<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" media="screen" href="/~d/styles/rss2full.xsl"?><?xml-stylesheet type="text/css" media="screen" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~d/styles/itemcontent.css"?><rss version="2.0">
  <channel>
    <title>Omagine</title>
    <description>Omagine</description>
    <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine</link>
    <language>en-US</language>
    <pubDate>09 Nov 2009 16:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
    <lastBuildDate>11 Nov 2009 01:43:28 GMT</lastBuildDate>
    <atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="self" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/agoracom-Omagine" type="application/rss+xml" /><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com" /><item>
      <title>[Industry Bulletin] Oman Observer - Oman’s tourism sector reaping in the benefits</title>
      <guid>message_1260346</guid>
      <pubDate>09 Nov 2009 16:39:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/messages/1260346</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Dear Omagine Investors,</p>
<p>The <em>Oman Observer</em> also reports today on <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Oman&rsquo;s  tourism sector reaping in the benefits.</span></p>
<p>See the article below.</p>
<p>Regards,<br />AGORACOM</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 24pt;">Oman&rsquo;s  tourism sector reaping in the benefits</span></strong></p>
<p>November 9, 2009</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">OMAN is reaping the benefits from tourism that justifies the strong focus given to this sector of the Sultanate&rsquo;s economy, which has come a long way over the past decade and has proven to be an important new source of revenue; in keeping with the government&rsquo;s aim of diversification away from overdependence on income generated from finite fossil fuels.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Today, tourism has already met and surpassed the GDP quota assigned to it, as outlined in the Oman Economic 2020 strategy. This has come about thanks to the strong marketing efforts played by the public authorities concerned and private sector companies who had taken up the government&rsquo;s call to venture into tourism. It has proven to be effective and profitable, even being able to withstand the period of global recession.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Although a relatively recent development here, this burgeoning sector has nonetheless achieved several milestones, one of which, the upcoming Asian Beach Games &mdash; scheduled to take place in December 2010 at a specially built Sports City in Musanaa (about an hour&rsquo;s drive from Muscat), on a 1-million square metre site that is to be completed by November 2010 and is to accommodate around 5,000 athletes and officials from 45 Asian countries &mdash; is set to bring Oman global attention.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Besides the undoubted impact tourism is making towards the economy, it has and will allow for numerous employment opportunities. It has given a new impetus that emphasises the national tourism slogan, Tourism Enriches. With the phenomenal infrastructural development that has taken place here over the last few decades and with the government-backed support and initiatives for this fledgling sector, which resulted in the setting up of a dedicated Ministry of Tourism in 2004 headed by Dr Rajha bint Abdulameer bin Ali, Minister of Tourism, tourism development is setting an even faster pace, attracting local and international, public and private investors. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To keep up with the demand and the pace of tourism development, a number of tourism-based projects have already been completed. Others are well under way and some are in the pipeline, at their initial stages. In this regard, the Sultanate has managed to attract much interest from realty developers and internationally acclaimed firms from the hospitality sector.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In preparation and helping to cope with this tourism-cum-hospitality generated influx, numerous trainees are currently studying at locally-based hospitality institutes and colleges &mdash; with subject fields ranging from hotel management, catering and travel, tourism and hospitality trade, among others. Many have already completed their courses. They have since taken up positions at various hotels, event management companies, restaurants, travel and tourism establishments and in other hospitality-based ventures, as well as those who have been ambitious enough to set up shop for themselves.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With newly opened resort hotels, such as the Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay resort in Musandam and the Crowne Plaza in Sohar; new upcoming hotels, such as the Kempinski in The Wave beachfront development zone, the Royal Tulip Resort &amp; Spa, Mirbat and Marriott managed resort, in the Dhofar region and a number of ambitious and expansive residential-cum-tourism development projects &mdash; including The Wave, Al Madinat A&rsquo;Zarqa (with hotels, residential units, golf courses, marinas, shopping malls, souqs and parks), the Yiti Resort and several other integrated tourism projects &mdash; together with established luxury hotels and resorts &mdash; tourism generated demand, along with associated employment opportunities, is being well catered for.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Two very popular, annually held festivals, the Muscat Festival &mdash; that takes place in the cooler months of January/February in the north and the Salalah Tourism Festival in the south, which takes advantage of the cool temperatures, gentle breezes and drizzling rain brought about by the annually occurring Khareef season, in July-August &mdash; attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, mainly domestic and those from GCC states, as well as from other Middle Eastern countries and internationally. They have helped to showcase the Sultanate, allowing visitors a glimpse of its traditions and cultural heritage, brought in world-class entertainment and a wide array of exciting activities and exhibitions.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The government-owned Oman Tourist Development Company (Omran) SAOC, which functions under the guidelines of the Ministry of Tourism, is responsible for some of the integrated tourism projects. Various developers are currently working on 41 project developments that have been targeted in the &lsquo;7th Five-Year Plan for Tourism Projects 2006-2010&rsquo;. Of these projects, 18 are located in and around the capital area, 8 in the Batinah (coastal) region, 1 at Jabal al Akhdhar in the Al Dakhiliyah (interior) region, 2 in the Al Sharqiyah (eastern) region, 2 in the Al Wusta (central) region, 5 in the Musandam (northern) region &mdash; in Khasab and Diba &mdash; and 5 in the Dhofar (southern) region.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Visitors to the Sultanate have been steadily increasing and even with the global economic slowdown, the total number of passengers through Muscat  International Airport has increased by 5 per cent to 1,355,690 passengers from 1,288,612 passengers during the first four months of 2009 compared to 2008. The number of arriving passengers excluding transfers has increased by 4 per cent to 555,410 passengers during the first four months of 2009 from 533,240 passengers for the same period last year. The number of departing passengers excluding transfers has increased by 9.5 per cent to 519,787 passengers during the first four months of 2009 from 474,900 passengers for the same period last year. The number of civil aircraft movements at Muscat International  Airport has increased by 10 per cent to 16,263 aircraft movements for the first four months of 2009 from 14,786 aircraft movements for the same period last year. Salalah Airport also witnessed an increase in passenger numbers by 2 per cent as the traffic increased to 129,155 passengers for the first four months of 2009 from 127,291 passengers during the same period last year.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The keen interest shown in tourism in Oman is in a large part thanks to the country&rsquo;s veritable wealth of unique and wondrously scenic sites, such as famed historical forts and castles, ecological and ornithological delights situated in pristine environments, amazing seaside views with an abundant array of aquatic sea-creatures, canyons, valleys, caves, barren desert wilderness dotted with beautiful oases and, of course, magnificent mountains &mdash; Oman&rsquo;s ever-present silent sentinels.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">These resplendent, naturally occurring habitats are a haven for bird and wildlife, replete with an ecological biodiversity that is truly unique. All of this, coupled with a coastal shoreline of 1,700 kilometres strewn with beautiful, pristine beaches and adjoining seas harbouring a wide variety of marine life and exquisite coral formations, has helped maintain the Sultanate&rsquo;s tourism drive and allowed it to remain in full swing</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Oman</strong><strong> Tourism Highlights</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&bull; 175 top French tour operators arrive for Muscat Convention &mdash; French transit traffic into Oman set to double in 2010</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&bull; Oman Air launches direct flights to Paris, France; Frankfurt and Munich, Germany and Maldives</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&bull; OCCI (Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and Federation of Gulf Chambers of Commerce organise a Muscat hosted Gulf Tourism and Property Investment Forum</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&bull; Beginning in March, 2009, there have been increased flights to Muscat  International Airport by Oman Air, Air India Express, Gulf Air, KLM, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&bull; As part of its expansion plans, Muscat International Airport inaugurated its new RO 15 million terminal extension earlier this year</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&bull; Sultanate took part in international exhibitions in Moscow, France, Japan and USA, helping to draw attention to Oman&rsquo;s attractions, major tourism landmarks and investment projects</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&bull; Thirty Omani companies took part in the WTM Travel and Tourism Exhibition held in London, UK &mdash; Oman won the &lsquo;Best Middle East Tourist Establishment Prize&rsquo; at the exhibition</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&bull; Ministry of Tourism organised workshops for the promotion of Oman as a choice tourist destination. The campaign included a road show that toured Manama, Riyadh, Kuwait, Doha and Dubai</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&bull; Sultanate represented at the Arab Travel Market</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&bull; Martin Air tourist delegation welcomed to the Sultanate on inaugural flight to Muscat International Airport from Belgium. Delegation taken on a country tour</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&bull; In co-ordination with the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), the Ministry of Tourism organises regional 3-day workshop on &lsquo;risk and crisis management in the tourism sector.</p>

<p><span><br /></span></p>]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Industry Bulletin] Omagine Press - Alarab Online</title>
      <guid>message_1260319</guid>
      <pubDate>09 Nov 2009 16:08:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/messages/1260319</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[
<p>Dear Omagine Investors,</p>
<p>Alarab Online posted this insightful piece today, <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;">Tourism in Oman &ndash; Rapid Global  Recognition</span></span></strong><span> wherein OMAGINE has been counted among the top mega-sized tourism projects in  Oman.</span></p>
<p>See the article below or by using this link:<a href="http://www.alarabonline.org/english/display.asp?fname=2008\10\10-09\zfeaturez\970.htm&amp;dismode=x&amp;ts=09/10/2008%2003:10:29%20%C3%A3" title="blocked::&lt;a href='http://www.alarabonline.org/english/display.asp?fname=2008\10\10-09\zfeaturez\970.htm&amp;dismode=x&amp;ts=09/10/2008' target=" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.alarabonline.org/english/display.asp?fname=2008\10\10-09\zfeaturez\970.htm&amp;dismode=x&amp;ts=09/10/2008%2003:10:29%20&amp;atilde;" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.alarabonline.org/english/display.asp?fname=2008\10\10-09\zfeaturez\970.htm&amp;dismode=x&amp;ts=09/10/2008%2003:10:29%20&amp;atilde;" target="_blank">http://www.alarabonline.org/english/display.asp?fname=2008\10\10-09\zfeaturez\970.htm&amp;dismode=x&amp;ts=09/10/2008%2003:10:29%20&atilde;</a></a></p>

<p><strong><span>Tourism  in Oman &ndash; Rapid Global Recognition</span></strong></p>

<p><span>Edited  by: Dr Hussein Shehadeh <br /><br /><br />A brief announcement earlier this year by  concierge.com, a travel website of Cond&eacute; Nast Traveller, one of the world&rsquo;s most  prestigious and influential travel publications, honoured the Sultanate with the  highest accolade that every aspiring holiday destination yearns for &ndash; a place on  its coveted Top 10 listing of the world&rsquo;s best tourist destinations for 2008.  <br /><br />Oman, along with China&rsquo;s Hainan Island, made the cut in concierge.com&rsquo;s  2008 ranking of Top 10 destinations such as Paris, St Lucia, Puerto Escondido  and the Oxacacan Coast in Mexico, Montenegro, Ecuador, Sicily, Mozambique and  San Diego. <br /><br />In including the Sultanate in its latest Top 10 destinations,  concierge.com noted that Oman was becoming the destination of choice for the  more eco-minded, adventurous and sophisticated traveller. The mix of beautiful  beaches with sublime year-round weather, traditional cities that retain a  genuine desert culture and one-of-a-kind hotels was unbeatable, the website  said, while explaining that its annual list of the top 10 is based on factors  such as new crop of hotels, protected natural appeal and with enough substance  to make a journey worthwhile. <br /><br />On the heels of concierge.com&rsquo;s accolade  came similar approval from The Today Show, USA&rsquo;s popular morning program on TV  and the Internet. Travel editor Peter Greenberg named Oman as an exciting and  affordable destination for 2008 in spotlighted Oman in a review of hot travel  destination around the world. <br /><br />Greenberg, considered as USA&rsquo;s pre-eminent  expert on travel, referred to Oman as &ldquo;one of my favourites&rdquo;. &ldquo;You can fly  directly in, but my favourite route is to go to Dubai first, the drive through  the Emirates into Oman and the beautiful Musandam peninsula, and go swimming in  the Arabian Sea with the dolphins&rdquo; he said. <br /><br /><br />Salient Blend  <br /><br /><br />Indeed, Oman is gaining rapid global recognition as a much  sought-after destination for discerning travellers. Not very long ago, its  tourist appeal was largely limited to sun-and-sand seeking Western  holidaymakers. Today the country offers an increasingly diverse tourist product  that appeals to tourist markets from Europe to the Far East. <br /><br />The  Sultanate is the only country in the region to provide such a salient blend of  cultural, natural and ecological attractions with countless activities such as  diving, desert safaris, mountain-hiking and so on, all within a natural and well  conserved environment, which is rarely found in the neighbouring countries. The  country is also increasingly capitalising on adventure tourism as its key  competitive advantage and the offer that sets it apart from its neighbours.  <br /><br />Not surprisingly, the World Travel and Tourism Council, WTTC, has ranked  Oman&rsquo;s tourism economy among the fastest growing in the world. The Council&rsquo;s  2008 Travel &amp; Tourism Economic report on Oman expects the travel and tourism  industry to grow from RO 2.496.5 billion in 2008 to RO 3.363 billion by 2018.  <br /><br />The sector is expected to contribute directly 2.1 per cent to the Gross  Domestic Product, GDP, in 2008 (RO 362.8 million), rising in nominal terms to RO  617.2 million (3 % of total) by 2018. Further, the sector is set to grow from  9.8 % (RO 1.678.6 billion to 11.1 % (RO 2.265 billion) in this same period,  according to the report. <br /><br />In real terms, the Travel &amp; Tourism,  T&amp;T, economy is expected to grow by 5 % per annum between 2009 and 2018.  Employment generated by the sector is estimated at 104,000 jobs in 2008, 10.2 %  of total employment, or 1 in every 9.8 jobs. By 2018, this should total 141,000  jobs, 12.1 % of total employment or 1 in every 8.2 jobs. The 30,000 T%T direct  industry jobs account for 3 % of total employment in 2007 and are forecast to  total 49,000 jobs or 4.2 % of the total by 2018. <br /><br />Exports make up a very  important share of T&amp;T&rsquo;s contribution to GDP. Of Oman&rsquo;s total exports,  T&amp;T is expected to generate 13.8 % (RO 1.487 billion) in 2008, increasing to  RO 1.837 billion (16 % of total) in 2018. T&amp;T capital investment is  estimated at RO 241.3 million or 6.5 % of total investment in Year 2008. By 2018  this should reach RO 438.1 million or 9.1 % of total. Government T&amp;T  operating expenditures in Oman in 2008 are expected to total RO 37.7 million or  1.2 % of total government spending. In 2018, this spending is forecast to total  RO 54.2 million, or a 1.3 per cent share. <br /><br />The industry&rsquo;s potential to  fuel the Sultanate&rsquo;s socio-economic growth was highlighted by Tourism Minister  Dr Rajha bint Abdulameer bin Ali at a conference in April. The sector grew by a  phenomenal 19 % in 2006 in 2006 and jumped a further 9 % last year. An  impressive 1.4 million tourists visited the country in 2007, with a far higher  influx expected this year, she noted. <br /><br />Driving growth in the coming years  are investments in excess of $ 10 billion into some 40-odd tourism projects that  are currently in various stages of development in the various regions of the  Sultanate. They range from ambitious integrated tourism complexes, which combine  mixed-used residential, tourism and commercial developments, to upscale resorts.  <br /><br />Among the mega-sized ventures are Al Madina A&rsquo;Zarqa, The EWave &ndash; Muscat,  Muriya, <span style="background: yellow;">Omagine</span>,  Salam Yiti and projects in Ras al Hamra and Yenkit in Muscat Governorate and  Duqm in the Wusta region. As a result of these investments, hotel room capacity  in Oman is expected to double by 2012, ending a current crunch in rooms.  <br /><br />Omran, the government&rsquo;s tourism development and investment arm tasked  with expanding the Sultanate&rsquo;s tourism infrastructure, is playing a frontline  role in fuelling this massive growth in the tourism sector. <br /><br />The company  is currently developing, either independently and through joint ventures, more  than q0 resort-style projects with a project value in excess of $5 billion.  Projects in hand include resort villas, conference facilities, leisure resorts,  golf courses and hotels and the refurbishment of some of the major existing  hotels. <br /><br />In parallel with these multibillion dollar investments in large  scale projects, the travel and tourism industry, led by the Tourism Ministry, is  also pursuing growth in all areas and different categories of tourism. This  approach is leading to the emergence of adventure- and eco-tourism , spelunking  (cave exploration), desert safaris, mountain hiking, biking tours, spa holidays,  cruise tourism and so on. This varied offering promises to offer tourists a  unique and diverse travel experience. </span></p>

<p>Regards,<br />AGORACOM</p>
]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Industry Bulletin] Bharat Book Bureau: Tourism Report Oman</title>
      <guid>message_1241815</guid>
      <pubDate>16 Oct 2009 17:52:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/messages/1241815</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Dear Omagine Investors,</p>
<p>The Bharat Book Bureau posted this brief piece today, Tourism Report Oman:</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Bharat Book Bureau: Tourism Report Oman</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Oct 16, 2009 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- </em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em> </em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>The tourism industry in Oman is comparatively new and a relatively small part of the total economy but has been growing quite rapidly. The majority of tourists arrive in Oman from other GCC countries and therefore has reason to think it will be impacted less by the global financial crisis than most other destinations. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em> </em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>According to Rajha Abdulamir, Oman's Tourism Minister, foreign investors have given assurances they would push on with tourism projects in Oman despite the global credit turmoil. "All foreign investors, who are building resorts or planning to do so, have pledged to continue with their projects despite the international financial crisis," Abdulamir told newswire Reuters. "These projects are important as to their contribution to our economy and the government is committed to give its support," she added. </em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em> </em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>... </em></p>
<p>See the website and article using this link:<a href="http://www.individual.com/storyrss.php?story=108510611&amp;hash=3927218620680397a289b7d4b6da05d6" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.individual.com/storyrss.php?story=108510611&amp;hash=3927218620680397a289b7d4b6da05d6" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.individual.com/storyrss.php?story=108510611&amp;hash=3927218620680397a289b7d4b6da05d6" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.individual.com/storyrss.php?story=108510611&amp;hash=3927218620680397a289b7d4b6da05d6" target="_blank">http://www.individual.com/storyrss.php?story=108510611&amp;hash=3927218620680397a289b7d4b6da05d6</a></a></p>
<p>Regards,<br /> AGORACOM</p>]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Industry Bulletin] Oman's Political Stability Makes Tourism Possible</title>
      <guid>message_1215521</guid>
      <pubDate>14 Sep 2009 13:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/messages/1215521</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>
<p>Dear Omagine Investors,</p>
<p>TravelVideo Online yesterday posted &ldquo;Oman's Political Stability Makes Tourism  Possible&rdquo;.</p>
<p>See the article using this link:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.travelvideo.tv/news/oman/09-07-2009/omans-political-stability-makes-tourism-possible" title="blocked::&lt;a href='http://www.travelvideo.tv/news/oman/09-07-2009/omans-political-stability-makes-tourism-possible" target="_blank">http://www.travelvideo.tv/news/oman/09-07-2009/omans-political-stability-makes-tourism-possible</a></a></p>
<p>Regards,<br />AGORACOM</p>

</p>]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Industry Bulletin] Quality Tourism in Oman</title>
      <guid>message_1212414</guid>
      <pubDate>09 Sep 2009 14:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/messages/1212414</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[
<p>Dear Omagine Investors,</p>
<p>Middle East Online published &ldquo;Quality tourism in Oman&rdquo; by  Dr. Hussein Shehadeh today.  See the article below or view the source:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=34217" title="blocked::&lt;a href='http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=34217" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=34217" target="_blank">http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=34217</a></a></p>
<p>Regards,</p>
<p>AGORACOM</p>
]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Corporate Update] Form 10-Q</title>
      <guid>message_1199132</guid>
      <pubDate>17 Aug 2009 16:23:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/messages/1199132</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Dear  Omagine Investors,</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Please be  informed that Omagine has filed their Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the SEC  for the period ended June 30, 2009.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">To review  the complete filing please use the link below, or to review all corporate  filings, please click on the &ldquo;View Filings&rdquo; section of the main page of the  Omagine hub here at Agoracom.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/820600/000082060009000011/tenq0609.txt" target="_blank">FORM  10-Q</a></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Regards,<br />AGORACOM</span></p>
]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Industry Bulletin] Aviation Development and Modernization in Oman</title>
      <guid>message_1167175</guid>
      <pubDate>29 Jun 2009 14:33:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/messages/1167175</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Dear Omagine Investors,</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Improvement of two existing airports, construction of two new airports in the Sultanate, along with radar, meteorological and other airport related infrastructure improvements covering 13 separate agreements were recently announced.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">See the general news piece below and a more specific detailing of these agreements from the Ministry of Information -- includingthe largest of such agreements for approx USD 1.17 billion (RO 450 million) awarded to Consolidated Contractors Company (Omagine&rsquo;s nominated General Contractor for the Omagine Project) and their joint venture partner.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><a href="http://smallcapepicenter.com/Oman_USD_%205-billion_Airport_Development_6-24-09.pdf" target="_blank">Oman to spend USD 5 bln on developing airports</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><a href="http://smallcapepicenter.com/MOI_Aviation_6-26-09.pdf" target="_blank">Big boost for Oman&rsquo;s aviation sector</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Regards,<br />AGORACOM</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Photo] Based upon the true story of Oman and the world</title>
      <guid>photo_3981</guid>
      <pubDate>03 Jun 2009 09:02:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/photos</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<br/><img alt="Omag11" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.agoracom.com/public/photos/images/3981/thumb/OMAG11.JPG" />]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Photo] A matchless resort entertainment experience</title>
      <guid>photo_3980</guid>
      <pubDate>03 Jun 2009 09:02:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/photos</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<br/><img alt="Omag10" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.agoracom.com/public/photos/images/3980/thumb/OMAG10.JPG" />]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Photo] The open‐air amphitheatre</title>
      <guid>photo_3979</guid>
      <pubDate>03 Jun 2009 09:02:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/photos</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<br/><img alt="Omag9" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.agoracom.com/public/photos/images/3979/thumb/OMAG9.JPG" />]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Photo] The colors of light from the Pearls also perform live, as a radiant backdrop</title>
      <guid>photo_3978</guid>
      <pubDate>03 Jun 2009 09:01:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/photos</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<br/><img alt="Omag8" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.agoracom.com/public/photos/images/3978/thumb/OMAG8.JPG" />]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Photo] Evenings when live concert events play at the open‐air amphitheatre</title>
      <guid>photo_3977</guid>
      <pubDate>03 Jun 2009 09:00:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/photos</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<br/><img alt="Omag7" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.agoracom.com/public/photos/images/3977/thumb/OMAG7.JPG" />]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Photo] A luminous waterway and Towers also paint the evening sky with light</title>
      <guid>photo_3976</guid>
      <pubDate>03 Jun 2009 08:57:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/photos</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<br/><img alt="Omag6" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.agoracom.com/public/photos/images/3976/thumb/OMAG6.JPG" />]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Photo] Pearls revealing the seven colors</title>
      <guid>photo_3975</guid>
      <pubDate>03 Jun 2009 08:57:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/photos</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[By night, Omagine is a visually stunning landscape with the Pearls revealing the seven colors
of visible light<br/><img alt="Omag5" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.agoracom.com/public/photos/images/3975/thumb/OMAG5.JPG" />]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Photo] Boardwalk and the Pearls</title>
      <guid>photo_3974</guid>
      <pubDate>03 Jun 2009 08:54:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/photos</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<br/><img alt="Omag4" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.agoracom.com/public/photos/images/3974/thumb/OMAG4.JPG" />]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Photo] The jewel‐like architecture of the boardwalk and the Pearls</title>
      <guid>photo_3973</guid>
      <pubDate>03 Jun 2009 08:53:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/photos</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<br/><img alt="Omag3" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.agoracom.com/public/photos/images/3973/thumb/OMAG3.JPG" />]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Photo] The Pearls of Omagine – Oman’s New Landmark</title>
      <guid>photo_3972</guid>
      <pubDate>03 Jun 2009 08:53:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/photos</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<br/><img alt="Omag2" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.agoracom.com/public/photos/images/3972/thumb/OMAG2.JPG" />]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Photo] Omagine</title>
      <guid>photo_3971</guid>
      <pubDate>03 Jun 2009 08:52:38 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/photos</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<br/><img alt="Omag1" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.agoracom.com/public/photos/images/3971/thumb/OMAG1.JPG" />]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Corporate Update] Omagine Releases Architectural Concept Drawings</title>
      <guid>message_1150777</guid>
      <pubDate>03 Jun 2009 08:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/messages/1150777</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<br /><br />
<p><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Dear Omagine Investors,</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As Omagine continues its wrap up of the documentary process with the Oman Government, today it released a handful of architectural concept drawings for publication in the &lsquo;<a href="http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/photos" target="_blank">Photo</a>&rsquo; section of the OMAG Agoracom hub. A day/night sketch of the Omagine resort complex is included in the grouping.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Omagine integrates cultural, heritage, educational and entertainment themes into a string of seven Pearl shaped structures. Each Pearl features exciting entertaining experiences relevant to their particular themes of:<span> </span>Oman, Culture, Innovation, Energy, Sea, Earth, and Sky --<span> </span>all based on the true story of each theme. Entertainment will be plentiful, and tourists will leave with painlessly imparted enlightenment.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Omagine expects that it will bring Oman to the world&hellip; and the world to Oman&hellip; and based as it is on the true story of Oman and the World - Omagine will become &ldquo;the destination&rdquo; in Muscat.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Two resort hotels are at either end of an expansive boardwalk filled with cafes, restaurants, theaters, retail shops, entertainment experiences, an open air amphitheater and stage &ndash; and of course the string of seven Pearls of Oman.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The boardwalk will face an enclosed harbor area to one side and a canal on the other.<span> </span>A variety of villas, apartments, town homes and serviced apartments are also planned at Omagine.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Regards,<br />AGORACOM</p>
<br /><br />
<br /><br />]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Corporate Update] Form 10-Q</title>
      <guid>message_1134888</guid>
      <pubDate>11 May 2009 14:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/messages/1134888</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Dear Omagine Investors,</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Please be informed that Omagine has filed their Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the SEC for the period ended March 31, 2009.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">An excerpt of the Report follows below.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To review the complete filing please use the link below, or to review all corporate filings, please click on the &ldquo;View Filings&rdquo; section of the main page of the Omagine hub here at Agoracom.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/820600/000082060009000009/tenq309.txt" target="_blank">FORM 10-Q</a></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #333399;">Excerpt: </span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #333399;"> </span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #333399;">During December 2008 and throughout the first quarter of 2009, the Company and its attorneys remained engaged with the Ministry of Tourism in an attempt to conclude the Development Agreement.</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #333399;"><span> </span></span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #333399;">These interactions and the official Government review and comment process for the November 2008 Draft Agreement resulted in a request from MOT to prepare yet another schedule detailing the Company's proposed changes to the Standard DA (the "Schedule of Changes"). The Company's attorneys prepared the Schedule of Changes and submitted it to the Government on February 17, 2009 together with an updated draft Development Agreement (the "February 2009 Draft Agreement"). The Government subsequently confirmed in writing to the Company that March 16, 2009 was the date that they would meet with the Company to discuss and conclude the Development Agreement (the "Final Meeting"), which the Government described as the "wrap-up" meeting for the Omagine Development Agreement. The Government also informed the Company's attorneys that it planned to conduct internal meetings (the "Government Internal Meetings") among the relevant Ministries (Tourism, Legal Affairs and Finance) in preparation for the Final Meeting and to review the Schedule of Changes with a view toward expediting the review process required at the Final Meeting. As of the date hereof, the Government has postponed the Final Meeting and the Government Internal Meetings have not yet been finalized or concluded. <span> </span></span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #333399;"> </span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #333399;">On March 30, 2009 the Company received a letter from MOT stating in relevant part that "... The inclusion of your comments and additions directly into the SDA very much impedes the sorting out of the points ..." Although such inclusion was done in a "redline </span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #333399;">document" at the specific request of the MOT, the letter went on to request: (i) "including the commercial terms with respect to the Landmark as a separate Annexure to the SDA", and (ii) including a separate document with "... any comments or additions on the SDA". Complying with this request did not change anything in our proposed February 2009 Draft DA but required (i) moving large amounts of the document into an annex which is then incorporated into the DA, and (ii) performing a clause-by-clause analysis of the DA showing those clauses where the SDA language and our proposed language differ and the reason for such difference. This was an enormous task which was completed and delivered to the MOT on April 30, 2009. While management believed this new annex ("Annex A") and the clause- by-clause analysis (the "Omagine Comments") were redundant and unnecessary, they are in fact startlingly clear and make all our proposed changes to the SDA simple to review and easy to understand. Moreover they positively illuminate how our proposed changes to the SDA will work to the Government's and our mutual benefit. Notwithstanding the foregoing described delays and postponements, management believes that the Government's bureaucratic process has now run its course, and management is unwavering in its belief that the Company's persistent insistence upon the clarity of the language of the development agreement will be of enormous financial value to all parties once the actual development of the Omagine Project is underway. As of the date hereof the Government has re-started the Government Internal Meetings regarding Omagine and we expect very few, if any, controversial items to emerge. In view of the previously encountered delays, management is reluctant to make predictions, but we are of the opinion that the Company's patient approach to this process will yield positive results and that a development agreement will be signed by the Project Company and the Government within the next 60 days. <span> </span></span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #333399;"> </span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #333399;">Although the Company expects some inconsequential re-drafting of the February 2009 Draft Agreement to be required, management is highly confident that the Government Internal Meetings will result in a draft development agreement acceptable to all parties. </span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Regards,<br />AGORACOM</p>]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Corporate Update] Omagine highlighted in ‘The Report: Oman 2009’</title>
      <guid>message_1132580</guid>
      <pubDate>07 May 2009 11:59:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/messages/1132580</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>
<p><span style="">Dear OMAG  Investors,</span></p>
<p style=""><span style="">Please find below the  &ldquo;Construction &amp; Real Estate&rdquo; chapter of <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Report: Oman 2009</span></em> just published by Oxford Business Group.</span></p>
<p style=""><span style="">Oxford Business Group  is a leading publisher of economic and political intelligence on the markets of  the Eastern Europe, North and South Africa, The Middle East and Asia. Through  its range of print and online products, OBG offers comprehensive and accurate  analysis of political, macroeconomic and sectoral developments, including  banking, capital markets, energy, infrastructure, construction, and  insurance.</span></p>
<p style=""><span style="">Written by a team of  analysts based on the ground, Oxford&rsquo;s critically acclaimed publications of  economic, political and business annuals have become the leading source of  intelligence on the region. At the same time, the online economic updates  provide up-to-date in-depth analysis on the issues that matter for thousands of  subscribers worldwide. </span></p>
<p><span style=""><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.smallcapepicenter.com/executive/OmanOBGConstructionRealEstateerom%202009.pdf" target="_blank">Click Here</a></span> </span><span style="">to view  the report. </span></p>
<p style=""><span style="">Regards, <br />AGORACOM  </span></p>
</p>]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Industry Bulletin] ‘The Report: Oman 2009’ highlights Sultanate’s enviable position</title>
      <guid>message_1132574</guid>
      <pubDate>07 May 2009 11:50:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/messages/1132574</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<br /><br />
<p><span>Dear OMAG  Investors,</span></p>
<p><span>Please find  below an article which was published by Oman Ministry of Information regarding  the launch of the Oxford Business Group&rsquo;s publication titled &ldquo;The Report: Oman  2009&rdquo; &ndash; the annual business economic and political review of the Sultanate. </span></p>
<p><span>Oxford  Business Group's series of on-line and print publications have become renowned  as the leading source of information for Eastern Europe, North and South Africa,  the Middle East and Asia. Oxford Business Group is currently preparing &ldquo;The  Report: Oman 2010&rdquo; which will mark forty years of the modern  Sultanate.</span></p>
<p><span>Regards,<br />AGORACOM</span></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Click on Image to View Report</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.smallcapepicenter.com/executive/oman2009highlights.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.smallcapepicenter.com/images/2009omanreport.JPG" /></a><span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p>
<br /><br />]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Industry Bulletin] Oman reaps fruits of go-slow plan</title>
      <guid>message_1125464</guid>
      <pubDate>28 Apr 2009 12:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/messages/1125464</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<table>

<tr>
<td>
<h1 style="padding: 0px; color: #000000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 19px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Oman reaps fruits of go-slow plan</h1>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="left" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 130%;">By Michele Grant, Special to Gulf News<br /><span style="color: #b3b3b3;">Published: April 23, 2009, 22:51</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-family: Verdana; color: #000000; font-size: x-small;"> </span>
<p>Dubai: Oman is taking things slowly when it comes to development. And it is an approach which seems to be working well for its property developers.</p>
<p>While its neighbours have developed housing at a blistering pace in recent years, Oman has just begun to open up to foreign buyers wanting the sun and sand of the Middle East without the over-the-top skyscrapers and often crass commercialism.</p>
<p>Oman has embarked on a gentle modernisation programme which includes a 2006 royal decree allowing expatriates and foreign nationals to purchase land and property within the sultanate in "tourist designated areas" for accommodation and investment. It's a law that has been carefully constructed to help elevate the country slowly but surely into the international arena.</p>
<p>There are currently five areas where foreigners can buy in Oman.</p>
<p>These include The Wave, Muscat, Al Madina a'Zarqa, Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club, Muriya and Barr Al Jissah. Several more developments are due to released over the coming 12 months including the prestigious Malkai project, set to become the sultanate's most exclusive resort destination. Only projects which have passed the strict criteria laid down by the government, in terms of enhancing Oman's tourist growth, can sell to foreigners.</p>
<p>According to Christopher Steel from the real estate company Savills, it is this gentle, thorough approach which is continuing to attract buyers.</p>
<p>According to Steel, Oman's developments are aimed at end users who want a permanent or holiday home. And it's a location that is attracting interest from people who are eager to take their foot off the lifestyle accelerator.</p>
<p>Michael O'Connell, head of research at Hamptons International, agrees, pointing out that there are many advantages for foreigners buying in Oman. He highlighted the fact that the sultanate has worked hard to create the right climate for new investment by developing a free competitive economy with equal opportunities for all and shaping laws and regulations to encourage enterprise.</p>
<p>These include a free economy system, no personal income tax, no restrictions on capital and profit transfers together with freehold ownership rights for expatriates.</p>
<p>With property prices for integrated tourism complexes ranging from $1,700 (Dh6,252.60) to $7,000 per square metre, O'Connell says Oman has not been adversely affected by the current global economic climate. "Some changes are taking place but they are slight. With the residential market having entered a new period of price correction ... we have noted a small decline for residential properties. In turn, this has slightly reduced rental prices," he says.</p>
<p>"While no developer is releasing primary stock at present, we expect this to change over the next two quarters, with an emphasis on bringing affordable stock to the Oman market. It is a good choice, therefore, for mid- to long-term investors rather than those looking for short-term gains."</p>
<p>Maintaining a low profile has worked in Oman's favour, according to James Gonzalez, market analyst at Obelisk Investment Property.</p>
<p>The sultanate, Gonzalez says, is considered to be a 'real Arabia' by many and is keen to learn from what it sees as the errors accompanying the over development in other markets and has aimed at the select end of the property investment market.</p>
<p>"Oman's property market is one of the youngest in the region. So it's an emerging market but targeted at the higher, luxury end," Gonzalez says.</p>
<p>"This, together with limited and controlled development is likely to ensure that Oman property development investment remains exclusive."</p>
<p>It all sounds good, particularly considering the downbeat forecast for residential property in the rest of the world.</p>
<p>But what are the downsides of buying in Oman if you are a foreigner.</p>
<p>None, according to Savills' Christopher Steel. He says that Oman has the most advanced freehold ownership legislation of any country in the region.</p>
<p>"It was," he says, "the first country to ratify freehold ownership, together with residency rights, so anyone who buys in Oman can be assured that there are clear and concise laws governing their ownership and living rights."</p>
<p><em>The author is a freelance writer based in Dubai.</em></p>
</td>
</tr>

</table>]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Industry Bulletin] Spectacular tourism growth expected in Oman</title>
      <guid>message_1120647</guid>
      <pubDate>21 Apr 2009 16:26:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/messages/1120647</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<br /><br />
<p>Dear Omagine Investors,</p>
<p>Oman Air&rsquo;s Head of Corporate Communication and Media in  the April 18, 2009 piece by <span style="text-decoration: underline;">AME Info</span> provides keen insight into Oman&rsquo;s  Vision 2020 Plan as it relates to the Sultanate&rsquo;s travel and tourism efforts.</p>
<p><a href="http://smallcapepicenter.com/Future%20is%20bright%20for%20Oman%20tourism_AME_4-18-09.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a> to view the article, &ldquo;Future is bright for Oman  tourism, reports bear out&rdquo;.</p>
<p>Regards,<br />AGORACOM</p>
<br /><br />]]>
      </description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[Industry Bulletin] Docking Infrastructure: Sultanate Floats the Foundations for a Modern State</title>
      <guid>message_1117420</guid>
      <pubDate>17 Apr 2009 09:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <link>http://agoracom.com/ir/omagine/messages/1117420</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>
<p>Dear Omagine Investors,</p>
<p>The Omagine Project is cited in the April 15, 2009 piece  by <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://executive-magazine.com/117/index.php" target="_blank">Executive-Magazine.com</a></span></em> concerning Oman&rsquo;s sustained investment  in infrastructure and tourism.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.smallcapepicenter.com/executive/Executive_4-15-09_Docking_Infrastructure.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a> to view the article, &ldquo;Docking  Infrastructure&rdquo;.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Regards,<br />AGORACOM</p>
<p> </p>
</p>]]>
      </description>
    </item>
  </channel>
</rss>
