TEDxMuscat at the Millennium Resort Mussanah

The 2012 TEDxMuscat was held in the Millennium Hotel so after a drive from Muscat it was great to get a nice cold drink – and snacks. Later TEDx organised a buffet and as usual at the Millennium it was excellent – Chinese style.

Oman does seem to be trying to develop a workforce who will be able to thrive in the new economy of today’s world. So it seemed that the objectives of the day were to illustrate the power of creative thought, endeavour and importantly provide role models for the future entrepreneurs of Oman.

TEDxMuscat

Dr Abdullah Al-Zakwani the Executive Director of Industrial Innovation Centre of Oman set the tone by

Astana Philharmonic Orchestra from Kazakhstan

Al Bustans concert theatre was the venue for the Astana Philharmonic Orchestra where I watched an evening concert of Kazakh music and dance.

A Kazakh celebration dance

Arab Tourism Capital 2012 is Muscat

Arab tourism ministers, at a meeting in Jordan chose Muscat as the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2012.

Rainbow over Muscat

I wonder what events are going to start from Jan 1st.

Ritz Carlton’s Al Bustan Palace Hotel

It must be quite a task to undertake all the changes in lettering needed when a hotel changes from one management company to another.

Here, in Oman, Al Bustan Palace has just undergone a change with it now being A Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Al Bustan Palace A Ritz Carlton Hotel

We visited it recently and the transport already has had an artist hand paint the new management name. I expect there will be lots more to do until its all finished.

Sifawy Hotel and Samak Restaurant

Some 40 minutes drive from Muscat is Sifah and it was nice to visit to the new Sifawy Hotel there.  Its a small 55 suite property set around a Marina. The location is very nice – though in the summer heat the beach would be great if it was a bit closer.

Sifawy Hotel Marina

The chairman of the hotel’s developers