Latest news with #AlHinai
Observer
22-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
‘Muharrik' platform to drive digital education
MUSCAT: The 'Muharrik' platform represents an entrepreneurial initiative that leverages augmented reality (AR) technologies for digital learning, offering innovative educational solutions based on interactive 3D models that have significantly improved students' academic performance. Ziyad bin Salim al Hinai said that the idea for the platform emerged during his studies in the United States, where he faced several academic and personal challenges. However, these challenges helped refine his entrepreneurial skills and avoid future mistakes. He noted that the platform originated from a personal desire to enhance digital learning tools and provide an engaging educational environment. He added that this challenge motivated him to seek innovative educational solutions, ultimately leading to the adoption of augmented reality technology. AR enables the transformation of abstract information into interactive 3D models, simplifying comprehension and stimulating learning. Al Hinai explained that AR technology allows complex concepts to be presented in a visual, three-dimensional format, accelerating understanding and retention. The platform has expanded its use of AR into other fields, such as museums, engineering and healthcare, collaborating with international companies to train medical personnel. He pointed out that the platform's trials have demonstrated a tangible impact on improving education. An experiment involving early-grade students using fourth-grade tailored content showed a 54-per cent improvement in academic achievement, confirming the technology's effectiveness in simplifying scientific concepts and making them more engaging. Al Hinai emphasised that the support provided by Oman Technology Fund was pivotal, not only financially but also through training workshops and knowledge mentoring, which enhanced the team's entrepreneurial capabilities and helped turn the idea into a viable and sustainable project. He added that 'Muharrik' is currently finalising a direct partnership with the Ministry of Education to promote the use of AR technology in schools. The platform also aims to expand into Arab and global markets by exporting digital educational content rather than importing it. Notably, the platform has received international awards and recognition from the Unicef and the Generation Unlimited initiative, marking a turning point in the company's trajectory and boosting the team's confidence to grow further. This recognition also helped attract its first investor, the Oman Technology Fund. - ONA
Observer
07-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
No plans to phase out subsidies by year-end: APSR
Muscat: The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has confirmed that what has been circulated about its plan to completely lift subsidies before the end of 2025 is false. Speaking on the 'Economic Forum' programme on Oman Radio, Dr Mansoor bin Talib al Hinai, Chairman of the authority, reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining current support mechanisms while simultaneously working to enhance sector efficiency. 'There is no intention to fully remove subsidies until the end of 2025,' Al Hinai confirmed. According to the APSR Chairman, the authority is currently working within regulatory frameworks alongside all licensed companies to reduce costs, improve system efficiency, and introduce alternative energy sources. Al Hinai said that efforts are underway, and focus has been made on boosting service quality and cost-effectiveness. Through service-level assurance standards, we will guarantee a consistent level of service for every electricity subscriber. We have already begun trial phases in the water sector, in coordination with licensed operators,' he added. In his statement, al Hinai said companies that failed to meet the service-level assurance standards will be entitled to pay compensation directly to its customers. "The Authority announced last year that electricity firms are directly responsible for granting compensation to their customers if they failed to meet the service-level requirements set by the Authority", he pointed out. Al Hinai said compensations paid last year stood at around RO 60,00 following failure by some companies to provide the service-level required.
Observer
16-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
CEO TALK: Transforming leadership: The power of cultural shift
MUSCAT: Cultural transformation is one of the most powerful drivers of business success, and Mohammed al Hinai, CEO of Marsh McLennan Oman, has made it a cornerstone of his leadership. Since taking the helm in 2021, he has led a fundamental shift from a complacent mindset to a proactive, client-focused culture—an approach that has fueled double-digit growth for three consecutive years. In an interview with Oman Observer, Al Hinai shared how this transformation, alongside strategic talent development and a commitment to continuous learning, has shaped both his leadership and the company's trajectory. Al Hinai's leadership journey is one marked by continuous learning and strategic reinvention. From investment analysis in the oil and gas sector to managing mega projects with Rio Tinto Alcan in Montreal, and later completing an Executive MBA at INSEAD, he has cultivated a broad perspective on leadership. His participation in the prestigious National CEO Programme further refined his approach, allowing him to collaborate with top Omani executives and gain global insights from London and Sweden. REBUILDING ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE Reflecting on his impact, Al Hinai identified the cultural transformation as a defining milestone. 'When I joined in 2021, I recognised that there was a sense of complacency that needed to be addressed. We had to shift the mindset towards proactive client service and continuous improvement,' he said. This cultural overhaul not only improved service delivery but also translated into sustained business growth. A key element of this transformation was prioritising a consultative approach over a purely transactional one. 'We moved beyond just providing insurance solutions—we embedded ourselves in our clients' journeys, ensuring that risk management became an integral part of their business strategy,' Al Hinai explained. A major focus was enhancing claims management, reinforcing the company's role as a trusted advisor rather than just a service provider. INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS Beyond client relations, Al Hinai's leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in talent development. Under his direction, Marsh McLennan Oman launched a Graduate Development Programme aimed at nurturing the next generation of industry leaders. 'Investing in young talent is one of the most impactful things we can do as leaders. We created an 18-month programme to bring in top graduates and equip them with the skills to drive our business forward,' he shared. This focus on talent development extends beyond his current role. During his time at OQ and Oman Oil, Al Hinai ensured that young analysts and fresh graduates were given leadership opportunities early in their careers. 'I made it a point to push young professionals into high-stakes environments—getting them to lead presentations and manage key projects. Today, many of them are running major departments, and that, to me, is a legacy worth building,' he said. OVERCOMING RESISTANCE TO CHANGE The journey of transformation, however, was not without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was shifting entrenched mindsets resistant to change. 'There is always hesitation when you try to disrupt the status quo. But by promoting accountability, curiosity, and adaptability, we gradually built a culture where innovation and service excellence became the norm,' he noted. For aspiring CEOs, Al Hinai's advice is clear: embrace discomfort and seek diverse experiences. 'Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Take on roles that challenge you, work with teams that push your thinking, and never shy away from calculated risks,' he advised. He also underscored the importance of resilience. 'Every leader will face setbacks, but the key is to view them as learning opportunities rather than failures.' A VISION FOR THE FUTURE Looking ahead, Al Hinai envisions continued innovation and growth. As industries navigate increasing complexities—ranging from regulatory shifts to digital transformation—he believes risk advisory services will play an even more critical role. 'We want to be more than just a safety net for businesses; we want to be the strategic partner that empowers them to thrive in uncertain environments,' he said. Beyond corporate success, Al Hinai maintains a firm commitment to personal growth and balance. He prioritises continuous learning through reading, networking, and reflecting on experiences. Travel, he noted, has been a powerful tool for gaining fresh perspectives. 'Leadership isn't just about making decisions; it's about evolving as a person. Ensuring that I dedicate time to learning, to my family, and to new experiences helps me stay grounded,' he reflected. Ultimately, Al Hinai's leadership exemplifies the impact of cultural transformation. By fostering a mindset of innovation, accountability, and client-centricity, he has not only driven business success but also reshaped the company's future. As he succinctly put it: 'Great organisations aren't built on transactions; they're built on trust, and trust is built through consistency, engagement, and a relentless commitment to excellence.'
Observer
15-03-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Al Mashaykhi wins gold, silver at Grand Prix in India
Muscat: Omani national team athlete for persons with disabilities, Mohammed al Mashaykhi, achieved a remarkable feat by securing two medals at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix, held in New Delhi, India, from March 9 to 15. Al Mashaykhi clinched the gold medal in the club throw event with a distance of 31.67 metres and added a silver medal in the shot put event with a throw of 9.45 metres. With this achievement, Oman concluded its participation in the championship with a total of four medals — two gold, one silver and one bronze. Earlier, Omani national team athlete Taha bin Abdullah al Harrasi had won two medals: a gold in the 100-metre sprint and a bronze in long jump. Mohammed al Hinai, head of Oman's delegation to the Para Athletics Grand Prix, expressed his immense happiness with the achievements of the national team players. He highlighted that winning four medals — two gold, one silver and one bronze — at one of the world's most competitive championships, featuring over 280 athletes from 20 countries, is a testament to the progress of disability sports in Oman. He emphasised that this success is a result of the diligent efforts and strategic planning by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, represented by the Omani Paralympic Committee, to develop this sport and strengthen Omani athletes' presence in international competitions. Al Hinai also noted that the competition was tough, as the athletes faced fierce rivals from around the world. He acknowledged that adapting to external conditions and overcoming technical challenges played a crucial role in the competition. However, the intensive preparations and training camps helped equip the athletes optimally, enabling them to achieve this milestone. He added that these results provide a strong boost for the national team as they prepare for upcoming tournaments, particularly the West Asian Games, which Muscat will host in 2026. The next phase will focus on specialised training camps and leveraging international expertise to enhance the athletes' technical and physical performance. Furthermore, Al Hinai affirmed that the Omani Paralympic Committee is continuously working to provide the necessary support for athletes through overseas training camps and participation in major championships, which contribute to refining their skills and boosting their confidence. He stressed that the ultimate goal is to secure more achievements and elevate Oman's name in international sports. INTENSIVE EFFORTS Mohammed Al Mashaykhi stated that this achievement is the result of intensive efforts and continuous training camps under the supervision of the coaching staff. He acknowledged the fierce competition, with elite world champions taking part, but emphasised that thorough preparation and determination played a key role in securing this prestigious result. Al Mashaykhi added that these medals mean a lot to him, serving as a strong motivation to continue improving and preparing for future competitions. He highlighted the challenges he faced, both in terms of the high level of competition and the climatic conditions, but remained steadfast in giving his best performance. He extended his deep gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, represented by the Omani Paralympic Committee, as well as to the coaching staff and his fellow athletes. He stressed that perseverance and hard work are the keys to success and expressed his aspiration to achieve even more accomplishments, raising Oman's flag high in international sports arenas.
Observer
25-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
Ejada to include financial incentives for 'best' govt employees
Muscat: Shaikh Mohammed bin al Waleed al Hinai, Director of the Ejada project at the Ministry of Labour has announced a series of new enhancements aimed at improving employee performance evaluation and increasing satisfaction with the system. Speaking to a local radio programme (al Wisal), he clarified that the new curve-based evaluation system will not lower ratings but rather enhance them. Throughout the year, evaluations will be quantitative, while the final assessment at the end of the year will be qualitative, ensuring a more accurate and comprehensive review. He stated that outstanding employees will be classified under the "Excellent" and "Very Good" categories. Additionally, a new national framework for institutional incentives has been introduced, linking individual performance with organizational performance. The ministry has also allocated RO 3 million to reward proactive employees, the innovator employees, and the "Employee of the Month." Furthermore, new incentive programmes have been introduced for certain categories, including director generals, supplementary allowances, and half-month salary bonuses for selected employees. To ensure fairness in the nomination process for top ratings, he said final results will be approved by committees within each government entity rather than solely by direct supervisors. He added that the ministry has implemented an indicator to measure the proper application of the Ijada system across government units, following observations of varying levels of satisfaction with the system. " The evaluation process will be completed, and results will be published before the end of February", said. Al Hinai expressed confidence that these developments will enhance employee satisfaction and improve overall government performance.
