Omantel announced the launch of its first 'Sustainability Report' at a special gala event yesterday that was held at Omantel headquarters under the auspices of Yahya bin Said Al Jabri, chairman of Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZD) Authority and chairman of the Capital Market Authority (CMA).
 
A number of VIPs and senior executives attended the event. 

The theme of the first sustainability report 'Because We Care'  mirrors Omantel's commitment to all stakeholders. 

This report, which is the first-of-its-kind in the telecommunication sector in the Sultanate, was developed in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework, version 3.1. 
 
Commenting on the launch, Yahya Al Jabri said, 'No doubt that the launch of this report mirrors the sincere efforts made by Omantel to achieve more transparency and openness in communication with the different stakeholders.  

The move will enhance the confidence of all stakeholders in the company businesses and operations." "CMA encourages all companies especially those listed with Muscat Securities Market to follow the same trend. 

"In this connection, CMA has given instructions to all MSM listed companies that they should include a miniatured report on the corporate social responsibilities (CSR) activities carried out by each company in the annual reports represented to the shareholders at the end of the financial year. 

By publishing such integrated sustainability report, Omantel has become the leaders in the field and is setting a trend for Oman's corporates," he added. 

The launch ceremony included a presentation by Dr Amer bin Awadh Al Rawas, chief executive officer of Omantel on the major themes covered by the report namely 'We are at Omantel, we are growing, we are caring and we are together'. 

Commenting on the launch Amer Al Rawas said,  'It is a pleasure today (Tuesday) to launch the first sustainability report 2012, which is also the first-of-its-kind in the telecom sector in the Sultanate. 

"The report showcases the company's commitment to transparency and enhancing communication with the different stakeholders."

"We are proud of our history, and as the largest national telecommunications company, we look towards the future with confidence; and we will continue to ensure that our growth is sustainable, based on careful consideration of the impact of our business operations on all stakeholders, including the society and the environment, he added.  

"Over the years, Omantel has embarked on a series of landmark corporate social responsibility initiatives, in line with the national objectives of connecting the nation and promoting digital literacy. 

"We are the technology partner for the Information Technology Authority's (ITA) National PC initiative, and we have also committed to expand our network to include remote villages throughout the country. 

Furthermore, last year we instituted the Omantel Business Excellence Awards, aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises throughout the country, he furthered.

Commenting on the role played by Omantel staff, Al Rawas said, "Our employees have been an absolutely critical enabler for our achievements, and, going forward, we will further enhance their conditions to succeed. 

"We strive to be a learning organisation, which provides opportunities for growth as part of an engaging, rewarding and performance-based culture. 

Choosing 'Because We Care' as a title for the report reflects our endeavours to meeting the interests of all stakeholders," he concluded. 

The report will be published annually to advise all stakeholders of the company's economic, social and environmental initiatives. An electronic copy of this report is available at the company website www.omantel.om.