Latest news with #HalimabintRashidalZaria
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Unified governance framework for tourism in Oman soon
Muscat – Oman will implement an integrated governance framework for its heritage and tourism sectors by the end of 2025 aiming to align the planning and development efforts of ministries and governorates under a single system. The decision was announced following a four-day national workshop, titled 'Addressing the Challenges of Governance of Heritage and Tourism Development Management with Governorates', held from May 26 to 29. The event was organised by Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) in cooperation with Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit. The proposed framework will focus on institutional coordination, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and preparing development plans at the governorate level. It also seeks to build consensus on land allocation for heritage and tourism projects while encouraging private sector and civil society involvement. Speaking at the conclusion of the workshop, H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, said the ministry is halfway towards meeting its targets, but the growing role of governorates demands enhanced coordination. 'The governorates have become integrated tourist destinations in their own right due to their heritage and tourism assets,' he stated. He called for a unified environment that supports joint efforts between government entities, particularly at the municipal level. H E Mahrouqi identified key challenges hindering sectoral development, including limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, centralised administrative processes and restricted local authority. He stressed the need to reduce bureaucracy and promote decentralisation. 'The ministry is committed to maintaining open channels of communication with governorates and municipal councils,' he added. 'Successes in the sector must be seen as collective achievements, not those of a single institution.' Participants discussed practical strategies to overcome governance obstacles and to support the goals of Oman Vision 2040. These include raising tourism's share of GDP to 5.3%, attracting RO12bn in investments, improving Oman's ranking to within top 40 in the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Development Index, and achieving 80% satisfaction rate among tourists. Key discussion points included governance mechanisms, infrastructure needs, innovation in projects, sustainable development, and ensuring local economic benefits. Halima bint Rashid al Zaria, Chairperson of Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development ASMED urges stronger centre-governorate coordination for tourism growth Muscat – Halima bint Rashid al Zaria, Chairperson of Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED), has called for closer coordination between central authorities and governorates to support tourism and heritage development across the sultanate. Speaking at a workshop organised by Ministry of Heritage and Tourism titled 'Addressing the Challenges of Governance of Heritage and Tourism Development Management with Governorates', Halima stressed the need for joint planning and a unified vision. 'Our work must be based on coordinated plans, not on emergency reactions,' she said, underlining the importance of strategic alignment between the central government and regional administrations. Halima noted that the effectiveness of ASMED's support depends on the clarity of development plans at the governorate level. 'The more governorates have a clear plan for initiatives and events, the more effective and prepared we can be as an institution.' She said a key challenge is the lack of shared annual planning among government entities. 'We submit our annual plan to the Council of Ministers early, and so do the governors, but these plans are rarely shared between us. Exchanging and harmonising plans at the beginning of each year will significantly accelerate achievement and improve responsiveness to local needs.'
Zawya
19-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman ranks 8th in global entrepreneurship index
Muscat: The sultanate has secured eighth place in the 2024/2025 report of Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) improving from 11th last year. Oman's score increased to 5.7 from 5.4 in 2023, reflecting steady progress in fostering a strong entrepreneurial environment. Oman's entrepreneurial ranking has climbed rapidly in recent years, from 38 in 2022 to 11 in 2023, highlighting the impact of government policies and private sector partnerships in supporting startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The National Entrepreneurial Context Index score, which measures quality of the entrepreneurial environment, has steadily improved from 4.1 in 2021 to 5.7 in 2024. For the first time, all 13 of Oman's framework conditions – which assess factors such as market access, infrastructure and education – are rated as sufficient or better. Ten of these conditions improved over 2023, with the biggest increase in Ease of Entry: Market Dynamics, which rose from 5.8 to 6.8. However, Physical Infrastructure and Social and Cultural Norms received slightly lower ratings compared to last year. Oman ranked fourth among 56 economies for Entrepreneurial Education in Schools, fifth for Market Dynamics and sixth for Entrepreneurial Education Post-School. However, it placed 32nd for Physical Infrastructure. Access to entrepreneurial resources for women, while still relatively low at 4.3, has improved from 2.8 last year. Meanwhile, sustainability initiatives among new businesses received a 6.1 rating, though slightly down from 6.6 in 2023. Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) has played a key role in advancing Oman's entrepreneurial ecosystem. In collaboration with public and private sector partners, ASMED has implemented legislative reforms, investment incentives, and expanded financing options through Development Bank and Oman Future Fund, which have invested in emerging businesses. Oman has also prioritised entrepreneurial education and skills development by including specialised training programmes in schools and universities. Business incubators, accelerators and enhanced digital infrastructure have further strengthened the ecosystem. According to Halima bint Rashid al Zaria, Chairperson of ASMED, the ranking underscores Oman's commitment to creating a supportive environment for startups and SMEs. 'This achievement is a result of strong collaboration between the public and private sectors and the effectiveness of policies designed to foster innovation,' she said. She added that entrepreneurship remains a key pillar of Oman's economic diversification strategy. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
18-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman ranks 8th in global entrepreneurship index
Muscat – The sultanate has secured eighth place in the 2024/2025 report of Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) improving from 11th last year. Oman's score increased to 5.7 from 5.4 in 2023, reflecting steady progress in fostering a strong entrepreneurial environment. Oman's entrepreneurial ranking has climbed rapidly in recent years, from 38 in 2022 to 11 in 2023, highlighting the impact of government policies and private sector partnerships in supporting startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The National Entrepreneurial Context Index score, which measures quality of the entrepreneurial environment, has steadily improved from 4.1 in 2021 to 5.7 in 2024. For the first time, all 13 of Oman's framework conditions – which assess factors such as market access, infrastructure and education – are rated as sufficient or better. Ten of these conditions improved over 2023, with the biggest increase in Ease of Entry: Market Dynamics, which rose from 5.8 to 6.8. However, Physical Infrastructure and Social and Cultural Norms received slightly lower ratings compared to last year. Oman ranked fourth among 56 economies for Entrepreneurial Education in Schools, fifth for Market Dynamics and sixth for Entrepreneurial Education Post-School. However, it placed 32nd for Physical Infrastructure. Access to entrepreneurial resources for women, while still relatively low at 4.3, has improved from 2.8 last year. Meanwhile, sustainability initiatives among new businesses received a 6.1 rating, though slightly down from 6.6 in 2023. Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED) has played a key role in advancing Oman's entrepreneurial ecosystem. In collaboration with public and private sector partners, ASMED has implemented legislative reforms, investment incentives, and expanded financing options through Development Bank and Oman Future Fund, which have invested in emerging businesses. Oman has also prioritised entrepreneurial education and skills development by including specialised training programmes in schools and universities. Business incubators, accelerators and enhanced digital infrastructure have further strengthened the ecosystem. According to Halima bint Rashid al Zaria, Chairperson of ASMED, the ranking underscores Oman's commitment to creating a supportive environment for startups and SMEs. 'This achievement is a result of strong collaboration between the public and private sectors and the effectiveness of policies designed to foster innovation,' she said. She added that entrepreneurship remains a key pillar of Oman's economic diversification strategy.
