Ministry meets to chalk out khareef festival preparations

SALALAH: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) will hold a meeting with private and government stakeholders in the Governorate of Dhofar on Monday to assess preparations for the Khareef Festival and tourism season which starts on June 21. The festival ends on September 21. Akram bin Hassan al Mazraa, DirectorGeneral, Directorate General for Commerce and Industry in the Governorate of Dhofar, said: “The meet will discuss readiness of various government and private entities to provide materials, goods and services throughout the season.”

“We will discuss the importance of providing all facilities and services by the authorities. They have to ensure foodstuffs reach all the malls and markets. Authorities will have to ensure the transportation of foodstuff during national holidays.”

“Additionally, officials will be asked to monitor the market to ensure prices are not inflated during the season and that products reaching market are safe. There will also be promotional offers at the commercial establishments,” he said.

Besides, activities, events and exhibitions in commercial malls will be discussed at the meeting. As 70 per cent of visitors use own transport, the meeting will discuss the provision of additional oil tanks at the gas stations in all governorates.

“The meeting will also discuss the importance of cleanliness at the main facilities of gas stations and restaurants with the gas station owners, who will be asked to provide essential services to travellers. They will also have to ensure the ATMs at their facilities are in order. All ATMs at commercial locations and shops will be examined to make sure they are in working condition,” the official said.

The gas station owners will have to coordinate with the authorities for additional oil tankers to be stationed at Haima and Muqshin as backup.