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.

Focus: Automation in the oil sector

Evolutionary adaptation

Oil and gas has long been slow on the uptake in terms of technologies. But this is set to change, especially in Oman, as technologies bring about greater returns with lower costs.

Interview

Walter Simpson, Managing Director, CC Energy Development (CCED)

CCED, with plans to explore 10,000sqkm using 3D seismic survey, aims to become a low-cost operator with a better environmental footprint and greater community involvement through training courses.

Interview

Harib Al Kitani, CEO, Oman LNG (OLNG)

With its potential as a clean fuel for maritime shipping, LNG usage is expected to grow, even in spite of the global downturn.

Interview

Nalin Chandna, CEO, National Gas Company

With the development of new infrastructure, especially the port at Duqm, Oman is well placed to export natural gas to markets around the world.

Interview

Zeinoun Klink, Vice President, Halliburton

From “Give me gas" to “What can you offer from a downstream perspective.

Forum

Local contracting companies

Local players in Oman's oil and gas market have experienced many ups and downs in the past few years. Now, technology adoption, whether developed inhouse or brought in from the outside, is vital for business growth in the coming years.

Interview

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.

Interview

Hemant Murkoth, CEO, Business Gateways International

The government's policies have been consistent towards SMEs.

Focus: New FDI digital portals

Future-ready economy

Initiatives such as the Invest Easy and Invest in Oman portals and the Foreign Capital Investment Law are helping Oman become a leading destination for FDI and prepare for a world without oil.

Interview

Al Sayyid Adham Al Said , Chairman, Competition Protection and Monopoly Prevention Centre (CMC)

CMC works to make markets in all sectors of Oman's economy competitive and fair.

Interview

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.

Interview

Ibrahim Al Maamari, CEO, Investment Services Center (ISC)

ISC's focus on speeding up foreign investment processes has transformed the center into a driver of private-sector growth in the Omani economy.

Interview

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.

Interview

Mohammed Al Yahyaei, Managing Partner & Senior Attorney, Al Yahyaei & Salt Law Firm (Y&S)

Y&S gives an overview of the implications of Oman's recently enacted laws that will drive investment into the country.

B2B

Accounting

In spite of 2020 headwinds, Oman is setting itself up for success with the implementation of laws and initiatives encouraging foreign investment.

Interview

Hani Al Zubair, Chairman, Fund for Development of Youth Projects (Sharakah)

IT, communications, renewable energy, and IoT are areas where the new generation of entrepreneurs can play a big role

Interview

Khalil Al Harthy, CEO, Credit Oman

Thanks to Credit Oman, local SMEs and large enterprises alike can take the leap to expand their reach without risking everything.

B2B

Khimji Ramdas

The Khimji Ramdas Group predicts great change for Oman through the form of digitalization and consolidation. To meet these future challenges, its social arm has made investments to encourage entrepreneurship and STEM-learning away young Omanis.

Interview

Areej Mohsin Haider Darwish, Chairperson, Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC

MHD LLC has its eyes on logistics, solar power, and electric charging stations for Oman's changing landscape.

Interview

Mohiuddin Mohamad Ali, Vice Chairman, MFAR Group

For investors, the current environment is stressful because demand has not kept up with supply.

B2B

Family groups

With greater privatization planned for Omani's economy, these family groups are ready for the change PPPs and SMEs will bring to the logistics sector.

Interview

Sayyid Firas Fatik Al Said, CEO, FBF Group

Our strategy for the next seven years will focus on Omanization in order to reach 30%.

Interview

Ali Daud, President & Co-Founder, Oman American Business Center (OABC)

With Oman's plans to move toward digitalization, OABC is encouraging US companies to look for opportunities for new technologies in the Omani marketplace.

B2B

Global legal advisors

Oman's changing legal landscape, thanks to new laws regarding PPPs and FDI, are bringing more opportunities for legal advisors in the country.

Interview

Al-Fadhal Al Hinai, CEO, Oman Chamber of Commerce

With privatization of the Omani economy underway, the chamber will take on much greater responsibilities to ensure the market's sustainability.

Focus: Boom of financial data

All eyes on data

Financial data collection in Oman will help gauge the country's economic growth, while helping to guide the Sultanate forward into a prosperous economic future.

Interview

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.

B2B

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.

Interview

Khalid Al Kayed, CEO, Bank Nizwa

Bank Nizwa's goal is take the whole Islamic finance industry to a higher level by consistently growing its bottom line and market share.

B2B

Regional banking coverage

As the government pushes forward with its privatization drive and PPP program, Ahli Bank and BankDhofar are investing in cutting-edge technologies and partnering with leading fintechs to enrich the customer experience and come out on top.

B2B

Global partners

Standard Chartered and HSBC have leveraged their global presence and strong networks to change Oman's financial landscape over the last five decades. Both banks are currently disrupting the space with support for government policies and green bonds.

Interview

Khalid M. Ansari, CEO, Al Anwar Holding

Al Anwar Holding has excelled by simply sticking to its tried-and-tested strategy of using chaotic market conditions as an opportunity to invest in key markets.

B2B

Data, tech & finance

Both Mala'a and Thawani are harnessing the transformational potential of Industry 4.0 and helping the government unleash its true power.

B2B

Venture capital

As two of the leading venture capital firms in Oman, Phaze Ventures and IDO Investments have helped develop the local ecosystem and sourced leading innovators to solve real operational challenges.

Forum

investment landscape

Oman's strategic geographic location at the junction of three of the world's largest continents and its reputation as a facilitator of peace and diplomacy have made it a magnet for investors and entrepreneurs interested in a variety of asset classes.

Interview

Hilal Al Busaidi, CEO, Public Authority for Mining

By working to make the investment process in Oman as transparent and simplified as possible, the Public Authority for Mining seeks to encourage more competitive biddings by the private sector.

Interview

Ravi Sharma, CEO, Bedrock Mineral Resource Consulting (BMRC)

With an Omanization rate of 95%, BMC is a great example for other companies in a rapidly developing mining sector in Oman.

Interview

Nasser Al Maqbali, CEO, Minerals Development Oman (MDO)

The country has identified mining as one of the strategic sectors for the country diversification strategy.

Interview

Hilal Al Hasani, CEO, Madayn

Madayn's brand change has meant the company will now focus on building business cities that encompass manufacturing, housing, shopping, and education, providing more complete offerings for investors.

Interview

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.

Interview

Abdullah Mohammed Al Mahruki, CEO, Industrial Innovation Center (IIC)

For innovation in Oman to have an impact, there is a need for start-ups, experts, and innovation agencies to act as one ecosystem.

Focus: Fourth industrial revolution in Oman

Running the revolution

The fourth industrial revolution has huge consequences for all sectors of every country's economy. But will they seize the moment?

Interview

Ishrath Habibulla, Managing Director, Majees Technical Services (MTS)

Majees Technical Services continues to look at new lines of business in line with the growing need for localization of services and manufacturing.

Interview

Sanjay Anand, COO & Head, Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel

The key is to focus on backward integration, asset sweating, and optimal utilization of available resources.

Interview

Salem Nasser Al Bortmany, CEO, Areej Vegetable Oils & Derivatives

As a manufacturer, Areej Vegetable Oils & Derivatives continuously adapts its entire value chain system to end users' needs and requirements.

Interview

Ismail bin Ahmed Al Balushi, CEO, Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (SEZAD)

By developing all the relevant amenities and legislation for industries from the get go, SEZAD has set itself up as the most attractive investment destination in the region.

Interview

Reggy Vermeulen, CEO, Port of Duqm

The next step of Port of Duqm's development will be looking for the right partners in operations, freight forwarding, and logistics to ensure its success.

Interview

Ricardo Penacho, Project Director, Tecnicas Reunidas

Tecnicas Reunidas' goal is to develop a large, highly efficient, and environmentally sustainable world-class refinery at Duqm.

Interview

Ray Richardson, Senior Vice President & Country Manager, Petrofac Oman

Given the reduced margins and increased competition in the aftermath of COVID-19, Petrofac believes innovation will be increasingly important to driving down costs.

Interview

Stephen R. Thomas, CEO, Renaissance Services

Renaissance Services has played a key role in keeping the health services going by providing essential services to all public hospitals.

Interview

Salim Suleym Al Junaibi, CEO, Al Ghalbi International

By increasing their capabilities and quality of services, local contractors will not only win more business but also help Oman reduce its reliance on international players.

Interview

Devaki Khimji, Executive Director, Al Tasnim Group

By focusing more on innovation in the future, Al Tasnim Group expects to increase productivity, which is invaluable in a labor-intensive business such as construction.

Interview

Omar Al Ismaili , Director General, E-Census 2020

Oman's first e-census will ensure that its government and private sectors are able to create good economic policies and strategies.

Interview

Talal Al Mamari, CEO, Omantel

Omantel's focus on 5G now and in the coming years will ensure Oman is ready for the “smart" future.

Interview

Maqbool Al Wahaibi, CEO, Oman Data Park (ODP)

Oman Data Park provides outsourced ICT services, cybersecurity, and virtual data centers to help all businesses stay ahead of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Focus

The long game

Diversification and focus are two main strategies being utilized by companies in Oman's ICT sector.

Interview

Sheila H. Jamal , CEO, Al Madina Group

From the development of e-services for Oman's tourism sector to providing e-solutions to African countries, Al Madina Group is updating government services for the 21st century and beyond.

B2B

Global expertise

According to these two tech giants, 5G and IoT will revolutionize not only consumer habits but also change the landscape of the industrial sector. To do this, creating the right infrastructure is key to the future.

Interview

Ibrahim Al Shuaili, CEO & Co-Founder, Hemaya

There is a link between operational solutions and business solutions, and this link needs to be protected to avoid interference with operations.

Interview

Kiarash Kiazand, CEO, Cloud Acropolis

As a result of its investments in disaster recovery systems, online and offline backup, and ERP programs, Cloud Acropolis is able to work from anywhere.

Interview

Yousuf Ali Al-Harthy, CEO, Oman Technology Fund (OTF)

OTF aims to achieve sustainable economic growth by investing directly in local companies, facilitating entry of foreign companies in the Omani market, and transferring and localizing modern technologies.

B2B

Media and marketing

Regardless of the market, in order to be sustainable, media players should constantly monitor the trends there and respond accordingly.

Interview

Saleh Al Shanfari, CEO, Oman Food Investment Holding Company (OFIC)

Beyond setting up successful projects, OFIC seeks to incubate new ideas and mentor SMEs to further boost the local agricultural sector.

B2B

Poultry

These groundbreaking poultry projects in Oman will not only satisfy local demand but also establish the Sultanate as a poultry exporter.

Focus: Launching of Mazoon Dairy Company

Moo-ve on up

Thanks to Mazoon Dairy Company's dairy products, Oman is set on the path to dairy, manufacturing, and logistics self-sufficiency.

Interview

Ahmed Akaak, Chairman, Oman National Livestock Development Company (ONLDC)

By following best practices from around the world and employing new technologies, Oman is ready to give its agribusiness industry the boost it needs.

B2B

Made-in-Oman dairy

Dairy projects in the Sultanate not only improve the lives of farmers, but also significantly support the country's food security strategy.

Interview

Youssef Ezzikhe, CEO, Oman Refreshment

To grow its business in an increasingly competitive environment, Oman Refreshment is initiating several initiatives, including new launches.

Forum

Value chain opportunities

In addition to ensuring Oman's food security and sustainability of food supply, new downstream projects in agriculture are also looking to satisfy demand in the region.

Focus: 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.

B2B

Logistics hub

SOHAR Port is looking at digitalization and energy-efficient measures to further boost productivity and efficiency.

Interview

Mark Hardiman, CEO, Port of Salalah

The Port of Salalah has proven to be successful in the region largely due to its geographic location, excellent connectivity, and competitive costs.

Interview

Ahmed Mohammed Al Abri , CEO, MARAFI

Looking forward, MARAFI will focus on building up its sound reputation, expanding commercially, and energizing the communities around the ports.

Interview

Said bin Homoud Al Mawali, Minister of transport & former CEO, Oman Shipping and Oman Drydock Company

Oman Shipping Company is identifying opportunities for local enterprises in the container business, mobile repair, and land logistics.

Interview

Moustafa Osman, Country Manager, DHL

With the growing importance of e-commerce in the country, DHL seeks to simplify the customer experience with easy and accessible communication platforms.

Interview

Walid Fawaz, Country Manager, Aramex

A leading global logistics and transportation solutions providers, Aramex is looking at technology to improve its overall operational efficiency and customer experience.

Interview

Abdulmalik Al Balushi, CEO, Oman Post

Through business excellence and the prioritization of customer satisfaction, Oman Post aims to drive new growth within the industry.

Interview

Mahmood Sakhi Al Balushi, CEO, Al Madina Logistics (AMLS)

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

Interview

Inacio Rodrigues, Managing Director, APL Logistics Oman

In Oman, most of our trade has been in retail and consumer. Almost 80% of 2019's revenue came from these areas

B2B

Aviation

Given the steady and progressive growth of aviation in Oman, the sector is cautiously optimistic about the prospects of developing more pilots and routes for its airlines.

Interview

Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Saidi, Minister of Health,

With only 12,800 cases of COVID-19 as of June 2020, Oman managed to flatten its COVID-19 curve through pre-planning, cross-sector collaboration, and free testing for everyone.

Interview

Qasem Ahmed Al Salmi, General Director, The Royal Hospital

The Royal Hospital continues to bolster its brand by maximizing patient experience at all stages of the journey.

Interview

Rohil Raghavan, Regional CEO, VPS Oman & Medical Director, Burjeel Hospital

With a series of investments in new equipment and technology, Burjeel Hospital has raised the level of quality care and convinced Omanis to seek treatment in their home country.

Interview

Sadik Kodakat, Chairman, Starcare Group

As government-backed initiatives set up Oman's healthcare sector for further growth, Starcare Group is fast expanding its footprint across the country to capitalize on business opportunities.

Interview

K.P. Raman, Chairman, Al Hayat International Hospital

With plans to build a 100-bed hospital and 30 clinics across Oman within the next four years, Al Hayat International Hospital is helping the government reduce reliance on public hospitals.

Focus: Private sector expansion into tertiary care

In sickness and in health

Though long in the realm of the public health sector, tertiary care is slowly becoming a bigger part of the country's private health offerings.

Interview

Peter Walichnowski, CEO, OMRAN

As the largest owner of hotels and resorts in Oman, OMRAN is planning to launch an IPO to give local and international investors the opportunity to invest in one of the fastest-growing tourism markets in the Middle East.

Focus

The art of differentiation

As the only country in the Middle East that strives for neutrality and is considered a trustworthy peace broker, Oman has all the makings to become an ideal destination for bringing businesspeople together.

Interview

Said Salim Said Al Shanfari, CEO, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC)

As a future-proof venue, OCEC has the ability to provide a customizable space and seamlessly adopt new technologies.

Interview

Gerald Chevasson, General Manager, W Muscat

The Sultanate's outdoor adventure offerings, rich heritage, and hospitable culture felt like a natural fit for W's unique take on life, luxury, and travel.

Interview

David Graham, Former CEO, Oman Sail

Oman Sail is on track to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics and realize Oman's adventure tourism potential in a sustainable way.

Focus: Hotels & entertainment

Lust for life

As tourism booms and the influx of expatriates resumes, hotels in Oman are coming up with bold ideas to cater to the entertainment needs of both locals and foreigners, especially those seeking a getaway from day-to-day life.

Interview

Dagmar Symes, General Manager, Anantara Al Jabel Al Akhdar Resort

Perched 2,000m above sea level on the curving rim of a canyon, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is at the forefront in promoting Oman's natural beauty and adventurous spirit.

Focus: 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.

Focus: Dhofari culture

Lands of ancient lore

The Dhofar Governate offers us a glimpse into Oman's ancient past.

Interview

Marco Parsiegla, CEO, Amouage

With a consumer-centric focus and a portfolio of extraordinary products and experiences, Amouage has garnered a global reputation for bringing true artistry to its creations and become an icon in the fragrance world.

Focus

A gift through the ages

One of the world's best producers of frankincense, Oman will celebrate its ancient frankincense trade with its Dubai Expo pavilion.

Interview

Shabib AlKindi, Founder, Tamrah

Tamrah combines tradition, culture, and innovation to produce the world's finest dates.

Focus

Dropping the shopping?

Oman has seen an increase in mega mall construction in recent years. But is it the end of an era?

Focus: Languages in Oman

Speaking in tongues

Oman has a fascinating language carpet, thanks to the diversity of its people.

Interview

Simon Karam, CEO, Sarooj Construction Company

Sarooj Construction Company has a tried-and-tested strategy for success: build strong relationships, and opportunities will come knocking.

Focus: PPPs

Tried and tested

Oman's efforts to set up public-private partnerships will not only shield it against volatile oil prices, but also help it achieve the twin objectives of economic efficiency and diversification.

Interview

Dharmendra Sharma, CEO, Al Arkan Construction

Al Arkan Construction has managed to constantly grow by 30-40% in a tough market by exercising due diligence when it comes to examining clients and undertaking new projects.

B2B

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.

B2B

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.

Interview

Rawiya Saud Al Busaidi, Minister of Higher Education,

The education sector needs to be responsive and adapt quickly in terms of its educational offerings and its ability to equip students with skills for the future.

Interview

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.

Interview

Saif Abdullah Al Haddabi, Assistant Secretary General for Strategic Planning and Business Development, The Research Council

The Research Council's 2020-2040 strategy focuses on conducting valuable and impactful research and establishing links between academia and industry.

Focus

A driving force

Oman is boosting its R&D landscape through abundant government support systems to encourage more Omanis to innovate.

Interview

Dr. Rahma Al-Mahrooqi, Minister, Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation

TBY talks to HE Rahma Al-Mahrooqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, on Oman Vision 2040, changing industry, and plans for Sultan Qaboos University.

B2B

Education holdings

Training is an important part of any country, now more than ever, and both the public and private sector are pushing to get the best out of their students.

Interview

Simon Jones, Vice-Chancellor, National University of Science and Technology (NUST)

NUST's goal is to keep growing, venture into areas that have been ignored by other higher education institutions in Oman, and improve the quality of online learning.

Forum

Local for global

Omani educational institutions are known for applying global best practices and staying on top of regional and global trends.

Interview

Dr. Modi Juma Saleh Al Ghailani, Chairperson of the Executive Board, Bayan College

Bayan College seeks to play a key role in Oman's overall development by following international standards and best practices while remaining true to the country's values.

Interview

Mohammed bin Salim bin Said al Toobi, Minister of Environment and Climate Affairs,

“The Sultanate seeks to achieve balance in development in all regions, including rural and urban areas, and optimal exploitation and sustainability of natural resources."

Interview

Omar Al Wahaibi, CEO, Nama Group

With new technologies and opportunities in renewable energy on the horizon, Nama Group has put in place initiatives to further promote decentralization and electrification.

Focus: Oman’s hydrogen potential

A rare power

Oman's foray into the hydrogen economy will reap benefits for both the Sultanate and the planet.

Interview

Abdullah Al Rawahi, CEO, Al Kamil Power

The main target is to reduce gas consumption and boost efficiency.

Interview

Saleh Al Rumhi, CEO, Rural Area Electricity Company (Tanweer)

Tanweer's target is to achieve 20% of its capacity from renewable energies by 2025, along with Oman-wide water and electricity security.

Interview

Hussain Hassan Ali Abdul Hussain, CEO, Haya Water

Haya Water is looking at raising its standards and pushing forward restructuring that will eventually help it expand into the region.

Interview

Tariq Ali Al-Amri, CEO, be’ah

Be'ah is committing the Sultanate to a sustainable future, one plastic bottle at a time.

B2B

Best international practices

An increase in water and power demand in Oman is pushing the government and industry to reorganize the market and use technology to create greener ways to meet the increasing demand.

Interview

Firas A. H. Al-Abduwani, Founder & CEO, Hussam Technologies Company (HTC)

New technologies are pushing electricity providers to create solutions for increasing demand.

Interview

Hilal Al Kharusi, Chairman, Oman Oil Marketing Company & former Chairman, Oman India Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO)

The COVID-19 crisis allowed a revaluation of business practices that, long term, could result in more streamlined, client-centric operations.

B2B

Optimizing energy sources

Renewable energy sources, along with IoT-based technology, is radically changing Oman's energy landscape.