Carrier Community (CC) held its 6th annual global carrier community member meeting – Middle East 2019 GCCM – Muscat on November 24-26th hosted by Diamond Lead Sponsor Omantel. More than 450 Club Members representing decision-makers from Tier-1, Tier-2, and Tier-3 companies gathered to network and do business in Muscat, Oman and attended the GCCM, CC-Golf Day, C-Level Lunch Summit , Galla Dinner, as well as Executive & Knowledge Sharing Panel Sessions.
During the event Carrier Members representing Voice, Data, SMS, Mobile, VAS, Cable, Satellite, Data Centers and other related sectors enjoyed full access to all meeting facilities, executive panels and knowledge sharing sessions as well as evening networking receptions.
The Submarine, Digital Cloud and Women in Tech Executive Panel Discussion sessions were designed to help CC members address current challenges and come up with comprehensive solutions.
The dazzling Crowne Plaza® Muscat hotel looks across the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman from a lush clifftop in fashionable Qurum Heights. With a panoramic terrace, infinity pool and private beach, the hotel is just a 20-minute drive from Muscat International Airport and steps from Qurum Beach with its café-lined promenade. Oman’s main business and ministerial districts are 10 minutes away.
Based at Lago di Como in Italy, VSC provides strategic advisory services in M&A, Business Development & Media for the telecommunication industry. Over the last 25 years, Erik developed extensive expertise and deep domain knowledge working at major telecom companies. His international career includes senior & executive level positions. Over the years, Erik has been a regular speaker & moderator at major international telecom conferences.
COMING SOON
Right after graduating from Sultan Qaboos University - Oman in 2005 as a Telecom Engineer with distinction, Yasser joined Oman Mobile (which was merged afterwards with Omantel) as a Radio Network Planning & Optimization Engineer. He spent four years in the technical department and evolved into a Senior Engineer in the network planning area. In 2009, Yasser made a switch to the Wholesale Business Unit. He currently holds the position of Senior Manager National Accounts & Interconnection.
Yasser is leading a team responsible of managing the accounts of national wholesale customers such as network operators and virtual operators who are leasing network capacity and infrastructure from Omantel. Maintaining the business relation, making sales and engaging into commercial agreements are considered as key activities for the department which Yasser manages.
Yasser played an instrumental role in the introduction and evolution of MVNOs in Oman from a host network operator perspective as the MVNOs who partnered with Omantel were the first to launch in the Middle East. He also led and participated in numerous strategic projects which helped to expand the national wholesale business of Omantel by introducing new commercial models and innovative products and services.
Yasser has participated as a speaker and panelist in various local, regional and international conferences on behalf of Omantel. He will be presenting an overview of Omantel Wholesale during GCCM 2019.
With more than 14 years’ experience in the Telecom industry, Jamil’s experience includes project management, business development, sales and procurement. Jamil started working on submarine cables 10 years ago when he was with Orange. He was Management Committee and subcommittees chairman on different submarine cables and currently he is the BBG and G2A MC chairman. Jamil has been working with Omantel for 5 years and he leads the Omantel France activities in landing the AAE-1 cable in Marseille. Jamil holds a bachelor degree in Telecom Engineering, a Master in European Business and a Master in Geopolitics and International Relations.
Huda brings more than 20 years of experience in both IT and Marketing in the telecom industry.
My experience was gained with a key focus on building and maintaining highly successful business relationships as well as contributing as a vital and dynamic leader. I have been appointed in many different leadership positions starting from a team leader of the technical support team in IT when the Internet first incepted in Oman by Oman Telecommunications Company to the position of a General Manager heading the IT Division. Before becoming the head of IT, I was appointed in different managerial positions in Marketing, which is the business arm of Omantel. I am proud to say that I was the first woman in Omantel who has reached the position of a general manager in 2010. I am also a Director at Shell Marketing Company SAOG Board of Directors and a member of the Shell Oman Marketing Audit Committee since 2012.
Mr. Shabir Ali Murtaza is ICT professional with deep knowledge and expertise ICT operation frameworks development, Operational processes assessment, reengineering, digitization, data analytics and producing AI algorithms, with vast experience of 16+ years while working for the Amadeus, Du PJSC UAE, Etisalat UAE, Huawei Technologies UAE & Oman, and Ooredoo Oman.
During stay of above highlighted organization, worked on different operation roles and developed framework (including Risk Management, Quality, Audit/CSI, Process Management) , followed by supporting operational processes and digitization on self-initiative BPMN platform (called Digital Dynamics platform- DDP) resulted in uplifting the operation sigma level and efficiency.
Currently, he is employed with Ooredoo Oman (Qtel Group Operator in Oman) for ICT governance standardization support and digitization.
He had completed his Bachelor in Information technology back in 2003 and acquired multiple industry certifications in industry standards and active member of many standards bodies.
Cengiz has over 22 years of experience in sales, marketing, business and corporate development areas in telecommunications and IT sectors; building and managing large, diverse and geographically dispersed organizations. He has held a variety of senior management roles for multinational companies such as Boeing, Intel and Turk Telekom. He holds a BSc and MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and an Executive MBA from the University of Washington.
Feng Yunxian (Irene Feng) manages regional operations at TikTok. Before working in the telco industry, she was a chief correspondent and host at China Central TV Middle East and an author.
Lay Khuan has been in Telecommunications industry for over 30 years; her experience ranges from being in the back end of Operations, Network Design and Development, Product and Process Development; Market and Partner Establishment to the front end of Sales and Marketing. She drives business results through active partner engagement for market expansion, product differentiation, and service development that meet customers requirement.
Marco works as Regional Director for DE-CIX and is responsible for Middle East and South Asia. His current focus is on developing UAE-IX as the first 100 percent neutral IXP in the Middle East and help to develop DE-CIX in India.
Coming from a software development background, Marco founded HAPPYsoft, a software development company, in 1992, and HAPPYnet, one of the first ISPs in Austria, in 1995. In 2003, Marco founded i3b and from that time on he focused on the field of telecom wholesale. After driving forward i3b’s internationalization as wholesale partner for last mile and MPLS connections and finally selling IP transit, the company was sold to its biggest wholesale customer (2010) and ever since Marco worked as independent consultant in the telecom industry in the field of Internet Exchanges and Digital Hub Development.
Mundhir Al Raisi, is in Telecommunications industry since 1998 with broad experience in transmission systems (fixed and satellite). Currently heading Omantel Wholesale Service Delivery and Traffic Management department as Senior Manager. Mundhir is also an active contributor to the submarine world being a co-chair of Europe India Gateway (EIG) Assignment, Routing and Restoration subcommittee. In addition, playing a vast role in other leading submarine systems such as Bay of Bengal (BBG), Asia Africa Europe-1 (AAE-1) and many others.
Mundhir holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Coventry University (UK) and is a certified member of Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM).
Mundhir was the project engineer of launching two MVNO’s, Leading and managing all related departments tasks to enable and integrate into Omantel network. Also, implemented all major content delivery network (CDN) nodes. Currently, working on upgrading AAE-1 cable system landing in France (Omantel France) PoP’s in Interxion MRS1 & MRS2 and team member of Equinix Oman data center buildup.
Ms. Gahir has worked in various capacities covering operations, relationship management, sales, business development and management.
Her accomplishments include building teams from customer service agents through to senior account managers from the ground up and guiding the strategies they have applied to a wide spectrum of customers - from SME to global entities. Throughout, she has applied the same ethos of finding the right solutions to drive performance.
The most interesting thing about her experience is the incredible people she has had the privilege of working with in an international arena - both internal and external stakeholders. Helping them solve long-term challenges with solutions designed to help their businesses' success is one of the many facets of her career that she is passionate about.
She has had the responsibility of using her 11 years' experience in the EMEA region, her skills and energy to lead a team of exceptional account managers in their mission to consistently exceed targets. They work in a relationship-driven business that yields significant revenues - their success is nothing without the trust of their customers and the ability they have to galvanise their strengths internally.
Telstra's values reflect the importance of their customers: showing they care; working better together; trusting each other to deliver; making the complex simple and finding their courage. Their customers are the foundation on which their business is built and their mission is to ensure their customers are delighted with their experience.
She thrives in an environment where she is challenged and the volatility of changing markets within the dynamic region where she works demands a constant willingness to learn, develop, initiate change and be unafraid of taking responsibility for calculated risks in order to protect the longevity of their success.
Stefania started in Teleglobe Italia and covered multiple commercial and marketing roles in various international operators. She spent 12 years in TWT as Sales Manager on the wholesale channel, transforming a local national operator into an internationally recognized actor
In WIS now Stefania covers the role of Sales Area Manager, managing a wide commercial area of PTTs and MNOs in Europe and Middle East.
Skilled in negotiation with telecom carriers, business development and able to strengthen business relations on the wholesale market. Expert on the legacy and new voice business with 20 years plus experience.
Robert began his telecom career at Ericsson in 1983, as a Controller and subsequently Finance Director, in one of its Middle Eastern branches. Following his return to Sweden in 1989 he joined Ericsson’s Customer Finance Department as Finance Manager. His main responsibilities were to manage South East Asia and Latin America.
After leaving Ericsson in 1994 he was managing Customer Finance in the International Civil Engineering field for Skanska AB in Africa, Europe and Latin America up to 1997.
He returned to the Telecom market in 1997 when joining NatWest Markets (later Greenwich NatWest) in London as Associate Director TMT Structured Finance with global origination responsibilities.
In 1999 he joined Credit Lyonnais and the Structured Finance TMT department in Paris to Co-Head the Department as Senior Vice President. In 2004, with the merger between Credit Lyonnais and Credit Agricole, he assumed responsibility for the Global TMT Structured Finance activities for Calyon (Credit Agricole CIB) as Managing Director.
Robert joined ING TMT Structured Finance early 2007 and assumed the role of Managing Director and Global Head of TMT Structured Finance and a member of the Structured Finance Management Team in 2008 before leaving ING summer of 2011 to join Huawei.
In Huawei Robert’s responsibilities as an Executive Director in Customer Financing were primarily to support Sales Finance Solutions in Middle East and South Asia Pacific but also to assist in the financial management elsewhere in the Huawei Group until joining Natixis in March 2019.
Rasha Barakat joined Zain Jordan family in 2005. She held different positions throughout her career at Zain Jordan. In her last position with Zain Jordan, Rasha was Chief Innovation and Human Resources Officer, where she was responsible for building and developing an active entrepreneurship ecosystem for the purpose of endorsing the ambitions of Jordanian youth and startups in order to assist them in transforming their innovative ideas into sustainable projects in the business field, and improve startups through numerous methods of support. In addition to handling all HR related functions, programs, initiatives and plans, Rasha also led the youth team at Zain Jordan that organized various activities in the social responsibility, marketing and sales realms.
Moreover, Barakat is considered an expert in deploying latest trends, techniques and technologies when it comes to Human Resources area. She has extensive experience in the field of recruitment and employment, training and development, employee relations, conflict resolution, organization development, compensation and benefits, performance management, development and implementation of organizational development and change management programs.
Rasha joined Zain Iraq in March 2019 and is currently the Chief Human Capital Officer working on culture transformation, gender diversity and inclusion programs together with the day to day human resources operations. She holds a Master Degree in Consulting and Coaching for Change from HEC and a Master Degree in Human Resource Development from University of Manchester.
Ed McCormack has over forty years’ experience in International business, including over twenty years in the Submarine cable industry. He was Ciena’s General Manager of Submarine Systems from 2011 to 2016 and continues to consult for them today.
Prior to Ciena, he held a variety of both board and executive positions in FLAG Telecom and Reliance Communications, and also served as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Global Crossing UK Limited.
I am a senior Telecoms/Technology executive, currently Global Head of Sales at IX Reach, after earlier roles including VP Partners & Alliances with Gulf Bridge International, Carrier Services Director with Invitel/Pantel/Turk Telekom International.
My skills and experience encompass BD/sales leadership, staff management/development, partner relations, the creation of complex business cases, procurement and the development of sales/BD strategy.
I have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and have successfully built strong relationships with C-level clients worldwide. I have performed significantly above target throughout my career and I have an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset. I have travelled extensively and successfully built and managed diverse multinational teams.
VISA INFO
Visitors to Oman must obtain a visa prior to travel unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months.
Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to visit Oman:
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
eVisa
Citizens of the following 71 countries and territories, may obtain a single or multiple entry eVisa on this site https://evisa.rop.gov.om/:
European Union - All European Union citizens
Andorra
Argentina
Australia
Bolivia
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Ecuador
Hong Kong
Iceland
Indonesia
Iran
Japan
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Macau
Malaysia
Moldova
Monaco
New Zealand
North Macedonia
Norway
Paraguay
Russia
San Marino
Serbia
Seychelles
Singapore
South Africa
South Korea
Suriname
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
Ukraine
United States
Uruguay
Vatican City
Venezuela
Conditional eVisa
Citizens of the listed below 25 countries (including their spouses and children of another nationality) can apply for a conditional eVisa on this site: https://evisa.rop.gov.om/. To obtain an online eVisa they need to have a valid Schengen Visa, a valid visa from Australia, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States, or a residence permit from one of the listed countries.
Albania
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Bhutan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Costa Rica
Cuba
El Salvador
Georgia
Guatemala
Honduras
India
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Maldives
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Peru
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
If you are a Citizen of any other country not listed above please contact below agents who can assist with obtaining Oman visa:
• Suresh Shankar •
Senior Executive - Tours
Bahwan Travel Services
P.O.Box 282, Muscat, PC-113,
Sultanate of Oman
Tel- Off: +968 24654143 (Direct Number)
GSM: +968 95063685
Email: [email protected]
Reference: GCCM 2019 Carrier Community
* Please note that we don't take any liability for the provided information. In order to get more information please contact the Embassy of Oman or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country.
WHAT TO DO IN MUSCAT ?
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – Muscat’s most magnificent religious building and the only mosque in Oman to open its doors to tourists, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Built in the Ghubrah suburb back in 2001, the landmark building is an impressive feat of contemporary Islamic architecture and one of the largest mosques in the Gulf, with the 40,000-square-meter grounds able to accommodate an incredible 20,000 worshippers at one time. The mosque is open from 8:00 am to 11:00 am for non-Muslims every day except Friday. Men and women must dress conservatively in long trousers and covered shoulders. Women must also cover their hair.
www.sultanqaboosgrandmosque.com
Nizwa – the largest city in Ad Dakhiliyah Region in Oman and was the capital of Oman proper. Nizwa is about 140 km (1.5 hours) from Muscat. The population is estimated at around 72,000 people, including the two areas of Burkat Al Mooz and Al-Jabel Al-Akhdar.
Nizwa is one of the oldest cities in Oman and it was once a center of trade, religion, education, and art. Its Jama (grand mosque) was formerly a center for Islamic learning. The birthplace of Younis Al-Riyami, Nizwa acquired its importance because it has been an important meeting point at the base of the Western Hajar Mountains.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/AttractionProductReview-g3181692-d14042020-Nizwa_Bahla_and_Jabrin_fort_tours_and_sightseeing-Seeb_Muscat_Governorate.html
Royal Opera House Muscat – Oman’s premier venue for musical arts and culture. The opera house is located in the Shati Al-Qurm district of Muscat on Sultan Qaboos Street. Built on the royal orders of Sultan Qaboos of Oman, the Royal Opera House reflects unique contemporary Omani architecture and has a capacity to accommodate a maximum of 1,100 people. The opera house complex consists of a concert theatre, auditorium, formal landscaped gardens, cultural market with retail, luxury restaurants and an art center for musical, theatrical and operatic productions.
https://www.rohmuscat.org.om/en/Pages/default.aspx
Bait Al Zubair – Bait Al Zubair is a cultural foundation that was originally a private museum that opened its doors to the public in 1998. Bait Al Zubair Museum is located in the old city of Muscat. It displays and houses some of the greatest Omani artifacts and collectibles, including a group of conventional weapons, jewelry, clothing, household items and some old models representing Omani rural and urban environments. It was funded by the Al Zubair family. The museum’s collection of artifacts and displays is considered as the finest that is privately owned.
https://www.baitalzubair.com/
Wadi Al Abriyeen – Located in the Al Sharqiyah region. Wadi Al Arbaeen or Wadi Al Arabieen, is one of the most beautiful wadis in Oman. It features four villages on the side of both of its banks. These villages are famous for planting palm trees, bananas, mango, and lemon trees. This wadi has several freshwater pools, waterfalls, lakes, and rocky areas.
https://theculturetrip.com/middle-east/oman/articles/beautiful-wadis-oman/
Museum of Illusions – Enter the fascinating world of illusion which will trick your confidence in senses, but amaze you by doing it; the world that will confuse you completely. The Museum of Illusion in Oman brings you a space suitable both for social and entertaining tours into the world of illusions which has delighted all generations. It’s a perfect place for new experiences and fun. Amusing and awesome tricks will teach you about vision, perception, the human brain, and science so it will be easier to perceive why your eyes see things that your brain can not understand.
http://museumofillusions.om/
Mutrah Souq – Al Dhalam (Darkness in Arabic) Souq is the local name for the Muttrah Souq. The Muttrah Souq is perhaps one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world. It is located adjacent to the harbor of the port of Muscat and has seen immense trade in the age of sail, being strategically located on the way to India and China. It has been named after darkness because of the crowded stalls and lanes where the sunrays do not infiltrate during the day and the shoppers need lamps to know their destinations.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/oman/muscat/attractions/mutrah-souq/a/poi-sig/451865/361117
Qurum Beach – This beach lies in the AlQurm Area in the heart of Muscat and extends over a large area. A number of large hotel chains are built next to it, such as Hotel Muscat InterContinental and Crowne Plaza. This beach is considered one of the busiest in Muscat due to its location near shopping centers and restaurants. Walking enthusiasts can enjoy the boardwalk along the beach and then rest on the numerous chairs and umbrellas that dot the beach.
https://www.bigbustours.com/en/muscat/muscat-landmarks-qurum-beach/
INTERNET
Free WiFI is widely available in all coffee shops, restaurants, malls, etc. But you need a local sim card for that since you will need to receive a code by SMS to log in. You had no option to choose different numbers than a local Omani phone number.
SECURITY
Most visits to Oman are trouble-free.
You should maintain a high level of security awareness and take care in public places and on the roads. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/oman