| Tremendous
growth followed the opening of the first gas station.
In 1995, two more stations were added: one located in
the capital area and the other in Sohar. By the end of
1997, another 22 stations were operational throughout
most of the country. The end of 1998 saw another 15 stations
opening their doors. By the end of 1999, 12 more retail
outlets were added to bring the total up to 52 stations
at the beginning of the new millennium. The network now
spanned the complete geographical boundaries of the Sultanate.
All A1 Maha Filling Stations are designed to be customer-friendly
using the latest equipment and technology available in
the industry today. Each filling station is specifically
designed for the particular market area it serves. Every
station is an example of retail, operational and engineering
efficiency. Innovative designs and effective space utility
have resulted in striking and cost-efficient outlets.
Al Maha has also been the proud innovator of convenience
stores attached to each of the filling stations providing
the customers easy access to domestic supplies. A mini
market is incorporated with the station to provide quick
meals, soft drinks and other necessities to the motorists.
In the early 1999 it was decided that the convenience
stores should have a name. A public survey determined
what name appealed to the majority of customers and
it was decided to name the stores "Souk".
Today the "Souk" outlets generate a considerable
part of the company's revenues.
Besides being in the retail business, Al Maha has
become a prominent supplier of fuel and lubricants to
a number of Government Ministries. It's also a key supplier
to a number of national and international companies
operating in the Sultanate of Oman. The transportation
of fuel is contracted out for these supply operations.
Besides being advantageous to Al Maha, this astute business
decision gives Omani businessmen opportunities in the
competitive trucking industry and also provides excellent
sources of income for individuals. A1 Maha's long client
list includes the Ministry of Electricity and Water,
the Royal Air Force of Oman, the Ministry of Defence,
the Royal Oman Police and PDO. |