BP Oman, Sharakah support Omani quarrying SME

MUSCAT, AUGUST 26 - An Omani marble factory that also undertakes geological surveys of marble quarries around the Sultanate has been selected by BP Oman to receive funding support as part of its Khazzan Programme for SME Development. Al Batinah Marbles, a business set up by Harith al Kharousi (pictured) in 2012, received a grant that will allow the company to invest in new equipment and expand its technical capabilities, and thereby enhance the quality of its product and service offerings to its customers. Besides conducting geological surveys and mapping of potential marble quarries, the company also researches new ways of minimising waste during marble cutting processes and also utilising any waste for productive purposes. Output from these activities is currently exported to a number of countries in Asia, Africa and the wider Gulf region. Al Batinah Marbles took part in the third edition of the Khazzan SME Development initiative, which is part of BP Oman’s social investment programme. The initiative helps Omani SMEs enhance their productivity and business performance. Sharakah, the well-known SME development agency, provides advisory services and guidance to the selected start-ups. Al Kharousi said, “We are delighted to have been selected to be part of this programme introduced by BP Oman for the benefit of small businesses. We also welcome the great support received from Sharakah in helping boost our business performance. Sharakah conducted an audit of our operations, made several visits to our factory, and identified areas for improvement. A dedicated team has been assigned by Sharakah to provide advice and guidance.”