July 14, 2004

To all Omani Students in the USA and Canada:

We would like to inform you that the Cultural Division is in the process of changing the bank that hosts all the sponsors’ accounts due to internal policy changes in the bank. All the accounts with Riggs Bank will be closed by July 30, 2004. Check issuing from Riggs bank accounts will stop starting July 20, 2004. A new bank was chosen and all the accounts will be transferred to the new bank and payments will resume starting August 2, 2004.

If you receive a check from the Cultural Division during the month of July 2004, please deposit it immediately in your account so it can clear on or before July 30, 2004. If you feel that the check is not going to clear for any reason, please DO NOT deposit it in your account and return it to the Cultural Division immediately. A replacement check will be issued to you from the new bank. If you deposit a check in your account and it does not clear by July 30, 2004 it will be returned to you and a returned check fee may be assessed on your account. A domino effect may occur if you issued checks and your deposit does not clear.

Due to the closing of the accounts and transferring them to a new bank, you may encounter a delay in receiving your refunds and reimbursements. Your patience is requested to sail through this transitional period smoothly.

We would like to assure you the Cultural Division is working diligently to ensure a smooth transition and we will always be available to assist you in your urgent financial needs during this transitional period. Please call your financial advisor for any questions.

With best regards.

Sincerely,

Dr. Talib I. Al Salmi

Cultural Attaché