Overview
The Oman American Business Center (AmCham Oman), the U.S. Commercial Service, and the U.S. Embassy are pleased to announce the launch of the fifth annual Discover America campaign in Oman. The regional campaign will launch in Oman from October 11 to October 19, then subsequently launch in the U.A.E., Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The campaign will feature a series of trade promotion events to celebrate strong U.S.-Omani economic ties and showcase American businesses, technology, food, music, and film.
This year is especially significant because it marks the ten-year anniversary of the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has helped Oman more than double its exports to the U.S., and conversely, helped lower the price of and increase access to U.S. imports in Oman. In 2018, the FTA helped generate more than $4 billion in trade between the two countries.
The weeklong series of events kicks off on October 11 when the U.S. Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) Band will perform American jazz and pop music at the Hormuz Grand Muscat hotel and City Centre Muscat mall. To showcase American foods and products, Lulu Hypermarkets and U.S.-branded retail stores such as Starbucks and Bath & Body Works will offer special promotions and discounts from October 13 to October 19. Shifting gears to trade and investment, on October 14, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) will host a seminar focused on utilizing the FTA. With technology playing a prominent role in accelerating global economic development, Microsoft executives will discuss the flagship U.S. company’s new cloud-based services in Oman, as part of a “Tech Talk” series hosted by the AmCham Oman on October 15. On the same day, AmCham Oman will also host a U.S. franchise consultant who can provide advice and connections to investors interested in establishing a U.S franchise in Oman. The campaign concludes with a screening of the award-winning documentary film “America’s Musical Journey,” as narrated by Morgan Freeman, at VOX Cinema on October 16.
Event Details
Friday, October 11, 2019
Discover America Launch Brunch with the AFCENT Band
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Hormuz Grand Muscat, A Radisson Collection Hotel
Description: The U.S. Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) Band will perform jazz and pop music at the hotel’s special American-themed Friday brunch
AFCENT Band Mall Performance
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: City Centre Muscat, Main Atrium
Description: The AFCENT Band will perform American jazz music in the mall’s main public space.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Lulu’s “American Product Showcase”
Location: Lulu Hypermarket – Boushar
Description: U.S. Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman Marc J. Sievers will inaugurate Lulu’s weeklong (October 13-19) showcase and promotion of more than 2,000 goods at its main hypermarket in Boushar.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Seminar on the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: W Muscat, Grand Ballroom
Description: Government representatives will provide guidance on the FTA and Omani business owners will share their success stories and best practices in utilizing the FTA. The seminar is hosted by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Consultations with a U.S. Franchise Expert
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Bait Al Reem, 2th Floor Reem Room
Description: For investors interested in establishing a U.S. franchise in Oman, AmCham Oman will be hosting a franchise consultant who can provide advice and share investment opportunities with over 40 U.S. brands.
Tech Talk: “Transform Your Business with Microsoft Cloud”
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Bait Al Reem, 6th Floor Palm Room
Description: Representatives from Microsoft Oman will share insights on how businesses can best leverage one of the world’s largest and most secure cloud infrastructures. This event will be hosted by the Oman American Business Center (AmCham Oman).
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
“America’s Musical Journey” Movie Screening (to be confirmed)
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: VOX Cinemas, Qurum City Centre
Description: America’s musical cities and stories come together in a short documentary, produced by BrandUSA and narrated by Morgan Freeman, which showcases the nation’s diversity and its collection of cultures. To see a trailer of the movie, please click here.
October 13-19, 2019
RETAIL PROMOTIONS ON U.S. BRANDS
Special Promotions & Discounts at U.S.-Branded Stores: Bath & Body Works, Claire’s, Justice, MAC., Payless Shoes, P.F. Chang’s, Pinkberry, Footlocker, and Starbucks.
Please visit their websites for more information on the promotions and discounts.
Discover America Partners
Oman American Business Center (AmCham Oman), U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Embassy Muscat, BrandUSA, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Microsoft, Lulu Hypermarket, City Centre Muscat, Muscat Daily, Apex Media, Hormuz Grand Muscat, Grand Hyatt, VOX Cinemas, and OUA.
Please visit their websites for more information on their events.
