Oman - Nawras journey strikes a chord

MUSCAT ─ The fifth goodwill journey initiated by telecom company Nawras ended on a successful note yesterday. The nine Nawras branded vehicles reached Muscat after passing through most of the Sultanate’s regions and governorates, traversing more than 4,200 kilometres since the journey began on August 30. A grand reception party took place yesterday at the Nawras headquarters in Al Athaiba, under the patronage of Ibrahim bin Yahya Al Rawahi, wali of Baushar. Ross Cormack, CEO of Nawras was also present with a large number of invitees and guests. Rapturous applause greeted the Nawras team on their arrival. Members of the team were honoured and a four-minute documentary film on the journey was screened. Throughout its journey, the Nawras team aimed at fulfilling its commitment to Omani society. In addition to the humanitarian side, the team had the rare opportunity of exploring different wilayats of the Sultanate. “Nawras staff came up with the whole idea of the goodwill journey. It was not the company’s decision. Credit also goes to people who have been working behind the scenes. We appreciate all the efforts that were made,” Cormack said. Talking about his participation in the goodwill journey with Nawras, Cormack said: “I try to attend at least three events in each journey. Through the journey, we get a precious opportunity to see the Omani society and its people from the real walk of life. Honestly, wherever you go in the Sultanate, you will be received with an incredible gathering. As a guest in this country, I cannot express how delighted I am. In fact, I am thrilled how the people of Oman have placed their trust in us.” New elements Cormack is expecting the next journey to be another milestone with different facets. “We will try and add new elements to each journey in the following years, I would like to thank all the people who welcomed the team. I am proud of our team and the media, who gave the event extensive coverage.” Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, chief operating officer at Nawras, said: “Since Nawras launched its services, it has been committed to a set of values taken from the Omani society and probably being one big family is the real value”. “I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the team for the message they tried to convey and the dedication with which they went about their job,” Al Mahmoud added. Peter Rubeck, chief technical officer (CTO), also shared his satisfaction at being part of the Nawras family. “The goodwill journey has become a lifestyle for the Nawras team. Solidarity, spirit and noble thoughts have brought the team together. It has done a great job and feels proud to be part of Nawras.” The team’s last two destinations before arriving in Muscat were the Omani Women’s Association in Manah and Al Wafa Centre in Dema Wa Al Taeen. The Omani Women’s Association organised a series of entertainment events, which was attended by children too, who also celebrated the occasion of Qaranqashoo. A number of entertaining and comic plays were also staged for the audience. Khalsa bint Said Al Toobi, head of the Association, appreciated the role played by Nawras Goodwill Journey in providing assistance to different centres and associations and also mentioned the gesture made by Nawras in providing the association with a new car to facilitate administrative matters. Cormack delighted Cormack attended the event in Manah and was in his elements. “This is one of the fantastic events. It was lovely to be part of this occasion. The plays that were performed during the event were entertaining,” he said. Nawras team also gifted the children at Al Wafa Centre in Dema Wa Al Taeen a variety of books, toys and educational materials. A number of essential supplies were also given to the centre comprising tables, chairs, sewing machines and other necessary equipments. “All thanks to the Nawras team for their efforts in helping our special group of children,” said Malek bin Rashid Al Rasbi, director of social development in the wilayat of Ibra.