BP targets 50% Omanisation by year end.

Muscat, Sultanate of Oman: Oil & gas major BP has said it is on track to achieving a 50% Omanisation rate by at its newly established operations in the Sultanate by the end of 2008. The announcement comes on the eve of the inauguration of BP's new Muscat office and as the company prepares for seismic operations at the Khazzan/Makarem gas fields in central Oman.

The first recruitment phase has successfully been completed with the hiring of 15 Omani nationals, including five women, into a range of positions including Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Health & Safety, Human Resources, Community & External Affairs and Office Services.

"BP's work on the Khazzan/Makarem fields is an important element of Oman's future energy strategy. Long-term sustainability of the project depends not only on operational and technical aspects, but also on being integral part of the country and the community. BP in Oman - as it does elsewhere in the world - aims as much as possible to be a local energy company and the hiring of Omani nationals is an important step toward achieving this. This is not an easy target, but it is something we should aim for and work hard towards" explained Michael Townshend, President, BP Oman.

A second recruitment drive has commenced for roles in Drilling & Completions, Geology, Geophysics & Petroleum Engineering, Planning & Logistics, Safety & Environment, Human Resources and Finance. Further recruitment phases are planned for later in 2008, by the end of which at least 50% of BP's workforce in the Sultanate will be Omani.

BP has successfully recruited GCC nationals throughout its operations in the region. The company was recognised last year by the UAE's National Human Resource Development Authority for having one of the highest nationalization rates in the private sector at its Sharjah operation. The GCC Ministers of Labour have also recognised BP for its leadership in employing nationals.

BP is one of the world's largest companies with nearly 100,000 employees and operations in more than 100 countries on six continents. The company's main activities are oil & gas exploration and production, refining, marketing and supply & transportation.

BP signed a production sharing agreement for the appraisal and development of the Khazzan/Makarem fields in January 2007. The company's activities in the Sultanate of Oman include the distribution of BP lubricants through the Oil Marketing Company SAOG (OOMCO), technical and commercial services provided by Air BP at Muscat's Seeb Airport and an extensive BP Marine fuel bunkering operation at Salalah Port.For more information on BP openings in Oman please visit www.bp.com/careers/oman

[c] 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)