omanoil Supports National Efforts At Traffic Safety Expo To Tackle Growing Road Accidents Phenomenon

Muscat, May 2010

In efforts to combat the growing crisis of road traffic accidents in the Sultanate while supporting key national safety initiatives, Oman Oil Marketing Company (omanoil) has sponsored the 2010 Traffic Safety Expo which is currently being held at Oman International Exhibition Centre. The sponsorship follows the Company’s recent announcement of a bilingual road safety magazine titled ‘BeSafe’, a dedicated editorial medium that aims at reaching thousands and improving awareness on a national level.

As an avid activist and supporter of best practice safety policies, omanoil conducted several presentations during the Expo on the importance of highly stringent Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) transportation practices in the Oil and Gas sector. The Expo also showcased the latest and most innovative road safety solutions from a multitude of disciplines, highlighting the active plans that have been put in place by the ROP for 2010 and coming years.

Eng. Omar Ahmed Qatan, CEO of omanoil said “Through the Expo and our upcoming BeSafe Magazine, we hope to educate and raise awareness amongst the residents and citizens of our beloved nation to save lives and prevent injuries by reducing road traffic accidents and creating a safe and responsible driving environment in every city, town and Wilayat of the Sultanate.”

Qatan saluted His Majesty on his steadfast directives and pledged the Company’s commitment to fighting this hazardous phenomenon through grass root initiatives that aim to reduce the social, psychological and economic burdens caused by reckless driving.

The event provided exhibitors the opportunity to display a host of state-of-the-art road and traffic equipment and presented an ideal platform to exchange key insights and recommendations with senior Government and ROP officials, fire, emergency and rescue safety officers, engineers, fleet managers, among other safety professionals.

Representatives from the ‘Salim and Salimah, Safe and Sound’ road safety awareness campaign for children, were also present at omanoil’s dedicated stall, which provided the Company the opportunity to support Sustainability (Al Mustadaama), an independent Omani enterprise which develops local programs in the areas of road safety, environmental and heritage protection.

omanoil’s support of the Expo as a Platinum sponsor also comes in light of a one year- long internal awareness campaign titled "BESAFE", in which staff are introduced to safe driving tips and methods on a monthly basis, through the Company’s quarterly newsletter and plasma display panels at its Headquarters in Mina A Fahal. The sense of responsible driving is deeply-ingrained in the Organization’s work culture in strive to become role models both inside and outside the workplace.