SMEs empowered under equal opportunities initiative
Published: 03:06 PM,Jun 17,2025 | EDITED : 07:06 PM,Jun 17,2025
The initiative aims to bolster local industries, encourage innovation, and provide SMEs with access to viable business opportunities.
MUSCAT: A new phase of support for Omani entrepreneurs was launched with the fourth edition of the National Equal Opportunities Initiative, spearheaded by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) and the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn). The initiative aims to bolster local industries, encourage innovation, and provide small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with access to viable business opportunities.
Dr Ayman bin Abdullah al Fudhaili, CEO of the Industrial Innovation Academy, stated that Madayn has empowered SMEs by offering technical support, capacity-building programmes, and strategic partnerships that enhance competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth. One of the Academy’s key programmes is 'Oman Makers', which supports small factories with diagnostics, consulting, and prototype development.
He also highlighted the 'Sohar Production' initiative, a manufacturing hub offering reverse engineering services and precision design capabilities that reduce R&D costs. Additionally, the 'Business Accelerator', part of the Omani Startups Programme, connects startups with investment opportunities to scale both locally and internationally.
Numerous training programmes have also been rolled out, including those in AI applications, plastic machinery operations, legal skills, and traditional ship modelling. The Academy has also identified critical service needs across Madayn’s industrial zones—such as maintenance, PR, legal and insurance services—which SMEs can fulfil. These services are estimated to be worth over RO 6.7 million.
The launch event saw the signing of contracts between SMEs and various stakeholders to deliver these services. A successful case study was presented to showcase the impact of such collaborations. The event was attended by Shaikh Dr Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, Chairman of OPAZ, underscoring the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting SME growth in the Sultanate of Oman. — ONA
Dr Ayman bin Abdullah al Fudhaili, CEO of the Industrial Innovation Academy, stated that Madayn has empowered SMEs by offering technical support, capacity-building programmes, and strategic partnerships that enhance competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth. One of the Academy’s key programmes is 'Oman Makers', which supports small factories with diagnostics, consulting, and prototype development.
He also highlighted the 'Sohar Production' initiative, a manufacturing hub offering reverse engineering services and precision design capabilities that reduce R&D costs. Additionally, the 'Business Accelerator', part of the Omani Startups Programme, connects startups with investment opportunities to scale both locally and internationally.
Numerous training programmes have also been rolled out, including those in AI applications, plastic machinery operations, legal skills, and traditional ship modelling. The Academy has also identified critical service needs across Madayn’s industrial zones—such as maintenance, PR, legal and insurance services—which SMEs can fulfil. These services are estimated to be worth over RO 6.7 million.
The launch event saw the signing of contracts between SMEs and various stakeholders to deliver these services. A successful case study was presented to showcase the impact of such collaborations. The event was attended by Shaikh Dr Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, Chairman of OPAZ, underscoring the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting SME growth in the Sultanate of Oman. — ONA