Omran signs pact with Zubair SEC member to operate souvenir shop

The agreement was signed between Ibrahim Said Al Wahaibi, Asset Manager for Heritage Projects, Omran, and Zubair SEC member Zahra Mohammed

MUSCAT: Oman’s tourism development Omran has signed an agreement with Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) member Zahra Mohammed Saif Ambu Saidi for management and operation of a souvenir shop at Al Hoota Cave, the popular natural tourist destination.

Zahra Mohammed, founder of Shiyaka Photography, was among the 10 winners of the Zubair SEC’s flagship Direct Support Programme (DSP) for the year 2018.

The agreement was signed between Ibrahim Said Al Wahaibi, Asset Manager for Heritage Projects, Omran, and Zahra Mohammed at a signing event at The Zubair Corporation recently.

Zahra won the competitive tender to run the souvenir store focused on local themes at Al Hoota Cave, one of the largest cave systems in the world, estimated to be over two million years old.

As per the agreement Zahra’s company Shiyaka Photography will run and operate the Al Hoota Cave Souvenir Shop.

Aiming to play a vital role in promoting Oman as a unique tourist destination, Al Hoota Cave Souvenir Shop will sell unique tourist souvenirs, gifts, merchandising and promotional gifts related to Al Hoota Cave in particular and Oman in general.

The company’s expertise in photography and videography gives it an edge to apply creative ideas on personalised items that will be sold at the store.

To promote traditions of Oman, Al Hoota Cave Souvenir Shop will also showcase Omani handmade products in its premise.

Al Hoota Souvenir memorabilia will include items such as Al Hoota Cave related books, DVDs, postcards, personalised Tshirts, mugs, magnets, keychains, wooden items, Al Hoota ceramic model among others. Plans are on to add other photo services within the shop.

Ibrahim said: “We look forward to working closely with Zahra and the team to develop an outstanding store that reflects the vision they have for this souvenir shop. Our aim is to provide a conducive environment for aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs to translate their creativity into successful projects that contributes to national economic development. We appreciate Zubair SEC’s role in honing the talents of enterprising entrepreneurs like Zahra.”

Thanking Omran for the opportunity, Zahra said: “We are delighted to have secured the tender and signed this agreement. I thank Omran for this opportunity and it is a great opportunity for us to showcase our capabilities. We thank Omran for engaging with Omani SME and inspiring us to play a key role in advancing Oman’s thriving tourism sector.”

Zahra added: “I would like to stress that Zubair SEC has played a significant role in my journey as an entrepreneur. Their supervision and guidance have bolstered me through the different stages of my business.”

Nauzer Nowroji, Senior Advisor at Zubair SEC, said: “We would like to thank Omran for signing an agreement with our innovative and enthusiastic member. We steadfastly trust that the support of large organisations to SMEs, mainly contract opportunities such as this, is of greatest importance to the development and success of the SME sector. To build and enhance the environment for SME development in Oman, all stakeholders must work closely. Zubair SEC, continues to support its members, at all times, identifying opportunities which enhance their business capabilities.”

Zubair SEC’s Direct Support Programme is considered one of the most important competitive programmes in the field of entrepreneurship in the Sultanate. The programme aims to create a spirit of positive competition between Zubair SEC’s members, aiming to earn valuable advisory and business development services as well as a financial grant that is spent through a set working plan implemented in cooperation between the centre and the winning members.