The “Sohar International Women SMEs Development Program,” a joint collaboration between Sharakah, Oman’s leading SME development company and Sohar International, concluded with a heartfelt graduation ceremony recently. Ten aspiring women entrepreneurs, drawn from across the Sultanate, received their certificates of completion during a ceremony that highlighted their dedication and the tangible skills they have acquired. Over the course of the program, these women engaged in intensive workshops and coaching sessions designed to strengthen their financial management, digital capabilities, and marketing acumen.
Launched in October 2024, the program is the result of a strategic partnership between Sharakah and Sohar International. The collaboration was conceptualised to empower women-led businesses across the Sultanate by offering tailored support that enhances both operational performance and digital capabilities.
The program included a comprehensive cash flow session, focused on equipping participants with practical financial planning tools and the confidence to navigate challenges in business finance. Delivered in a hands-on, peer-driven format, the workshop enabled the entrepreneurs to apply new strategies in real time to strengthen their financial foundations.
Equally impactful was the marketing and AI workshop, conducted by Sharakah explored practical applications of artificial intelligence in business, from creating marketing content and responding to customers to generating promotional visuals and identifying leads. The session demonstrated how AI can empower small businesses to enhance visibility and efficiency, even without technical backgrounds.
Commenting on the milestone, Ali Ahmed Muqaibal, CEO of Sharakah, said, “We are proud to collaborate with Sohar International on this transformative program. These women have demonstrated incredible commitment, and through this program, we have ensured they are equipped with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the digital economy. This is the beginning of a new chapter for these entrepreneurs.”
The program was designed to provide knowledge and to foster long-term growth. Participants benefited from tailored business assessments, mentorship, and digital skills training, as part of Sohar International’s CSR strategy for 2024, which places a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment and inclusive economic development.
Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, Chief Marketing Officer at Sohar International, added, “Our partnership with Sharakah reflects Sohar International’s steadfast commitment to fostering women-led businesses and driving Oman’s economic diversification efforts. Through this program, we are confident that these SMEs are now well-positioned for sustainable growth.”
With the ceremony concluded, these ten women entrepreneurs are now set to lead their businesses into a more empowered, digitally-enabled future.
