Latest news with #Omani-made
Observer
02-08-2025
- Business
- Observer
RO 3m perfume and incense factory inaugurated in Raysut
SALALAH, Aug 2 The Al Khanjar Perfumes and Incense Factory was officially inaugurated at Raysut Industrial City in Salalah, with an investment exceeding RO 3 million. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, in the presence of Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, along with several dignitaries, officials and business leaders. Mohammed bin Said Jadad, CEO of Al Khanjar Perfumes and Incense Factory, noted that the facility spans 6,000 square metres and is equipped with state-of-the-art industrial technologies. The factory features four main production lines, including a liquid perfume line with a capacity of up to 15,000 packages per day, an incense production line capable of producing 6,000 packages daily, a traditional aromatic preparations line with a daily capacity of 5,000 packages, and a concentrated aromatic compounds line producing 10,000 packages per day. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art industrial technologies Speaking to ONA, the CEO emphasised that the factory aims to meet the demands of both local and Gulf markets with products that combine high efficiency and competitive quality. A visual presentation highlighting the factory's Omani identity and construction journey was showcased during the ceremony, followed by a guided tour of the production lines. Attendees had the opportunity to observe the manufacturing process and interact with the factory's team. The factory's launch marks a significant milestone in strengthening the presence of Omani-made products in regional markets. It aims to contribute to the national economy by offering high-quality fragrances and incense that reflect the country's cultural heritage. The project also supports job creation and industrial revitalisation efforts in Dhofar Governorate, aligning with Oman's broader vision for sustainable economic growth and diversification. — ONA
Observer
27-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Building a regional brand with Omani values
JOMAR MENDOZA MUSCAT, JULY 27 Tariq Mohamed al Balushi, CEO of Molecules LLC, embodies the belief that business success lies not just in profit, but in purpose. His journey from a curious young innovator to the head of a fast-growing multi-sector Omani company is a testament to resilience, continuous learning, and a strong commitment to national pride. 'I've always believed that business should be about creating value and making a difference—not just generating revenue,' Al Balushi says. 'Innovation, leadership, and problem-solving were natural passions for me from a young age, and over time, these passions guided my path into entrepreneurship.' In an exclusive interview with Oman Observer, Al Balushi shared how Molecules LLC — a 100% Omani factory— evolved from a startup into a diversified company operating in pharmaceuticals, FMCG, medical supplies, cosmetics, and more. He emphasised that the company's mission is to build a strong Omani brand with a footprint that extends across the region. 'Our vision was clear from the start: unite multiple sectors under one umbrella brand that people can trust,' he said. 'Key milestones like opening our new factory and establishing global partnerships have been transformational. These are not just business decisions—they are statements of intent to show what Oman can offer the world.' Managing growth, however, was not without its challenges. Al Balushi recounted the difficulty of scaling operations while preserving quality and internal cohesion. 'As we expanded into new sectors and countries, the pressure to maintain control was immense,' he noted. 'The solution came down to three things: clear communication, the right people, and a well-grounded strategy. Those principles helped us navigate through complexity.' Reflecting on the company's progress, Al Balushi considers the team culture his proudest achievement. 'Seeing Molecules grow is rewarding, but what truly matters to me is the culture we've built,' he said. 'We've created an environment where everyone believes in the vision and takes ownership of their role. That's what sustains growth—not just systems or products, but people who are motivated and aligned.' As a leader, Al Balushi sees his role as a cultural architect. 'Culture starts at the top. I lead by being present, listening, and appreciating contributions,' he explained. 'When we launch new projects or navigate challenges, I'm actively involved—not just to guide the process, but to show that we're in it together.' Looking ahead, Al Balushi's vision is to solidify Molecules as a regional leader known for quality, innovation, and trust. 'We aim to grow our manufacturing capacity, increase exports, and bring more Omani-made products to international markets,' he stated. 'But we also want to be a platform for local talent. Oman has incredible potential—we want to tap into that by creating jobs and building skills.' For aspiring CEOs and young entrepreneurs, Al Balushi offers a simple yet powerful message: stay grounded. 'Focus on learning, remain humble, and don't be afraid to take risks,' he advised. 'Work with purpose, treat people with respect, and stay consistent—because success doesn't come overnight.' Despite the demands of running a multi-sector company, Al Balushi is intentional about maintaining balance in his life. 'Leadership can be overwhelming, but I've learned to set priorities and take time to recharge,' he shared. 'I invest in personal development—through reading and reflection—and my faith and family are central in keeping me grounded.' As Molecules sets its sights on regional expansion, Al Balushi is optimistic about the company's—and Oman's—future. 'We want to be an example of what Omani companies can achieve on a global stage,' he said. 'We're building more than a business. We're building a legacy that reflects Oman's values and potential.'
Observer
17-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Students make toiletries, plastic alternatives out of 'menace' mesquite
IBRI: The student-led company "Greenova" from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Ibri has achieved a breakthrough by extracting alternatives to plastic and advanced health products from the mesquite tree (Prosopis juliflora). This pioneering step merges green economy principles with biotechnology, embodying Omani innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship. The company has emerged as a leader in transforming what was long considered a "harmful plant" into a hub of environmental and industrial innovation. Badr bin Said al Azizi, CEO of Greenova, stated: "With over two years of experience in innovation and entrepreneurship, the company has established a national and global reputation by developing a mesquite-based alternative to plastic. This material is stronger, cheaper, shatterproof and more heat-resistant." He noted that the material's high efficiency has been validated by a credible report from the Plant Therapy Research Laboratory in China, supervised by leading scientists, reinforcing the innovation's credibility and the product's robustness. He said: "By extracting compounds from mesquite leaves, the company has produced 100 per cent natural hair wash, body wash and soap derived from a local tree. This Omani-made product meets global standards, competes in international markets and offers a safe, healthy alternative to existing options." The CEO emphasised that Greenova has achieved remarkable milestones in a short time. Sales of its plastic alternative raw material have captured 40 per cent of the Omani market in a single transaction, with a net daily profit of 35 per cent, reflecting the project's economic viability and environmental sustainability. This success followed extensive efforts, including a strategic agreement with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Al Dhahirah Governorate to utilise mesquite tree waste — which previously required millions of riyals in annual public tenders for disposal. Thus, an environmental burden has been turned into an economic opportunity, positioning Greenova as a model for circular economy practices. Elyas bin Abdullah al Hatmi from Greenova highlighted the company's participation in numerous entrepreneurial events, such as Start-up Weekend and national and international hackathons, where it secured first place in 2025. The company also competed in Qatar's 2024 championship and reached the finals of Oman's Injaz exhibition in 2025. Notably, Greenova won incubation support from Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Al Dhahirah under the "Dhakira Innovates" initiative, cementing its strong presence in sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship. — ONA
Observer
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Karwa Motors launches new multi-purpose transport vehicle
DUQM: Karwa Motors has unveiled a new multi-purpose vehicle designed for logistics, military, and public transport applications, further advancing Oman's ambitions to become a regional hub for automotive manufacturing. The launch took place at the company's state-of-the-art facility in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZD). Developed through a strategic partnership with Impel and technical collaboration with MAN, the new vehicle is tailored to meet the evolving demands of local, regional, and international markets. It showcases Karwa Motors' commitment to innovation, industrial excellence, and the localisation of vehicle manufacturing in the Sultanate of Oman. Equipped with advanced safety features and high efficiency standards, the vehicle is suitable for long-distance travel and remote area transportation, offering a robust solution for both government and private sector needs. The launch also included a showcase of Karwa's diverse vehicle portfolio, underlining the company's growing role in supporting Oman's transportation infrastructure. Karwa Motors further announced the continuation of its partnership with the Armored Group to develop and customise vehicles for specialised and security-related uses. This collaboration is set to expand the company's specialised product range, addressing the needs of vital sectors across the region. Dr Ibrahim bin Ali al Balushi, CEO of Karwa Motors, said the new vehicle underscores the company's broader mission to contribute to Oman's industrial growth, meet local demand, and export high-quality products abroad. 'This new launch enhances the global visibility of Omani-made vehicles and supports the national strategy for economic diversification,' Dr. Al Balushi said in a statement to the Oman News Agency. 'It also represents a milestone in our journey towards industrial and technological advancement, positioning the Sultanate of Oman as a key centre for specialised vehicle manufacturing.' Karwa Motors is a joint venture between the Oman Investment Authority and Mwasalat Qatar, the national transport company of the State of Qatar. The factory in Duqm stands as a flagship project under Oman's push to create value-added industries and bolster the country's manufacturing base. — ONA
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Oman: ROP announces new rules for vehicle imports from GCC
Muscat – Royal Oman Police (ROP) has announced new regulations governing vehicle imports from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, effective starting July 1, 2025. According to a joint statement issued by Directorate General of Traffic and Directorate General of Customs, vehicles will no longer be accepted into Oman under the clearance certificate system. Instead, all imported vehicles must be accompanied by an export certificate issued by the competent authority in the vehicle's country of registration. 'ROP informs vehicle importers from GCC countries that it will discontinue accepting vehicles imported with a clearance certificate. Imports will be limited to those accompanied by an export certificate issued by the official authority in the vehicle's country of registration,' Oman Customs said. The move is aimed at streamlining the import of used vehicles through GCC ports and ensuring compliance across the region. Meanwhile, Oman's vehicle spare parts exports rose to RO9.87mn in the first five months of 2024, up 27.04% from RO7.77mn in the same period last year, according to National Centre for Statistics and Information. This reflects growing international demand for Omani-made spare parts. In contrast, imports of vehicle spare parts decreased 11.8% year-on-year to RO44.7mn during the same period, with total import weight falling to 11.35mn kg from 12.22mn kg in 2023. As of April 2024, 1,527 businesses were engaged in the sale of vehicle spare parts, comprising 856 retailers of new parts and 671 dealing in used components. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
