The government will shortly start the building of 700 new homes for the residents in the Quriyat area of Oman. This is the area where portacabins were erected shortly after the cyclone Guno last year . The cost of many 10s of millions of Rials on the face of it is high however add in flood barriers or mountain demolition, and with current costs of construction in Oman it should be value for money; and great news for the people who must be missing a home.

Oman Air has announced the appointment of Peter Hill as the company's new chief executive officer . Peter Hill occupied a similar position in Sri Lankas Air Lanka, a country which looks to increase its tourism GDP. That is, he occupied that position until he (according to news reports at the time) decided to give seating preference to pre-booked tourists over a last moment walk on by Sri-Lankas president who was returning from a private overseas visit. The job wasn’t Peter Hills for much longer. Its great to learn that Oman Air has put a man in charge who focuses on paying clients – whose revenue will be vital for all those in Oman who hope to benefit from tourism.

The road flyover/overpass, near my flat, has been undergoing intensive work during the last few months. A new stage has developed with RSJs being erected; I asked the site superintendant about it and the road is being jacked up 5cms to insert new ‘cushions’ – the total time for the project according to him 3 years.