Latest news with #AuthorityforSmallandMediumEnterprisesDevelopment
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
From ideas into actions: 'Start-up Weekend' to empower youth
Al Khabourah, June 19 The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and thriving in Oman as the global innovation event 'Start-up Weekend' kicks off this weekend at Al Khabourah Vocational College. This internationally renowned competition, licensed by the US-based organisation Techstars, is held under the supervision of the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) for three days. Yahya bin Ibrahim al Niyadi, Director of Al Khabourah Vocational College, emphasised the importance of the event, saying: 'Hosting Start-up Weekend reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation among students. It's inspiring to see so many young talents working together to create solutions that could shape Oman's future economy. This can be a major step in the entrepreneurial and innovation fields to encourage our youth to show their ideas turning into real projects and meeting expertises.' Start-up Weekend is no ordinary event, it's an intense, hands-on experience that gathers entrepreneurs, developers, designers and marketers under one roof to transform raw ideas into real start-up concepts. The participants form teams, develop prototypes and pitch their final projects to a panel of expert judges and all within one weekend. With the theme of 'Innovate, Build, Launch', this year's edition in Oman features the participation of 70 students from leading educational institutions, including Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Nizwa University, the University of Buraimi, A'Sharqiyah University, Oman College of Health Sciences, and vocational colleges from Suhar, Shinas, Al Seeb, Sur and Al Khabourah. The projects span across vital sectors such as technology, industry, healthcare, sustainability, agriculture, finance, sports and mobile applications, showcasing the depth and diversity of youth-driven innovation in Oman. The competition will be in four phases: idea pitching, team formation, project development with expert mentorship and final presentations. It not only promotes a strong culture of entrepreneurship, but also builds lasting connections between students and real-world investors, developers and start-up coaches. As the final day approaches, anticipation grows for the pitch session, where the most promising start-ups will be recognised – not just with prizes, but with the opportunity to move from prototype to product, from dream to enterprise.
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Dialogue highlights SMEs role in boosting
MUSCAT, June 17: In a move to strengthen collaboration and integration with key stakeholders, the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) held its 15th dialogue session focused on enhancing opportunities for SMEs in the retail, construction and manufacturing sectors. The session, attended by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, brought together SMEs owners and stakeholders from across these sectors. It aligns with ASMED's ongoing efforts to improve the business environment and make it more conducive and attractive to SMEs. The discussion aimed to amplify SMEs contributions by encouraging innovation, improving operational efficiency, fostering public-private partnerships and promoting awareness about SMEs as a vital pillar of the national economy. The minister noted, 'Omani companies should not only focus on the local market. We encourage expansion beyond Oman. The ministry supports entrepreneurs through structured, evidence-based decision-making. Moreover, the Ministry of Labour's mandate to employ Omanis excludes those holding entrepreneurship cards.' Key topics addressed included policies, legislation, licensing and support mechanisms that help SMEs develop creative solutions and form strategic partnerships. The session also opened the floor for questions, enabling business owners to share challenges and suggest viable solutions. Oman is working towards a robust industrial future in line with national aspirations. In the past five years, significant milestones have been achieved in the industrial sector. The government is now focused on enhancing the competitiveness of national products, both locally and internationally. Emphasising the importance of local content, the dialogue reinforced its role in developing economic infrastructure and improving the business ecosystem. This drives productivity, boosts sector efficiency and fosters innovation, contributing to long-term economic and financial stability while promoting balanced and sustainable growth.
Muscat Daily
10-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Dialogue session to boost SME involvement in energy, minerals
Muscat – The Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals will host a dialogue session on June 15, under the theme 'Enhancing Opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises in the Energy and Minerals Sector'. The session is part of ASMED's ongoing efforts to empower small and medium enterprises and highlight emerging opportunities in strategic sectors. The energy and minerals sector, in particular, is seen as vital to Oman's long-term economic growth and diversification agenda. The event will bring together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to explore ways to strengthen SME participation in the energy and minerals industries. Discussions will focus on unlocking investment opportunities, addressing key challenges, and formulating policies that foster an enabling business environment for entrepreneurs and SME owners. ASMED stated that the dialogue session will reflect the national direction to enhance SME contribution to the GDP and to create new opportunities for innovative ventures in line with Oman Vision 2040. The vision places strong emphasis on the role of SMEs as engines of sustainable growth and diversification in the sultanate's economy. The authority also noted that the session will support the development of practical solutions and collaborative frameworks that allow SMEs to better access the energy and minerals sector. It aims to enhance competitiveness, strengthen partnerships, and create a more attractive and dynamic business ecosystem for local entrepreneurs. ASMED has invited SME owners and aspiring entrepreneurs from across the sultanate to take part in the session. Registration is open through the following link:
Observer
01-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Renewed visual identity to empower entrepreneurship
Muscat, June 1 In order to empower the entrepreneurship sector, the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) has launched its new visual identity, with the support of Shaikh Suba'a bin Hamdan al Saadi, Secretary-General of the Secretariat-General of National Celebrations. The Authority has emerged as an entity with the goal of supporting and developing the sector, contributing to the achievement of Oman Vision 2040 which aims for a sustainable, knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. Recognising this pivotal role, a modern corporate visual identity was developed to reflect the Authority's vision, mission and core values, portraying it as a supportive and enabling entity for small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs in the Sultanate of Oman. Halima al Zari, Chairperson of ASMED, stated, "We are pleased to launch the new visual identity. This is a testament to the Royal directives to make small and medium enterprises the foundation of the Omani economy. We will continue on this path in collaboration with our partners, embarking on a new journey of giving, belonging and innovation to support entrepreneurs for a prosperous economic future in the Sultanate of Oman and to achieve Oman Vision 2040." It is common for organisations to update their visual identity, with 75 per cent of companies redesigning their brand since 2020 in response to rapid changes in the market and public behaviour. The Authority's visual identity change was necessary to keep up with the fast-paced transformations in the business environment, improve communication with all sectors of the public, enhance digital interaction and support expansion and growth. The Authority mentioned that the identity development process involved a collaborative approach, including research and analysis of global and regional experiences, workshops and seminars, defining the strategy through vision, mission, values, and brand personality, as well as creative design elements such as logo design, colour and font selection and visual identity development.
Muscat Daily
01-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Eid habtas boost trade and traditions of Oman
Muscat – Eid al Adha habtas (traditional markets) have opened across several governorates in Oman, with a surge in commercial activity and public participation. These markets, held in the days leading up to the festival, are showcasing the country's deep-rooted cultural, social and commercial practices. In North Sharqiyah, villages are witnessing brisk trade, especially in Ibra, where evening habta gatherings are drawing large crowds. Open markets and consumer tents have become popular venues, creating a festive atmosphere while contributing to local trade. 'Markets in Sinaw are seeing exceptional commercial activity with the launch of the Eid al Adha habta. There's a strong turnout of shoppers and all necessities are readily available, especially in the livestock market, which is buzzing with activity ahead of the festival,' said Salem al Siyabi from the wilayat of Sinaw. For livestock breeders, the season presents a prime opportunity. Ahmed al Balushi from Suwaiq noted that the demands for sheep, cows and camels are high. 'The habta season presents a lucrative opportunity for breeders to sell their livestock through 'Al Munadah', a traditional bidding process that adds excitement to the sales.' Children are also having a noticeable presence at these markets, dressed in traditional Omani attire and enjoying toys, sweets and nuts. 'The habta truly captures the essence of our customs and traditions passed down through generations,' Balushi added. In North Batinah, merchant Abdullah al Wahaibi highlighted that the seventh day of Dhu al Hijjah typically marks the peak of the habta, as residents purchase Eid essentials such as Omani daggers, men's canes and traditional jewellery. 'These events help showcase local products, support small businesses and promote cultural continuity,' he said. In South Batinah, Nakhal Municipality has ramped up activities in villages and tourist areas ahead of Eid. Meanwhile, in Dakhliyah, preparations are under way with a focus on public hygiene, organising habta markets and livestock souqs, and holding traditional events across the governorate. Municipalities across the country are also prioritising health and safety, preparing slaughterhouses and conducting food safety inspections. Food and Health Control and Licensing departments are ensuring that hygiene standards are met in establishments handling food. To support small businesses and entrepreneurs, the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development is holding Eid bazaars and product exhibitions in various governorates, promoting local crafts and productive families during the festive season.
