Muscat: "Omanis can thrive and make a difference in the power generation and desalination business, " said Mohammed al Rawahi, CEO of SMN Power Holding SAOG, in an exclusive interview with the Oman Observer. These words encapsulate his unwavering belief in the capabilities of Omani professionals and his commitment to fostering their growth within a critical industry.
Al Rawahi’s journey from an entry-level operator to the helm of one of Oman’s leading utilities companies reflects a story of dedication, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to national development. After earning his degree from Sultan Qaboos University, he began his career at Al Ghubrah Power & Desalination Company, gradually climbing the ranks through roles such as shift engineer and site manager before becoming CEO of Al Batinah Power Company and ultimately SMN Power Holding.
FOCUS ON PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT
Al Rawahi’s tenure is marked by a strong emphasis on people development. Under his leadership, numerous colleagues have transitioned into significant roles across various sectors. “Developing our people is my proudest achievement. Many individuals I trained and mentored are now leaders in their fields. It shows that we, as Omanis, are capable of driving progress in complex industries, ” he said.
One notable milestone during his leadership at SMN Power Holding was securing the first long-term Power Purchase and Water Purchase Agreements in Oman and the GCC for the company’s subsidiaries, SMN Barka and Al Rusail. These agreements represent not only business growth but also enhanced stability and trust in the nation’s energy infrastructure.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES THROUGH CULTURE CHANGE
Leadership comes with its challenges, and Al Rawahi candidly shared a significant obstacle he faced early in his career as a site manager of dual power and desalination plants. While one site excelled in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) indicators, the other lagged. Recognising a cultural issue, he implemented a strategy focused on open communication, workshops, and involving the team in decision-making processes.
“Changing the culture required persistence and empathy. By listening to the team and addressing their concerns, we gradually shifted the mindset and improved HSE performance across both sites, ” he explained.
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, Al Rawahi envisions SMN Power Holding as a resilient and customer-focused entity that adheres to Oman’s laws and regulations. “Our mission remains clear: to provide excellent services while maintaining the highest standards of governance, ” he stated.
Beyond his role as a CEO, Al Rawahi is committed to inspiring the next generation of leaders. His advice to aspiring CEOs is grounded in preparation and self-belief. “Have faith in your capabilities, set clear targets, and always be ready to seize opportunities when they arise. Helping others along the way not only builds community but also gives you the power to keep moving forward, ” he shared.
LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE
As a leader, Al Rawahi emphasises the importance of embodying the culture and values he wishes to see within the organisation. “Leadership is about setting an example. Open communication, celebrating team achievements, and focusing on diversity and empowerment are central to how I lead, ” he said.
Al Rawahi also prioritises balancing the demands of leadership with personal well-being. A proponent of lifelong learning, he reads extensively, attends workshops, and engages in physical activities such as hiking. “Maintaining balance is crucial—it enables you to do more in both your personal and professional life, ” he noted.
Mohammed al Rawahi’s journey is a testament to the potential of Omanis to lead and innovate in industries critical to the nation’s development. His focus on people development, business growth, and cultural transformation underscores his vision for a resilient, locally empowered workforce driving the future of power generation and desalination in Oman.
As he puts it, “The abundance theory teaches us that opportunities will come, but we must always be prepared to take them. My role is to ensure that the next generation of leaders is ready to continue this journey.”
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