MUSCAT, NOV 18
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Riyada) launched the Mulhim VR project developed by Yusr Smart Solutions, which uses virtual reality for meditation, deep breathing and stress reduction.
The launch ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Ahmed bin Salim al Mandhari, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Planning and Health Regulation, in the presence of Halima bint Rashid al Zariyah, Chairperson of the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED).
The project's launch comes within the framework of Riyada's efforts to promote innovation and empower SMEs to develop technological solutions.
"Developed by skilled young Omanis across various sectors, this programme was designed to benefit the healthcare sector, particularly cancer patients requiring extended treatment. Experiences in institutions implementing this programme have demonstrated a reduction in stress, fatigue and exhaustion, as well as an improvement in mental well-being," said Dr Al Mandhari.
Amira al Busaidy, CEO and founder of the Mulhim VR project, said: “The idea for the project stemmed from the patients' need for an escape from the hospital environment that would help them relax, reduce anxiety and raise their morale. I believe that technology like virtual reality can be effectively harnessed to support the patient's mental health.”
The project relies on carefully designed therapeutic virtual environments that combine calming visuals with therapeutic sound effects to enhance users' psychological well-being. The project is currently being implemented in three major healthcare institutions in the Sultanate of Oman: the Royal Hospital, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre (SQCCCRC) and Ibri Hospital.
Yusr Smart Solutions is one of the companies incubated at Riyada's Creative Industries Incubator. It benefited from technical and mentorship support programmes that contributed to developing the project and transforming it into a viable product for healthcare institutions.
The Authority affirms that the project represents a successful model of entrepreneurial innovation and reflects the role of incubation programmes in empowering national talent to develop technological solutions that serve the community and support vital sectors.
The launch included the signing of cooperation agreements between Mulhim VR and OXY OMAN, Royal Hospital, SQCCCRC and Ibri Hospital.
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