Women Expo 2005 opens in Muscat

Her Excellency Muna bint Salem Al Jardaniah, undersecretary for Education and Curricula, will do the honours of cutting the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the display of products and services intended specifically for women.

"Women Expo 2005 will showcase everything that makes women unique and enables them to lead productive lives," said C.J. Paul, general manager of Omanexpo LLC, the leading exhibition organising company in the sultanate. "We have put together an impressive list of exhibitors whose innovative products and services effectively serve the needs of today's women," he stressed.

Paul pointed out that Women Expo 2005 will not focus solely on the latest fashion, perfumes, cosmetics and other beauty products. The exhibition, which will run from December 12-16, will also feature educational opportunities available to women, the products for proper child care, and the health care services that all women need for good health.

The major companies that will participate in the five-day exhibition include Muscat Pharmacy & Stores LLC, Damas, The Patisserie, A'Saffa Poultry Farms, Ritu Jewelers, Khimji Rhamdas Pharmacy, Toys R Us, and New Fair Lady Milano, among others. Globally known brands such as Avon, The Body Shop and Emjoi will also showcase their products at Women Expo 2005.

Educational institutions such as Mazoon College, the British Training Institute, Oman Tourism College, and Oman Medical College will also be represented in the exhibition. The health sector will likewise have a major presence with the participation of Muscat Private Hospital, Elixer Health Centre, and the National Association for Cancer Awareness.

Paul added that Women Expo 2005 will also feature the stalls of government ministries namely the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Sports Affairs, and the Public Authority for Craft Industries, all of which have given their official support to the exhibition.

In line with its objective to promote women empowerment, Paul emphasized that the exhibition will be complemented daily by a series of seminars focusing on professional skills development, entrepreneurship, and major health issues affecting women. Various activities including cooking demonstrations, art and craft exhibitions as well as beauty product testing are also on the schedule for the enjoyment of visitors.

"All female visitors will also get a chance to win valuable prizes in the raffle draw," Paul announced. At stake are Videocon electronic products, Sony coloured TVs from Muscat Electronics, and personal care products from Conair and Emjoi.

Women Expo 2005 is open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and then from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Admission will be limited to ladies and families only. The event is supported by Al Mar'a as the official publication, Al Youm as the media partner, and the Oman Tribune and Al Watan as the official newspapers.