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Observer
06-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Empowering the youth to thrive in a digital future
NASRULAH AL AJMI MUSCAT, APRIL 6 Oman Data Park, the first Managed and Cloud Service Provider in the Sultanate of Oman, is aligned with Oman Vision 2040 by focusing on enhancing the nation's digital infrastructure. We are investing in advanced data centers and cloud solutions that support both public and private sectors, enabling their digital transformation, says Maqbool al Wahaibi, CEO, in this exclusive Q&A with the Observer for this edition of CEO Talk. Can you share your journey to becoming the CEO of Oman Data Park and how your previous experiences have shaped your leadership approach? My journey to becoming the CEO of Oman Data Park has been a progressive path rooted in a passion for technology and innovation. This allowed me to understand the intricacies of our industry deeply. I've learned that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and I strive to create an environment where every voice is heard. My commitment to continuous learning and adaptability has also been crucial, ensuring that I stay aligned with industry trends and can lead my team effectively in an ever-evolving landscape. This combination of experiences informs my vision and strategy for Oman Data Park today. Under your leadership, how has ODP integrated sustainability into its core strategies, and what are some notable initiatives you've implemented? Under my leadership, Oman Data Park has woven sustainability into our core strategies by emphasizing environmentally responsible practices across all operations. We have established AI-driven energy-efficient data centers that greatly minimize our carbon footprint, and we are committed to utilizing renewable energy sources. Additionally, we have partnered with Solar Wadi to incorporate solar energy into our power mix, positioning us as Oman's first Green Data Center. What economic impacts has ODP achieved recently, particularly concerning international collaborations like the Kemet Data Center project in Egypt? This strategic collaboration with INTRO Technology represents a significant milestone for Oman Data Park as we broaden our footprint in the region. The Kemet Data Center will enhance our ability to meet the rising demand for digital transformation while also contributing to the economic development of the Middle East. We are proud to leverage our expertise in cloud services and data center management for this project and are eager to develop innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of businesses worldwide. How has ODP contributed to Oman's digital transformation and the promotion of cloud adoption within Oman? Oman Data Park is a key driver of Oman's digital economy, actively supporting the Oman Digital Strategy 2040. We have established ourselves as a major pillar in digital transformation, managing around 10MW of power across five data centers nationwide. Our strategic partnerships with hyperscalers like Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and AWS ensure compliance with data residency mandates. Our product, Nebula, leverages VMware to deliver end-to-end solutions, particularly for the logistics sector. We also closely collaborate with the oil and energy industries and host nearly every bank in Oman, providing services from disaster recovery to SaaS. Additionally, we've developed a robust framework for professional and managed services, incorporating advanced cybersecurity measures across our data centers. Can you describe your leadership style and how you foster collaboration and innovation within your team? My leadership style is collaborative and inclusive, emphasizing open communication and trust. I believe in empowering my team by encouraging them to share ideas and take ownership of their projects. I foster a culture of innovation by creating an environment where experimentation is welcomed, and learning from failures is seen as an opportunity for growth. Regular brainstorming sessions and cross-functional teamwork help break down silos, allowing diverse perspectives to drive creative solutions. By valuing each team member's contributions, I ensure that we work together effectively towards our common goals, ultimately enhancing our collective performance. What is your vision for ODP's role in the global cloud services industry, and how do you plan to keep the company competitive in the future? My vision for Oman Data Park is to establish it as a leading player in the Global cloud services industry, but also a national catalyst of digital transformation for Oman. I want to be recognized for our innovation, reliability, and customer-centric approach. To keep the company competitive, we will continuously invest in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure, ensuring our services meet the evolving needs of our clients. We'll focus on building strategic partnerships to enhance our service offerings and expand our market reach. By prioritizing quality and sustainability, we aim to differentiate ourselves in a crowded marketplace and drive long-term growth. How is Oman Data Park aligning its strategies with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in enhancing the nation's digital infrastructure? Oman Data Park is fully aligned with Oman Vision 2040 by focusing on enhancing the nation's digital infrastructure. We are investing in advanced data centers and cloud solutions that support both public and private sectors, enabling their digital transformation. Our commitment to fostering an innovation ecosystem encourages startups and entrepreneurs, which is essential for developing a knowledge-based economy. By ensuring robust data governance and security, we build trust in digital services, all while contributing to the overall sustainability and transparency outlined in Vision 2040. In what ways is Oman Data Park fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among Omani youth to prepare them for a digital future? Oman Data Park is actively fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among Omani youth by providing them with essential resources and support. We offer training programs focused on emerging technologies to equip young individuals with the skills they need. Our startup incubation initiatives provide mentorship and funding, helping them turn ideas into viable businesses. By partnering with educational institutions, we integrate entrepreneurship into curricula, giving students practical experience. Additionally, our innovation labs serve as creative spaces where they can experiment and develop solutions. Through these efforts, we are empowering the next generation to thrive in a digital future. Can you share your perspective on the challenges and opportunities that Oman faces in its digital transformation journey, and how Oman Data Park is addressing them? One of the primary challenges is ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support digital initiatives. This includes not only technological infrastructure but also the need for skilled talent to drive innovation. Additionally, there is the challenge of fostering a culture of digital adoption across various sectors, as some organizations may be hesitant to embrace change. On the flip side, Oman has a unique opportunity to leverage its strategic location and rich cultural heritage to become a regional hub for digital services. The government's commitment to Vision 2040 creates a conducive environment for investment in technology and innovation. This vision aligns well with the increasing demand for digital solutions across industries. Oman Data Park is proactively addressing these challenges by providing robust data infrastructure and cloud solutions that are crucial for businesses looking to scale and innovate. We focus on fostering partnerships with local and international stakeholders to enhance our offerings and drive knowledge transfer.
Observer
23-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
From hobby to award-winning honey: A journey
MUSCAT, MARCH 23 After graduating with a bachelor's degree in Translation, Ahoud bint Rashid al Shibliyah spent nearly a decade in search of a job. However, inspired by her husband's hobby of beekeeping at the time, Al Shibli embarked on an award winning entrepreneurial journey. In today's edition of CEO Talk, we interviewed Al Shibli, the CEO and Co-Founder of 'Ypyap and Param', an award winning Omani honey brand that has garnered national and international attention. THE BEGINNING What started as a hobby soon evolved into a full-fledged business. 'Initially sparked by my husband's hobby of beekeeping at the time, we started the project in 2010 as a home-based venture,' shared Ahoud, who was actively seeking employment for eight years. 'However, due to the growing demand for honey, [we] eventually decided to open the first 'Ypyap and Param' store in Liwa [in 2018], which became the only job I truly enjoyed.' Today, the company operates two branches, in Suhar and Liwa, along with a retail outlet at Muscat International Airport and a sales point in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Last year, the brand was recognised with the Entrepreneurship Award for Best Micro Business in Al Batinah North. CHALLENGES The road to entrepreneurship was not without its challenges, one of the biggest being the saturation of the local honey market. 'We faced several challenges — one of the most difficult was the saturation of the Omani honey market and figuring out how we could stand out,' said Ahoud. 'We had to come up with new marketing ideas that would bring something fresh to the world of Omani honey. We also worked to correct some of the misconceptions about honey, its importance, how it's produced and what the proper strategies are for beekeeping and producing Omani honey.' Product development and packaging also presented their own challenges.' There were also challenges related to product development and packaging, especially considering that society has a fixed, traditional image of what Omani honey should look like — and changing that isn't easy.' However, according to the CEO, continuous learning and perseverance were key to the company's success. 'But with perseverance, determination and by participating in several programmes, courses and workshops in management, marketing and financial planning, we were able to get to where we are today.' Additionally, she emphasised the importance of values. 'Honesty, credibility and integrity are the foundation for all other values — and these are the principles our company is built on. The honey trade relies on trust, especially when it comes to quality and packaging.' On a personal level, the CEO shared that balancing entrepreneurship with family responsibilities is one of the most demanding aspects of her journey. 'This is the hardest part of my daily life as a female entrepreneur, but with God's help first and then by organising priorities and having a set schedule for everything — whether related to work or family — I'm able to manage it all,' she said. She added that family support also plays a big role in keeping things under control. 'The most important thing is to maintain balance — neither side should overwhelm the other. Balance is the foundation of life.' MILESTONES AND MOTIVATION Since the launch of the company, Ahoud has marked several milestones in her entrepreneurial journey which fuelled her growth. She was honoured by the Ministry of Social Development on Omani Women's Day for her contribution to the economic sector In 2021 and in 2023, she received the Al Batinah North Entrepreneurship Award and was named Promising Entrepreneur for Al Batinah North and South at the Women's Conference in 2024. However, a significant moment in her career came when she presented her success story to Her Highness The Honourable Lady Assayida Ahd Abdullah Hamed al Busaidi, Spouse of the Sultan of Oman, at the launch ceremony of the "Reefi" financing product in 2021. 'It was a strong source of motivation for me to continue, as I saw in her a role model and a source of encouragement to keep going and strive for excellence,' she said. Additionally, she was selected to share her success story at the Saudi-Omani Investment Forum in Riyadh in 2023. 'It made me feel that reaching the top is not impossible and not far out of reach,' she said. KEY TAKEAWAY In conclusion, the CEO offered advice for those interested in entrepreneurship, 'Business is an adventure — and those who love adventure should start a business. It's true that the business world is full of challenges and obstacles, but it excites you with the thrill of competition, achievement and overcoming hurdles. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and allows you to make a positive impact in your community — to become a role model that others can look up to.'
