Every year in February Oman LNG (a Government-owned company in which Shell holds a 30 per cent shareholding) commemorates the Royal Decree of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for the establishment of the company by holding an event called the Oman LNG Day.

Mohammed Al-Mukhaini, Head of Community Affairs, said, “This year the celebrations took place over two days and began with Omani folk dances followed by fireworks. On the second day a traditional Omani rowing boat race took place which, this year, was held under the patronage of H. E. Sheikh Mohammed Ahmed Al Harthy, Advisor of State. The celebrations were rounded off by lunch at the company’s Hay A’Shurooq residential complex, and was attended by over 200 dignitaries from Sharqiya.

“This year some 7,000 people from Sur and the surrounding villages came to watch the rowing. Oman LNG is very active in the community and is keen to support local craftsmen and cultural pastimes. The construction of traditional rowing boats is one such pastime and to date the company has sponsored the building of several traditional rowing boats,” he concluded.