(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) An exciting raft of activities are being planned at the seaside city of Sur, as the location prepares to host the Oman LNG annual day celebrations this weekend.
The event, a yearly festival held since 2000 have to some degree, come to represent the inexplicable joy and many accomplishments that are now associated with Oman's foray into the production and export of liquefied natural gas (LNG), an endeavour instigated by the Royal Decree issued in 1994.
Over the last 14 years, earnings from Oman LNG's exports have ensured the steady prosecution of a vast social development programme that has helped improve the quality of life for people. It also constitutes the largest contribution to Oman's revenue after oil, and has enabled the diversification of income streams to grow the national economy. Highlights of this year's Oman LNG Annual Day include a fun fair for children, traditional band shows and a boat-racing competition reminiscent of Sur's glorious seafaring past.
Oman LNG is also expected to commission some pieces of equipment it has funded for the Sur Hospital as part of the celebrations. The health facility built by the company over a decade ago now caters to some two hundred thousand people in Sur and the other wilayats within South Sharqiya Governorate.
''The atmosphere here in Sur is filled with excitement because of what the Oman LNG Day has come to represent for the community. It is a social occasion that is enjoyed by children, youths, families and even the old because they look forward to the activities taking place on that day. Particularly the boat racing competition which is part of our tradition,'' said Rashid al Araimi, a member of the organising committee.
Six teams will be participating in this year's boat racing competition. But the teams have been honing their oarsman's skills for some two to three months in readiness for the contest, Araimi noted.
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