Oman: Name brand

In an effort to enhance its global image, Oman has embarked on an ambitious project to brand itself as a country of "natural growth," with the eventual goal of increasing tourism, business investment and cultural exchange. With plans to officially launch the campaign in December, the project will be spearheaded by the Oman Brand Management Unit (OBMU), which was recently formed by the Ministry of National Economy and the Omani Centre for Investment Promotion and Export Development (OCIPED), in association with Landor Associates, a global branding consultancy firm.

NoozzVIEW; Syria takes the tourist path

Parallel with the important diplomatic moves which are gradually opening up Bashir al-Assad's Syria to the possibility of peace with Israel (brokered by Turkey) and economic liberalisation via the indirect path of Chinese-style economic reforms, Syria is also waking up to the possibility of becoming a popular Middle East tourist destination. Such a move would help the socialist state at a time when its oil reserves are dwindling, and its economy's other mainstay, agriculture, has been badly hit by drought.

Schengen-type GCC visa urged

A single visa allowing travel throughout the GCC would facilitate tourism and increase business across the region, according to a diplomat. "I would encourage this sort of visa to be put in place without delay but, of course, it's a GCC decision," Gerhard Bruegger, Swiss consul general, said. "But if you look at what is happening here now, with the new ID card, it is a similar approach," Bruegger added. The consul general was speaking on the sidelines of a press conference at which Switzerland announced it was less than a month away from being admitted to the Schengen visa accord.

Abu Dhabi unveils medical tourism plan

Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, has revealed an ambitious strategy of medical tourism in Abu Dhabi. "We have just finished the second phase of the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre, which measures 30-50,000 square metres and can receive up to 50 exhibitions annually and the number is multiplying," he said. "Medical tourism requires provision of medical infrastructure and medical care to provide world class medical services and we are moving around that direction," added Shaikh Tahnoun. The UAE capital will also host one of the world's oldest running international medical meetings that is expected to attract over 12,000 international delegates, making it the largest congress to be held in the history of the UAE, said senior officials.

In Qatar, an art museum of imposing simplicity

There is nothing timid about the ambitions of the new Museum of Islamic Art that opened in November. Rising on its own island just off the city's newly developed waterfront corniche, it is the centrepiece of an enormous effort to transform Qatar into an arts destination. The inaugural festivities, including a performance by Yo-Yo Ma, attracted art-world luminaries from around the globe. Viewed under the light of a spectacular evening fireworks display, the museum's colossal geometric form has an ageless quality, evoking a past when Islamic art and architecture were a nexus of world culture. At the same time it conveys a hope for reconnecting again.

Turkish Cypriots open trade, tourism office in Qatar

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has opened its 13th mission abroad in Qatari capital city of Doha. The mission will serve under the name of "TRNC Trade and Tourism Office". TRNC Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Turgay Avci, Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay, Turkey's Ambassador to Qatar Mithat Rende, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Qatar Eldar Salimev were in attendance at the opening of the office. Avci said that they were also planning to open similar missions in Kuwait and Oman. The mission aims at boosting commercial, tourism, social, cultural and sports relations between the TRNC and Qatar.