My Trip to Oman and some fascinating business facts

Recently I have been to Oman for a leisure trip but found some amazing facts which I think should be shared to all who are keen on economic matters specific to GCC region. 


Drive to Oman was truly a fun filled experience and  very much longing especially with my family after some hectic work in Dubai. The journey was a lengthy one being held up at the border for  5 hours just to obtain the tourist visa. Blame it on the holidays declared at this part of the region. Dubai vehicles loaded with people were a common sight on the roads. The highway to Oman is just awesome and a clog free drive was an experience. Having being maintained the greenery on sides throughout the highway is something one should envy of. Kudos to the authorities who have done a marvellous job though it was meant to attract the visitors expressly. 


Now straight to business. At one go you won't find any high raises or structures in Muscat. I realised that Oman  has chosen to grow horizontally than vertical, being gifted with abundant land with fertile regions. Not to forget that it is next to Saudi in land area. I was wrong in under estimating that the infrastructure is less developed in Oman compared with other GCC countries. It's wise for a nation like Oman not to invest money on tall buildings and  artificially jack up the prices or intentionally create scarcity of dwelling / commercial spaces. 


It's also worth to note that the country is focused now to increase their non oil revenue from 20:80 to 30:70. Certainly a good move considering the fact that the intended ratio is maximum since oil and gas is the back bone of its economy and cannot be forgotten. A 10% is a brave move towards de risking its dependence on gas.  


Our visit to Oman was coincided with the national day. The whole street was decked with flex of HH Qaboos, the current ruler of Oman. The streets were lit with color neons to mark the celebration. A night drive too was equally thrilling. Needless to mention here that Oman is gifted with some virgin beaches for a fun filling day out. Qurom beach, around 6KM from the city is simply awesome with its natural beauty. 


His Highness Sultan Qaboos is very keen to develop the education sector. His recent announcement to provide millions worth scholarship for the higher education of the students is equally encouraging and commendable. Tourism is another area were some major developments are happening. No doubt the nature is on their side. Sun kissed deserts, wadis and green misty mountains are enthralling for any visitor. 


I was told that couple of years back Oman was literally thrown out of map by floods. Most of its structures and roads were vanished. Even now you could see red poles warning the drivers on water level indication throughout in a highway. But after few years Oman was back on track and any one now could hardly notice the scar. HH Sultan Qaboos is now an international figure being at No.10 among the most influential Arab personalities. 


Commodities barring fuel seems to be on a higher side. Food and essential items are no exception. But I could fill gas on an empty tank with just 5 RO (50 Dhs). In Dubai I should be paying nothing less than 75Dhs for a full tank of fuel in my small car.   


What Dubai could learn from Oman is its consistent growth with planned strategies. Real estate is on a controlled path. Wave Muscat - a residential and commercial project in the city is promising and shall be released soon by authorities. Bookings are happening even now though many plots are sold out. 


Oman is certainly growing in the right direction. The country never follows a 'me too' strategy. It's unique in every step. Sultan Qaboos is certainly proud of his country. His fellow subjects are too happy and still cherish the fact that he opened the democratic doors by enabling the selection of the representatives by election to the Majlis. By shedding some of its conservative approach Oman could be a super power among the GCC countries in the near future.

It seems Emirates (Airline company) is flying too high!

EMIRATES v ETISALAT 


Emirates have started up like a small aviation company with just 2 Air crafts borrowed from (PIA)Pakistan International airlines. The recent P&L (Profit & Loss) statement shows it has a whooping  $ 3.2 billion as profits.    An extra billion compared with the overall profits of the telecommunication mammoth Etisalat. How do these corporates make these profits all year( or decade) round? All I could cherish is Emirates didn't had a piggie back ride like Etisalat on a monopoly pitch. But it always had a sovereign clout to boast of. Oil boom era, surplus oil reserves and subsidized rates et al provided a non turbulent sky ride. Oil was selling for $18 a barrel then ! Geographical position of Dubai and its easy access to Europe & Asia ( Other continents  too) alike made this a fun ride. 


There were customers who are ready to shell more money for a quality sky experience. There were business reasons to do it. Dubai was considered as the business hub. Bahrain somehow hold its blanket as the regions financial hub (Dubai may refute it). How long does this fun ride continue? All I can say is as long as they keep their customers happy. Are they doing it? At least some media  reports and customer survey proves otherwise. No doubt the flight load factor keeps better with more happy customers in place. Once averse to budget and economy pricing have started thinking on similar line by introducing FLY DUBAI. Has the airline kept up its motto of low rates is  something yet to be heard of. 


Thanks for your reading.