Advertisers (1) Oman LNG LLC (2) PEIE (3) Elixir Holistic Centre (4) HYATT (5) Hilton Salalah (6) OMAN FIBER OPTIC CO. SAOG (7) Oman Tourism A Special International Report Prepared by The Washington Times Advertising Department Written by Ayan Ahmed Project Director Hala Nasreddine For more information, call The Washington Times International Advertising Department at (202) 636-3035 (202) 635-0103 fax e-mail: natlad@wt.infi.net Copyright © 2000 News World Communications, Inc.		New port breaks into top 20 league Although just a year old, the Port of Salalah located in the southern Dhofar region, has become the industrial crown of the country. Praised as Oman’s most important project undertaken in recent years, Port Salalah could transform the sultanate’s economic status forever. Port Salalah will enjoy prime importance because of its location along world trade routes, and heavy traffic because of the natural harbor formed in the area. The port provides a quick and direct access to the world market as freight services become comparatively cheaper to destinations in Asia, Africa, the GCC and Indian Ocean rim states. Travel time from Port Salalah considerably reduces shipping costs making it a viable and useful alternative. Last year, many Omanis were concerned about competition with the existing container port at Jebel Ali, in the United Arab Emirates and a new one at Aden in Yemen. Today, Port Salalah, as new as it is, breaks into the top twenty league of successful ports. The establishment of this port has already transformed and placed the city of Salalah on the global map. Originally known internally as a historical city, Salalah now enjoys modernization and economic wealth. Just last month, the Salalah Hilton opened, a significant milestone for tourism and business in the Dhofar region. The new Free Trade Zone likely will open up many more possibilities for the region. “Port Salalah is expected to become the ‘boom’ town in the next five years,” said Jack Helton, general manager and chief executive officer of Port Salalah. Helton said direct international flights are being planned for the area as are new gulf courses.		Table of Contents (1) The backbone to Oman’s structural growth is Sultan Qaboos (2) Rapid growth continues into a new century (3) U.S. and Oman: An enduring relationship (4) A message from H.E. Ambassador Abdulla Bin Mohamed Al-Dhahab (5) US Ambassador John B. Craig comments on 200-year relationship (6) Why should the U.S. invest in Oman? (7) Coordination paves the way for diversification (8) National economy is moving toward growth (9) A potential successor speaks out briefly on foreign affairs (10) New port breaks into top 20 league (11) Promoting industrialization by giving it a boost (12) OFO seeks to be a global market leader (13) Al-Felaij Castle Theatre awakens cultural enlightenment (14) Y2K problem is not much of a threat (15) Historical Frankincense of Oman (16) LNG emerges as a major contributor to the national economy (17) OMAN AT A GLANCE (18) Omani women enjoy liberation as they hold to traditions (19) The Grand Hyatt Muscat: A youthful hotel possessing old heritage and millennium flare (20) Oman: The Hidden Jewel of the Arabian Peninsula (21) What Can Tourists See and Do in Oman?