MUSCAT: The Omani French Friendship Association (OFA), in collaboration with Omantel Innovation Labs, organized a seminar on Wednesday showcasing French expertise in the development of a successful startup ecosystem.
Aladdin Beit Fadhil, Chief Commercial Officer at Omantel, CCO at Omantel introduced the session presenting the Innovation Labs, while Raouti Chehih, Co-founder & CEO at Tansley and representing the French tech, gave an inspirational keynote speech.
Raouti explained how Oman must build its own model of support for a startup ecosystem considering the specific local economy in Oman, aligned with the GCC, by comparing itself with the French model. He also insisted on the important role of large groups to create large companies.
“In France, large groups are embarking on innovation based on a marketing logic but not enough on the industrial side. We must push in this direction as well,” Raouti said. He mentioned the three key principles of investing: Action on the generation of talent; Access to funds; Collaboration on the go to market through large groups and on the marketing of products internationally. But the most important thing to ensure the growth of startups is the people with who you work and the trust, he noted.
The panel discussion delved into the strategies and insights necessary for Oman to become a thriving startup nation and expand its presence in international markets. The event aimed to explore the readiness and support provided by the ecosystem to Omani startups, considering perspectives from both French/International and Omani experts.
Haider al Zaabi, Omantel Innovation Labs and Co-Founder of Mays EV, moderated the discussion between esteemed speakers: Mohammed Al Wahaibi, CEO at Al Jabr for the ecosystem side, Maadh al Hinai, CEO at Onsor Technologies, Moawiya al Rawas, CEO at iON, and Azzan al Kindi, CEO at Rihal from the Omani Startup side.
Oman Air was also participating in this event as OFA’s Gold sponsor partner. Adil al Zadjali, Regional Vice President – Oman at Oman Air, said, “We’re happy to support this event, which provides a unique platform for fostering collaboration between France and Oman and supports the growth and development of Oman’s SME ecosystem. Meanwhile, we continue to build on our ongoing partnership with OFA to increase awareness in the French market and promote Oman as a preferred business and tourism destination, an important part of Oman’s 2040 Vision.”
OFA is a non-profit organization registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and fully supported by the French Embassy. OFA aims at strengthening the bilateral relations between French and Omani business and social communities active in Oman.
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