DAMEN SHIPYARDS GROUP Damen is the largest shipbuilding group in the Netherlands and is recognised as one of the leading builders for navies and merchant navies with a large number of Damen yards and Joint Ventures in the world.
Based on decades of experience we offer a broad range
In the Gulf Region more than 600 vessels are
of vessels, both military and commercial, to the nations
proving our track record for excellent quality,
of the world, vessels ranging from 7 meters to more than 200 meters. For the last 50 years Damen has been the dedicated shipbuilder of the Royal Netherlands Navy building eight generations of Frigates.
TIMELYÂ&#x;Â&#x;DELIVERYÂ&#x;ANDÂ&#x;EFĂšCIENTÂ&#x;AFTER SALESÂ&#x;SUPPORT Â&#x; Damen provides transfer of technology, labour OPPORTUNITIESÂ&#x;ANDÂ&#x;HANDS ONÂ&#x;SUPPORTÂ&#x;FROMÂ&#x;OURÂ&#x; stations in the Middle East.
OUR PARTNERS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
NAKILAT DAMEN SHIPYARDS QATAR FUJAIRAH - UAE
ALBWARDY MARINE ENGINEERING DUBAI
Albwardy Workshop
SALALAH - OMAN Albwardy Workshop
Royal Netherlands Navy g!IRÂ&#x;$EFENCEÂ&#x;ANDÂ&#x;#OMMANDÂ&#x;&RIGATEsÂ&#x; Â&#x;X
g0ATROLÂ&#x;3HIPsÂ&#x; Â&#x;X
Â&#x;g*OINTÂ&#x;3UPPORTÂ&#x;3HIPs
4.) !,Â&#x;g3IGMAÂ&#x;#LASSÂ&#x;#ORVETTEsÂ&#x; Â&#x;X
2OYALÂ&#x;-OROCCANÂ&#x;.AVYÂ&#x;g-ULTIÂ&#x;-ISSIONÂ&#x;&RIGATEsÂ&#x; Â&#x;X
(ELLENICÂ&#x;.AVYÂ&#x;g3 FRIGATEsÂ&#x; Â&#x;X
5+Â&#x;"ORDERÂ&#x;!GENCYÂ&#x;g3TANÂ&#x;PATROLÂ&#x; sÂ&#x; Â&#x;X
2OYALÂ&#x;.AVYÂ&#x;g"AYÂ&#x;#LASSsÂ&#x; DESIGNÂ&#x; X
-ENASÂ&#x;g/36Â&#x;2ELUMEs
3INGAPOREÂ&#x;0OLICEÂ&#x;#OASTÂ&#x;'UARDÂ&#x;g3TANÂ&#x;0ATROLÂ&#x; sÂ&#x; Â&#x;X
53Â&#x;#OASTÂ&#x;'UARDÂ&#x;g3TANÂ&#x;PATROLÂ&#x; sÂ&#x; DESIGNÂ&#x; Â&#x;X
3WEDISHÂ&#x;#OASTÂ&#x;'UARDÂ&#x;g-ULTIÂ&#x;0URPOSEÂ&#x;6ESSELsÂ&#x; X Â&#x;
D A M E N S H I P YA R D S G R O U P Avelingen West 20 4202 MS Gorinchem
P.O.Box 1 4200 AA Gorinchem The Netherlands
phone +31 (0)183 63 99 11 fax +31 (0)183 63 21 89
middleeast@damen.nl www.damen.nl
The world’s finest Watches, Jewellery, Fashion Accessories and Luxury Mobiles
Al Ufouq Building, Shatti Al Qurum
Tel: +968 24 699 173, Fax: +968 24 699 171, Toll free 800 75000 Email: krwatchs@omantel.net.om, www.khimjiblog.com.
EDITORIAL
FRIENDS FOREVER CONCEPT & CONTENT Akshay Bhatnagar DESIGN Senior Art Director Sandesh S. Rangnekar Senior Designer Shameer Moideen Senior Photographer Rajesh Burman Production Manager Govindaraj Ramesh MARKETING Business Head Avi Titus CORPORATE Chief Executive Sandeep Sehgal Executive Vice President Alpana Roy Vice President Ravi Raman Senior Business Support Executive Radha Kumar Business Support Executive Zuwaina Said Al-Rashdi Distribution United Media Services LLC Published by United Press & Publishing LLC PO Box 3305, Ruwi, Postal Code - 112 Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Tel: (968) 24700896, Fax: (968) 24707939 Email: akshay@umsoman.com Website: www.umsoman.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person or organisation acting or refraining as a result of material in this publication. OER accepts no responsibility for advertising content. Copyright © 2012 United Press & Publishing LLC Printed by Oriental Printing Press Correspondence should be sent to: United Media Services LLC PO Box 3305, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman Fax: (968)24707939
An
Presentation
The Sultanate of Oman and the Netherlands are two different countries with completely diverse cultures, languages, religion, history and economy. However, there is a common bond that brings two forward-looking states together – the burning desire to move ahead by overcoming obstacles. Both the countries face their own set of challenges. For Oman, the most important test is to bring in the young population into the mainstream workforce by providing adequate education and training. The country is not blessed with a rich reserve of natural resources like many of its hydrocarbon rich neighbours. The Netherlands, on the other hand, faces the challenge of having a significant part of its area and population located below the sea level. In challenges lie the opportunities for the brave! Interestingly, both the states have used their disadvantages to their advantage. Oman has been one of the leading nations in the development and adoption of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technology, a boon for maximizing production from oil reserves. The Netherlands has tamed the water to an extent that it has become a leading nation in water management, port development, ship building, etc. Tolerance and friendliness are two more common hallmarks of people from the two nations. The bonding between Oman and the Netherlands is getting stronger day-by-day. If Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) was a great example of their co-operation in the previous century, Sohar Industrial Port has been a shining illustration of the strengthening of the relationship in the 21st century. The State Visit of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard of the Netherlands, in the second week of January this year, to Oman is a great testimony of the growing friendship between the two great seafaring nations. The second edition of Connexion on Oman-The Netherlands bilateral relations on the occasion of Her Majesty’s visit is a tribute to the exemplary historical ties, cultural exchange and economic collaboration between Oman and the Netherlands. We are thankful to His Excellency Stefan van Wersch, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Oman for his immense encouragement and support. We also appreciate the contribution of Bregje van Baaren, a Dutch woman who has made Oman her home, in the development of the content. Enjoy reading the issue! Akshay Bhatnagar Group Managing Editor akshay@umsoman.com
2012
3
content
12
4
20
Infrastructure Water – The Binding Factor
28
Port of Sohar Shining Example of Partnership
14
Natural Bond Historical Relations Between Oman And The Netherlands
34
Oman Drydock Company Docking Growth
Message HE Stefan van Wersch, The Netherlands’ Ambassador to Oman
2012
Intelligent Maritime Solutions START WITH THALES Trusted and deployed by over 50 Navies, Thales supports your missions across the seven seas: • Anti-Air Warfare • Surface Warfare Underwater Warfare • Maritime Safety & Security. Cutting edge technology: from the world’s largest sensor portfolio – including state-of-the-art radars and sonars – to fire control and leading C4ISR solutions, from prime contracting to lead system integration, from warship modernisation programmes to innovative operational life cycle support and services for the broadest range of ship classes. www.thalesgroup.com
content
25
Oil & Gas Powering The Growth
36
Port of Salalah
40
Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding
A Hub for Massive Investment
Quality Based On Experience
38
6
Oman Cables Industry Successful Track Record
2012
53
Personality Jan Meijer, Former Group CEO, Sohar Industrial Port Company
44
Education
50
Culture
56
Floriculture
58
Memoirs
-Getting Future Ready -For A Brighter Future Interview-Prof. Maurits Berger, Leiden University The Flower Land The Omanization of A Dutch
Global connectivity and our worldwide business partnerships are creating new business opportunities. Port of Salalah and Salalah Free Zone
Fastest transit times to Europe and Asia – 32% lower than competing ports
Over 3,000 vessel calls per annum
Inter-modal hub with sea, land and air connections
Depth and length capable of handling the largest vessels in the world
30-year operations contract with APM Terminals, a leading global Terminal Operator
)UHH =RQH EHQHÂżWV Âą LQFOXGLQJ IRUHLJQ RZQHUVKLS FXVWRPV DQG WD[HV
Lowest land rate in the region and cost competitive skilled and unskilled labour
Regional market worth more than 600 billion US$
$EXQGDQW DQG FRPSHWLWLYH DFFHVV WR QDWXUDO UHVRXUFHV HQHUJ\ DQG ÂżQDQFLQJ
Prepared for the future! PO Box 369, Salalah 211, Sultanate of Oman Tel: +968 23219500. Fax: +968 23219540 Email: info@salalahport.com www.portofsalalah.com
Her Majesty Queen Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard The Kingdom of the Netherlands
8
2012
The Noble
Queen
H
er Majesty Queen Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard succeeded her mother as Queen of the Netherlands in 1980. From that date, Her Majesty formed part of the government. She obtained her law graduate degree from the University of Leiden. In 2005, the Queen also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Leiden, in recognition of the attention she has focused on freedom and the responsibilities that go with it. The Queen represents the Netherlands both
at home and abroad. She makes several state visits to other countries every year, and receives heads of state and heads of government who are visiting the Netherlands. The Queen keeps herself informed of what is going on in society and every year she attends many openings, commemorations and other official events. The Queen enjoys sculpting, riding and sailing. Her favourite sailing boat is De Groene Draeck, her 18th birthday gift from the nation. She also enjoys playing tennis and skiing.
For more information, visit www.koninklijkhuis.nl
2012
9
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Sultanate of Oman
10
2012
The Wise
Leader H is Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said was born in Salalah, the most southerly city of the state then known as Muscat and Oman, on 18 November, 1940. When he reached the age of 16, his father sent him to a private school in England, and in 1960 he entered The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as an officer cadet. Having finished his military service, His Majesty studied local government in England and then embarked on a tour of the world. Sultan Qaboos became the ruler of Oman on 23 July, 1970 and it marked the beginning of renaissance age in the Sultanate. In
over four decades of his reign, Oman has made a remarkable progress in social upliftment, cultural development and economic growth. Apart from his role as a ruler, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos is a man of diverse interests. He has been an enthusiastic horseman since childhood and enjoys other outdoor pursuits, including walking and tennis. His military training has left him with a keen interest in weapons and military equipment. He is an adept marksman. He has studied a variety of subjects ranging from religion to astronomy and the environment, languages, literature and history.
For more information, visit www.omanet.om
2012 11
MESSAGE
LASTING IMPRESSION (A message from HE Stefan van Wersch, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, on the occasion of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands’ State Visit to Oman in January, 2012)
HM Sultan Qaboos Bin Said with Dutch Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima when they visited Oman in 2009
I
n 2009, the Prince of Orange – the Dutch successor to the throne – and his spouse Princess Máxima of the Netherlands visited the Sultanate. It was a great visit that coincided with Oman’s spectacular victory in the Gulf Football Championship. I had just started my tenure as Dutch Ambassador in Oman and was quite proud to receive these high guests. Not for a second did I think then that this visit would only be the beginning of a true royal crescendo. A State Visit – the highest form of visit between states – was announced to take place in March, 2011. Those days however turned out to be unusual and jointly the Omani side and the Dutch side decided that the State Visit had to be postponed. But Her Majesty, the Prince and Princess came anyway albeit for a private visit. That was, I think, a significant gesture given the challenges at the time. In Dutch, we have a proverb – postponement leads to cancellation. After the private visit I heard several people quoting it. They could not believe that the Queen would come any time soon again for a State Visit. But lo and behold, the State Visit is scheduled for 10 to 12 January; in the Dutch-Omani relations that very Dutch proverb just doesn’t apply. Her Majesty, Prince and Princess are intensely looking forward to meeting His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said again. The context of this visit is not average. Her Majesty will visit a country that in
12
2012
the course of the last year went through a series of new developments and challenges. She will have the opportunity to see the important reforms and changes that took place. Her visit will first and foremost be one of meeting Omanis of all layers of society and learn from them what makes the Sultanate tick. I cannot reveal all the details but I can say that there will be attention for shared history and heritage, among which the unique story of 30 Dutch castaways who in 1763 walked all the way from Ras Madrakah to Muscat in a trek of ultimate survival. There will be business meetings. Omani and Dutch water students will work together for 10 days on a water query and present their proposals to Her Majesty. Water co-operation in the broader sense will get ample attention. There will be visits to Oman’s landmark buildings. There will also be attention for cooperation on issues like social-economic cooperation, small and medium companies, and vocational training; about all these very topical subjects Memorandums of Understanding will be signed during the visit.The Royal guests are already fully acquainted with His Majesty’s hospitality and the hospitality of the Omani people. This time around they will have ample time to see more of the beauty of Oman and to meet its people. It is beyond any doubt going to be a great visit with lasting effects on the bilateral relations.
HE Stefan van Wersch The Netherlands’ Ambassador to Oman
2012 13
HISTORICAL RELATIONS
HE Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Oman, inaugurating the Omani Embassy in the Netherlands
Natural Bond
Over 350 years of bonding between the Netherlands and Oman has led to strong ties in economic and cultural areas between the two countries
“The valued relationship between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Sultanate of Oman has matured over hundreds of years, spanning the spheres of trade, transport, logistics, technology, infrastructure, security and diplomacy. These bilateral
14
2012
initiatives have increased exponentially in recent years, and reflect the mutual partnership, discussion, and cooperation that they seek to nurture�, HE Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Secretary General of the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs and co-Chairman
of the annual Omani-Dutch political consultations once said. Indeed, over the past 350 years, the Sultanate and the Netherlands have developed strong bilateral relations in different areas of mutual interest and concern. Both seafaring nations encountered each other for the first time in 1651 when ships from the Netherlands visited Oman. Due to circumstances, however, it was not until 1877 that a first trade agreement was signed in order to mutually benefit from their abundant natural resources. The Omanis and Dutch would start trading goods such as, spices, ivory, pearls, rice, dried fish and frankincense. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the relations remained friendly and balanced even when the two countries actually turned into competitors. Now over 350 years later, the bilateral relations between the Netherlands and the Sultanate are still going strong. This is, among other things, reflected in the bilateral trade; the involvement of the Dutch Port of Rotterdam in the development of the Port of Sohar; Royal Dutch Shell’s participation in PDO; various exhibitions on cultural heritage held in both countries; Omani scholarship students sent to Dutch Higher Education Institutions; two HM Sultan Qaboos Chairs established at two Dutch research universities; annual
Omanis are known for their friendliness and patience bilateral consultations; and in many more areas of cooperation. A Natural Click So what exactly are the factors behind this major mutual ‘attraction’, one may wonder? First of all, Omanis and Dutch, despite their different religious and cultural backgrounds, have more ‘naturally’ in common than one at first may think. “There is a perfect click between the way Omanis and Dutchmen like to operate. We both like to be down to earth, with our eyes on the ball,” observes HE Stefan van Wersch, the Dutch Ambassador to the Sultanate. According to Reinildis Van Ditzhuyzen, the mutual ‘attraction’ is, among others, due to the fact that both countries have been international trading and seafaring nations. Their people have been travelling the seas and visiting other countries for centuries which turned both the Dutch as well as Omanis into
tolerant people. Plus, the Omanis are in general known for their friendliness and patience which makes it attractive for outsiders to do business with them. She is the author of ‘OmanDitz’, a book about Omani manners for the Dutch audience. Late Annelies Boogaerdt (ex ambassador of the Netherlands to Oman), who was conferred the Al Numan Order ‘First Class’ for enhancing bilateral relations between the Sultanate and the Netherlands in many different areas of cooperation, was also aware of this natural ‘click’ between Omanis and Dutch and praised the “hospitality and the generosity of the Omani people from all walks of life”. On the other hand, the usually straightforward Dutch seems to have a good reputation among many Omanis as well. “Once our students get familiar with the Dutch hospitality and welcoming environment, they usually get very encouraged to successfully
Dutch Geology students on a visit to Oman 2012 15
HISTORICAL RELATIONS
complete their studies there,� said HE Dr Abdullah Al Sarmi, Under Secretary of the Oman Ministry of Higher Education, while talking about the Netherlands as one of the selected study destinations for Omani external undergraduate scholarship students. Areas of Cooperation The two countries have a tradition of close cooperation in many different areas while they continue to explore new areas of cooperation. They have strong diplomatic ties. In both countries, there are embassies to represent their Government (the Dutch Embassy in Oman opened in 1984). The bilateral consultations between officials from respectively the Dutch and Oman Ministries of Foreign Affairs, have been conducted on an annual basis since 1992.
Dutch children dressed in Omani clothing
In 2005, the then Dutch Prime Minister, HE Dr Jan Peter Balkenende, paid a State Visit to the Sultanate. In January 2008, His Royal Highness Prince WillemAlexander and his spouse Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima visited the country as well. And now Her Majesty
the Dutch Queen Beatrix, the future King HRH Prince Willem-Alexander and a delegation is visiting the Sultanate in January, 2012. It is the first time that a Dutch monarch pays an official visit to the Gulf region as such. Trade and Ventures When it comes to economic cooperation, in 2009, exports from the Netherlands to Oman amounted to 250 million Euros while Omani exports to the Netherlands fluctuated between 150-200 million Euros. Dutch and Omanis are also working together in major collaborative economic ventures in the Sultanate. A good example is the largest oil & gas company, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). It is 60 per cent owned by the Government of Oman and 34 per cent by Royal Dutch Shell. The rapidly developing multi-billion dollar Port of Sohar strategically located on the coast of Oman just outside the Strait of Hormuz, is managed and overseen by Sohar Industrial Port Co. (SIPC) which is a 50-50 joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands and the Omani Government. The Port of Rotterdam has been serving as a successful example of a landlord port, a dominant port model in larger and medium sized ports on a global level. Other Netherlands-based corporations with a strong presence in the Sultanate are companies such as, Boskalis, Draka, Fugro, Interbeton, Van Oord, Steinweg, Handelsveem, Royal Haskoning, BAM and Tebodin. Culture Looking at the bilateral relations from the cultural perspective, many interesting projects have been undertaken as well. Nearly two years ago, an exhibition on Omani heritage jewelry, furniture, traditional clothes, archeological findings
16
2012
and some printed copies of the Holy Quran, was held at the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam while hundred original etchings of the famous Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn were exhibited at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Muscat in 2009. More recently, in June 2011 and under the directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Bait al Islam “Oman Village”, was opened at the Museum of Eastern Culture and Religion near the city of The Hague (the political capital of the Netherlands) in the presence of HRH Princess Maxima of the Netherlands and HE Sayyed Badr Al Busaidi. In The Hague, the Foundation ‘The Netherlands-Sultanate of Oman (NEDO)’ was created to support activities in the areas of culture, sports, science and economy in order to contribute to the mutual understanding and friendship between the people of two countries. The Foundation regularly publishes the EurOman magazine including overviews of noteworthy events in the relations between Oman and the Netherlands, particularly in the areas of education, culture and industry. Throughout the year, except perhaps during the summer, more and more Dutch tourists visit Oman, while an increasing number of Omani tourists have found their way to the Netherlands, some say because they like the (colder) climate and the multicultural society.
pursue their studies at selected overseas Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by 1,500. As a result of this increase, more than 50 Omani undergraduate students were awarded with a scholarship for the academic year 2011-12, enabling them to pursue their higher undergraduate studies in the Netherlands at various Dutch HEIs, including the renowned Maastricht University and Technical University of Twente and various reputable universities of applied sciences which will train the young Omanis for a specific profession. This is a substantial increase compared to just about 10 undergraduate scholarship students sent during the previous academic year.
Education During the same month the Bait al Islam ‘Oman Village’ was opened, HE Dr Abdullah Al Sarmi and a delegation visited the Netherlands to discuss possible ways of cooperation in the area of higher education. Earlier, in June 2011, it was officially announced that the Omani Government has decided to increase the number of scholarships enabling undergraduate students to
Currently, there are no Dutch students enrolled at Omani Higher Education Centres. However, the International Maritime College of Oman, a higher education institution in Sohar which is 70 per cent owned by the Oman Government and 30 per cent by the Shipping and Transport College Group in Rotterdam, trains Omani students in maritime studies, port management, shipping & transport and operation
The book Oman Ditz (Omani Manners) by Reinildis van Ditzhuyzen showcases the culture and society of Oman
2012 17
HISTORICAL RELATIONS
water management in Oman since his appointment. In a way, Professor Schotting has also been contributing to the cultural aspects of the bilateral relationship as he visited the Sultanate with 35 of his geology students. For most of them, this was their first visit to the Arab world.
technology. Cooperation in the area of higher education and culture is further symbolised by the establishment of the Sultan of Oman Chair of Oriental Studies at the renowned University of Leiden in May, 2008. The current holder of the academic chair is Maurits Berger, professor of Islam in the Contemporary West. The establishment of the Chair accentuates the role that both Oman and the Netherlands want to play in bridging the gap between Arab and Western cultures through a constructive dialogue of civilizations.
Rembrandt van Rijn was a renowned Dutch painter and etcher. An exhibition of his work in Muscat was inaugurated by HH Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq al Said, Minister of Heritage and Culture.
On the occasion of 35th anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos reign, an initiative by a group of international companies led to the establishment of the Sultan Qaboos Academic Chair for Quantitative Water Management in Semi-Arid Regions at the Roosevelt Academy, Middelburg, the Netherlands. The Chair, which started its activities in 2007, focuses on research related to hydro(geo)logical problems and specific problem of (semi-)arid regions. The current holder of the Chair is Professor Ruud Schotting who has initiated many projects related to
18
2012
Water continues to play a central role in the bilateral relations as again, even though both countries face opposite problems in this field. In Holland, the main issue is to get the water out of the country given the fact that a large part of the country is below sea level. In Oman, the challenge is rather to keep as much water as possible inside the country. But water is water, and there is fertile ground for cooperation, for instance with regard to sea water intrusion, flooding, effective use of available water, and state of the art technology like for instance hydroponics. Oman and the Netherlands are also both members of the multilateral international organization, Middle East Desalination Research Centre (MEDRC) which is headquartered in Muscat. The Centre’s current Director, Ambassador Ronald Mollinger, is of Dutch origin. MEDRC is involved in desalination projects that address the needs of several MiddleEastern countries. Trade, economic partnerships, water, culture, diplomacy, trade, education, sharing knowledge and a natural click based on tolerant, friendly, downto-earth attitudes on both sides, the bilateral relationship between the Netherlands and Sultanate has matured over hundreds of years. By now it deserves to be called a special relationship with plenty of scope for further strengthening in the future. This month’s State Visit by Her Majesty to Oman will undoubtedly underline the remarkable bonding once more!
BEST OF NEWS, BUSINESS & LIFESTYLE
OMAN ECONOMIC REVIEW The leading business magazine in Oman
ALAM AL-IKTISAAD WAL A’MAL (AIWA) The rst Arabic business and econoomy magazine in Oman
THE WOMAN The modern Woman’s favourite English magazine
OER DOSSIER Exclusive, in-depth and industryfocussed reports on business sectors
SIGNATURE Oman’s rst luxury lifestyle title
OIL & GAS REVIEW Oman’s rst and only magazine dedicated to the oil & gas industry
PROGRESS The leading annual publication on the Sultanate’s Renaissance
RUWAD SME oriented magazine for the next generation of business leaders
ICT REPORT KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN
2011-12
INFORMATION
&
COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY
AL MAR’A ARABIC EDITION The modern Woman’s favourite Arabic magazine
ICT – Comprehensive annual report on the information & communication technologies’ sector
OMAN – A Nation on the Move The annual publication commemorating the National Day of Oman
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Port of Rotterdam which annually handles more than 400 million tonnes of cargo, is the largest port in Europe
Water The Binding Factor While the Dutch had to protect themselves against water throughout history, they also became very good at it. And it has brought them closer to Oman in the last few decades
20
2012
“Water plays a prominent role in the history of both our countries”, HE Frank Heemskerk, the former Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade, said when he accompanied the Dutch Crown Prince and an international expert in water management himself, HRH Willem Alexander, on an official visit to the Sultanate in 2009. “Both the Netherlands and Oman are nations with strong seafaring traditions and regional hubs,” he added. HE Heemskerk also underlined that while Oman faces challenges related to water scarcity, the Dutch face a lack of natural resources of drinking water as well. The Netherlands, with 26 per cent of it below sea level, has been battling water related issues such as floods, sea water intrusion and water contamination throughout the history. However, it is a complicated affair as aside from posing a challenge or even a potential threat, water has substantially contributed to the economic development of the Netherlands as well. As of 2011, the Dutch government has announced that it will stimulate the economy in nine key areas, water is one of them. While the Dutch had to protect themselves against water throughout history, they also became very good at it. The Dutch polder system – low-lying pieces of land which in general have been reclaimed from the sea or from lakes and that are enclosed by dikes – has proven to be a very innovative solution against floods. These polders and other water barriers such as dikes and dunes are today very well managed and protected by the efficient regional Dutch water authorities and the national government. Moreover, thanks to the necessity of these polders and dikes, excavating material from a sea, river or
lake bed and relocating that elsewhere, has become an international core business for the Netherlands based dredging companies such as Royal Boskalis and Van Oord. As the Netherlands is situated by sea, the country also developed the Port of Rotterdam which, by annually handling more than 400 million tonnes of cargo per year, is the largest port in Europe, and number three in the world, and helped the relatively small country to become one of the world’s most competitive economies. Today, the Port is still growing, especially in container transport, dry bulk and petrochemicals. It is connected to the hinterland (Europe) by an intricate system of inland waterways and ports, while a brand new railway for container transport towards Germany has been recently added. Meanwhile, the relatively smaller Ports of Amsterdam and Delfzijl (in the north of the country) also count on a world scale. Knowledge sharing with Oman The Dutch experience with water-related challenges as well as opportunities now plays an important role in the bilateral relations with countries such as the Sultanate. Take for example, the development of Sohar Industrial Port since 2003 which is managed by a jointventure between the above mentioned Dutch Port of Rotterdam and the Omani
In 2007, the Sultan Qaboos Academic Chair for Quantitative Water Management was established at the Roosevelt Academy in the Netherlands. Professor Ruud Schotting holds the Sultan Qaboos Chair
the Dutch had to protect themselves against water throughout history 2012 21
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Port of Rotterdam is connected to the hinterland (Europe) by an intricate system of inland waterways and ports
22
2012
Government. In 2005, the International Maritime College Oman LLC (IMCO), a higher education institution (HEI) was also founded in Oman. The HEI is owned by the Government of Oman (70 per cent) and the STC Group (30 per cent) which is based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The HEI offers diploma
and degree courses in areas such as nautical studies, marine engineering, shipping, port & transport management. Furthermore, in 2007, the Sultan Qaboos Academic Chair for Quantitative Water Management was established at the Roosevelt Academy in the
when it comes to dealing with water related issues: “No other country in the world is associated as much with water and water management as the Netherlands. Our approach of ‘living below sea level’ is quite unique, as well as our battle against floods. Actually I live very close, in the city of Rotterdam, to the lowest point of the Netherlands, which is approximately 6.7 meters below sea level; 26 per cent of the land surface of the Netherlands is situated below sea level, and 29 per cent is vulnerable to river floods, implying that in total 55 per cent of the Netherlands is vulnerable to flooding in general. No wonder that the Netherlands has a rich history in inventing sustainable water management solutions. Living and dealing with water is what we are good at; such as, flood prevention, polders, drinking water supply, remediation techniques for contaminated groundwater.” Professor Schotting is also involved in a joint Omani-Dutch project on Water Availability Management for the Sohar region that was launched in March 2010, on the sidelines of the 9th Gulf Water Conference, by the Royal Dutch Embassy and representatives of a consortium of Dutch companies.
Netherlands. One of its aims is to bridge the gap between the ‘wet deltaic’ water world of the Netherlands and the semi arid water world of Oman. Professor Ruud Schotting, who holds the Sultan Qaboos Chair, underlined the competitive edge of the Netherlands
Both Oman and the Netherlands are members of the Middle East Desalination Center addressing the important issue of meeting the fresh water demand and plans are underway for the establishment of a higher education institution in Oman in the area of water management. Ports in Oman The management and development of Sohar Industrial Port located just outside the Strait of Hormuz, lies with Sohar Industrial Port Company SAOC
(SIPC), a 50-50 joint venture between the Government of Oman and the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The original agreement between the two parties was signed in 2002 and included a port area of 2100 hectares. SIPC was entrusted with the management and development of the port until 2025. Currently, the port is fully operational with state-of-the-art facilities. With current investments of around $15 billion, it is one of the world’s largest port development projects. Learning from the Port of Rotterdam’s concept of clusters (a cluster being a regional concentration of related economic activities), the Port of Sohar currently operates from three industrial clusters: a petrochemical cluster, a metal cluster and a logistics cluster. The port is also part of the Sohar Industrial Port zone, which includes a free zone. Jan Meijer, the CEO of SIPC from 2003 to 2011, is of Dutch origin himself. In 1999, he was an advisor to the then Omani Minister of Transport, HE Al Gazali, who told him about the plans to develop a new port in Sohar after the example in Salalah. As the Salalah port was only a container terminal, it was then suggested to take another international industrial port as an example. The Port of Rotterdam was one of the options. It has turned out to be a very fruitful cooperation between Oman and the Netherlands as Sohar Industrial Port has evolved into a worldclass industrial port. Moving on, Oman is building the Port of Duqm at a strategic location at the entrance of the Arabian Gulf in the Indian Ocean. The Government of Oman has allocated more than $2.6 billion for the port and the dry dock in the first stage of development. The
2012 23
INFRASTRUCTURE
port includes commercial berths for general cargo and containers at -18 metres depth, special purpose quays for industries and general services. The Dutch multinational Royal Haskoning is providing consulting services to Oman’s Ministry for Transport & Communications in the development of the Port of Duqm.
The Dutch rely heavily on water based transport system for the movement of goods and travelling
The Dominance of Dutch Dredgers Around 60 per cent of the worldwide dredging market has been in the hands of four companies based in either the Netherlands or neighbouring country Belgium, both countries situated around the so-called Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt. Van Oord and Royal Boskalis Westminster are the largest Dutch dredging
companies and have been successful in the Sultanate of Oman as well. They have been involved in the development of The Wave, Muscat (multi billion dollar integrated tourism complex) and Sohar Industrial Port. Dutch dredgers have an extensive and long standing expertise due to the special historical relations the Netherlands has with water. The cradle of dredging can be found in Sliedrecht in the Netherlands, a village in the 15th century that had to take measures against regular floods. By means of dredging activities, it managed to protect itself with dikes. The methods and means that were used to dredge were initially very primitive. However, this started to change under the policy of King Willem I around the year 1824 when the first steam-driven dredging machine was invented and became operational. Its first job was the deepening of the Port of Antwerp. However, the machine’s generator collapsed and it was not until the end of the 19th century, during the economic boom, that new dredging equipment was developed under the supervision of the King Willem I. Over the years, the amount of marine cargo rose fast; vessels became increasingly bigger and their deeper drafts called for deepening of the port of Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Decades of experience resulted in the technological advance that companies like Royal Boskalis and Van Oord have at present. They began with vessels that randomly grabbed silt at the bottom of the water while today they make use of highly sophisticated systems with specific orientation with a minimal environmental impact.
24
2012
Picture Courtesy: PDO
OIL & GAS
Powering the
growth
HM Sultan Qaboos Bin Said visiting one of the PDO sites in the early years
Shell has been one of the pillars of the development of oil and gas sector in Oman thanks to its association with Petroleum Development Oman, the largest oil & gas company in the Sultanate
Oman’s growth into a successful oiland gas-producing nation had humble beginnings — so humble, in fact, that it began with a dud. A geological survey of the country in 1925 found no conclusive evidence of oil. Twelve years later, however, when geologists
began intensively searching for oil in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, Oman’s Sultan Said bin Taimur granted a 75year concession to the Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC). Pausing only for the Second World War, exploration for oil was underway in Oman. The exploration
For more information, visit www.pdo.co.om
2012 25
OIL & GAS
and production operations were to be run on behalf of the IPC by Petroleum Development (Oman and Dhofar) Ltd. The operating company had four shareholders, each with an interest of 23.75 per cent: the Royal Dutch/Shell Group, the Anglo-Persian Company (which would eventually become the British Petroleum Company, or BP), Compagnie Française des Pétroles (whose convoluted lineage would make it a predecessor of today’s TotalFinaElf) and the Near East Development Company (whose likewise convoluted lineage would make it a subsidiary of today’s ExxonMobil). The remaining 5 per cent stake was held by a fifth shareholder, Partex. With little or no infrastructure to assist survival in Oman’s hostile desert environment, the early explorationists confronted hard times. When the IPC finally decided to drill its first well in Fahud in early 1956, supplies had to be transported from Duqm in the south of the country, across more than 300 kms of some of Oman’s most deserted and inhospitable terrain. And the hardships endured were all for naugh – the well was dry. Further dry wells were drilled, and this lack of success, combined with
worsening logistical problems and a glut of oil in the world market, led most of the partners to withdraw from the venture in 1960. Only Shell and Partex opted to remain in Oman to continue the search for oil. Their optimism was soon to pay off, however: they struck oil at Yibal in 1962 — and from these inauspicious beginnings an oilproducing nation was born. The first export of Omani oil took place on 27 July 1967. The original debit note shows that the consignment consisted of 543,800 barrels of oil valued at $1.42 a barrel. A month before, in June, the Compagnie Française des Pétroles rejoined the partnership by taking over two-thirds of Partex’s equity share, resulting in the following shareholding in the company that by then had changed its name to Petroleum Development (Oman): Shell 85 per cent, Compagnie Francaise des Petroles 10 per cent and Partex 5 per cent. On 1 January 1974, the Government of Oman acquired a 25 per cent shareholding in the Petroleum Development (Oman); six months later the shareholding was increased to 60 per cent, backdated to the beginning of the year. As a result, the foreign interest in PD(O) was now made up of the Shell (34 per cent), Compagnie Française
PDO’s daily average oil production in 2010 stood at 553,000 barrels per day 26
2012
des Petroles (4 per cent) and Partex (2 per cent). These shareholdings have remained unchanged to the present day. (The Company, however, underwent a change six years later. On 15 May 1980, it was registered by Royal Decree as a limited liability company under the name Petroleum Development Oman — now without parentheses in its name.) In the early 1980s, production rose to new record levels, dispelling, it seemed, any doubts about the future of Oman’s oil and gas industry. By the end of 1984, average daily production had risen to 400,000 barrels a day and reserves stood at 3.8 billion barrels. Meanwhile, the Company had become involved in setting up the Government Gas System, to provide natural gas from the interior to industry on the coast. And it was remarkably successful in that undertaking. Then, in 1986, the oil price collapsed. Almost instantly PDO was required to cut costs while increasing production and maintaining reserves. This it did with remarkable success. The Company turned its focus on innovation and experimentation. Technological leaps in processing the huge volumes of data acquired in three-dimensional seismic surveys helped PDO to explore with great success during this period. Horizontal wells, which made their debut in 1986, yielded between two and four times the production from any one given well. (They have since become the norm in PDO.) Time and again the Company broke its own records for drilling wells in the shortest time and for drilling the longest horizontal wells. By the end of 2000, PDO witnessed an increase in production. This was due to the increase in production arose from the application of the latest technology
Shell Pernis Refinery, The Netherlands
to increase oil recovery in existing fields. And some of the production increase over the years was made up of “new oil” from fields that were not only found but also developed at an everaccelerating pace. When PDO’s gas-exploration campaign in the early 1990’s made it clear how bountiful the country’s gas fields were, the Government decided to establish a completely new industry – the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG). In 1996, PDO concluded an agreement with the Government to develop the central Oman gas fields in order to supply gas to an LNG plant in Qalhat, near Sur. To fulfill its end of the agreement, the Company had to drill wells, hook them up to a new gas processing plant at Saih Rawl, and then transport the processed gas via a 352-kilometre pipeline to Qalhat. Furthermore, PDO would then be responsible for guaranteeing the delivery of gas for 25 years. This upstream LNG project, costing $1.2 billion, is the single biggest project in PDO’s history. Having built up such momentum in its oil production as it entered the 1990’s, the Company fully expected the trend to continue. Unfortunately, the Company’s
field-development strategy for the start of the 21st century – based on incremental infill drilling with horizontal wells and extensive waterflooding – had its momentum dissipated before the waterflooding projects, which require comprehensive reservoir studies, could be fully implemented. The natural production-rate decline of its major oil fields eventually caught up with the Company at the start of the millennium. And to make matters worse, its business had fundamentally changed: its new fields were coming in smaller sizes; its new wells were delivering less oil; its costs were going up. The fact was that the Company’s operating model – the way it was carrying out its business – was not sustainable in the longer term. Following a comprehensive review in 2002 that led to a sweeping change programme, PDO laid out ambitious production-recovery plans based not only on waterflooding but also on enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques: the application of heat, chemicals or gas solvents to alter the way oil or injected water flows in a reservoir. But, in order for them to be sustainable in the long run, the plans had to be executed for substantially
less money than originally envisaged, making them all the more challenging. A total of $2 billion in cost savings over the five-year period 2002-2008 were incorporated into the Company’s budget. Fortunately, because of the long-term nature of investments that would be required, the Omani Government agreed at the end of 2004 to extend PDO’s exploration and production concession and operating agreements for 40 years – until 2044. PDO’s daily average oil production in 2010 stood at 553,000 barrels per day, slightly above the 2009 level of 552,000 barrels per day. For the fifth successive year, combined production of oil, gas, liquid petroleum gases and condensates stood at more than one million barrels of oil equivalent per day. Gas, key to the Sultanate’s domestic economy, now accounts for more than 40 percent (50 percent if including condensate) of PDO’s barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) production. More important than the average daily output which varies according to customer demand, is gas availability which, for 2010, stood at 100 percent. Source: PDO
2012 27
P O R T of sohar
28
2012
SHINING EXAMPLE OF PARTNERSHIP Port of Sohar, is undoubtedly the most significant symbol of partnership between Oman and the Netherlands in the 21st Century.
2012 29
P O R T of sohar
“The Port of Sohar has been perhaps the most important joint project of the Netherlands and Oman in the 21st century. In a short span, the Port has emerged as one of the most exciting and promising destination on the global navigation map. With expansion of the Port in a phasewise manner in the coming years, it is going to contribute billions of Rials directly and indirectly to Oman’s GDP.” ANDRE TOET Chief Executive Officer Sohar Industrial Port Company
When Oman wanted to develop one of the most modern ports in the world in Sohar, it opted for joining hands with the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The Sultanate had a solid reason behind it. The Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe. Thus was born Sohar Industrial Port with combined investments exceeding $14 billion. The management of this industrial port lies with Sohar Industrial Port Company SAOC (SIPC), a 50-50 joint venture between the Government of Oman and the Port of Rotterdam. The original agreement between the two parties was signed in 2002 and included a port area of 2100 hectares. SIPC was
30
2012
entrusted with the management and development of the port until 2025. In November 2007, an addendum to the concession agreement was signed between the Government of Oman and the Port of Rotterdam to expand the concession area to include 4500 hectares for developing Freezone Sohar. The agreement also granted SIPC an extension to its term up to 2043.
in the number of vessels calling the port every year. The first vessel called the port in 2004 for delivering equipment that went into the construction of the present industries. The port received 1000 vessels during 2009 and shows a steady increase although most ports of the world have been heavily affected by the recession. In 2011, the port had received over 1400 vessels.
Located just before the Strait of Hormuz, Sohar Industrial Port is within easy reach of the booming economies of the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent and provides great connectivity to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and Muscat. Sohar Industrial Port is witnessing an increase
Sohar Industrial Port houses three clusters: logistics, petrochemicals and metals. The port hosts companies including Vale Oman, Air Liquide, Alcan, Larsen & Toubro, Methanol Holding International, Suez, Oman Refineries and Petrochemicals Company, etc. The
three terminals at the port are operated by world class leading companies. The Dutch company, C. Steinweg Oman for general cargo; the joint venture between the German Oiltanking and Norwegian Odfjell for liquids; and Oman International Container Terminals (OICT) (owned by HongKong based Hutchinson/Whampoa) for containers. Container Terminal Managed and operated by OICT, the container terminal’s current capacity is 800,000 TEUs per annum. The port has a designed capacity to handle up to 5.3 million. To further reinforce the position of Sohar Industrial Port and OICT as the eminent gateway to international trade, an inland container depot (ICD) officially known as Muscat Container Depot (MCD) was launched in June 2010. MCD
In 2011, the port OF SOHAR had received over 1400 vessels is the first complete ICD with customs facility in the Sultanate. General Cargo Terminal C. Steinweg Oman LLC (CSO) was established in Oman in early 2004 and was awarded a 25-year concession for handling general break bulk cargoes &
container stuffing and stripping related operations in Sohar Industrial Port. Break bulk as well as RO-RO vessel can be loaded and unloaded at the CSO quay wall. Liquid Bulk Terminal Oiltanking Odfjell Terminals & Co LLC
Ballast Nedam Oman LLC
We take this opportunity to wish growth, continued success and stronger partnership between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Sultanate of Oman. Ballast Nedam is a construction company involved in the realization of civil- and
For more information about Ballast Nedam Oman LLC
industrial works in the Netherlands and abroad. One of our landmark projects in
please contact Frank Mulder by e-mail at f.mulder@ballast-nedam.com or
the Middle East is the King Fahd Causeway between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
on telephone number +968 2 4391 935.
www.ballast-nedam.com
P O R T of sohar
turnaround times for vessels and has added capabilities such as truck loading, blending and injection of additives. It has multiple pipeline connections to the nearby refinery. Further Expansion Sohar Industrial Port has now entered the next phase of expansion. During this phase, a pelletizing plant and iron ore distribution centre has been built by the Brazilian mining giant Vale. A large deepwater jetty has been constructed and it is capable of receiving the next generation of Very Large Ore Carriers of 400,000 DWT. Vale is bringing iron ore from their ports in Brazil to Sohar for producing steel pellets for the region. In 2011, the largest dry bulk vessel in the world arrived at the new iron ore terminal for Vale. This is a milestone for the port as being the third port in the world able to receive such large bulk carriers. The vessel has a loading capacity of 400,000 tonnes and a maximum draft of 23 meters and the overall length of the vessel is 362 meter. This vessel was taken into service this year. Oman Shipping Company will operate four similar vessels in the future bringing iron ore from Brazil to the Port of Sohar. In addition, Sohar will also function as the distribution centre for iron ore to be exported to the Middle East, India and Africa.
Jamal T. Aziz, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Port of Sohar and CEO of Freezone Sohar
32
2012
is a joint venture of Oiltanking Odfjell Oman BV (70 per cent), Oman Oil Company (25 per cent) and a private investment company (5 per cent). It operates the liquid berthing facilities and an independent bulk liquid storage terminal at Sohar Industrial Port. The terminal caters for the storage and handling of petroleum products, chemicals and gases. Part of the existing facility is pipeline linked and dedicated to a nearby world scale chemical plant. The terminal’s infrastructure provides excellent flexibility to its customers, quick
Sohar Free Zone LLC, a duly incorporated legal entity under Commercial Companies Law of Sultanate of Oman, has been authorized for the development, operation & maintenance of 4500 hectares of earmarked Free zone area. Sohar Free Zone LLC is incorporated by Sohar International Development Company LLC (a joint venture between the Government of Oman, The Port of Rotterdam and SKIL Infrastructure of India). The development is planned in four phases. A number of downstream industrial and petrochemical
ventures, warehousing and logistics services, and so-called ‘soft’ investments, such as educational, medical and other service-related amenities are envisaged in the first phase. To date a number of international, GCC and local clients have already signed up or reserved land to establish various projects in the Freezone. Sohar Freezone signed an agreement in November, 2011 with a consortia comprising of leading South African and Omani companies (Al Nur, Riospan and GWK) to set up a Food Hub in the Logistics Park of the Zone. The Food Hub in the Freezone Sohar is aimed to grow into a facility to position Oman as a regional food consolidation and distribution centre in the GCC Region and beyond. The geographical location of Sohar positions ‘The Food Hub’ with a logistics advantage to cater for regional demand and exploit the seasonal
differences between the Gulf/ Middle East Region and South Africa for reverse trade. The Consortium plans to build reefer and temperature controlled warehousing facilities in a phased manner. The project cost – Phase 1 is approximately RO 7 million (US$ 18 million). The facility is expected to be operational, by the third quarter of 2013. The project will train and employ local Omani staff. The Consortium intends to embark on agricultural enhancement programmes to uplift agricultural and processing practices in the Batinah Region to world-class standards. In conjunction, agricultural training and educational programmes are being planned. Such programmes aim to deliver significant knowledge transfer, job creation, balance of trade improvements and food security to Oman, as well as enhancing the value proposition of the Food Hub.
Steinweg Oman LLC (CSO), an Omani-Dutch joint venture, was awarded a 25year concession for handling general break bulk cargoes & container stuffing and stripping related operations in Sohar Industrial Port
For more information, visit www.portofsohar.com
2012 33
OMAN DRYDOCK COMPANY
DOCKING GROWTH
Among the repaired vessels at ODC, SS Muscat LNG, was the most remarkable, which was completed one day in advance as per its schedule, and was redelivered to the owner
For more information, visit www.omandrydock.com 34
2012
With state-of-the-art modern infrastructure, experienced team and strategic location, Oman Drydock Company (ODC) is set to become one of the most preferred dry dock companies across the globe
I
n September 2004, the Government of the Sultanate of Oman in its strive to diversify its national economy from oil to non-oil revenues studied the idea of establishing a drydock company in Duqm as a development programme for the Al Wusta region. The government’s aim was to build a new town with dry dock, free zone, an airport and a seaport facility, side by side, in the central region of Oman. Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. (DSME) conducted a feasibility
study on behalf of the Government and submitted the feasibility study report in March, 2005. Oman’s first ship repair yard is the centerpiece of the integrated Duqm Port and Drydock Complex on the Al Wusta coast. And DSME, one of the world’s top shipbuilders, is overseeing the development of this ship repair yard on behalf of state-owned ODC. When ODC launched its soft operations in April 2011, ODC’s dry dock was ranked among the
biggest ship repair yards in the world equipped to handle some of the largest vessels in service today, including UltraLarge Crude Carriers (ULCCs) of up to 600,000 deadweight Tonne (DWT) capacity. ODC received more than 34 vessels till now. In October 2011, the company received its first LNG carrier (Muscat LNG) owned by Oman Shipping Company. The facility has two dry docks (410mx95m & 410mx80m with 14m drift). They are large enough to accommodate merchant ships of all sizes, including Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCC), Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC), fourth and fifth generation container ships and other vessels and 2800-metre quay in addition to a 453,000-cubic metre dredging facility. It also includes supporting facilities for the quays such as yards, workshops, warehouses and electromechanical workshops. ODC will have a capacity to repair over 200 ships per year. A potential source of business is the huge tanker traffic that carries the Gulf region’s crude oil to markets around the world. Empty tankers requiring repairs or maintenance will find it highly practical to halt at the Duqm Port en route into the Gulf. When the facilities become fully operational in 2012, ODC will provide direct employment to around 1,500 people, and the workforce is projected to rise to over 3,000 by 2020 if a proposed shipbuilding yard is added to the complex. Thousands of indirect jobs would also be created. The company’s CEO M. J. Park stated: “Since the start of operations in April 2011, ODC has completed repair on 35 vessels of various types such as container ship, cement carrier, construction-related barges, car carrier, product tanker, etc. ODC has already experienced and accumulated knowhow on all kinds of works such as steel renewal, painting, machinery, electrical items. ODC wants to be on track in its mission to carry out all kind of work
in order to satisfy the ship owners by maintaining its status for timely delivery and quality of work. Among the repaired vessels, SS Muscat LNG, was the most remarkable, which was completed one day in advance as per its schedule, and was redelivered to the owner.” Sheikh Khalil bin Ahmed al Salmi, Deputy CEO of ODC informed, “Oman Drydock Company (ODC) is known for its strategic location in the middle of the trade route between East & West – the busy route for ultra large vessels. The upcoming port could also become one of the major ports in the GCC region. Large vessels will benefit from the services and facilities offered by ODC. This will give shipowners added value. The wilayat of A’Duqm is the link between East and West , Indian Ocean, Red Sea, East Asia and North Africa.” He added, “ODC seeks to become one
(Left ) M. J. Park, CEO, ODC (Right) Sheikh Khalil bin Ahmed al Salmi, Deputy CEO, ODC
of the leading companies in maintenance and repairing vessels especially because it has one of the largest dry docks in the MENA region. ODC is also ready to serve not only ship repair and conversion but also fabrication of offshore structure such as platform module, jacket and wellhead. Most of the shipping related companies worldwide say that ODC is located in a favourable place outside Hormuz and will play an important role in the Middle East in becoming a focal hub of ship repair and conversion.”
OMAN DRYDOCK – FACTFILE
Spread in a vast area of 1.3 million square metres, ODC is equipped with state-of-theart facilities including two ULCC class graving docks (410m x 95m, 410m x 80m), five 2,800m long quays,14 units of jib cranes with lifting capacity of 40-100 tonNE and slop and sludge treatment facilities including slop tanks to store 10,000 cubic metres. 2012 35
PORT OF SALALAH
A HUB FOR P MASSIVE INVESTMENT Port of Salalah has emerged as one of the most attractive ports in the region capable of drawing huge investments, thanks to its strategic location in the heart of the Indian Ocean Rim with access to major international shipping networks.
Peter Ford CEO, Port of Salalah
36
2012
eter Ford, CEO of Port of Salalah believes that the newly launched Duqm port will not be a rival of the Port of Salalah because the location for Salalah provides far different value to logistics companies and shipping lines. The lack of need for deviation and the massive existing connectivity provides for the fastest and least expensive distribution in the region. Further, the government policy is one of complementary services and not competitive. The Omani government understands that having a wide network of ports will help ensure the distribution of manpower and settlements to many governorates and areas. This in turn will spread the population bases out around the company. These projects will contribute to generating considerable number of job opportunities for Omanis who can work at their immediate neighborhood without traveling a long distance. Port of Salalah compliments Duqm Port and vice versa, he added. “The PoS is known for its great strategic location therefore will be more capable of attracting businesses. Duqm Port in turn will be a catalyst for change in Al Wusta Governorate as it will host a number of medium industries such as metals, oil and natural resources. On the other hand, Port of Salalah will be able to host major industries, distribution, light manufacturing, and logistics,” says Ford. As of today, there are 20 to 25 companies based in the Port of Salalah including Octal and Algeposa of Spain. “We only allow companies that add value to the port directly to have their operations on the port due to the high demand, as it is the case with Algeposa of Spain,” he adds. As for the future, he said that the Port of Salalah had serious talks with two companies. “I believe that we sign another agreement similar to the one signed with Algeposa Group Spain. One of the agreements will be with a UAE based company and the other will be with a Turkish company. Both companies provide production, processing, and distribution. These two
agreements is expected to be finalized before the end of this year.” Tourism PoS receive over 50 cruise ships each year with thousands of tourists onboard. Till the end of the first half of 2011, 22 cruise ships called on Salalah port carrying over 40 thousands of tourists, who contribute to the growth of many businesses. “We have plans to develop one of the terminals to be ready to receive such visitors. The project, which will cost $180 million, is part of the plan to develop the terminal,” he continued. Environment and society Peter Ford believes that environmentally friendly projects benefit not only the environment but the economy as well. “In 2011, we have implemented a new technology to stop the cranes currently in use once they are not required. This has reduced the CO2 released from our operations by 10%. We also seek to rationalize the use of energy sources through using electricity in operating the different cranes. We are exploring a project with the government to implement this scheme which will cut the CO2 by 17,000 tonnes per year and save about 6 million litres of fuel. In 2011, we also implemented a programme for rationalization of water that helped us to save 70% of our consumption. Finally, the company is currently studying the use of solar energy. The company is committed to contribute to the welfare of the communities at its neighbourhood. The company provides every possible support to organizations such as the Omani Woman Association and the Omani Environment Society. It also supports the social and sports events such as junior football tournament. Piracy Peter Ford believes that piracy is a problem and a challenge not only for the Port of Salalah but for the rest of the world especially ports at the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Eden. It has a very negative impact on the business and adds huge cost to the shipping industry. This cost will be finally born by the consumers as
it is the case with any commodity. Piracy adds to the costs of security, insurance, fuel in addition to the ransom that the pirates request. “During 2011 container vessels escaped the looting because they travel at relatively high speed of +16 knots. The VLCC and similar vessels can not travel at this speed (they usually travel at 12-14 knots). This makes them face the risk of piracy. Piracy affects not only the marine transport but also the land transport because the pirates may call on beaches to get fuel or water or other necessities. Recently, there was a kidnapping in Kenya by these pirates.” he adds. As for the measures taken by PoS to enhance security, he says “the port and the Omani government have taken strong measures this year to combat piracy and keep he supply chain safe. We also have our security guards. We also have security agreements with the US and we get their expertise in this field. We organize forums and seminars to shed light on different issues related to marine security. During the international conference for combating pirating, which was held in Dubai few months ago, a proposal was made to establish a fund for combating piracy. This fund will be under the umbrella of the UN and will be in charge of addressing piracy problem.”
The PoS is known for its great strategic location therefore will be more capable of attracting businesses
For more information, visit www.portofsalalah.com 2012 37
OMAN CABLES INDUSTRY
SUCCESSFUL TRACK RECORD Oman Cables Industry SAOG (OCI) has always focused on sustainable business development. Hussain bin Salman Al Lawati, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, explains how OCI has ridden the tide in 2011 and shares the company’s plans for the new year
Oman Cables Industry, one of the fastest growing organisations in Oman, has been going from strength to strength since its inception in 1984. Today, OCI’s product portfolio includes Low Voltage and Medium Voltage Cables, Building Wires, Instrumentation Cables, Overhead Transmission Line Conductors, Special Purpose Cable and Wiring Solutions for Oil & Gas, such as lead sheath cables – all of which are manufactured in their state-of-the-art facility in the Rusayl Industrial Estate. According to Al Lawati, 2011 was a year of many challenges but all of them provided the company with
38
2012
opportunities to learn. Given that OCI’s activities are not only limited to the local market, the company did feel the impact of the political and economic turmoil across the globe – be it the Eurozone Crisis or the slowdown of the American economy. The Asian markets proved to be more favourable, particularly India and China. “I have maintained that 2011 is a year of survival,” says Al Lawati. “And if one takes a look at our performance in the third quarter of 2011, I believe that we have not only survived but emerged quite successfully”. Indeed, the financial reports issued by the company do
reflect positive figures. According to the report, OCI achieved a net profit of RO4.3 million (for nine months ending on September 30, 2011). Sales for the same period reached RO212.5 million – an increase of 34.5 per cent over the same period the previous year. Despite this, Al Lawati affirms that just looking at the figures does not help judge a company’s performance. “At the end of the day we are manufacturers and for that you need someone to consume the products. And of course if you don’t have enough revenues, there won’t be enough projects, and if there aren’t enough projects then there isn’t enough market for you. They (the figures) are indicators for the health of an organisation, but at the same time, it is vital to ensure that the business development model is based on sustainability. The challenges that we faced in 2011 have allowed us to learn more about the different dimensions of our operations.” Despite the economic turmoil within the region and beyond, OCI has maintained their axiom of sustainability and innovation. “We haven’t stopped investing. We’ve now moved towards innovation investment rather than production investment. There’s no doubt that an organisation can produce high quality products. The key is maintaining and sustaining it. Our process of continuous accreditations has helped us in maintaining the standards and has given us a stronger foothold in the international markets.” On this vein, OCI has been working on setting up a new, state-of-the-art testing centre. The project, estimated to cost around RO1 million, will be built on their site in Rusayl. Al Lawati is confident that this centre will contribute a different dimension to the quality of their products as well as provide assurance to existing clients and customers of their commitment towards quality and excellence. It will also significantly cut down the testing process to two months, which now takes about a couple of years.
Hussain Bin Salman Al-Lawati meeting the royal family members of the Netherlands
Already in the design stage, groundwork is expected to begin shortly and the facility is expected to become fully functional by the last quarter of 2012. Apart from this, OCI has also added a new product line which specifically caters to the oil & gas industry. The product is a special kind of insulation that protects cables from oil and other solvents. “Although this product is popularly used in the oil and gas industry, we have invested in high technology and taken great health and safety measures for our employees who work and operate the lathe. We have also ensured that the insulation as a product does not harm the environment.” Joint Ventures Associated Cables Private Limited (ACPL),
is a joint venture between OCI and Draka Holding NV, from the Netherlands. Draka Holding N.V. is engaged in the development, production and sale of cables and cable systems and operates an extensive network of companies worldwide. Currently, it owns a majority equity stake in ACPL in partnership with OCI. ACPL has a well known brand in manufacturing and good facilities in India. (ISO ISO 9001:2000 certified). “ACPL is much smaller than Oman Cables in terms of revenue. But we have operated this company very successfully. 2011 was a good year for ACPL compared to 2010, and now we are working on further restructuring the company. We must remember that although the Indian economy has done
OCI has been working on setting up a new, state-of-the-art testing centre
reasonably well, it too, has been affected by the economic crises and there wasn’t much investment. These have affected Indian projects but overall, ACPL has met shareholders’ expectations.” Way Forward OCI has been steadily maintaining the market share between 70 to 80 per cent. However, Al Lawati confirms that the local market utilises just 40 per cent of the plant’s production capacity; 60 per cent of OCI’s production goes into exports. He believes that the best way forward is for companies within the same economy to support each other. “From a sound, economic point of view, I believe that companies as well as Government authorities need to focus more on the quality and reliability of products available, with a stronger emphasis on national Omani goods and services.” Only then, believes Al Lawati, will there be opportunities for employment and growth. “There is a lot of scope within the current industries, especially on the manufacturing front. However, we need to go further down the line to diversify our offerings. Even today, basic components are majorly imported from foreign countries. These are the areas that we need to pinpoint and exploit.”
2012 39
D amen S chelde N aval S hipbuilding
Quality Based On Experience Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) has delivered more than 400 vessels since 1875 to satisfied customers all over the world and has earned a reputation for excellence along the way.
D
amen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) has a rich tradition of naval shipbuilding with its original navy roots stemming back more than 135 years. At that time, the Royal Schelde shipyard, based in Vlissingen in the Netherlands, was known worldwide for its quality shipbuilding, both in the naval and commercial sector. Unique Modular Approach Over the decades, the emphasis on quality continued and in 2001, Damen Shipyards Group acquired Royal Schelde along with all of its subsidiaries. Following the acquisition, Damen then introduced its unique, standardised modular construction concept in Vlissingen too, allowing it to offer very fast delivery times.
For more information, visit www.damennaval.com 40
2012
Innovation Based on Experience For more than 50 years, DSNS has in fact been the dedicated shipbuilder of the Royal Netherlands Navy and has worked alongside the Royal Netherlands Navy on the design, engineering and
construction of eight generations of combatants, as well as Naval Auxiliaries, Landing Platform Docks and Hydrographical Survey Vessels. Based on decades of experience, Damen now offers navies worldwide a broad range of naval and patrol vessels, ranging from 7m to more than 200m. And many are familiar with the well-known SIGMA and Enforcer series. DSNS offers guaranteed quality standards based on proven technology. Standardised But Customised The DSNS strategy of standardised, modular building is embodied in its SIGMA range of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and Surface Combatants. DSNS supplies a complete range of ships in the Surface Combatants sector built according to the Ship Integrated Geometrical Modularity Approach (SIGMA). But although standardised, each vessel is entirely tailor-made to the customer’s operational requirements with their choice of weapons systems, sensors and electronic warfare
capabilities. The SIGMA range is available in configurations including corvettes and multi-mission frigates. These vessels are equipped to be perfectly adapted to modern tasks such as helping to combat piracy and smuggling and they have anti-air, antisurface and antisubmarine capabilities. Uniquely, DSNS is not bound to any specific weapons and sensor system suppliers, so it can provide everything in this sector. The SIGMA concept has proved popular internationally. The Indonesian Navy ordered the first four SIGMA Class Corvettes and the Royal Moroccan Navy has ordered three SIGMA frigates. Invaluable Support DSNS’s second major product group is the Amphibious Support Ships & Naval Auxiliaries Enforcer series. The Enforcer group includes a broad range of non-combative ships for the support of the operational fleet such as Landing Craft Vehicles, ships for refuelling and supplying at sea, and Hydrographic Survey Vessels. All our Naval Auxiliaries are highly fuel-efficient. DSNS’s Landing Platform Docks have already proved themselves in several peacekeeping missions, increasingly important in today’s world. They can transport people and equipment very quickly ashore and they are extremely suitable for the very largest helicopters. DSNS can
equip them for a hospital function as well. In addition, DSNS has extensive experience in the construction of both military and commercial tankers. An Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR), the Hr.Ms. Amsterdam, was built for the Royal Netherlands Navy and the company has built hydrographic vessels for several navies worldwide. It has also started work on a Joint Support Ship for the Royal Netherlands Navy, the largest naval vessel ever built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding. DSNS builds the Enforcers on a modular basis so they are equipped according to customer’s wishes. In a similar way to building Surface Combatants, DSNS can also involve local yards in the construction process. Customer Satisfaction The company has delivered more than 400 vessels since 1875 to satisfied customers all over the world and has earned a reputation for excellence along the way. It has achieved this status by producing vessels that have a lifespan that far exceeds the average by offering cutting-edge technology and the most cost efficient design solutions. The reputation is based on its reliability. It delivers on time and in budget. These are qualities its customers truly appreciate. DSNS makes it a priority to continue to offer the best - every time! And its customers know that.
Damen now offers navies worldwide a broad range of naval and patrol vessels 2012 41
EDUCATION
Getting Future Ready Problem based learning has been an integrated part of Dutch teaching methods at many HEIs which is a relatively practical approach to learning based on studying and solving real-life issues.
44
2012
H
igher Education plays a key role in the continuing progress and diversification of the Sultanate of Oman’s economy as this process requires a focus on targeted human resource development. Within this context, the Oman Government aims to ensure that students take programmes in areas relevant to the national job market. One way to achieve this objective is by offering scholarships that enable students to pursue higher studies in certain areas of specialisation at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in and outside the Sultanate. In June 2011, a Royal Directive announced an increase of 1,500 external scholarships allowing more Omani students to pursue their undergraduate studies at selected universities in countries such as, the U.S., the UK, Germany, Ireland, Malaysia and the Netherlands. As the economic development of the Sultanate rapidly accelerates and diversifies, the aim is for these future graduates to develop not only technical competence and knowledge in core disciplines, but also generic or transferable skills much sought after by employers, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, team working and (cross-cultural) communication skills. In 2011, more than 50 Omani students were awarded with a scholarship that enables them to pursue their higher undergraduate studies in the Netherlands. This is a sharp increase compared to previous years, thanks to the increase in scholarships and the fact that the Netherlands has apparently become slightly more popular as a preferred study destination. During previous years, scholarship students at undergraduate level were mostly sent to Avans University of Applied Sciences in Breda and Saxion University of Applied Sciences in Enschede in the Netherlands. In 2011, there were more institutions and locations to choose from -- from Groningen in the North to Maastricht in the South
as new Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have been added to the list by Oman’s Ministry of Higher Education. This list has been based on research and independent rankings of HEIs in a certain area of specialization -- Economics or Engineering-related while the (safe) location also plays a role. This academic year, Omani undergraduate scholarship students enrolled for the first time – and some of them for now bravely ‘tout seule’ - at, among others, Hanze University of Applied Sciences in the renowned student city Groningen; HAN University of Applied Sciences in Arnhem as it is known for its Life Sciences programme; Zeeland University of Applied Sciences in Vlissingen, a fisherman’s town along the coast, to study Civil Engineering; the more technical Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven – the area recently voted to be the ‘smartest region in the world’ when it comes to IT & Innovation and home to Philips. And, for the first time, two women students have been admitted to two different reputable research universities, namely, Maastricht University and the Technical University of Twente. The Dutch Higher Education System Many Higher Education Institutions in the Netherlands, or Holland as most of the Omanis know it, are considered capable to equip international students – provided the students are willing to work hard – with the skills, knowledge and competences aimed to help them prepare for their future careers. The geographically, albeit not demographically, small country in
Northern Europe is worldwide known for its capacity for innovation and has been one of the frontrunners in the international knowledge economy. Problem based learning has been an integrated part of Dutch teaching methods at many HEIs which is a relatively practical approach to learning based on studying and solving real-life issues. Secondly, although the Dutch are not native-English speakers, most Dutch HEIs offer many programmes completely taught in English. The Netherlands has a ‘two-tier’ or binary higher education system offering interesting options for different types of learners. The system consists of research universities and universities of applied sciences (and a relatively small number of international universities) while both types of HEIs are recognized and funded by the Dutch Government. Dutch HEIs charge relatively low tuition fees. On an average international, non-EU students pay around 8,000 Euros (around RO4,000) tuition fee per year. Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences (hogescholen in Dutch) mainly focus on the practical application of knowledge. They prepare students for specific professions, such as ‘electrical engineer’ or ‘financial strategic manager’. BA programmes at universities of applied sciences usually take four years. During their course of studies, students work with fellow international and Dutch students in a team on certain projects while simulating real life cases and work
Problem based learning has been an integrated part of Dutch teaching methods 2012 45
EDUCATION
placements are usually an important part of the programme. Studying at a University of Applied Sciences will result in a Bachelor’s degree indicating the area of study e.g. a Bachelor of Engineering or a Bachelor in Economics. Many Universities of Applied Sciences offer MA programmes as well resulting in a MA degree indicating the area of study, but there is also an option to continue with a MA programme at a research university. In order to access a university of applied sciences as a prospective Omani undergraduate student, one needs to have a diploma which is considered to be an equivalent to the Dutch general secondary education diploma. The Oman General Education Diploma is considered to be an equivalent to this type of diploma by the Dutch Government. Research Universities, on the other hand, focus more on the independent practice of research and analysis of complex issues in an academic setting. Today, many programmes offered by Dutch research universities have a professional component as well. Research Universities are based on a three-cycle system -- Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Science and PhD degrees can be awarded. The BA programmes at research universities usually take three years. All the research universities - there are 14 in total - made it to the renowned Top 200 World University Rankings. In 2011, for example, the Technical University in Delft, Utrecht University, Leiden University and the University of Amsterdam (UvA) were all included in the Top 100 of QSWorld University Rankings. In order to get access to this type of university, a prospective Omani undergraduate would require a diploma considered to be an equivalent to the Dutch pre-university diploma. Automatically accepted are post basic education students who have completed their A-levels or who are in the possession of the International Baccalaureate diploma. Students who are in the possession of a General
46
2012
Education Diploma (either obtained at a monolingual Government school or bilingual private school) and who want to enroll in a research university, can opt to first enroll in a so-called propaedeutic year at a University of Applied Sciences (preferably one that cooperates with a research university) after which they can take an entry exam to enroll in a 3-years BA programme at a research university. Unlike research universities, universities of applied sciences are not included in worldwide rankings as their programmes are not academic researchbased and neither do they offer PhD programmes. But they too enjoy a good reputation for their relatively high quality of education, partly achieved through a national system of regulation and quality assurance. Accredited programme offerings are listed in the Central Register of Higher Education programmes (CROHO). In addition to accreditation, Dutch HEIs that wish to admit international students have to sign the ‘Code of Conduct’ guaranteeing the quality of services offered to international students. They apply for the students visa/resident permit on their behalf and usually assist them in finding suitable accommodation as it is not always
easy to find accommodation in the Netherlands. BA and MA degrees offered by Dutch HEIs are internationally recognised. In accordance with European agreements, when a student successfully completes a programme, the institution indicates on the Diploma Supplement how the qualification fits into the Dutch and European frameworks. The increased number of Omani scholarship students at undergraduate level in the Netherlands may pave the way for others to study in the future in the Netherlands as well. As His Excellency Dr Abdullah Al Sarmi, Undersecretary of Higher Education in Oman puts it; “Omani students tend to choose to study at overseas Higher Education Institutions where other Omanis are already enrolled. Most students are initially a bit uncertain about many things which is only natural when one has to move and settle in another country. Omani students who are already studying in this particular country can show these new students around; and once our students get familiar with the Dutch hospitality and welcoming environment they usually get very encouraged to successfully complete their studies there.”
FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE The advantage of an international degree, multicultural environment, rich work experience and peaceful natural environment attracts Omani students to the Netherlands.
Oman’s Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) sends a number of external undergraduate scholarship students to different Dutch Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on an annual basis. The majority of these scholarship students travel to the UK first to improve their English language skills as prospective students need a minimum 5.0 IELTS (International English Language Testing System) in order to get admission in a Dutch HEI. Around 12 students were able to go directly to the Netherlands this academic year. Most of them will start with either their BA programme completely taught in English or the preparatory semester in February this year. We spoke to an Omani student who is currently studying in the Netherlands and three prospective students who will start with their programmes in February this year. Hawraa Al Balushi is a MoHE external scholarship student who has been the first Omani undergraduate scholarship student ever to enroll in the University of Maastricht in South of the Netherlands. In 2011, she started with a BA Programme in Economics and Business Economics. “I wanted to study in a country that is known for providing excellent higher education. Maastricht University seemed to fit these criteria since its undergraduate business programme is highly ranked internationally,” said
Hawraa on why she opted for Maastricht University in the Netherlands. Sharing details of her experience, she added, “Maastricht is an extremely beautiful city with priceless sights; from the detailed architecture of the local churches, to the breathtaking view of the river from the bridge at night. A benefit of
HE Dr Abdullah Al Sarmi, Undersecretary of Oman’s Ministry of Higher Education
2012 47
EDUCATION
Reham Al Farsi, an Omani student who will initiate her studies in the Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen in February, 2012. Hawraa Al Balushi in the city of Maastricht. studying in Maastricht is that it is a small city. It is therefore easy to get around and the constant availability of public transportation at a low cost assists that to a further extent. Furthermore, everyone in the city is extremely friendly making foreigners feel welcomed and the possibility of being homesick is rare. “A challenge that I encountered during my stay in Maastricht is that language can often be a communication barrier. This occurs in a manner where some residents do not speak English, or the local bank would not allow an individual to change an account’s preferred language to English making the money withdrawal process difficult and almost impossible for a foreigner to read the letters sent from the bank. However, I am looking forward to overcoming this
48
2012
challenge by learning the local language as the years go by.” We spoke to three more Omani students who are expected to begin their studies in the Netherlands soon. Reham Al Farsi is a MoHE external scholarship student who in February, 2012 will start with her BA Programme in International Business and Management Studies at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, one of the typical Dutch student cities in the North of the Netherlands where one out of three residents is a student. Reham has been to the Netherlands a couple of times and loves the country. “The atmosphere, culture, appearance, food, personal habits, beliefs and values of the Dutch attracted me even
more to the country. As soon as I found out through the Higher Education Admissions Center that one of the study destinations for scholarship students would be the Netherlands, I kept it as my first choice while applying for a scholarship because I knew I would do well there since I loved it from the first time I have been there many years ago. Most importantly, I think the Netherlands is the right place for me to continue my education. Hopefully, I will make the most out of this experience and come back home a much more creative, initiative, independent person than I already am,” Reham said. Abla Al Kiyumi is also a MoHE external scholarship student who in principle is already accepted by the Technical University of Twente where she is
supposed to start her BA Programme in Advanced Technology in September, 2012. The reputed University of Twente is a Dutch research university which focuses on the development of technology and its impact on people and society. “I started hearing about the education in the Netherlands, that there are really great universities and that with my type of diploma (A-levels), I would be able to get into a research university which would be a tough programme but worth getting into,” Abla said. “I have never visited the Netherlands but I have heard some things about it. From pictures I could say that it is a beautiful country. However, since it is part of Europe, I am expecting the weather could get extremely cold. I’ve heard that their summer is similar to Oman’s winter. It seems to be a place where the people are open to different cultures which is a good thing. Most of the citizens have to become independent at the age of
The Netherlands as a country has a strong reputation in education. 18 so many work even while studying. It seems to be a highly advanced country and the citizens seem to be smart. Dutch are known to be quite athletic too, especially with their love for football. And I find that great as I myself am an athlete and I enjoy playing plenty of sports. And they are also known for their desserts, chocolates and ice-creams which are stuffs I crave on a daily basis,” she further added. Ahmed Al Lawati is
an Omani external scholarship student who will start with a BA programme in Civil Engineering at Zeeland University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands in February, 2012. On the reasons behind selecting a Dutch university for higher education, Ahmed said, “The Dutch universities arm students with worldwide recognized degrees. The Netherlands as a country has a strong reputation in education. I also wanted to go to the Netherlands because it is a land of greenery, peaceful environment and importantly, the lifestyle of the people.” He added, “My plan is to get my BA degree in Civil Engineering. Thereafter work for some company for at least two years after which I want to start my own business which will be related to my major. Universities of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands include work placements in their programmes. I believe I will gain a lot of experience from the work placement which probably will help me in finding a job in my home land Oman.” The advantage of an international degree, multicultural environment, rich work experience and peaceful natural environment attracts Omani students to the Netherlands. It won’t be surprising to see more and more Omani students finding their way to the Netherlands for kick-starting their career in the Sultanate.
2012 49
CULTURE
Bridging Gaps
‘I find Islamic Law fascinating because it discusses relationships between people that are similar in relation to us in the West,’ says Professor Maurits Berger, Holder of the HM Sultan Chair for Oriental Studies at Leiden University
Around the globe, a total of 16 His Majesty Sultan Bin Said Qaboos Academic Chairs have been established by the Sultanate. Eleven of His Majesty’s Chairs are for studies related to the Middle East, Arab and Muslim culture; two are assigned to Information Technology; two are dedicated to environmental concerns and one is for international relations. What unites these different areas of endeavour is that they are part of the Sultanate’s mission to play a constructive role in the dialogue among civilisations, to promote cultural exchange and develop enduring ties of friendship and collaboration among nations for world harmony and peace. In addition to the Arabian Gulf, the Sultan Qaboos Chairs are found at renowned universities in diverse countries on four continents - Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Two of the 16 Sultan Qaboos Academic Chairs are established at two reputable universities in the Netherlands -- the University of Utrecht and Leiden University. In May 2008, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said endowed the Chair for Oriental Studies at Leiden University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Netherlands and the first national university where freedom of belief and religion were practised. Leiden University was founded in 1575 as a gift from HRH Prince William of Orange after the citizens of Leiden heroically defended the city against attacks by the Spanish. The close connection between the University and the Royal House of the Netherlands has continued throughout centuries. In recent times, HM Queen
50
2012
Juliana, HM Queen Beatrix, and HRH Crown Prince Willem-Alexander studied there. Leiden University has six faculties, over 50 research and graduate schools, more than 150 graduate programmes and 19,000 students and has been rated in the top 200 universities by several renowned world rankings. The purpose of the Chair is to expand research and teaching in the field of Oriental Studies, especially in the areas of history, culture, civilisation and contemporary life. The creation of the Chair is a symbol of the deepening ties between Oman and the Netherlands; the two countries have long been seafaring and international trading nations with strong bilateral relations dating back more than 350 years. The current holder of the Chair for Oriental Studies at Leiden University is Professor Maurits Berger. Bregje van Baaren – who has interviewed Professor Berger on several occasions about his background, his fascination for the Arab world and the Islam; the importance of mutual understanding among people of different religions, cultures and civilizations; and his role as a Chair – recalls part of their
Fact File Professor Maurits Berger Holder of the HM Sultan Chair for Oriental Studies at Leiden University
Professor Maurits Berger gives lectures on subjects such as, History of Islam in the West, Law and Religion of Minorities, Political Islam and European Jurisprudence of Islamic Minorities. Even outside the university premises, he is a well-known expert on Islam in the Netherlands. He speaks fluent Arabic and writes books about topics such as, the differences and similarities between ‘Arabs’ and ‘Westerners; gives many lectures outside the classroom and is approached regularly by the media.
My main activity has been to develop a new research area called ‘Sharia in the West’
conversations that took place in the past and catches up with him for an exclusive interview for this special issue of Connexion. Excerpts of the conversation:
Professor Maurits Berger, Holder of the HM Sultan Chair for Oriental Studies at Leiden University
Tell us about the developments since we last met at the Symposium on the HM Sultan Qaboos Academic Chairs held in November, 2010. My main activity has been to develop
a new research area called ‘Sharia in the West’. I organised an international conference on this topic in Leiden, and I have applied for research funding with the European Research Council. When and how did you develop an interest in Islam and Arabic language? I am of Dutch origin and it was the beauty of the Arabic language that made me enroll in Arabic Studies at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands when I was still a student. During this so-called propaedeutic year (first year at the University), I became fascinated with the culture, politics and philosophy of another part of the world. Since my second major was Law, it seemed like a logical choice to pursue my higher studies in Islamic Law, as this field combines both the Arabic language and Law. This topic has kept me fascinated ever since. I find Islamic Law fascinating because it discusses relationships between people that are similar in relation to us in the ‘West’; such as, marriage and contracts, but these relationships are regulated in different ways and that is exactly what makes it fascinating; we all talk about the same things, but we treat them differently. We (people with different cultural and religious backgrounds) talk about the same things but we give a different meaning to them. And, according to me there is nothing ‘good or bad’ about the way of life of one ‘side’ or the other — and that is what people mean by tolerance. You have to accept and respect the differences. Could you share any remarkable experience(s) that further influenced your interest in the Islam? I have lived in Syria and Egypt for seven years. Lots of little things happened during that stay leaving an influence on me. But, what had a great impact on me was the time I returned to the Netherlands in 2002 to witness a
2012 51
CULTURE
debate on Muslims and this was really shocking to me. I was shocked to see that ‘all of a sudden’ Muslims had become the centre of discussion in Europe, including in the Netherlands. I felt this was not the multicultural, open minded Netherlands I had been brought up in. I am defender of my own society as I know it. And, it especially irks me when a group, based on their religious or cultural background, is being ‘targeted’. When it comes to Islam and Muslims, and the way some people talk about them, there are too many ‘victims’, too many generalisations are made. And I believe that one cannot be so structurally offensive without a valid reason. When I started my own studies in Islamic Law and Arabic, people around told me that it would not be ‘relevant’, but now everything I have learnt is topical. Through the Sultan Qaboos Academic Chair for Oriental Studies and by using my academic skills, I want to encourage my students, as well as the general public, to ask the right questions. Today, there is too much ‘empty talk’ as it is not based on any sound arguments while the ‘why’ part is not included frequently enough in the questions that are asked. You had expressed earlier that you would like some MA students from Oman to temporarily study at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Has there been any development in this regard? I have tried two tracks – first is a one week exchange programme and the other a joint Leiden-SQU PhD research project. In both cases, however, I do face a challenge in finding the right people to start up such activities. The distance between Netherlands-Oman doesn’t enable people at both sides to just walk into each other’s office to brainstorm on new plans.
52
2012
How does your Chair contributes in playing a constructive role in the dialogue among civilisations, enrich cultural exchange and develop enduring ties of friendship and collaboration around the globe? My main contribution in this respect is that, aside from my academic obligations, I very often enter public debates and media to comment on current events, like the Arab Spring. Tell us about the courses you teach at Leiden University? At Bachelors’ level, I teach History of Islam in the West. The objective of this course is to illustrate the multiple ways of interaction between two civilisations, Arabs and Europeans, to the students, while paying particular attention to the question that to what extent religion has been playing a role in this relation. The other course I teach at the same level is Law and Religion of Minorities from an Islamic perspective. During this course, both the ‘Islamic View’ on non-Muslim minorities, as well as Muslims as a minority from an Islamic perspective, are discussed. In class, we discuss cases from Europe, Egypt, Pakistan, Israel and Indonesia. My Muslim students are specially interested in this course, because some of them are struggling with how to deal with living in Western, non-Islamic societies. We have a lot of discussions in class. During the last two classes, I organise debates. Another course at Bachelor’s level is reading texts such as texts in the Holy Quran or modern legal texts and commentaries. The purpose is to show students the wide range of thinking on a number of sensitive issues. Most of my BA students are from other faculties. I am also Head of the Islamic Theology programme but only a few students are enrolled in it. However, in my Master’s (MA) course ‘Islam in the Contemporary West’, there are
a lot of students enrolled. Quite a few of these students come from the Law, Sociology and History faculties. At MA level, I also teach a course on European jurisprudence regarding Muslims in Europe. Here, we discuss the burqa, the headscarf, family law, Islamic finance and the building of Mosques. What the students learn here is that there is not ‘one’ Europe, the same issues are treated differently in different countries. One of my colleagues teaches the mirror image class which concerns the same topics but from an Islamic perspective. Some of the issues that I and my (both Muslim and non-Muslim) students discuss in these classes are part of highly emotional and politicised public debates and in class, we analyse these debates. We analyse why, what and how it is happening while we aim not to be judgemental. I want my students to have a solid knowledge of Islam and the way it works in the West. The aim is when you talk about this topic and related issues, you always should base yourself on solid arguments (regardless of your personal opinion). Some of the students are emotionally very involved because of the sensitivity surrounding the topics we discuss and I do not mind students becoming emotional, but I just want them to be analytical about their emotions. Someone may even have the right to say ‘I do not like Islam’, but then one must give solid arguments and not just base his or her arguments on fear. There are different ways of looking at things. This can sometimes feel threatening but before we let the whole thing erupt in fear, we have to know what we are talking about. One of the things I have learnt is that you do not have to agree with each other, but you can try to understand each other. And that is what I aim to achieve by my teaching. I do not need my students to agree with each other but they must try to understand each other.
PERSONALITY
BUILDING THE BRIDGES
In over 10 years of his stay in the Sultanate, Jan Meijer has made an immense contribution in strengthening the bond between the Netherlands and Oman by leading the development of Port of Sohar
“During my tenure, Port of Sohar has witnessed major developments. The first time I went to Sohar in October 2003, I remember it was all sand and desert, now things have changed and that is amazing,” once said Late Annelies Boogaerdt, the former Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Sultanate of Oman in an interview. It all actually started in 1999 when Jan Meijer, who had been the Group CEO of Sohar Industrial Port Company for numbers of years, was the advisor to the then Omani Minister of Transport, HE Al Gazali, in the area of privatisation of so-called ‘aids to navigation’ which consist of, among others, buoys and lighthouses. The more Jan Meijer got involved in this subject, the more other matters were discussed as well. This is how he discovered that the Omani Government was planning to build a new port aside from the ones already existing in Salalah and Muscat. Out of genuine curiosity, Jan asked about the master plan behind the construction of the new port which was then still in the planning stages. He discovered that the plan was to construct a port after the example in Salalah. Jan Meijer was a bit surprised about this fact as Salalah was exclusively used as a container terminal whereas the new planned port in Sohar was to become an industrial port as well. As a consequence, Jan Meijer suggested to the Minister that he might want to consider another comparative approach by taking another industrial port as an example. He based his arguments on his personal experience at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands where he had been giving advice to the then General Director, Willem Scholten. In Jan’s opinion, the Port of Rotterdam was a good model since it was a landlord port. The landlord model was already frequently being applied in several European countries but
Jan Meijer Former Group CEO, SIPC
2012 53
PERSONALITY
it was at that time a new concept in the Gulf. Further to this conversation between the Omani Minister and Jan, a delegation from Oman visited the Port of Rotterdam. As a result, Jan had moved from an advisory function to a negotiating position between two different parties at the end of 2000. This position did not lead to a potential conflict of interest; instead this bridge function appeared to bring about a feeling of trust on both sides.
Late Annelies Boogaerdt, ex Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Sultanate of Oman
The negotiations eventually discharged into the 25-year contract awarded to Sohar Industrial Port Company, a 50:50 joint venture between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Jan’s role at the Port of Sohar was first that of a Member of the Board in the role of a Commissioner. However, in 2003, CEO Wim Kruk left the company. After a long search for a suitable candidate, it was decided that Jan would take up the function. As Jan has just retired from his position as the Group CEO of Sohar Industrial Port Company, we take a look at his legacy from the perspective of people who have worked with him. We asked them for what they think Jan will mostly be remembered for while we will also discover that behind every successful man is a strong woman as Jan got a
Jan Meijer will be remembered for his indomitable energy and tenacity 54
2012
lot of support from his wife, Ami Meijer. Unfortunately we were not able to ask questions about Jan to another Dutch who left a great legacy in the Sultanate as she made a significant contribution in the promotion of the bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Oman, the late Annelies Boogaerdt. She had arrived almost at the same time as Jan Meijer was in Oman. At that time, the Port of Sohar organisation was in a critical development phase and serious talks between the Omani Government on the future of the port were taking place on a regular basis. Although she did not play a formal role in this regard, she helped wherever possible by, among others, organising informal support meetings and creating the necessary publicity. Talking about Jan, HE Stefan van Wersch, the current Ambassador of the Netherlands to Oman, said: “I guess Jan Meijer will be remembered best for his indomitable energy and tenacity in building up the Port of Sohar. There are not many people who can say -- I built a large industrial port from scratch in only five years. Please do understand me well. This development was obviously very much the result of a collective effort and all those involved should be commended. However, at the same time it is true that Jan has his fingerprints all over the Port. Let me add another thing though a part of Jan’s secret was that he knew how to get things done within the context of another culture. In a globalizing world that talent is a major asset. I have seen in the past how other people failed because they lacked that talent.” He added, “Jan contributed to turning this joint venture between the Port of Rotterdam and the Omani Government into a success. Our Crown Prince and his
Jan Meijer (on right) trying the herring in the traditional way
spouse Princess Máxima visited the Port in 2009. Her Majesty Queen Beatrix will visit Sohar in the course of the upcoming State Visit. That clearly shows the extent to which the Port plays a crucial role in our bilateral relations. People in the Netherlands are now quite aware of this Omani-Dutch mega-project. Both sides have much to gain from it. Sohar is going to be an engine for the Omani economy as well as a major employment booster. I am certain that Jan’s successor Andre Toet is going to further deepen and broaden our cooperation.” We also asked some of Jan’s colleagues about their experience of working with Jan. Neelima Vyas, Chief Operating Officer, Sohar Free Zone said: “The Port of Sohar which was a Greenfield project in 2002 has developed from a project to a full-fledged operational port of international standards in the period 2003 to 2010. This has been under the leadership of Jan and the success of the project is greatly attributed to Jan. In his capacity as the CEO, Jan not
only leads a team to steer a challenging project but also played a significant role in managing and harmonizing diverse cultures and personalities. Jan has established robust footprints of development with Port of Sohar and we will always remember him for his dynamic personality, patience and perseverance to deliver with a ‘no regret’ decision. In my view, Jan has played a pivotal role in enhancing the relationship between Oman and the Netherlands both in business and trade as well as in tourism and awareness. His personal attention and dedication whether it is receiving delegations from the Netherlands or Omani Ministers/ Board members to the Netherlands is commendable and will be missed. We look forward to continue having the opportunity to tap into his knowledge and experience of the maritime sector as the Port and Free Zone continues their growth story.” Suwaid Alshamaisi, Corporate Affairs Executive Manager at the SIPC shared:
“As Jan Meijer moves on, the mark of his achievements will remain here. In over 10 years of working here in Oman, Jan Meijer has made a very big contribution. He has driven development in Sohar beyond our expectations. In doing so, he has earned the respect and friendship of the people of Oman everywhere. He has done this through his respect and understanding of the cultures of others, and the way he sees his employees as his colleagues. He quickly appreciates all aspects of issues or challenges facing him. He has time for everyone. We appreciate and respect the successful contribution that Jan has made to Oman, and the love he has for Oman and its people. To us he has been a father and a teacher. We shall be sorry to see him go, but will not forget what he taught us. We look forward to him visiting us from time to time in the future, so that we can welcome him and offer him our hospitality once again. Shukran to you Mr. Jan H Meijer and to your wife Mrs. Amy!”
2012 55
The Flower Land The Netherlands has become an international leader with regard to ornamental horticultural trade and export of fresh cut flowers
56
2012
FLORICULTURE
“Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into,” writes Henry Beecher in his Life Thoughts (1858). The Netherlands is, among others, internationally well-known for its wooden shoes, wind mills and, of course, a wide variety of flowers and their growers and traders. Although the wooden shoes perhaps became a bit of a cliché – as except for the farmers, the Dutch in general do not wear wooden shoes. The flowers, however, make not only the Netherlands more colourful but are also an important Dutch export product. When you visit a local flower shop in Muscat, it will be very likely that over half of the flowers are imported from the Netherlands (or from ‘Holland’ as the florist will probably call it). While landing by plane in the Netherlands during April or May, passengers can overlook the blooming Tulip bulb fields resembling red, yellow and purplecoloured carpets. Almost every tourist visiting the Netherlands has the ‘Keukenhof flower gardens’ near Amsterdam on his or her must-visit list, while the flower auction at the city of Aalsmeer is the largest flower market in the world. If they are lucky, one can get to watch a flower parade. Flowers and plants are a significant economic factor for the Dutch economy, with a total export value in excess of six billion Euros. What started as a flirtation with the precious Tulip, originally imported from Turkey in the 16th century, has now become a global industry worth billions of dollars. The famous Tulip (derived from the Turkish word ‘Turban’) was introduced in Western Europe and the Netherlands centuries ago by Carolus Clusius, a famous biologist from Vienna. In the 1590s, Clusius became the director of the Hortus Botanicus, the oldest botanical garden of Europe, in Leiden. He was hired by the University of Leiden, the same University where in 2008 the Sultan Qaboos Chair for Oriental Studies was established, to research medicinal plants and, while doing so, he received some Tulip bulbs from Ogier de Busbecq, the Ambassador to Constantinople (presently
Istanbul) to plant in his garden in Leiden. Today, the Netherlands has become an international leader with regard to ornamental horticultural trade and export of fresh cut flowers. Around 60 percent of the world’s flowers come from Dutch fields. Its favourable climate, geographical proximity to Europe’s nearly 500 million consumers, and important logistical hubs such as Schiphol Airport, plus the development of high-quality production methods, have enabled the Dutch horticulture cluster to become particularly strong. The Netherlands has been exporting billions of flower bulbs worldwide.
Top Dutch floral designer Tim van Leipsig visited Oman in May, 2011
Dutch Flowers in Oman Tim van Leipsig, a top Dutch flower arranger, visited Muscat in May last year along with over 700 tons and 60 varieties of flowers. The floral designer showed his techniques and new varieties of flowers to a local audience consisting of Omani florists and anyone with a love for flowers. He taught the audience how to make bouquets of, for example, Snowballs, Orchids, Hortensia’s, Tulips and Baby Pink Roses. He appraised the many perfectly cut trees and flowers all kept in a very well condition outside by the road in a country known for its a very sunny and humid climate. In fact, any person visiting the Sultanate for the first time will feel even more welcome thanks to these flowers and trees. Oman is also known for its special relationship with roses and gardens. People who had the opportunity to visit the rose gardens of Al Jabal al Akhdar, for example, will agree that this too is a sight for sorrow eyes and even very important for rose water extraction while also used as an ingredient in valuable perfumes like Amouage. Blossoming flowers will always continue to symbolize important things in our lives; such as, hope and love. Like the famous British poet and writer Oscar Wilde once said; “Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead”.
2012 57
MEMOIRS
Bregje van Baaren (on right) with her Omani friend Amal
I
The ‘Omanisation’ of a
Dutch Bregje van Baaren, a Dutch woman who has made Oman her home, shares her experience of why Oman is so special for her.
58
2012
n order to describe how Oman became one of my best friends, as I like to call ‘it’, I should perhaps explain how we first ‘met’. I first arrived, without any family or friends, in the Sultanate in September, 2005 to work as an intern at the Dutch Embassy in Muscat. I was still a student at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, conducting research on the relations between the Cooperation Council for the Arab states of the Gulf and the European Union (EU). I thought it would be good for me and my research to reside outside the EU, at least for a while. It was my first visit to the Arab world and I still remember the words of my co-passenger on the flight. He generally asked me about the purpose of my visit. And I had replied that I wished to achieve something with the experience I would gain in Oman. The man said: “Of course the firsthand experience you will get by living and working in this country will matter, as you will share your stories with your family, friends and acquaintances – and together they form a whole community learning more about this place from you as an ‘insider’.” He made me feel I could somehow help tackle stereotypes and ‘build bridges’ between the two cultures. Settling Down: From a Stranger to a Sister I always had a fascination for the Arab world as my mother used to tell us interesting stories about her life in Beirut and Teheran in the 1970s. But I must also admit that before I came to Oman,
I tended to generalise the Arab world as if it was ‘one big country’ with similar traditions and customs everywhere. I also knew absolutely nothing about Oman at that time, except for the fact that I had once met somebody whose name was ‘Oman’ when I was living in Italy in the 90s. This Italian stranger told us his parents had named him after a country they once visited. ‘That place must have made some impression on them’, I remember thinking to myself. When I arrived in Oman for the first time, I too immediately felt like a fish to the water which was something my family back in the Netherlands sensed as well. During my internship with the Dutch Embassy, the greatest challenge though was to create a social life from scratch all by myself. I had to try and find my way in a new place and make it ‘mine’. Late Annelies Boogaerdt, then the Netherlands’ ambassador to Oman, who had made Oman her own in a unique way was a great source of inspiration for me. The natural beauty and ‘environment’ – and I am not referring to the weather only – of Oman makes it relatively easy for any newcomer to feel comfortable and safe straight away. I felt blessed to live in Muscat, the capital city with its white houses and beautiful mosques at the feet of the rugged mountains and the sea almost cuirassing those feet! I enjoyed going to the beach where Omanis boys always played football in the late afternoon while Indian, Omani and Western couples were taking a stroll there; some wearing a glittery suit, some wearing an abaya and some even wearing a, albeit decent, bathing suit. I loved listening to the prayers in the air, against the backdrop of a pink coloured sky while the humidity and summer heat hitting me in the face; the smell of burning bukhoor and biriyani (a traditional rice dish) getting into my
nostrils! In December, one would see Christmas and palm trees standing next to each other in the gardens of restaurants and hotels. It all felt very welcoming and tolerant to me while many people seemed to be relatively helpful in a non-assertive but simply friendly way -- from strangers holding the door to guiding you in the car parking. When I had my first car accident, it was a relatively ‘pleasant’ experience as my ‘victims’ were more concerned about my well-being than their car. Another impression I had of Oman as a newcomer was that its people loved their leader, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, as if he was their own baba (father). It also seemed to be a relatively male dominated society. Take taxi drivers for example or whenever I went to a coffee shop to read a book or do some work, I used to see mostly men sitting in groups. Though Omanis generally kept their distance, complete strangers would actually sometimes come up to me; usually to check whether their ‘sister’ was safe and sound. Professor Berger, the holder of the Sultan Qaboos Chair for Oriental Studies at Leiden University, told me in an interview; “Almost everyone who travels to the Middle East, will be interrupted when sitting by themselves in a public space reading a book, because people will feel ‘sorry’ for you.” In Oman, people are less ‘individual centric’ compared to the people in large
European cities. If a trusted, familiar face forgets to carry the purse in a visit to the dry cleaner, in all likelihood one could pay the next day! Mafi mamskila (no problem) is the usual response of the dry cleaner. Open Your Mind Thanks to my upbringing in a multicultural society by my parents, I had always considered myself to be relatively open minded. To me all my friends were Dutch, regardless of their cultural and religious backgrounds. But as the great Leonardo Da Vinci once said; “One challenges the world view by first challenging one’s own view, cautioning that the greatest deception men suffer is from their opinion”. And it was right here in Oman where I would discover there was still a lot more for me to learn and accept about cultures and religions that were different from mine. The Islam is interwoven into every aspect of Omanis, their everyday lives in a way that outsiders could ‘feel’ it too. The interpretation of the Islam by many Omani people I met helped me reconnect with certain ethics and values I had somehow become less aware of. Such as, treating elderly and especially your parents with respect. Not judging someone too soon and try to stay clean at heart as the worst sin is to do irreparable damage to others say with your unwarranted insensitive negative
omanis are less ‘individual centric’ compared to the PEOPLE IN large European cities 2012 59
MEMOIRS
An Omani artisan practising traditional handicraft making
comments. I also feel very comfortable with the meaning of InshaAllah (God Willing) as due to uncertain external dynamics, one can never be 100 percent sure of achieving the planned goals despite our determination. In 2006, I had to leave Oman and I missed the country. Every week, I was nostalgically burning Omani Frankincense, running in parks wearing a ‘Welcome to Oman’ t-shirt, had pictures of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos hanging on my wall, while good friends and even shoarma shopkeepers in Amsterdam would often call me ‘Mrs. Oman’. A few years later, I had the opportunity to visit Oman once more on a media trip. And I didn’t feel like leaving Oman again. As a writer and a woman in love with the country, I wanted to stay in the place which had inspired me the most. I had no job and no house. Some close Dutch friends took me in their home. ‘The course of true love never did run smooth’, as Shakespeare wrote in his Midsummer Night’s Dream. I was willing to take small steps and even a few steps back but I was determined to be part of ‘Building Bridges’. Eventually, I found a suitable job to contribute to the development and promotion of Oman. Today, I no longer see Oman through pinkcoloured glasses. Yet I still love the stable and
60
2012
tolerant country. It is a great feeling to see Omanis, Indians and Western people visiting the Royal Opera House ushered in by modest, polite Omanis; a mix of audience wearing an elegant abaya or colourful jellabia, sari and others a little, albeit decent, black dress. I have also discovered that it is not at all a male dominated society contrary to my initial perception. I have learnt that Omani women are a very strong force in this country. After all, together they form one of the two wings of a bird that Oman resembles in ‘its steady march forward’. Honestly, it was not that easy to get to know Omani women initially. But today, I attend their weddings while they are among many of my colleagues, working in the bank or for the police and are part of my future inlaws as I’ve been engaged to a, MashaAllah, wonderful man who happens to be an Omani. His mother, sisters and some of his nieces are all working women who combine a job or a business with raising their children. I’m proud to use these strong women as an example when Dutch – especially those who have never visited this part of the world – ask me questions about the role of women in Oman. They sometimes think women here are not even allowed to drive a car! My fiancé and my future in-laws made me understand that family does come first, even before your career and friends. The blood is thicker than water as it provides some kind of a social security and safety net. Until today, some Omanis still call me a fish and Oman my sea! I used this metaphor to answer when a former Dutch Prime Minister visiting Oman in 2005 asked me about my impressions of Oman as a Dutch. He told me that some places fit us like a glove, despite not being born there. I feel travelling like a contemporary Bedouin or a modern version of Dutch seafarer, never forgetting my roots in the Netherlands while travelling along what was hopefully meant to be a fixed route to a place I now proudly calls my home thanks to the country and its people! Was it all written or as the Arabs call it Maktub? InshaAllah…
2012 61
62
2012