3-day al Wathbah Souq evokes strong response

Aimed at promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), al Wathbah Ramadan Souq featured attractive products promoted by over 120 women entrepreneurs

MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, in line with its vision ‘To serve you better, everyday’ and Riyada - the Public Authority for SME Development, joined hands to provide a major boost for women entrepreneurs at the annual al Wathbah Ramadan Souq held at the bank’s head office from May 31 to June 2.

Abdul Razak Ali Issa, the chief executive, inaugurated the 3-day exhibition, in the presence of government officials and management team members.

Aimed at promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), al Wathbah Ramadan Souq featured attractive products promoted by over 120 women entrepreneurs. Giving wings to start-up business establishments, the exhibition showcased a wide range of products, including designer apparel, accessories, food items, home decorations and much more at competitive prices. A large turnout of visitors enjoyed the unique shopping experience. Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin Al Ghassani, CEO of Riyada, and Tariq Bin Sulaiman Al Farsi, CEO of Al Raffd Fund, visited al Wathbah Souq on a concluding day.

Abdul Razak Ali Issa said: “Bank Muscat’s al Wathbah, in association with Riyada, is proud to once again host the annual al Wathbah Ramadan Souq in support of women entrepreneurs in Oman. The Ramadan Souq fulfils a critical need in creating avenues to successfully market SME products. In an environment where competition is becoming tougher, identifying and seizing opportunities is essential for Omani SMEs to survive and grow. Over the years, Bank Muscat’s al Wathbah, in association with Riyada, has initiated several programmes to strengthen the SME foundation in Oman. The bank remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs in achieving their business dreams.”

Bank Muscat has launched various initiatives targeted at women entrepreneurs. The firstof-its-kind al Wathbah Businesswomen’s Forum is a networking initiative aimed at providing guidance and help to develop the requisite skills and attitude for leadership in business. The forum serves as a platform to connect and register businesses.

al Wathbah Academy programme is a major initiative benefitting entrepreneurs across Oman. The 8-month SME development programme conducted by experienced faculty and consultants lead to accredited international certification by Project Management Institute (PMI). The comprehensive training programme at al Wathbah Academy is reckoned a launching pad for start-up business initiatives by Omani youth.

Aimed at creating a favourable environment for SMEs in Oman, the bank’s al Wathbah SME department offers a comprehensive suite of tailor-made finance solutions and non-financial services. The main objective of the bank’s SME strategy is to play an important role in filling the gaps and empowering entrepreneurs to chart successful business ventures by providing the requisite training, guidelines and tools.