MAHMOOD SAKHI AL BALUSHI
Automation implementation is slow in the region due to readily available manpower at a low cost. As these systems get cheaper and more robust, we expect to gradually see more automation in the 3PL business
BIOGRAPHY
CEO of AMLS and Muscat Container Depot (MCD), Mahmood Sakhi Al Balushi has been instrumental to both companies' growth and has contributed toward developing Oman's Logistics Strategy 2040. He has also participated in drafting the implementation plans of the Tanfeedh Program. A board member of the Oman Logistics Association, he holds an MBA from Franklin University and is a guest lecturer at various universities and colleges in logistics, supply chains, entrepreneurship, and strategy.
How do you expect the COVID-19 outbreak to impact Oman's logistics and warehousing industry in the medium term?
The logistics and supply chain sectors have been severely affected in Oman due to the sudden drop in demand due to lockdowns and rigorous control of movement, especially at land borders and for air cargo. Air cargo is almost standstill. Sea shipments are still operational, but demand has fallen, and costs have started to rise. In the short term, the immediate and most evident effects are on the air transport, tourism, retail, and F&B sectors. As one of the leading cold chain 3PLs in Oman we have many retail and food customers. Warehousing has not been immediately affected, though it remains to be seen which businesses will pull through and sustain through the crisis, and how this will affect the overall demand for warehousing. Logistics are grinding to a halt with disruptions in global supply chains and low activity in some of the world's major ports. We are hedging this risk by sustaining our business with some of the local projects and diverting our resources to those. We have also created internal COVID-19 management team headed by our COO to evaluate the risks and manage the operations with highest precautionary standards.
How do you expect automation to impact the industrial supply chains in Oman, and what is your perspective on the future of warehousing?
Automation implementation is slow in the region due to readily available manpower at a low cost. As these systems get cheaper and more robust, we expect to gradually see more automation in the 3PL business. If the current COVID-19 threat persists for longer than expected, robotics and automation could be a solution to reduce people's presence in close proximity. We would expect the automation would grow in the coming years not only because of labor cost, but businesses started to value the quality and cost-benefit of automation and system driven operations for better visibility and quality control.
MAHMOOD SAKHI AL BALUSHI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Focus: Future foreign policy
Friends to all, enemy to none
In championing the late Sultan Qaboos' non-interference foreign policy, the new ruler of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, is determined to work for friendship and peace, justice and harmony, and coexistence and positive constructive dialogue.
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David Kalife, CEO, Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO)
Despite Oman's fuel market slowing down, OOMCO increased its sales volume of lubricants by 36% in 2019 and is constructing a greenfield bunker terminal at the Port of Duqm. The company has transformed while growing its expertise in Marketing and Digital.
read articleInterview
Azzan Al Busaidi, CEO, Ithraa
Azzan Al Busaidi is an expert in competitiveness and economic growth. He was appointed CEO of Ithraa in 2019 after 17 years spent covering managerial roles in the organization. Al Busaidi was previously Ithraa's director general of planning and studies and is a strong advocate of the potential of digitization. He holds an MBA from the University of Strathclyde and a BSc in Economics from Sultan Qaboos University.
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Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion & Former Chairman, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Private Omani companies will be able to benefit greatly from the Fourth Industrial Revolution by enhancing their local value-added strategies and upskilling the workforce.
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Tahir Bin Salim Bin Abdullah Al Amri, Executive President, Central Bank of Oman (CBO)
The Central Bank of Oman's job is to ensure there is adequate liquidity in the system and that banks remain robust and resilient to meet the credit requirements of all segments without undermining financial stability.
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Capital markets
CMA and MSM are supporting Vision 2040 by providing financing to government companies that intend to go public, financing expansion of existing and new IPOs, and widening the investors base in Oman by enhancing and developing the investment funds and insurance industries.
read articleInterview
Khalid Al Balushi, CEO, Khazaen Economic City
International investors and business owners can benefit from Khazaen Economic City's strategic location and its close proximity to the main gateways of the country to import, process, manufacture, distribute locally, and export their goods and services.
read articleFocus: Port 4.0
Destined for greatness
Investments in world-class infrastructure have generated huge rewards for Oman. The goal now is to leverage technology as a disruptive enabler, build human capacity across the public and private logistics sectors, and drive operational efficiencies to build an integrated logistics business environment that is benchmarked against the world's best.
read articleFocus: Gap in tourism services
All bases covered
An amalgamation of local companies and unique experiences in Oman has created an original flavor that is further differentiating Oman's tourism offering from other countries and in the process attracting scores of tourists from all across the world.
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Engineering design
Renardet Engineering Consultants and Design Unit Engineering are recognized experts in their fields. While the former is an international company strongly committed to excellent engineering consultancy services and environmental practices, the latter is an Oman-based team of architects and engineers that incorporates local culture and traditions.
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Construction materials
Oman's construction sector is facing a host of challenges, but Hempel Paints and Al Maha Ceramics are confident that a mix of forward-thinking business models, unique products, and strong government initiatives will help them through turbulent times and generate positive returns in the long run.
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Salim Razvi, CEO, Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA)
Focusing on higher education institutional accreditation, program accreditation, and the updating and maintaining of the Oman Qualifications Framework, OAAA is helping further advance higher education in the Sultanate.
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