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Observer
13 hours ago
- General
- Observer
An artisan weaver's mission to sustain and elevate local craft
In the quiet town of Samail, a place steeped in history and traditional craftsmanship, Tahira bint Ali Al Diriyah stands as a beacon of cultural preservation. Her work in hand weaving is not only a testament to individual skill but also a vital effort in safeguarding Oman's rich heritage, especially amid the larger context of the nation's cultural revival and the ongoing challenges faced by artisans today. An artisan weaver's mission to sustain and elevate local craft Tahira's journey began in 2014 when she enrolled in a rigorous two-year programme at the Training and Textile Production Centre in Samail. The course was intensely focused on teaching every nuance of the handloom craft, and she dedicated herself fully to mastering these traditional techniques. Her passion for weaving grew as she extended her training, eventually establishing a modest workshop within her home. Her days were split between intensive training sessions and practical work at her loom, a process that exemplifies sustained dedication. An artisan weaver's mission to sustain and elevate local craft Her portfolio of woven items includes traditional head coverings called sabaiyat, mats, tablecloths, belts, and the distinctive sashes worn with the national khanjar. Each piece reflects meticulous craftsmanship, with geometric patterns that echo the artistry woven into Oman's cultural identity. Tahira's creations are more than mere textiles; they are tangible links to the past, symbols of Omani heritage in a rapidly changing world. An artisan weaver's mission to sustain and elevate local craft One of Tahira's most notable achievements was her daring attempt to construct a wooden handloom — revered as a rare feat across Oman. After numerous trials, her success garnered recognition from the Training Centre, which produced a short film celebrating her achievement. Today, she owns several types of looms and has become an influential figure in her community and beyond, even competing in the Sultan Qaboos Award for Craft Excellence with her woven belts and reaching the final stages. An artisan weaver's mission to sustain and elevate local craft Her efforts have been acknowledged not just locally but internationally. Tahira participated in the World Crafts Council Award of Excellence in Iran, where she was honoured for her wall hangings. Her talent and dedication earned her multiple awards, such as the Best Home Project in the Entrepreneurship Award and recognition by the Ministry of Social Development on Omani Women's Day. In 2023, she was awarded a special accolade in the Al Roya Economic Award for her work in home-based crafts. An artisan weaver's mission to sustain and elevate local craft Beyond her craft, Tahira plays a nurturing role as a mentor. She has supervised ten trainees, providing them with looms and guidance, and she has specifically worked with individuals with disabilities, encouraging their creative development. Her contributions extend into education, having conducted workshops at the Oman Across Ages Museum as part of the 'Craft' programme, and authored a detailed manual for hand weaving. In weaving her stories, Tahira employs traditional tools—handlooms, cotton, and zari threads—staying true to the roots of her craft while finding innovative ways to keep it relevant. She also possesses a rare finesse for maintaining and repairing looms herself, ensuring the longevity of her tools and skills. An artisan weaver's mission to sustain and elevate local craft Yet her journey was not without hardship. Securing a loom initially proved difficult, a challenge faced by many artisans in Oman. Nonetheless, her perseverance paid off, inspiring others in her community. She advocates for the younger generation to embrace traditional crafts, warning that without continual practice, innovation, and transmission, these vital aspects of cultural identity risk fading away. Oman's cultural landscape has historically been shaped by movements like the Arts and Crafts Movement in Britain, which emphasised the importance of handcrafted goods and their cultural value. An artisan weaver's mission to sustain and elevate local craft The movement influenced many artisans worldwide, including Oman's, fostering a sense of pride and a collective effort to preserve traditional arts. Today, the government actively supports such initiatives through funding, recognition programmes, and educational campaigns aimed at revitalising local crafts. Nevertheless, artisans face common hurdles—access to quality raw materials, modern market channels, and the high costs of equipment. These challenges threaten the sustainability of their craft, making dedicated advocates and government support crucial. An artisan weaver's mission to sustain and elevate local craft Tahira's story exemplifies how individual commitment, paired with supportive policies, can keep cultural professions alive. Her work underscores the importance of initiatives like the government-funded training programmes, which provide artisans with resources, exposure, and platforms to showcase their skills. These efforts are vital because they help preserve traditional knowledge while encouraging innovation to adapt these crafts to contemporary tastes.
Business News Wales
09-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Council Leader Calls for Collaboration at Powys Business Awards Launch
Business leaders attending the launch of this year's prestigious Powys Business Awards were encouraged to collaborate with Powys County Council to grow the economy and create jobs. Council leader Councillor Jake Berriman declared 'Powys is open for business' and outlined the investment made by the authority. 'If we want Powys to grow then we need to invest in businesses like yourselves so that we can continue to provide employment for a healthy economy,' he told the awards launch at Themes Restaurant, NPTC Newtown Campus. 'The more we do together, the better.' He revealed that the council's £1 million Powys local business growth grant fund had generated £10 million in investment and had created 200 jobs. He also revealed that a field alongside NPTC Newtown Campus will be developed as an advanced manufacturing centre which he described as 'a place for innovation and learning'. 'When you come into Newtown and see what is happening here, it's so dynamic,' he added. This year's Powys Business Awards will have a dozen categories, including the new Business-Education Partnership Award Sponsored by Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership. This award recognises best practice and collaboration between employers and educational establishments. The existing partnership must have been created in the last three years, have made a significant impact on student achievement and the school and demonstrate sustainability and innovation Teresa Peel-Jones, Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership employer engagement officer, said businesses across Powys and Ceredigion were keen to engage with school pupils much earlier so that they can make informed career choices. 'The employer link is crucial and that's why we are going to develop that relationship with schools,' she added. 'There is going to be a consistent approach from now on.' The other categories are: Start-up Business Award, sponsored by EvaBuild, Entrepreneurship Award, sponsored by Welshpool Printing Group, Micro Business Award (less than 10 employees), sponsored by Myrick Training Services, Growth Award, sponsored by WR Partners, Small Business Award (under 30 employees) sponsored by BCRS Business Loans, Social Enterprise/ Charity Award, sponsored by RWE, Technology & Innovation Award, sponsored by Aberystwyth University, People Development Award, sponsored by NPTC Group of Colleges, Sole Trader Award, sponsored by The County Times, Business in the Community Award, sponsored EDF and Excellence in Sustainability Award, sponsored by the Wesh Government. The overall Powys Business of the Year is sponsored by Powys County Council, whilst the Judge's Award is sponsored by the awards organiser, Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG). Ceri Stephens, group manager of MWMG, said the award categories had been selected to showcase the diverse range of successful enterprises across Powys. 'There is something for everyone regardless of size or sector, to highlight and celebrate the excellent businesses that we have here in Powys,' she said. Closing date for entries is July 27. Visit for more information. The award ceremony will be held at The Hafren, Newtown on October 17.
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.'
