Omani startup wins $1 million XFACTOR award
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Muscat Daily
22 minutes ago
- Muscat Daily
Digitalisation driving growth of SMEs in Oman
Muscat – Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Oman are undergoing a rapid shift towards digitalisation, with experts stressing that innovation and technology adoption are becoming essential for growth and competitiveness in both local and international markets. Digital tools are enabling SMEs to cut costs, improve efficiency, and expand their reach without heavy investment in traditional infrastructure. From artificial intelligence (AI) to e-commerce platforms, businesses are leveraging new technologies to adapt to fast-changing customer needs and open new avenues for expansion. Saeed bin Jumaa al Salti, a digital transformation consultant, said digitalisation is no longer just about introducing technology but about 'a comprehensive transformation to improve operations, expand markets, and achieve continuous innovation'. He added that technologies such as AI, big data analytics, and cloud services allow SMEs to enter new markets with flexibility and speed, while enhancing decision-making and service delivery. 'SMEs can now expand their business locally and internationally without the need for massive investments in infrastructure,' Salti said. 'This creates opportunities for growth that were previously limited to large enterprises.' Maha bint Mohammed al Habsi Maha bint Mohammed al Habsi, an artificial intelligence trainer, noted that emerging technologies are now essential for SMEs aiming to grow and compete globally. 'AI, cloud computing, blockchain, and the Internet of Things are essential tools for enabling SMEs to achieve sustainable growth,' she said. 'This is no longer a luxury but a necessity in an economy that demands flexibility and efficiency.' Citing a study, Habsi said AI adoption in Oman's industrial sector has already improved productivity, inventory management, and resource allocation. She added that digital platforms are allowing even small Omani startups to export to markets in Europe and Asia. However, challenges remain. Ishaq bin Hilal al Sharyani, a specialist in training entrepreneurs, pointed out that limited funding, a shortage of digital expertise, and resistance to change continue to slow digital adoption. 'Cybersecurity and data protection also remain pressing concerns,' he said. He recommended that SMEs invest in staff training, collaborate with technology providers, and benefit from government programmes designed to support entrepreneurship and innovation. Legal advisor Mazen bin Salem al Zaidi highlighted that recent reforms in commercial dispute resolution have also helped SMEs. Simplified procedures for handling rental, labour, and contracting disputes are easing the legal burden on smaller businesses, he said, while ongoing government support reflects the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 to diversify income sources and strengthen the SME sector's role in the national economy. Experts agreed that digitalisation represents both an opportunity and a necessity for SMEs. By embracing innovation, these enterprises can not only survive but also can thrive in a competitive global economy.
Muscat Daily
an hour ago
- Muscat Daily
SAI governance reforms contest offers RO11,500 in prize money
Salalah – Cash prizes worth RO11,500 will be up for grabs at a national hackathon in Salalah aimed at developing digital solutions for better governance and sustainable investment. State Audit Institution (SAI) will hold a three-day competition from September 1 to 3 in cooperation with Dhofar Municipality called 'Govern it Smartly' under the theme 'Effective Governance for Sustainable Investment'. First prize winners will receive RO5,000, while second and third place winners will take home RO3,000 and RO1,500 respectively. Teams in fourth and fifth place will each be awarded RO1,000. The hackathon is designed to promote transparency, strengthen governance practices and ensure more efficient management of investment resources across Oman. According to SAI, holding the hackathon reflects its commitment to ingraining the principles of integrity and accountability in the national workforce, enhancing performance in both public and private sectors, and engaging youth in shaping governance solutions. Ahead of the hackathon, a national symposium on governance will take place in Dhofar at the end of August. It will address the role of governance in safeguarding public funds, enhancing transparency and encouraging innovation in sustainable development. Participants will include government entities, private companies, universities and youth-led teams working in technology, economics and management. Competitors are expected to propose projects that simplify procedures, improve oversight of investment, and generate tangible economic and social benefits. Omani youth and interested teams can register online at
Observer
an hour ago
- Observer
Career guidance for students entering higher education: A crucial aspect
The transition from secondary education to higher education and subsequently into the workforce is a pivotal period for young individuals. For students, this transition is particularly significant given the nation's strategic focus on human capital development and economic diversification as outlined in Oman Vision 2040. As many school leavers prepare to join university life, it is essential to provide effective career guidance. This guidance plays a crucial role in equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and self-awareness necessary to navigate their academic and professional journeys successfully, ensuring alignment with national development goals and personal aspirations. One of the primary benefits of robust career guidance is its ability to bridge the gap between educational outputs and the evolving demands of the labour market. Oman, like many countries, faces the challenge of ensuring meaningful graduate employment opportunities, often due to a mismatch between the skills acquired in higher education and those required by industries. Furthermore, career guidance fosters the development of essential soft skills that are highly valued in the modern workforce. Research indicates that Omani graduates sometimes lack critical thinking, problem-solving, interpersonal communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. Moreover, career guidance plays a vital role in supporting students' psychological well-being and fostering a sense of responsibility. The challenges of balancing work and study, coupled with social and psychological pressures, can lead to stress and isolation among students. Guidance services can provide strategies for time management, stress reduction, and maintaining a healthy work–life balance, thereby promoting self-discipline and maturity. By helping students understand the value of their contributions and the importance of professional ethics, career guidance contributes to their holistic development. Finally, effective career guidance facilitates stronger links between educational institutions and industry. Initiatives like the Eidaad internship programme, which places engineering students in industrial internships, demonstrate the positive impact of such collaborations on enhancing employability and practical skills. Career guidance platforms can serve as a conduit for this collaboration, providing detailed information on employment opportunities and fostering direct communication between students, educators, and potential employers. This alignment ensures that academic programmes are responsive to industry needs, ultimately benefiting both students and the national economy. Investing in comprehensive and accessible career guidance services for students is not merely an educational enhancement but a strategic imperative. It empowers individuals to make informed choices, develops critical skills, mitigates career indecision, supports personal well-being, and strengthens the vital connection between education and the labour market.
