Youth entrepreneurs turn ideas into business

MUSCAT, OCT 25
Al Mouj Muscat celebrated Omani Youth Day with the second edition of its Young Entrepreneur Market, bringing together 100 young Omanis aged 11 to 18 along The Walk on October 23 and 24 and attracted over 25,000 people.
Held under the theme 'From Idea to Impact', the two-evening event gave aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their products, interact with customers and gain practical experience in running a business.
Interest in the initiative has grown significantly, with organisers receiving 160 applications this year, more than three times the 50 applications received during its inaugural edition six months ago.
Among the young participants was Layan, who set up a stall selling her homemade bakery products. Her interest in cooking developed during her recovery from leg surgery.
“I had a boring time when I had to be in the hospital for my leg surgery. That is when I realised how much I enjoyed cooking. I had fun cooking and taking food to people in the hospital during Ramadhan. Now I have a stall here,” she said, adding that she had designed her own logo.
For Firas, a passion for LEGO bricks inspired him to create abstract art and accessories from repurposed pieces.
“It started when I was four years old and by the time I turned eight I had so many sets. If they broke I started repurposing them,” he said.
The young entrepreneurs demonstrated their growing digital skills, with participants using QR codes to display product information and accepting orders online.
Organisers said the increase in applications reflected the programme’s expanding reach and the growing interest among Omani youth in turning creative ideas into viable business ventures.
“It is amazing to see how kids are fast learners,” said Dr Faten Hani, founder of the Young Entrepreneurs Programme. “Between the first and second edition was just six months, yet the learning curve is remarkably high. This time around, they have truly mastered how to package, market, and sell their products effectively.”
Beyond the market stalls, participants benefited from hands-on mentorship, interactive entrepreneurship workshops and partner activities designed to strengthen practical business skills and build self-confidence.
Following the inaugural edition, which attracted more than 30,000 visitors, the latest market provided the community with an opportunity to discover young entrepreneurs’ products while supporting the next generation of Omani innovators.
Ahmed al Massan, acting CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, said practical experience was essential to youth development.
“Entrepreneurship is about more than having a good idea; it is about having the means to put it into practice, learn from experience, and turn ambition into action,” he said.
“For these young participants, the market offers a first-hand understanding of what it takes to build a business, connect with customers, and create value. At Al Mouj Muscat, we believe a destination’s lasting impact is measured not only by the places it creates, but by the doors it opens for people. By giving young Omani talent a platform in the real world, we are helping create an environment where ambition can grow into enterprise,” he added.
Dr Hani said the programme aimed to equip young people to become future wealth creators rather than depend solely on traditional employment.
Even those who eventually pursue corporate careers, she said, would benefit from the resilience, innovation and creativity developed through the experience.
The programme aims to promote financial literacy and entrepreneurship across Oman through exhibitions and school initiatives, while establishing dedicated incubators and accelerators to nurture young talent.