13th June, 2011 - MUSCAT

LBH Zawawi Shipping & Logistics LLC., is pleased to announce commencement of operations in Oman. The company will operate out of the port of Sohar in Oman which is fast developing as a gateway and international hub for trade in bulk commodities. LBH Group is a leading operator in the shipping agency business worldwide, specializing in dry and liquid bulk commodities. The group was founded in the Netherlands almost three decades ago and currently has its presence in 20 countries covering six continents.

"We are proud to join forces with our local partners, Alawi Enterprises LLC., flagship company of Qais Zawawi Group, who is active in various sectors in the Omani economy, including minerals and services. Together with our partners, we are looking forward to extending our services to the shipping and logistics community active in this region and explore various opportunities in this growing market", said Mr. Jan Lagendijk, President of LBH Group.

"In view of the growing importance of Oman as a regional shipping hub, we will also have a group representative based in Oman to offer close follow up to the local business community and international inquiries", said Mr. Ricardo Melo, CEO of LBH Group.

"We always try and align our business development to the growing needs of the economy of our beloved nation. In view of the enviable growth Oman has been achieving in port and shipping related industry, it is only logical that we have taken another step in collaborating with the LBH Group to bring world-class services to the shipping and logistics community in Oman and the region", said Ms. Lubna Qais Al-Zawawi, Director of LBH Shipping & Logistics LLC.

"We recognize the importance of expertise and high quality of service demanded by any growing economy. Our new venture is a testimony to our confidence in development and growth the Sultanate is poised to achieve in the port and shipping related industry. We are proud to announce the partnership with LBH Group", said Mr. Sasi Madathil, CEO of Alawi Enterprises LLC.

LBH Shipping & Logistics LLC., plans to achieve healthy growth in their business operations, riding on the increasing shipments of bulk liquid and dry commodities in and out of Oman and the region.

Muscat - The Ministry of Manpower has awarded Omanisation Excellence Certification to Zahara Travel And Service Bureau LLC (ZTSB), appreciating the highest Omanisation level achieved by it in the travel and tourism sector.

This award was presented at an official ceremony organised by the Ministry of Manpower to honour such achievements by the private sector companies.

The award was received by Sara, Manager, Public Relation and Omanisation at Zahara Travel.

"Zahara has been offering employment opportunities to omanis for the various manpower requirements at different cadres.

Zahara further looks forward to recruit talented Omani candidates to continue its efforts to increase the national workforce,' said Sara.

Alawi Enterprises LLC has bought out complete shareholding of Ashapura Group from India in Ashapura Zawawi Minerals LLC, Oman. The company has also been renamed as Zawawi Minerals LLC.

"Zawawi Minerals LLC, which is now a 100% Omani Company has already set up a strong geology and mining team and intents to invest in the business in a big way. We are keen to take the company to the next level by investing in to value added processing and manufacturing. The Company has also been able to secure valuable export orders. We envisage dynamic growth prospects for the company, especially considering the industry friendly policies of the Government under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin said" said Mr. Sasi Madathil, CEO of the Group.

Zawawi Group has been awarded permission to set up and run a school in the name and style of Oman International School in Sohar, the fastest growing port and industrial city of the region. The school, based on British curriculum, will have structured syllabus to enable Omani students to pursue university studies in Oman or in the region as well. The school will be run in partnership with Scholars International Group from UAE. Zawawi family’s share in the profits from the operations will be reinvested to support education of deserving students in Oman, as a charitable activity.