Employment challenges discussed
The meeting, held on Monday with several representatives and owners of factories and companies in the governorate, reviewed the private sector's perspectives on Omanisation and replacement policies, along with proposals to enhance the effectiveness of these policies across various economic sectors.
Discussions also focused on strengthening public-private partnerships to create a stimulating work environment capable of efficiently and sustainably integrating national workforce.
The meeting was attended by MMohammed bin Sulaiman al Kindi, Governor of Al Batinah North, alongside several officials from government and private entities in the governorate. - ONA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Omani-Bahraini expo feature 53 exhibitors
SALALAH: The fifth edition of the Omani-Bahraini Products Exhibition opened on Sunday in Salalah. The exhibition is organised by the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association in cooperation with the embassy of Bahrain in Oman and the Dhofar branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI). The exhibition will continue for ten days. The exhibition aims to provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs from small and medium enterprises and productive families to showcase their products and improve their quality. 53 exhibitors from Oman and Bahrain are participating at the Salalah Gardens Mall as part of the Khareef Dhofar Season. The exhibition features a wide range of exhibits, including handicrafts, pottery and traditional costumes. Dr Juma bin Ahmed al Kaabi, Ambassador of Bahrain to Oman, emphasised that organising the fifth edition of the exhibition reflects the successes achieved by previous editions. He praised the growth and development of Omani-Bahraini relations in various fields, noting the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in opening new markets and promoting economic development. Radina al Hajri, Chairwoman of the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Society, said: 'The exhibition is part of a series of events and exhibitions aimed at strengthening trade and investment relations between the two brotherly countries, and providing a platform for exchanging expertise and establishing partnerships between owners of small and medium-sized enterprises.' Naif bin Hamed Fadhel, Chairman of the Dhofar Branch, OCCI, explained that the exhibition embodies a pioneering model of economic and commercial cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain, contributing to enhancing trade and investment exchange, thus adding qualitative value to bilateral relations. It's worth noting that the exhibition is an economic and cultural platform that reflects the depth of fraternal relations between Oman and Bahrain, embodying the spirit of cooperation and partnership between them, contributing to supporting the development process and enhancing opportunities for integration in various fields. - ONA
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Vision in action: Building Oman's future
QASIM AL MAASHANI MUSCAT, AUG 10 In a nation defined by transformation, few individuals have done more to shape Oman's private sector and national identity than Dr Siham Al Harthy. Entrepreneur, reformer, and board member of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), Dr Al Harthy has carved out a path of leadership rooted in integrity, resilience, and purpose. As Chair of OCCI's Tourism Committee and CEO of Siham Development & Investment, she is not only steering economic initiatives but reimagining what development looks like—infused with cultural relevance and long-term impact. Her journey, as she tells it, began not with power, but with a problem. 'Early in my career at the Ministry of Housing, everything was still on paper,' she recalls. 'There was no digital archive of land records. Retrieving data could take weeks.' Rather than accept a flawed system, Dr Al Harthy led a nationwide digitisation effort, mobilising experts, forming cross-governorate taskforces, and persuading wary officials to embrace digital solutions. 'That experience taught me that real leadership means solving the problems others avoid—and doing so with purpose.' It was a pivotal moment. Rather than stay within the system, she chose to build new ones. Founding her own firm, Siham Development & Investment, she sought to deliver projects that went beyond profitability, marrying economic viability with national values. 'I saw a gap in developments that balance returns with cultural identity—so I created a company to close it.' Her portfolio spans smart infrastructure, tourism assets, and real estate. But beyond the balance sheets, her work is driven by a deeper mission: ensuring Omani development tells an Omani story. CHALLENGING THE NORMS Being one of the first two women elected to the OCCI Board did not come without resistance. Dr Al Harthy faced persistent questions about her ability to lead, manage partnerships, or represent Oman on the international stage. 'I focused on delivering results,' she says. 'I even founded the first women's association in Al Qabil back in the 1990s—not because it was popular, but because it was necessary.' Her success, over time, has spoken for itself. She believes it is time for women in leadership to become the norm—not the exception. 'Girls need to grow up seeing women lead forums and shape strategy. That's when ambition becomes natural, not radical.' PRIVATE SECTOR AS ENGINE OF VISION 2040 At the core of Dr Al Harthy's work is a firm belief in the role of the private sector in advancing Oman Vision 2040. 'It's not a government vision—it's a national one. And the private sector is its engine.' Through her role in OCCI, she has helped local firms access global markets—such as through digital marketing agreements with UK-based platforms. These steps, while modest in scale, have significant systemic impact. 'We're aligning entrepreneurship with policy and investment. The goal is not just to grow companies—but to grow capacity.' When it comes to tourism, Dr Al Harthy sees storytelling—not sales—as Oman's most strategic asset. 'Oman isn't a product to sell; it's a story to tell. But stories need infrastructure.' She points to Dhofar's monsoon season, which draws thousands of visitors but leaves few long-term economic benefits. That's changing. Her team is now working on tourism projects that blend eco-tourism, youth training, and community inclusion—transforming seasonal booms into sustainable cycles. 'Investors today want value with values,' she explains. 'Green resorts, heritage trails, integrated tourism zones—those are what we're seeing more of. Oman's authenticity is our edge.' INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION Dr Al Harthy's message to young Omanis is clear: start now. 'Don't wait for permission. Don't wait for perfection. I began many of my initiatives with little more than clarity of purpose and the courage to try.' She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to start small, solve real problems, and stay grounded in their values. 'That's where resilience comes from.'When asked about the principles guiding her leadership, Dr Al Harthy answers without hesitation: 'Integrity. I've slowed down major projects to protect long-term national interests. But I sleep peacefully knowing my decisions are value-driven—not ego-driven.' Inclusive leadership is also central to her philosophy: listening deeply, mentoring youth, and building coalitions. 'I believe in leaving space for others to rise.' As for her legacy? 'I don't want to be remembered just as a builder of projects—but as a builder of people and institutions. Someone who showed that women can lead boldly—without losing their values.' She's currently working on a green hospitality model that blends youth training, local capital, and cutting-edge construction tools such as 3D printing—a scalable initiative aimed at redefining sustainable tourism in the region. 'It's not just about building a hotel—it's about building a model others can replicate.' CLOSING THOUGHTS Dr Siham Al Harthy is not merely participating in Oman's development—she is shaping it. With every initiative, every boardroom discussion, every community project, she brings purpose to the forefront of progress. Her story is a blueprint for a new kind of leadership—one rooted in national pride, global fluency, and unshakable integrity. In a time when vision alone is not enough, Oman has in Dr Al Harthy a builder who leads with both clarity and conviction. And through her, a new generation sees that Oman's future is not only possible—it's already under construction.
Observer
4 days ago
- Observer
Asyad Shipping sees 31% profit surge in 2024
MUSCAT: Asyad Shipping has reported exceptional results for 2024, with profits rising by 31 per cent compared to 2023. The company's total assets have reached RO 1 billion, reflecting its prudent investment strategies and over two decades of sustainable operations. Its fleet of more than 86 vessels includes very large crude carriers (VLCCs), container ships, bulk carriers, and LNG tankers, serving over 60 countries worldwide. CEO Dr Ibrahim bin Bakhit al Nadhiri said the company posted net profits of RO 51.5 million ($133.9 million), a 31 per cent increase year-on-year, underlining its resilience and adaptability to global market challenges. Revenues rose 1 per cent to RO 366.1 million ($951 million), driven by a shift towards fixed-term contracts that bolstered financial stability. The VLCC and petrochemical tanker segments remained the top earners, accounting for more than half of annual revenues. Gross profits grew 28 per cent to RO 105.9 million ($275.2 million), while operating profits rose 33 per cent to RO 86.9 million ($225.7 million), aided by operational efficiency and strategic market investments. In 2024, Asyad Shipping awarded local contracts worth over RO 13 million ($34 million), with a strong focus on empowering SMEs and contributing to the national economy. The company also created 122 jobs for Omani seafarers and offered training programmes to strengthen local maritime expertise. The Omanisation rate reached 90.6 per cent, highlighting Asyad's commitment to building skilled national talent in line with Oman Vision 2040. On the sustainability front, Dr Al Nadhiri said the company cut emissions by 6 per cent and improved fuel efficiency by 5 per cent compared to 2023, through low-carbon transport initiatives and digital transformation efforts. Asyad Shipping is expanding its fleet with modern, technologically advanced vessels meeting international standards, while enhancing its digital logistics systems to improve efficiency and offer innovative customer solutions. The company remains committed to investing in Omani talent and environmentally friendly maritime technologies, ensuring long-term growth and global competitiveness. — ONA
