The UAEbased Majid Al Futtaim Group has opened the Muscat City Centre, its first shopping and leisure complex outside the UAE.

Economic diversification - which in effect means an industrial thrust - is at the core of the Sultanate's development plan for the coming years. Oman's current sixth five-year plan launched this year emphasises on economic diversification and privatisation. In line with this plan, new gas-based industries are to be set up in the Sultanate.

Jotun Paints Oman, a joint venture between Jotun of Norway and local partner WJ Towell & Company, has completed 16 years of colourful operations in the Sultanate of Oman. "In Oman, Jotun's market share has been steadily improving over the last five years,'' says Gunnar Eikebo, sales manager with the Muscat-based company.

Majees Lighting Industries (MajeLite), an Oman-based manufacturer of fluorescent and HID (high-intensity discharge) light fittings under the MajeLite brand, reports a highly successful year, having clinched several high-profile projects in the market.

National Aluminium Products Company (Napco), which has already provided aluminium inputs to some of the Gulf's most distinguished modern buildings, is in the process of doubling capacity through installation of another extrusion press. The firm is also looking at diversifying into newer areas within the aluminium products sector in the future.

Oasis Trading and Equipment Company, the authorised and full-line Caterpillar dealer for the Sultanate of Oman, reports that business has been on the upswing and the company has been busying meeting orders for equipment even at short notice.

Specialised Technical Contractors (STC) of Oman says it has made remarkable progress since it first launched a revolutionary technique for wall finishes in the Sultanate.