Fatma Al-Kharusi is Finance Director at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), a company in which the Government of Oman is the major shareholder and in which Shell holds a 34 per cent share. She talks about her family background, her career, her Shell postings and her rise from Payroll Accountant at PDO to her present role. She says, "People outside Oman may have the impression that Omani women have problems working in businesses in Oman, and that men may find it difficult to report to an Omani woman. This is simply not true. I have never felt any prejudice from anybody I have worked with in PDO or, indeed, in Oman. In my experience, people here are judged on how well they do the job..."

...from Sir Philip Watts, Chairman of the Committee of Managing Directors of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies

I am delighted to have the opportunity, through 'Shell in the Middle East' magazine, to demonstrate Shell's continuing commitment to the Middle East, which is a very significant region for our business.