INFORMATION PACK
1. BACKGROUND
The Virtual Laboratory Management Group (VLMG) meets biennially to facilitate information exchange between VLab Centers of Excellence and CGMS satellite operators. These meetings ensure the ongoing implementation of the VLab strategy, supporting joint training activities that enhance the protection of life and property through exchange and utilizing weather and environmental satellite data through the end user and the stockholders.
The Directorate General of Meteorology - Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is pleased to host the 11th Meeting of the Virtual Laboratory Management Group in Muscat, Oman, on 20- 23 January 2025.
2. VENUE
Google Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FHVdv6bZRujMHEtVA
3.1 The meeting
will be conducted in English in a hybrid format (virtual and in-person
attendance). No interpretation service will be available. All documentation
will be in English only.
3.2 Documents will be posted prior to the planning meeting on the meeting website. There will be no distribution of paper copies, which is in line with the WMO policy of paperless meetings and the Civil Aviation Authority, Oman.
4.1 The participants are advised to bring their laptops.
4.2 Wireless Internet Access will be available in the meeting room. Participants will be provided with a password on the first day of the meeting.
5.1 The meeting will also be hosted virtually via Zoom to ensure full participation from relevant experts and team members.
5.2 A link will be provided to virtual attendees in the days leading up to the meeting.
6.1 The CAA can provide an invitation letter to support visa applications upon request. Please send your request to Said Al Bahri (said.albahri@caa.gov.om) and Zoya Andreeva (zandreeva@wmo.int) at the earliest possible convenience to ensure adequate time to approve your visa.
6.2 If you require a visa for your travel and wish to have help from the CAA team to facilitate the visa application process, we kindly request that you submit the following documents to the focal point Yousuf Al-Aufi (y.alaufi@caa.gov.om) and Said Al Bahri (said.albahri@caa.gov.om) by the deadline of October 10th, 2024:
6.2.1 A passport-sized photo.
6.2.2 A photocopy of your passport.
7.1 The host will provide a daily lunch at the meeting venue. Additionally, two coffee breaks will be offered each day.
7.2 Attendees are required to notify the organizers if they have any specific dietary needs or restrictions after confirmation of their attendance.
The CAA has made specific transportation arrangements for a bus to transport all participants from the hotels listed below to the CAA HQ on all meeting days.
Preliminary pick times at the hotel are as follows in section 9.2:
|
Hotel |
Price/night |
|
35 OMR |
|
|
68OMR |
|
|
76 OMR |
9.1 From the Airport
CAA will arrange transportation from the airport to the hotel for all experts and participants. The flight details should be shared with the focal point Yousuf Al-Aufi (y.alaufi@caa.gov.om) and Said Al Bahri (said.albahri@caa.gov.om) no later than the 6th of January. Additionally, two alternative options are available:
9.1.1 By taxi:
The following table shows the recommended transportation options from the airport to the hotel.
|
Booking Time |
Estimated Price |
Accessibility |
|
|
Mwasalat (Taxi) |
Advance or Arrival |
5-7 OMR |
Found at the airport taxi exit gate |
|
OTAXI (Online Application) |
Advance or Arrival |
4-5 OMR |
*Smart Phone Apps *Found at the airport taxi exit gate |
9.1.2 Rental Car: Several car rental companies are located near the airport's arrivals exit.
9.2 To the Meeting Venue
A daily pick-up is provided to the Meeting venue, located at Civil Aviation Authority, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman ( Only for the hotels listed above).
The
arrival and departure times and the route map are provided below:
|
Type of transportation |
Arrival (Local Time) |
Departure (Local Time) |
|
Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Ghala Muscat |
6:55 |
7:05 |
|
Mysk Al Mouj Hotel |
7:20 |
7:25 |
|
Holiday Inn Al Seeb Muscat, an IHG Hotel |
7:35 |
7:45 |
10. GENERAL INFORMATION
10.1 Climate
January is pleasant, with mean temperatures 20 to 23 degrees Celsius, and the Relative humidity ranges between 50 and 55%. Clear skies conditions usually dominate the weather. January is considered Muscat's rainfall season, with a monthly mean of 8 mm.
10.2 Currency, Credit Cards, and Exchange
Major currencies are readily exchangeable in Oman. Muscat Airport provides money exchange services in the Baggage Claim Area and the Arrival Hall. ATMs at the airport accept international credit and debit cards, although it's advisable to review your bank's regulations for global card use.
While hotels can exchange money, an additional fee may apply. Leading businesses, including car rentals, shopping malls, and hotels, accept major credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Moreover, major credit cards are accepted at various hotels, dining establishments, and shopping venues. Muscat boasts numerous ATMs for convenient access to funds. The official exchange rate is 1 USD = 0.39 OMR. For rates on other currencies, refer to electronic bulletin boards displayed in banks and money exchange offices.
10.3 Time: The local time in Muscat is (4) hours ahead of UTC (UTC+4)
10.4 Electricity: Oman’s electricity power supply operates in Oman and employs a voltage of 220 volts at 60 Hertz. You may encounter the usage of two or three-pin plugs, as illustrated.
1.5 Telecommunication
There are three Telecommunication companies in Oman. The visitors can get E-SIM or physical SIM at the airport. The table below shows the Tele companies.
|
Company name |
More information |
|
Omantel |
|
|
Ooredoo (Oman) |
|
|
Vodafone |
For inquiries and additional information, please direct your communication via email to the coordinator. In case of an emergency, please do not hesitate to contact:
|
WMO Secretariat |
Local Organizer |
|
Zoya Andreeva Email: zandreeva@wmo.int WhatsApp: +7 926 224 6072 |
Hilal Al Hajri Email: Hilal.Alhajri@caa.gov.om Mobile: 00968 99458001 |