Sharakah partners with Taleem Education Management to support education infrastructure
Muscat: Sharakah, Oman’s leading SME development company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Taleem Education Management SPC, which is establishing a new bilingual private school in Hay Asim, Barka. The partnership supports the development of quality educational infrastructure in the Sultanate and responds to the growing demand for private schooling in Barka and the neighbouring area of Al Seeb. Under the agreement, Taleem Education Management has obtained a Shariah-compliant financing facility from Sharakah to finance part of the school’s construction costs. The school will initially serve students from kindergarten to Grade 4, with plans to expand to higher grades in subsequent phases. The school aims to offer a balanced, international education grounded in Omani and Islamic values, supported by strong academic standards and affordable, competitive fee structures to serve the local community. Commenting on the signing, Ali Ahmed Muqaibal, Chief Executive Officer of Sharakah, said, “This partnership reflects Sharakah’s commitment to supporting projects that deliver long-term social and economic value. By providing a Shariah-compliant facility to support the development of the school, we are contributing to the growth of quality educational infrastructure while supporting an enterprise aligned with national values and community needs.” Sultan Hamad Al Rahaili, Founder of Taleem Education Management, stated: “Sharakah’s support enables us to translate our educational philosophy into a practical reality that is built on an advanced school model that focuses on developing critical thinkers rather than passive recipients. Our approach is driven by innovation in educational design and by preparing students for future academic and professional demands, not merely for progressing through academic stages.” This collaboration highlights Sharakah’s continued role in supporting knowledge-based SMEs and contributing to human capital development through targeted, Shariah-compliant financing solutions.
Development Bank & Sharakah Sign Economic Gardening Agreement
Partnership launches data-led support program for high-potential Musandam SMEs with international evidence of job creation and growth Muscat: Development Bank and Sharakah entered into an agreement at the W Hotel to take forward an Economic Gardening pilot project in Musandam. The agreement was signed by Hussain Al Lawati, CEO, Development Bank and Ali Muqaibal, CEO, Sharakah bringing a structured, data-led support offer to high-potential local businesses and strengthening the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem. Economic Gardening is designed for growth-stage firms with momentum and ambition, typically employing 10 – 100 people. Oman’s private sector is broad-based and strongly SME-led. NCSI’s December 2025 Monthly Statistical Bulletin puts the number of active private enterprises at 282,764 in Q2 2025 with the vast majority in the micro and small categories. Those businesses are also major employers. In the same period, micro and small enterprises accounted for more than 1.2 million jobs with employment spread across all business sizes underlining the role that capable local companies play in turning commercial activity into livelihoods. The Musandam pilot is intended to translate that scale and energy into sharper, market-facing growth. Participating businesses will be supported with advanced business analytics, market research and strategic guidance complemented by mentoring, networking and access to financial resources. A central feature will be the delivery of tailored business intelligence reports covering market trends, customer segmentation and competitive analysis supported through partnerships with data providers. Alongside this, Development Bank and Sharakah will develop a digital platform as an online knowledge hub giving participating companies access to Economic Gardening tools, practical resources and connections to relevant partners. The platform will be designed to make specialist capability easier to reach for businesses seeking to deepen their market understanding and accelerate commercial decision-making while applying strong cybersecurity and data governance standards. Hussain Al Lawati, CEO, Development Bank, said: “Economic Gardening is about giving Stage II companies the intelligence and capability they need to make better choices – where to compete, which customers to prioritize and how to build stronger margins. When companies at this stage grow, they create jobs, deepen local supply chains and strengthen the economy in a way that lasts. We are delighted to be working with Sharakah on this nationally important project and the pilot in Musandam is designed to be practical, measurable and replicable.” Ali Muqaibal, CEO, Sharakah said, “This initiative marks a fundamental step in how we support the next generation of market leaders in Musandam. By integrating data driven tools with mentorship, we are ensuring that our high growth companies are fully prepared to seize new opportunities. Our collaboration with Development Bank is focused on translating commercial activity into long-term livelihoods, ensuring that our SMEs have the resources to compete effectively and contribute meaningfully to the Sultanate’s vision.” International experience has helped build the case for Economic Gardening as a focused way to support Stage II companies. In Littleton, Colorado where the original program was developed the approach has been associated with a 71% increase in employment and a tripling of sales tax revenues a track record that encouraged adoption of similar programs across the US and Europe. In Florida, the GrowFL initiative has been credited with creating in excess of 10,000 new jobs contributing over US$900 million to the state’s economy lifting state and local tax revenues by nearly US$82 million and delivering an estimated US$9 return for every US$1 of public investment. The Musandam project has been designed as an eight-month program delivered in four phases beginning with planning, business selection and needs assessment moving into the deployment of business intelligence tools and the launch of the digital platform followed by workshops and mentorship programs and concluding with monitoring, evaluation and a final impact report. Delivery will also include a directory of funding opportunities and financial resources quarterly progress reporting and impact assessment with performance tracked through indicators such as the number of businesses supported, revenue growth, job creation, stakeholder engagement and return on investment. The pilot project will be delivered in collaboration with Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Musandam Global Investment Company.
Sharakah signs MoU with Majan Academy to provide shariah-compliant financing
Muscat: Sharakah, Oman’s leading SME development company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Majan Academy (Majan Education SPC), a professional training and consulting institution specialising in vocational education, corporate training, and professional development. The partnership aims to support the growth of the education and training sector while enabling Majan Academy to deliver key government-led initiatives. The MoU was signed by Ali Ahmed Muqaibal, Chief Executive Officer of Sharakah, and Dr. Homood Khalfan Al Harthy, Chief Executive Officer of Majan Academy. Under the agreement, Majan Academy will benefit from Sharakah’s Shariah-compliant financing facility, which will support the execution of a newly awarded project. Commenting on the signing, Ali Ahmed Muqaibal said, “Our collaboration with Majan Academy reflects Sharakah’s commitment to supporting institutions that enhance skills development and workforce readiness in Oman. Through our Shariah-compliant facility, we are enabling the successful delivery of their government project while contributing to the long-term growth of the education and training sector and the wider knowledge economy.” Majan Academy became aware of Sharakah’s services through a presentation conducted by the Sharakah team. Dr. Homood Khalfan Al Harthy, Chief Executive Officer of Majan Academy commented, “Sharakah’s support will be instrumental in enabling us to implement this important government initiative. Through the Shariah-compliant facility, we will be able to focus on delivering impactful training solutions that contribute to national development objectives and community inclusion.” Established in 2020, Majan Academy is a specialized institution providing nationally and internationally accredited professional and vocational qualifications in education, special education, management, and human resource development. This MoU further reinforces Sharakah’s commitment to supporting Omani enterprises through shariah-compliant solutions, fostering sustainable SME growth and contributing to Oman’s broader economic diversification and human capital development goals.
Sharakah partners with Value Experts to enhance financial advisory and funding support for SMEs
Muscat: Sharakah, Oman’s leading SME development company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Value Experts LLC, a professional valuation and advisory firm operating across Oman and the GCC. The partnership aims to enhance access to structured financial advisory and funding support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) seeking financing solutions. The MoU establishes a collaborative framework through which Value Experts LLC will refer eligible SME clients to Sharakah for potential financing. Referred SMEs will benefit from tailored financing solutions aligned with their growth objectives and financial requirements, following Sharakah’s due diligence processes and internal approvals. Under the agreement, Value Experts will be engaged through separate arrangements to provide financial advisory services to referred SMEs. These services include due diligence support, financial analysis, and advisory assignments, ensuring that businesses are well prepared to meet funding requirements and make informed financial decisions. This structured approach strengthens SMEs’ financial readiness and improves their access to sustainable financing. Commenting on the signing, Ali Ahmed Muqaibal, CEO of Sharakah, said, “This partnership with Value Experts reflects our commitment to strengthening the SME financing ecosystem through collaboration with trusted advisory partners. By combining Sharakah’s funding solutions with Value Experts’ financial and valuation expertise, we aim to support SMEs in building stronger financial foundations and pursuing sustainable growth opportunities.” A representative of Value Experts commented, “We are pleased to collaborate with Sharakah on this initiative, which creates a clear pathway for SMEs to access both professional financial advisory services and appropriate funding solutions. Through this partnership, we can better support our clients as they navigate complex financing decisions and prepare for equity or debt investment.” Value Experts LLC provides professional valuation and advisory services across Oman and the wider GCC, offering real estate, machinery, and business valuations using internationally recognised methodologies and a data driven approach. By combining strong local market knowledge with technical expertise, the firm supports individuals, corporations, and investors in making confident, well-informed decisions. This MoU highlights Sharakah’s continued focus on enabling SME growth through strategic partnerships, strengthening financial readiness, and expanding access to capital solutions that support Oman’s broader economic development objectives.
National Finance and Sharakah mark success of the 2025 SME Growth Programme Graduates
Muscat: National Finance and Sharakah celebrated the achievements of eight promising Omani enterprises as they graduated from the SME Growth Programme 2025, marking a significant milestone in the fourth edition of this flagship initiative. Delivered under the umbrella of National Finance’s “Imtidad” corporate social responsibility arm, the programme reflects both organisations’ commitment to empowering high-potential SMEs and strengthening Oman’s entrepreneurial ecosystem in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. Launched in 2021, the SME Growth Programme is the outcome of a long-standing partnership between National Finance and Sharakah, built on foundations laid in 2017 through initiatives such as the nationwide Calculate It Right workshops. The programme has evolved into a comprehensive support system combining in-depth performance assessments, practical business tools, and targeted training designed to address the real challenges facing SMEs across the Sultanate. This year’s graduating group featured eight diverse and high-potential enterprises Biza, Etqan Electric, Elixir Investment, Manga Kitchen, Al Fannah Engineering, Al Ban Garden, Al Ahdaf Real Estate, and Children’s Oasis Nursery, representing a broad range of sectors and entrepreneurial ambitions across Oman. The 2025 edition of the programme introduced several expanded components to further enhance the development journey offered to entrepreneurs. A key feature of this year’s programme was the two-day Zaad Al Ruwad simulation workshop, which immersed participants in realistic business scenarios covering pricing strategies, sales forecasting, operational planning, cost analysis, and marketing development. Complementing this were three focused in-house group sessions dedicated to marketing, financial management and cash flow planning, AI and digital marketing, reflecting the growing need for SMEs to adapt to technological shifts in the business landscape. Central to the programme is Sharakah’s industry-certified Business Performance Monitoring Tool (BPMT), which provides a detailed diagnostic of each SME across nine key business areas essential for sustainable growth. Through this assessment, participants received tailored insights and development roadmaps, enabling them to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen financial planning, prepare structured budgets, and adopt strategic marketing approaches. This holistic support equipped SMEs with the skills and knowledge required to scale effectively and navigate competitive market conditions. Reflecting on the group’s achievements, Tariq Al-Farsi, Chief Executive Officer of National Finance, commented, “The SME Growth Programme represents our long-term commitment to supporting entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to build resilient and competitive businesses. Each year, the programme grows stronger, and the 2025 edition has demonstrated how innovation, mentorship, and structured guidance can create meaningful impact. Supporting SMEs remains central to our CSR vision and to the national objectives of Oman Vision 2040.” Speaking on behalf of Sharakah, Ali Ahmed Muqaibal, CEO, added, “The programme is carefully designed to address real business gaps by combining certified assessment tools, simulation-based learning, and targeted advisory support. This year, we were delighted to introduce new programme components such as AI and digital marketing, ensuring that SMEs are better prepared for the future of business. Our ambition is to continue expanding the programme’s reach, contributing to a stronger and more dynamic SME ecosystem in Oman.” The graduation ceremony brought together partners, beneficiaries, and key stakeholders in an atmosphere of inspiration and shared accomplishment. The event featured an opening address from Sharakah, followed by a video showcasing the progress and impact achieved by this year’s participants. Graduates shared personal reflections on their growth journeys, highlighting the value of the mentorship and tools provided through the programme. After that, HH Sayyida Wisam Al Said, Chief Marketing, Corporate Communication & Sustainability Officer representing National Finance, delivered a speech in which she highlighted the company’s strategic commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises. She also commended the graduates for their dedication and outstanding accomplishments before presenting them with their certificates. The ceremony concluded with a commemorative gift to the event’s patron, group photographs, and an invitation for guests to explore an exhibition showcasing the graduates’ business offerings. The 2025 SME Growth Programme stands as a testament to the transformative power of strategic collaboration and well-designed capacity-building initiatives. As National Finance and Sharakah work towards their shared ambition of supporting 1000 SMEs by 2030, the programme continues to play a vital role in nurturing entrepreneurial talent and strengthening the foundations of Oman’s future economic landscape.
National Finance and Sharakah celebrate 10 years with fifth cycle of SME growth initiative
Muscat: Renewing their shared vision for sustainable enterprise growth and marking 10 years of strategic partnership, National Finance Company SAOG and Sharakah have once again joined forces under the SME Growth Programme, operating within the umbrella of the National Finance CSR Programme ‘Imtidad’ 2026, to empower Oman’s small and medium enterprises and young entrepreneurs. This fresh phase of collaboration builds on a decade of partnership between the two organisations, underscoring their joint mission to promote innovation, economic inclusion and local enterprise development across the Sultanate. The new agreement was signed by Tariq bin Sulaiman Al Farsi, Chief Executive Officer of National Finance, and Ali Ahmed Muqaibal, Chief Executive Officer of Sharakah, marking another milestone in their ongoing strategic alliance. Through this renewed commitment under the SME Growth Programme, the partners will continue to support a new cohort of local SMEs projects over the coming year, furthering the positive impact of previous Imtidad initiatives that have helped entrepreneurs sharpen their business acumen, expand operations and achieve long-term sustainability. Imtidad, National Finance’s flagship CSR platform and the foundation of the SME Growth Programme continues to play a pivotal role in equipping Omani entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance and strategic support they need to grow their businesses. The programme offers targeted mentorship and capacity-building sessions, helping SMEs identify operational challenges, strengthen management practices and enhance profitability. Speaking on the renewed partnership, Tariq bin Sulaiman Al Farsi highlighted the strength of the decade-long collaboration with Sharakah, saying, “This renewed partnership reflects our unwavering belief that supporting entrepreneurs is key to sustainable economic progress. Over the past 10 years, our collaboration with Sharakah has empowered countless SMEs in Oman. By extending this shared journey, we aim to further strengthen the SME landscape and help local businesses realise their ambitions, thereby contributing to national growth and prosperity.” Echoing this sentiment, Ali Ahmed Muqaibal underscored the significance of the decade-long partnership with National Finance, stating “Collaborations like Imtidad, strengthened by our 10-year journey together, provide a powerful platform for entrepreneurs to access not only financial support but also the knowledge and guidance that enable them to thrive. Together with National Finance, we remain committed to nurturing Oman’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and creating an environment where Omani enterprises can innovate, grow and compete with confidence.” The SME Growth Programme, under the umbrella of the Imtidad CSR platform, has earned recognition for its hands-on, market-responsive approach, which is tailored to address the unique challenges faced by Omani entrepreneurs. Its success demonstrates the value of corporate partnerships in stimulating enterprise growth, while also creating scalable models that support broader economic resilience. Looking ahead, the renewed Imtidad 2026 partnership between National Finance and Sharakah is expected to unlock new avenues for innovation and SME development. By continuing to champion entrepreneurship, the two organisations are helping to shape a more dynamic, inclusive and diversified economy for the Sultanate.
ALIZZ ISLAMIC BANK IN COLLABORATION WITH SHARAKAH TRANSFORMS 8 OMANI SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
Under the umbrella of the ‘Alizz Cares’ Programme and as part of the banks ongoing commitment to enhancing and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Oman, Alizz Islamic Bank, in collaboration with Sharakah, Oman’s leading SME development company celebrated the transformation and performance of the eight SMEs from the ‘Alizz Business SMEs Development Programme’. The year long initiative has empowered eight Omani Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs) with the tools, strategies and mentorship needed to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success. The programme provided intensive guidance to running businesses, focusing on boosting their operational capabilities and fostering long-term success. The eight SMEs include three that were nominated by the SMEs Development Authority, two from Alizz Islamic Bank’s Business Banking customers, and three that were selected from a pool of 105 applicants through social media platforms. The participants represented a balance of service based (50%) and product based (50%) businesses, spanning diverse sectors such as e-commerce (1), entertainment and team building (1), manufacturing (2) and services (4). These selected SMEs received personalised consultancy services, including a 360-degree business assessment, the development of long-term strategic plans, and life coaching to enhance leadership skills. The capacity-building component focused on strengthening core business competencies through training sessions on marketing, social media strategies and effective cash flow management. Industry experts also provided valuable insights to help the SMEs align their operations with current market trends. During the programme, a total of 16 site visits and 18 business performance monitoring tasks (BPMTs) were conducted, while over 120 hours of advisory services and five hours of life coaching were dedicated to strengthening management practices and leadership capabilities. ‘Alizz Business’ is a comprehensive financial service offering from Alizz Islamic Bank, tailored to meet the specific needs of SMEs in Oman. It offers a variety of Shari’a-compliant products, including flexible financing solutions for business expansion, working capital, and diversification, along with attractive savings and investment opportunities. Additionally, ‘Alizz Business’ provides SMEs with access to a cutting-edge internet banking platform, enabling secure and efficient transaction management. Alizz Islamic Bank’s commitment to this initiative highlights its dedication to fostering SME growth, recognising their pivotal role in driving economic progress Speaking about the graduation, Mr. Ali Ahmed Muqaibal, Chief Executive Officer of Sharakah, said, “We are proud to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable enterprises. Their journey reflects the power of collaboration and the value of continuous development. Together with Alizz Islamic Bank, we have provided these entrepreneurs with the tools, insight and confidence to scale their businesses sustainably and contribute to Oman’s economic vision.” Also touching on the graduation, Mr. Ali Al Mani, Chief Executive Officer of Alizz Islamic Bank, said, “At Alizz Islamic Bank we are committed to empowering Omani SMEs by equipping them with the banking solutions and knowledge that will enable them to learn, expand and achieve sustainable growth. Our partnership with Sharakah demonstrates our shared belief in nurturing innovation and resilience in Small & Medium Enterprises in line with the country’s growth trajectory and a step towards fulfilling the objectives if Oman Vision 2040. Hence, we plan to work closely together in the upcoming year in finding ways to bridge the gaps between us and the local SME sector.”
Sharakah showcases Omani SME success at 21st INSME Annual Meeting
Muscat: Sharakah, Oman’s leading SME development company, participated in the 21st INSME Annual Meeting, held recently at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) headquarters in Alicante, Spain. The annual meeting, organised by the International Network for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (INSME) in collaboration with EUIPO, focused on the theme ‘Protecting and valuing SMEs’ intangible assets.’ Ali Ahmed Muqaibal, CEO of Sharakah, joined the distinguished panel focusing on the topic ‘Driving SME competitiveness through Intellectual Property,’ alongside experts from Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, and the European Union. The session explored how small and medium-sized enterprises can harness intellectual property (IP) as a strategic tool to strengthen competitiveness, foster innovation, and build brand value in global markets. During his intervention, Ali Ahmed Muqaibal highlighted Sharakah’s ongoing efforts to support Omani entrepreneurs and youth-led enterprises in developing sustainable business models that integrate innovation and IP protection. He shared insights on how Sharakah’s tailored financial and advisory programmes help SMEs overcome common barriers such as limited access to funding, awareness gaps, and challenges in valuing intangible assets. Sharakah’s participation reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to international dialogue on entrepreneurship and innovation, positioning the Sultanate as an active contributor to the global SME ecosystem. The event also provided a valuable platform for Sharakah to engage with international partners, exchange best practices, and explore new collaborations aimed at empowering SMEs to better leverage their intellectual capital. By contributing to discussions at INSME’s prestigious annual forum, Sharakah continues to strengthen its mission of enabling youth-driven enterprises and promoting innovation-led growth, both in Oman and across the broader region.
Sharakah and ESTRLab sign MoU to support innovation and SME growth in Oman
Muscat: Sharakah, Oman’s leading SME development company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ESTRLab LLC (Engineering Solutions and Technology Research Lab), a specialist research and development company dedicated to delivering innovative engineering, electronics, and digital technology solutions. The partnership aims to strengthen the growth of technology-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and foster innovation within Oman’s industrial and technology sectors. The MoU was signed by Ali Ahmed Muqaibal, Chief Executive Officer of Sharakah, and Fahad Said Al Siyabi, founder, ESTRLab LLC. Under the agreement, ESTRLab will benefit from Sharakah’s Shariah-compliant financing facility, which will support the establishment of a new workshop to enhance local research, development, and production capabilities. Commenting on the signing, Ali Ahmed Muqaibal said, “We are proud to partner with ESTRLab, a company that embodies innovation and technical excellence. By supporting their expansion through our Shariah-compliant facility, we aim to strengthen Oman’s engineering and technology sectors while encouraging the growth of knowledge-based SMEs.” ESTRLab LLC, which serves clients across both public and private sectors, offers a comprehensive range of R&D and engineering services. Its core services include product design and prototyping, development of smart systems and connected devices (IoT), integration of software with electronic and mechanical systems, and maintenance, repair, and technical support. Fahad Said Al Siyabi added, “This partnership with Sharakah provides the foundation we need to expand our R&D capabilities and deliver cutting-edge solutions to our clients. With Sharakah’s support, we look forward to contributing to Oman’s innovation ecosystem and advancing the nation’s technological competitiveness.” The collaboration reinforces Sharakah’s ongoing commitment to empowering Omani entrepreneurs through Islamic finance and fostering sustainable SME development.
Bank Muscat and Sharakah Sign Agreement to Launch Al Wathba Academy Training Programme for Entrepreneurs and SMEs
The Fund for the Development of Youth Projects (Sharakah) and Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate of Oman, have signed a strategic agreement for implementing Al Wathba Academy, a specialized training programme designed to develop the activities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and empower entrepreneurs. The agreement was signed at the Bank’s Head Office by Ibrahim Khamis Al Balushi, Senior Assistant General Manager, SMEs at Bank Muscat, and Ali Ahmed Muqaibal, Chief Executive Officer, at Sharakah. The training programme will target 30 participants comprising entrepreneurs and SMEs from various governorates, and they will be trained by a select group of seasoned experts and professionals in the field of entrepreneurship. The programme will be conducted over a full year in the Governorate of Muscat and run into two phases, each lasting for six months. The first phase will cater to 15 established SMEs, while the second phase will target 15 startups (early stage businesses). The Bank started accepting applications for phase-one training programme on 28th of September and application will continue until 2nd of October, 2025 through https://www.bankmuscat.com/en/Pages/LeadDetails.aspx?LeadID=95&source=bankmuscat-EN. This initiative comes as part of the commitment of both institutions to advancing entrepreneurship and bolstering the national economy. The programme will cover a wide array of fundamental topics across both phases, aiming to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills to grow their businesses and leverage opportunities in local and regional markets. Key focus areas include enterprise development planning, marketing principles, communication skills, and digital transformation. In addition, the programme will incorporate advisory and mentoring sessions to help participants adopt sound strategic directions, identify opportunities, and mitigate potential risks. The launch of the initiative comes as part of Bank Muscat’s broader efforts to support its annual “Al Wathba Academy” Programme that was first launched in 2014 to train and empower Omani entrepreneurs. The Academy offers high-quality training programmes and specialized workshops that aim to equip entrepreneurs with essential business and financial management skills, enabling them to address the challenges they face and foster sustainable business growth. To date, 239 entrepreneurs have benefitted from the programme. The Al Wathba Academy Programme plays a pivotal role in supporting SMEs by providing a comprehensive suite of banking solutions tailored to the unique needs of this sector. It also includes various initiatives such as training opportunities, workshops, and networking platforms for entrepreneurs. Bank Muscat remains steadfast in its commitment to partnering with both public and private institutions to support the growth of the business sector, particularly SMEs. The Bank places special emphasis on empowering youth and creating a vibrant entrepreneurial environment that fosters innovation and sustainability, both of which are key pillars in achieving Oman Vision 2040. On this occasion, Ibrahim Khamis Al Balushi, Senior Assistant General Manager, SMEs at Bank Muscat, said: “We are proud and pleased to have partnered with Sharakah to implement this training initiative for entrepreneurs and SMEs. This collaboration reflects the shared vision of both institutions to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Oman and to enable project owners to turn their ideas into successful and sustainable ventures. Bank Muscat is making concerted efforts to develop the business sector by offering a range of financial products tailored to the needs of industries such as manufacturing, services, retail, hospitality, and more. The Bank also places a great deal of attention to micro-enterprises, recognizing their vital role in driving economic development.” From his side, Ali Ahmed Muqaibal, Chief Executive Officer, at Sharakah, commented “We are delighted to have partnered with Bank Muscat to implement the training programme. Bank Muscat is a proactive and leading institution in launching initiatives that support diverse sectors. The launch of this training programme aims to enhance the skills of entrepreneurs and SMEs and provide them with the tools necessary to thrive in the world of entrepreneurship, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic development. I would like to deliver my best wishes to all those involved in the implementation of this programme and hope that this initiative achieves its intended objectives.” Bank Muscat continues to focus on launching initiatives and services that contribute to the growth of Omani entrepreneurial ventures. Among these is the annual “Al Wathba Souq” initiative in the Holy month of Ramadan, which serves as a marketing platform for home-based businesses and small enterprises. The exhibition allows entrepreneurs to showcase a wide variety of locally made products, explore new marketing avenues, and network with peers from other businesses. The consistent organization of this event reflects the Bank’s unwavering commitment to the development of this crucial sector, which plays a key role in supporting the national economy. In recognition to its contributions to the sector, the Bank has recently won the Best Bank for SMEs in Oman from MEED.
