Latest news with #AlWahaibi
Observer
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Observer
RX Sport raises bar for Arab motorsport on global stage
DUBAI: Dubai-based RX Sport is a team led by veteran Emirati champion Rashid al Ketbi and is now raising the bar for motorsport on the international stage. It was founded just one month before the 2023 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. After a career full of his achievements, Al Ketbi decided to use his experience and passion to support and develop Arab talent, especially after he was injured during a round of the FIA European Rally Championship. This passion led the team to compete in the 2024 Dakar Rally, the world's toughest rally, only a few months after its debut in Abu Dhabi. In their second appearance at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, the team won the T4 category, solidifying their strong presence. RX Sport's ambitions weren't limited to cross-country and Baja World Cup races. The team has also become a platform for celebrating Arab champions and has welcomed notable names like Yahya al Helei and his son Mansour, as well as Shaikh Khalid al Qassimi for the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. While many racing teams exist in the UAE, they often operate on a local scale. This is where RX Sport stands out: it is the first Emirati team to compete internationally in cross-country and Baja rallies. The team's ambition extends beyond just supporting drivers. It works hard to empower Arab navigators, most notably Khalid al Kindi, a step that affirms its comprehensive commitment to elevating motorsport in the region. AL WAHAIBI COMPETES IN WORLD BAJA Omani rally star Hamad al Wahaibi joined RX Sport to compete in the FIA World Baja Cup this season. Al Wahaibi believes the development of the sport in the region begins with supporting Arab teams, which is why he chose to continue his career under the banner of an Arab team striving for the top. Al Wahaibi is joined by Emirati navigator Khalid al Kindi on some events, resulting in strong performances that have placed them in contention for the SSV title. The pair still have more events this season, as they prepare for next year's racing programme with RX Sport. Rashid al Ketbi shared his journey. He said, "After my accident in the European Championship, which resulted in a broken back, I couldn't stay away from motorsport, a sport that entered my mind and heart in 1992. That's where the idea to establish the team came from, so I could continue facing the challenges of this world." "Today, we are competing in the FIA World Baja Cup with my brother and friend, Omani champion Hamad al Wahaibi. We hold an advanced position after winning the Italian round and achieving second place in the rounds in Spain and Jordan. We are proud to have a champion with Hamad's experience and achievements in our ranks and we look forward to facing future challenges." Al Wahaibi also expressed his pride in joining the team. He said, "I am very happy to be with the RX Sport team. This team is ambitious, promising and has proven its worth and high standing in Arab and international motorsport." "Rashid al Ketbi is very ambitious and passionate about motorsport. He considers this sport the centre of his life and goes to extraordinary lengths to raise the Arab flag high on the international stage. I wish the team all the best and trust that all of their dreams, and Rashid's dreams, will come true in the near future." Khalid al Kindi, who has known Rashid al Ketbi for a long time and says his 'testimony is biased' in his description, spoke about the team's importance, "What distinguishes the team is that it reflects Rashid al Ketbi's passion for motorsports. It's an Emirati team that competes in local and international championships." "The team is also distinguished by its continuous development and its quest to achieve strong results in every round and constantly face new challenges. This was reflected in their participation in the Dakar Rally, in addition to continuously updating the cars to the latest specifications."
Observer
26-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Tatweer's asset portfolio in Duqm tops RO 1.2 billion
DUQM: Oman Development Company for the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Tatweer) announced that its asset portfolio has grown to approximately RO 1.2 billion by the end of 2024. Tatweer, the executive and investment arm of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, manages a wide range of public assets and facilities across Duqm. These include wastewater treatment plants, main and secondary road projects, public amenities, dams, drainage channels, parks, and administrative buildings. The company also oversees the operation, maintenance, and sustainability of key infrastructure such as Duqm Port, Duqm Airport, the dry dock, the government wharf, among other projects. Eng Abdullah bin Sulaiman al Wahaibi, CEO of Tatweer, said the company has played a crucial role in enhancing the investment environment at the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZD) through the development of strategic projects and high-quality infrastructure over the past years. He noted that Tatweer has successfully completed more than 46 projects over the past five years and internally managed an additional seven projects, resulting in savings of over RO 12 million. "This achievement reflects the company's technical expertise, led by skilled Omani professionals, as well as its operational efficiency and adherence to governance standards," he said. Among Tatweer's major undertakings is the development of road infrastructure in Duqm, with road projects alone valued at around RO 210.4 million. Last year, the company completed several phases of the dualisation of Southern National Road No. 32 (Sultan Said bin Taimur Road), improving traffic flow and supporting the growing investment activity in the zone. Looking ahead, 2025 will see the completion of several key infrastructure projects, including the internal road network, drainage systems, and sewage networks in the Say commercial district, as well as the second phase of the dualization of National Road No. 32 and the dualization of the road linking Duqm Airport to Ras Markaz. Eng Al Wahaibi stressed Tatweer's focus on enabling investment and maximizing economic returns. The company supports the business environment by forming strategic partnerships with companies and investment funds, targeting joint investments in enabling and economically sustainable ventures. Tatweer also assists project developers in selecting sites, registering companies, securing approvals and licenses, and accessing financing through local banks and funds. Highlighting Tatweer's recent investment initiatives, Al Wahaibi said the company holds a 15% stake in Imdad Logistics, a strategic logistics provider in Duqm. Tatweer also invested in the Duqm Materials Market, another project where it holds a 15% stake. Since its opening last year, the market has seen strong uptake from local, regional, and international companies. Tatweer also achieved a milestone by selling its stake in Duqm Quarries Company, generating a return of over RO 1.8 million. Al Wahaibi said the company plans to build on this success by expanding investments in promising sectors such as logistics and industry, following a model that balances profitability with developmental impact. Future plans include the establishment of the Duqm Central Fish Market and a specialized abalone farming project to support the fisheries sector. In addition, Tatweer aims to launch projects across tourism, real estate development, entertainment, retail, commercial services, and green energy sectors. A new integrated residential complex is also planned to enhance the quality of life in Duqm. Al Wahaibi emphasized that Tatweer has transitioned to a flexible, performance-based, fee-driven business model, moving away from a cost-recovery approach. This new model aims to grow the company's revenues by expanding its service offerings to investors in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. — ONA
