
Seven Fries: Oman's homegrown brand goes global
MUSCAT: Omani entrepreneurs are increasingly turning their passions into thriving businesses, leveraging consumer demand to build brands that not only succeed locally but also expand regionally and internationally.One standout success story is Seven Fries, the first Omani brand specialising in fresh French fries. Founded by Issa bin Saleh al Aghbari in 2021 in the Wilayat of Al Seeb, the brand has quickly grown, opening three branches across the Governorates of Muscat and Dhofar in under two years.Seven Fries gained further momentum when it was selected from over 300 Omani brands participating in the franchise programme led by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This recognition paved the way for Al Aghbari to sign an agreement with the Chamber to enhance and expand the brand.By 2024, Seven Fries had already begun its franchise journey, launching its first franchised outlet in Al Amerat, Muscat, followed by another in Ibri, Al Dhahirah. The brand's rapid growth extended beyond Oman, securing franchise agreements in Erbil (Kurdistan Region), Baghdad (Iraq), Islamabad (Pakistan), and an exclusive contract in India. Looking ahead, Al Aghbari envisions 300 branches in India, capitalising on its vast consumer base. Additionally, the brand is attracting international interest, with franchise requests from the US and other global markets. — ONA

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Muscat Daily
3 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman, Kazakhstan strengthen economic ties with new cooperation agreement
Muscat – Oman and the Republic of Kazakhstan have forged stronger economic, financial and investment ties, following high-level discussions held during an official visit by an Omani delegation to Astana from May 29 to 30. The delegation, led by Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Minister of Finance, included senior representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the Tax Authority, and the Oman Investment Authority. The visit aimed to deepen bilateral cooperation and explore mutually beneficial opportunities across several strategic sectors. Habsi met with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and conveyed greetings from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, along with his best wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the Kazakh leadership and people. A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a bilateral agreement to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion on income and capital. The agreement is expected to enhance transparency and create a more attractive environment for investors from both nations. The talks also focused on expanding cooperation in logistics, mining, and food security – areas identified as having strong potential for joint investment. Opportunities in the financial and oil sectors were also on the agenda, as both countries seek to strengthen their economic frameworks and diversify sources of revenue. Officials noted that the visit reflects the commitment of both nations to deepen economic engagement and lay the groundwork for long-term partnerships in priority sectors.


Observer
4 hours ago
- Observer
Oman reaffirms Arabic language use across public and private sectors
Muscat: The Government Communication Centre clarifies that the Council of Ministers has recently directed all units of the State's administrative apparatus, and other relevant public and private legal entities, institutions, and civil associations, to adhere to the mentioned guidelines. The clarification comes in response to a formal directive by the Council of Ministers emphasizing the importance of upholding Arabic as a key element of national identity and a pillar of Oman's Vision 2040. According to a document released by the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, the use of Arabic is now mandatory in several key areas, including: Naming of Public Projects: New government-related projects such as streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces must be named in Arabic. A secondary name in another language may be added in parentheses if needed, but priority is given to Arabic terminology. Official Government Operations: All official business — including meetings, contracts, agreements, circulars, publications, and advertisements — must be conducted and documented in Arabic. The use of other languages is permitted only in urgent cases where public interest is at stake. Language of Instruction: Arabic remains the primary language of instruction in all government and higher education institutions unless otherwise specified by relevant regulations. Medical and Legal Documentation: Medical prescriptions, scientific certificates, legal decisions, and commercial contracts must be issued in Arabic. Other languages may be added alongside Arabic for clarity or international purposes. In addition, the Council urged private sector entities — including telecom companies, banks, utility providers, and insurers — to adopt the proper use of Arabic in their public communications and reports. The Government Communication Center stressed that these efforts aim to reinforce the Arabic language's standing in Omani society, highlighting it as one of the core components of the nation's cultural identity and strategic vision for the future.


Observer
6 hours ago
- Observer
ADNOC Drilling enters Oman market in $112m deal
Muscat : In a strategic move set to reshape Oman's upstream oilfield services landscape, ADNOC Drilling has acquired a 70% stake in SLB's land drilling rigs business in the Sultanate, marking the UAE-based firm's first operational entry into the Omani market. The deal involves the transfer of six fully operational land rigs in Oman, all under contract with national operators, including Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). The acquisition is part of a wider $112 million agreement between ADNOC Drilling and SLB (formerly Schlumberger), and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. 'This acquisition provides ADNOC Drilling with an immediate footprint in Oman's high-growth drilling market, supported by long-term contracts and a stable operating environment,' the company said in a statement. The rigs are currently deployed in core oilfields that form part of Oman's energy backbone. ADNOC Drilling aims to scale up operations, introduce digital drilling optimisation tools, and enhance rig performance through AI-enabled platforms. The deal aligns with Oman's Vision 2040 goals to attract regional investment, boost in-country value (ICV), and enhance efficiency in hydrocarbon production. It also comes as the Ministry of Energy and Minerals accelerates upstream development, particularly in mature oil blocks requiring enhanced recovery and cost-effective drilling. Industry analysts say ADNOC Drilling's entry is a significant vote of confidence in Oman's upstream sector. With a majority of the assets located in Oman, the acquisition reaffirms the Sultanate's importance as a strategic energy partner in the Gulf. 'Beyond rig deployment, ADNOC Drilling's model includes integrated drilling services, digital workflows, and regional supply chain development—bringing advanced capabilities to Oman's oilfields,' said an energy analyst based in Muscat. The investment is expected to support Omani SMEs and contractors through subcontracting and local procurement. It could also generate new employment opportunities for Omani nationals in rig operations, logistics, and technical services.