Tuesday 02 / December / 2025
25 government and private entities present business opportunities exceeding RO 100 million
29 agreements and cooperation MoUs signed on Day One worth over RO 15 million
10 new initiatives announced to support SMEs
The Al Dhahirah Branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) organized the “Promising Opportunities Forum in Al Dhahirah Governorate 2025” under the patronage of H.E. Qais bin Mohammed Al-Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. The event was attended by H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Rawas, Chairman of OCCI, alongside several dignitaries, OCCI board members, and business owners.
The forum, which continues until 3 December, features 25 government and private institutions presenting business opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) valued at more than RO 100 million.
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29 Cooperation Agreements and MoUs Signed
The forum, on its first day, witnessed the signing of 29 agreements and cooperation memoranda with a total value exceeding RO 15 million. The Al Dhahirah Branch of OCCI signed three cooperation memoranda: the first with Development Bank to collaborate in the Economic Horticulture Program aimed at supporting and empowering SMEs; the second with bp Oman to deliver specialized programs and training workshops for entrepreneurs and to support joint activities and events; and the third with Business Gateways International (JSRS) to cooperate in establishing a platform to promote SME products and to provide workshops and training courses for business owners.
Al Dhahirah International Development & Investment Company SAOC signed four cooperation memoranda with Daleel Petroleum, the Egyptian Contracting Company, Shoala Energy, and Strait Gate Engineering Consultancy. The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones signed eleven work contracts with Sustainable Energy Development Establishment, Jibal Al-Aqaba Trading Establishment, Asalat Manah Trading, Jabreen Business Establishment, Tadarees Fahud for Oil & Gas Fields and Works, Amar Industries, Abu Hanan Al-Mahrooqi Trading & Contracting Enterprise, Mazoon Logistics, Khatt Al-Shamal for Advanced Projects, Barka Business Establishment, and Al Traneem Establishment.
Petrojet – The Petroleum Projects & Technical Consultations Company signed six work contracts with the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates Madayn, Galfar Engineering & Contracting SAOG, Speed House – Building Construction LLC, Najm Awefiya Trading, Anwar Fahud Projects LLC, and Sahari Awafiyah.
The Egyptian Contracting Company also signed three work contracts with Hazza bin Saeed Al-Farsi Trading & Tamkeen International and Qawafil Al-Khaleej Al-Alamiya.
Additionally, Development Bank signed two financing agreements with Green Orchid Establishment and Madar Al-Dhahira LLC.
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Announcement of 10 New Initiatives
Government and private institutions announced more than 10 initiatives to support SMEs during the forum. OPAZ announced an initiative to train 15 jobseekers in the textile sector.
The Authority for Projects, Tenders and Local Content announced two workshops: one on company registration and classification procedures, and another explaining policies related to tendering, awarding, and local content requirements.
The SMEs Development Authority (Riyada) announced the establishment of an Entrepreneurship Center in Al Dhahirah Governorate to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Ibri Industrial City (Madayn) announced a 50% reduction in rental fees for five years for new projects.
Nama Group introduced an initiative to deliver workshops on registration with Nama Water Services, preparing bids and tenders, procurement processes, and innovation accelerators in water and sustainable resource fields, aimed at empowering SMEs and enhancing their technical capabilities.
Business Gateways International – JSRS announced three initiatives for SMEs: a free one-year subscription for SMEs in Al Dhahirah, technical support for registered suppliers, and specialized training workshops to enhance suppliers’ visibility to buyers locally and internationally.
Daleel Petroleum announced two initiatives: an exclusive strategy to support companies in Al Dhahirah and funding for a specialized technology incubator at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences – Ibri.
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Strategic Directions
H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Rawas, Chairman of OCCI, stated that organizing this forum reflects the Chamber’s strategic direction, which focuses on partnership in developing governorates economically, improving the business environment, and expanding the base of economic diversification.
He added that Al Dhahirah Governorate is a promising region rich in investment opportunities across various sectors, including industry, agriculture, logistics, tourism, and renewable energy. This forum therefore provides an important platform for business owners and investors to meet and explore avenues of cooperation and partnership.
Al-Rawas further explained that the Chamber believes in the importance of integration between large companies and small and medium enterprises, as this forms a fundamental pillar for building a balanced and sustainable economy. He praised the cooperation of government entities and private-sector institutions in ensuring the success of this forum, expressing hope that it will contribute to enhancing local investment, attracting more high-value projects that support Oman Vision 2040, and creating new job opportunities for the governorate’s youth.
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Strengthening the Private Sector
Saif bin Saeed Al-Badi, OCCI Board Member and Chairman of the OCCI Branch in Al Dhahirah, said that the forum represents a practical and pivotal step toward achieving Oman Vision 2040, particularly in developing governorates by supporting high-value investments that diversify income sources and enhance the private sector’s role as a key development partner.
He highlighted the unique economic advantages of Al Dhahirah and its strategic location linking Oman with neighboring countries, making it an important economic gateway and an attractive destination for high-value projects and investments.
He added that the forum reflects the Chamber’s strong belief in the governorate’s potential to become a competitive and appealing center for business and investment across key sectors.
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Visual Presentations
The forum featured several visual presentations that highlighted major development projects currently being implemented in Al Dhahirah Governorate, in addition to outlining the objectives of these projects in driving positive transformation, stimulating economic and commercial activity, and creating new job opportunities, as well as showcasing the progress and achievements made so far.
Another visual presentation focused on the available business and investment opportunities in Al Dhahirah Governorate, highlighting investment prospects across various sectors, as well as the incentives offered to foreign investors.
A further presentation reviewed the key initiatives announced during the forum, where major companies showcased the initiatives they are implementing to support the local community and promote entrepreneurship.
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Day Two Activities
The forum’s second day will feature a panel discussion introducing SME owners to the services offered by each of the following entities:
Development Bank,
the Authority for Projects, Tenders and Local Content,
the SMEs Development Authority (Riyada),
and Business Gateways International.
