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Dubai, UAE, March 2, 2012:  The UAE Ministry of Economy today launched the seventh Gulf Consumer Protection Day under the theme ‘Rationalising consumption is our objective,” in cooperation with federal and local departments and the major retailers in the UAE. The month-long campaign will focus on strengthening awareness on consumer rights.

HE Sultan Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy, said the Gulf countries, particularly the UAE, have rolled out several effective plans to strengthen consumer confidence and promote market stability. He said the campaign is of strategic interest to all GCC countries for managing the consumer market efficiently.

Flagship air carrier’s Q1 2011 tourist passengers surpass 2008 – 2010 figures


11 August, 2011
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that travel and tourism will contribute USD 1.93 billion to Oman’s total GDP this year, driven by strong tourist arrivals to the Sultanate. The nation’s flagship carrier Oman Air reports a surge in tourism arrivals via its Q1 2011 flights. Passenger figures for the period surpassed those of 2008, 2009 and 2010, with March 2011 witnessing 35,000 arrivals compared to around 25,000 in March of the previous year. The cities of Muscat and Salalah are already expanding their respective airports to accommodate passenger traffic of between 48 and 10 million per annum. Arrivals at Oman’s key ports are growing as well, with Muscat alone reporting over 90 cruise ship visits for the 2010 -2011 season.

“This is turning out to be another fruitful year for tourism in Oman. There are many projects currently underway to welcome even more travelers to explore our culture, natural treasures and colorful history. We attribute Oman’s appeal to our range of offerings for holiday travelers and adventurers alike, from old forts and seaside palaces to pristine beaches and fun seasonal festivals. We intend to further develop the necessary infrastructure and programs to support this thriving sector,” said Salem Al Mamari, Director General of Tourism Promotions, Oman Ministry of Tourism.


Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, the government body in charge of tapping the Sultanate’s travel and tourism potential, recently joined the International Council of Tourism Partners as an alliance member. The Ministry is thus in a better position to globally promote upcoming tourism developments such as the USD 2.5 billion ‘Omagine’ project covering a series of Integrated Tourism Complexes in Muscat and the USD 1 billion tourism resort being built in the port city of Salalah. A future Convention and Exhibition Centre scheduled to open in late 2013 will extend Oman’s appeal to business travelers as well.


Oman is also home to several heritage sites recognized by UNESCO’s International Heritage Preserve Program Administration. The Ministry of Tourism continues to improve on both the accessibility and protection of these sites as the Sultanate’s contributions to global culture.


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Doha, 11 May 2011: W Doha’s Market by Jean-Georges Restaurant received the Time Out Award for ‘Best Business Lunch and Best Contemporary European’ at an Awards Gala at W Doha in the Great Room this week.



Safak Guvenc, General Manager of W Doha said: “This spells tremendous recognition for W Doha’s Market by Jean-Georges Restaurant, winning Time Out’s Award for ‘Best Business Lunch and Best Contemporary European’ against heavy competition in Doha.  It reinforces Market by Jean-Georges’ position as the most popular place to eat in town, serving only the freshest ingredients under the watchful eye of their Michelin star chef. Having received Middle East’s Leading Hotel and Residences Award 2011 last week, W Doha can rightly claim to offer business travellers the utmost in gastronomy and luxury lifestyle hospitality.  With Market by Jean-Georges’ emphasis on the finest contemporary European cuisine, it aims to surprise and delight our business visitors with excellent service and culinary sensations. This award confirms W’s Market by Jean-Georges’ appeal as best for businesses and best for European food.”

W’s Market by Jean-Georges appeals to today’s stylish traveler with epicurean adventures to savour, delicious gourmet menus on offer and luscious cocktails and wines to indulge the senses. With its glamorous European appeal, Market by Jean-Georges provides an escape from the daily grind for business guests and opens their eyes to sensational food and drinks that can transport them from the office to unwind in style.

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