar for RO 15 plus taxes, RO 25 for Hyderabad & Goa sectors. Air Deccan also flies to Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and covers 30 airports with 100 flights a day. Air Deccan online tickets can be booked at http://www.airdeccan.net/airdeccan/home.asp other than internet, tickets in oman can be booked through Shanfari Travel and Tourism, Shatti Al Qurum 24601081/82, Fax 24601061, Ruwi 24700268, 24789812, Fax 24785371, Salalah 23297687, Fax 23294792, E-mail touroman@shanfari.com  Visit us at www.shanfari.com   
(OA/PAC/2-04)

AIRARABIA offers package for 3 nights in Beirut for RO 169, package for 4 nights in egypt for RO 159. the package includes air fares, breakfast, return airport transfers, twin sharing accommodation and hotel taxes and services charges. Pakcage doesnot include airport taxes. All flights are via Sharjah International Airport. For more information call Muscat at 24700828, Sohar at 26846388, visit www.airarabia.com 
(OA/PAC/19-03)

Fly MALAYSIA Airlines & get Free 3 Night / 4 Days stay including breakfast in 4-Star Hotel in Malaysia! Package includes stay in Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Langkawi. For more information call Malaysian Airlines at 24560796 or write on e-mail: nttoman@omantel.net.om
(OA/PAC/26-02)

OMAN Tourism & Travel Agencies has been appointed the general sales agent for Phuket Air in Oman. Phuket Air is one of the domestic carriers in Thailand, currently operating to all major domestic sectors like Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Udon Thani, Mae Sot, Burirum, Ranong and Narathiwat. Phuket Air also flies to destinations such as Bangkok-Dubai via Chittagong, Bangkok-London and Bangkok-Yangon. For more information call 24789847, Fax 24789836
(OA/PAC/17-02)

OMANAIR offers Holiday Packages for Beirut for RO 206 for nights, Secrets of Salalah for RO 64 for 2 nights, Exotic Zanzibar for RO 252 for 3 nights, Vibrant Dubai for RO 77 for 2 nights & Ancient Cairo for RO 235 for 3 nights. Package includes return economy airfare from Muscat to destination (excluding airport taxes), hotel accommodation with breakfast, per person sharing & return airport transfers. For more information call 24765129, Salalah 23292777, Khasab 26730487
(OA/PAC/6-02)

Avail Special online fares with www.emirates.com/om  Pay RO 390 for Auckland, RO 440 for Christchurch, RO 100 for Beirut, RO 350 for Brisbane/Melbourne, RO 350 for Perth, RO 420 for Sydney, RO 95 for Chennai, RO 95 for Cochin, RO 100 for Delhi, RO 25 for Dubai, RO 135 for Hyderabad & RO 70 for Mumbai. Return flights must be completed by 31st March 2005. Book online and receive 75% more Skywards Miles. Register for future online offers at www.emirates.com/om
(OA/PAC/6-02)

SOTC’s World Famous Tours offers 10 days highlights of Europe covering England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland & France for US $ 999, 14 days Classic Tour of Europe covering England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy & France for US $ 1699, 17 days Grand Tour of Europe covering England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy & France for US $ 1899, 20 day European Extravaganza covering England, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Italy & France for US $ 2199! Get bonus 4 new optional sightseeing tours worth US$ 375 per person Free. New vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies Menu everyday for the tours designed by Sanjeev Kapoor. For more information call ARIES Travel & Tours LLC, Tel 24704692, Fax 24704719, Email: sotcmct@hotmail.com visit us at www.sotctours.com 
(OA/PAC/1-02)

The government has formulated a master plan for sustainable development for the turtle reserve area in eastern Sharqiyah region at Ras al Jinz and Masirah Island. The plan will be implemented in different phases by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Heritage and Culture. The first phase includes the establishment of a modern visiting centre for the scientific community specialising in turtle conservation and a 4-star hotel to cater to the increasing number of visitors arriving to watch nesting green turtles Ras al Hadd and Ras al Jinz areas. The 65-km tarmac road from Sur to Ras al Jinz has been recently completed. Another road linking Ras al Hadd with Sur is also progressing to be ready next year. The construction of the visiting centre will begin this year. The visiting centre will have an exhibition hall displaying the diversity of the area and the life cycle of turtles, another hall will display the archaeological discoveries dating back to 4,000 BC, made in the area, a library accessible to professionals engaged in turtle research, besides a laboratory to facilitate turtle research. Small pools for hatchlings and adult turtles will also be built as part of the centre facilities. Accommodation facilities will also be available for scientists doing research activities at the centre, besides an administrative office building. The new centre will be ready in 2005. The new 4-star hotel will come up close to Ras al Jinz turtle conservation area. a special package for watching nesting turtles will also be offered to tourist after the completion of a hotel project in Masirah Island next year. Masirah Island turtle reserve area hosts four species of turtles which nest in different seasons and is the only place in Oman where Olive Ridleys nest. The world's largest population of loggerhead turtles is also seen here, besides nearly 1,000 green turtles nest every year.
(OA/PAC/5-09)

BAHWAN Travel Agency will offer Special Visa Service for Omani Nationals & expatriates traveling to Australia. The processing of application after submitting the applications with completed papers takes 7 working days. For Europeans & other nationalities, BTA offers the Electronic Travel Advice service, a type of electronically generated visa issuing facility, which is endorsed on arrival in Australia. For more information call Baburaj Pillai, In Charge, Visa Cell on 707119, 704455, 785087, 798861, Fax: 795363
(OA/PAC/17-03)

Non-Muslims permitted to visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque on specified hours and proper dress code that preserves the sanctity of the mosque. Visiting hours are from 8am - 11am from Saturday through Wednesday. No visitors will be allowed on Thursday and Friday. Men should wear suitable clothes that are not short while women should wear clothes that cover their bodies from head to toe. Children under 10 not allowed to the prayer halls. GSMs should be switched off before entering the prayer halls.
The Grand Mosque was inaugurated this year is the largest mosque in Oman. The mosque has an affiliate Quranic School, an institute for Islamic science and a library with 20,000 reference volumes covering a range of Islamic and human sciences and culture and rare manuscripts. The Mosque covers an area of 416,000 square metres and the complex is built over an area of around 40,000 square metres. The three entrances consist of three pedestrian passageways leading into the grounds of the complex, each ending in its own separate open area. Architectural interior combines various features of traditional Islamic arts and crafts. All the decorative architecture used in the designs of the walls, ceiling and screens are based on Omani styles.
(OA/PAC/13/08)