Latest news with #Thawani


Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
National Finance introduces device E-Financing via Thawani Store in collaboration with Thawani
Muscat: Driven by its commitment to delivering seamless and customer-centric financing solutions, National Finance, the Sultanate of Oman's leading finance company, has recently launched a new e-financing service for mobile phones and electronic devices via the Thawani Store, a newly introduced digital marketplace integrated within the Thawani mobile application. This strategic initiative is the result of a collaboration with digital payments platform Thawani. The launch marks a key milestone in National Finance's ongoing mission to offer simple, affordable, and accessible financing solutions that empower customers to enhance their lifestyles with confidence and financial ease. In commemoration of the launch, a special promotional offer was introduced, featuring discounts of up to 15% on mobile phones, available from 22 to 28 June, giving customers an added incentive to explore the new financing experience. Through this collaboration, National Finance will provide flexible monthly installment plans via e-financing for a wide range of smart phones and electronic devices available on the Thawani Store, making cutting-edge technology more accessible and affordable for a wider audience. Customers can take advantage of financing tenures of up to 24 months, making monthly payments more affordable and manageable. Adding to the convenience, devices purchased through the Thawani store are delivered directly to customers' doorsteps, enhancing ease and enriching the overall digital shopping experience. In its initial phase, the Thawani Store will feature a curated range of mobile devices, with National Finance's financing options seamlessly embedded within the app's checkout process. This fully digital, streamlined experience aligns with the growing demand for convenient payment solutions and supports Oman's broader push toward financial inclusion and digital transformation. Commenting on the launch, Mr. Tariq Sulaiman Al Farsi, Chief Executive Officer at National Finance, remarked: "At National Finance, we take pride in our deep understanding of our customers' aspirations and their pursuit of a better quality of life. This understanding inspires us to continuously innovate and deliver financing solutions tailored to our customers' financial plans. With our flexible installment plans, customers can now enjoy the latest technology through affordable monthly payments empowering them to upgrade with confidence. This partnership with Thawani allows us to engage a new generation of tech-savvy consumers who value convenience, flexibility, and accessibility when purchasing essential devices.' National Finance's Consumer Durables Financing solutions play a vital role in advancing financial inclusion across diverse communities, making everyday luxuries more attainable for individuals from all walks of life through tailored installment plans. This strategic partnership further enhances the digital marketplace by expanding access to credit via seamless digital channels reaffirming the company's commitment to delivering fast, easy, and flexible financing experiences. Promoting a culture of responsible borrowing, while empowering customers to realize their lifestyle aspirations through its wide range of Consumer Durables Finance options, National Finance continues to lead as the preferred financing provider across the nation, reinforcing its position as a Partner for Growth for all.


Zawya
17-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Thawani Pay launches in-app electronics store with flexible installment plans from National Finance Company
Muscat: Reaffirming its commitment to enriching the everyday financial experiences of its users, Thawani has announced the launch of Thawani Store—a newly integrated feature within the Thawani app. To mark this milestone, the company has entered a strategic partnership with the leading financing provider, National Finance to offer seamless and swift device financing solutions and Adhwa Al Billa Technology (ABT) to supply mobile and electronic devices. In its initial phase, the collaborative initiative enables customers to purchase mobile phones of their choice, with laptops and a wider range of electronic devices soon to be available through the Thawani Store. Representing a strategic advancement in the company's digital ecosystem, Thawani Store reflects the brand's ongoing mission to deliver innovative, user-centric solutions that transcend conventional payment services. This feature grants users' access to a curated selection of electronic products from a single vendor through a unified interface that ensures seamless purchases and timely delivery. The service also enables customers to choose between full upfront payment or a flexible microfinancing through National Finance Company's plan, thereby enhancing affordability and convenience. Commenting on the launch, Majid Al Amri, Founder and CEO of Thawani, stated: 'At Thawani, we are constantly reimagining how technology can simplify lives and elevate consumer choice. More than a retail feature, the Thawani Store is a step towards embedding commerce within digital finance, where convenience, transparency, and control converge. By integrating shopping and financing within a single digital touchpoint, we are empowering users with the freedom to shop on their terms while keeping their financial well-being at the core. This launch reinforces our long-term strategy of integrating value-added services into our ecosystem, broadening our platform's utility while driving deeper engagement across Oman's evolving digital economy.' With a strategic focus on partnering with entities that mirror its commitment to quality, reliability, and customer-centricity, Thawani has joined forces with industry leaders and Adhwa Al Billa to power the Thawani Store experience. Adhwa Al Billa ensures product authenticity, consistent availability, and timely fulfilment, while National Finance facilitates structured installment plans over one- and two-year tenures, enabling customers to make high-value purchases with ease and confidence, without the constraints of traditional credit mechanisms. Through this collaboration with National Finance, a leading name in consumer finance, the Thawani Store delivers a fully digital, 24/7 shopping experience that is both accessible and affordable. Together, these collaborations exemplify Thawani's ecosystem-driven approach, seamlessly integrating retail and finance to deliver a unified, value-enhancing digital journey. Tariq Al Farsi, CEO of National Finance, commented, 'At National Finance, our priority has always been to enable greater financial access and flexibility for our customers through smart, sustainable financing solutions. Our collaboration with Thawani on the Thawani Store underscores our shared vision of democratizing digital finance and simplifying everyday purchases. By offering seamless installment plans within the app, we are contributing to a smooth shopping experience that meets the needs of today's digitally savvy consumers.' Faris Al Juma, CEO of Adhwa Al Billa Technology LLC, stated, 'We are proud to partner with Thawani in bringing this innovative digital retail experience to life. Our role is to ensure that customers enjoy reliable access to high-quality electronic products, delivered with speed and care. This collaboration aligns with our mission to be at the forefront of digital commerce in Oman by combining operational excellence with forward-thinking partnerships that truly enhance the customer journey.' The introduction of the Thawani Store marks a significant milestone in the company's broader strategy to expand its suite of integrated services within its digital infrastructure. As Thawani continues to evolve into a holistic, multi-vertical fintech platform, this latest offer reinforces its long-term commitment to scalable, user-centric innovations that meet the demands of an increasingly connected and convenience-oriented consumer landscape.


Time of India
09-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'Realised cricket was the most under-monetised property': How Harish Thawani and the 90s boom revolutionised Indian cricket broadcasting
Founder of The Indus Club and formerly of Neo Sports Network, Harish Thawani offered a fascinating look into the genesis of India's sports broadcasting industry in the latest episode of Bombay Sport Exchange (BSE). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A pioneer in the field, Thawani shared how Indian cricket transformed into a monetisable behemoth, starting with a bold move during the 1992 Cricket World Cup. "I'm a failed sportsman who turned to off-field activity," said Thawani in a candid conversation with K Shriniwas Rao, Head of Content (Sports) at Times Internet. "Passion ka pesha banadi (I turned my passion into a profession)." Thawani began his career in advertising, a background that gave him insights into media and branding — skills he would later apply to cricket broadcasting. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. The turning point came in 1992. "It's little known that we actually backed the India broadcast rights of the 1992 World Cup — the same one where (Sachin) Tendulkar made his debut," Thawani recalled. Nimbus Sport, under Thawani's leadership, paid around $550,000 for those rights. "The previous World Cup in 1987 had generated just $64,000 in broadcast revenue. So you can see what a leap it was." Poll Which factor do you believe contributed most to the growth of Indian cricket broadcasting? Strategic vision Financial investments Media savvy All of the above At a time when Indian industries were monetising real estate, cricket remained a vastly under-utilised asset, he proclaimed. "We realised cricket was the most under-monetised property in the country," Thawani said. "We placed it on Doordarshan and sold the ads ourselves. That's how we made a 300% profit." Instead of approaching the traditional four big advertisers, Thawani and his team reached out to untapped sectors. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "If you want someone to pay a dollar instead of a penny, you find new customers. That's what we did, and that's how every business expands," he explained. Virat Kohli's love for 'dhaba' food, priority for family & more | RCB bus driver shares stories The success of this venture triggered a domino effect, ushering in a new era for Indian sports broadcasting. Over the next two decades, India witnessed a revolution in how cricket — and eventually other sports — were consumed. The entry of satellite television, the rise of private sports networks, and the eventual explosion of digital media further propelled this transformation. When asked about the origins of the (IPL) and the personalities who shaped modern Indian cricket, Thawani took a nuanced stance. While acknowledging 's prominent role, he emphasised that credit for IPL's creation was shared. "Success has many fathers; failures become orphans," he quipped. "There were many brains behind the IPL. The real architect was Sharad Pawar — he backed it with board money. Lalit wasn't around for the last 16 years and IPL has only grown." He also noted that a pair of American sports management professors were hired to help design the IPL format. "Was it flawless? No. Has it improved? Yes. That's the journey," Thawani said. Major League Cricket: Liam Plunkett on how cricket can boom in the USA Recalling a 2000s-era profile that called him "The Beast," Thawani laughed it off. "All fast bowlers have a beast in them. You have to come in with that mentality — I'm going to get you," he said, comparing his aggressive business approach to a bowler's mindset on the field. Reflecting on the last 25 years, Thawani credited visionaries like Jagmohan Dalmiya, IS Bindra, and Sharad Pawar for having the courage to challenge the status quo and professionalise Indian cricket administration. But it was the combination of strategic vision, bold financial decisions, and media savvy that enabled Indian cricket to go from a modestly-funded pastime to a global entertainment powerhouse. Today, Indian sports broadcasting is one of the biggest markets in the world — spanning television, OTT, and mobile streaming platforms — with cricket at its core. And it all began with a small, calculated gamble in 1992 that changed the game forever.


Muscat Daily
28-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham visits Thawani Technologies
Muscat – H H Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said, Honorary President of the Promising Omani Startups Programme, visited Thawani Technologies, the Sultanate's first licensed financial technology company, as part of a series of visits aimed at encouraging promising startups, listening to their ambitions, and enhancing their contribution to the national economy. Established in 2016, Thawani has swiftly positioned itself at the forefront of Oman's fintech sector, delivering innovative digital financial services that support the nation's drive towards digital transformation under Oman Vision 2040. During a tour of Thawani's headquarters, His Highness Bilarab was introduced to the company's specialised services, including smartphone payment solutions, biometric payment technologies utilising facial recognition and palm print authentication, as well as the deployment of artificial intelligence, deep learning, and secure payment card systems. The company also showcased its most prominent achievements, such as securing the Innovation Unit Award for Entrepreneurship in 2020 and the title of Best FinTech Company in the Middle East for 2024. In addition, Thawani outlined its ambitious plans for regional and international expansion, reinforcing the growing influence of Omani startups on the global stage. His Highness Bilarab commended Thawani for its success in leveraging modern technologies to strengthen the digital payments and collections ecosystem in the Sultanate. He underscored the importance of startups continually developing their capabilities and staying abreast of the latest global innovations. Accompanying His Highness during the visit were H E Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. H E Dr Saif bin Abdullah al Hadabi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation for Scientific Research and Innovation, Eng Said bin Abdullah al Mandhari, CEO of the Omani Information and Communications Technology Group (Ithkaa) along with members of the Supervisory Committee of the Promising Omani Startups Programme.


Muscat Daily
28-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
H H Bilarab visits Thawani Technologies
Muscat – H H Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said, Honorary President of the Promising Omani Startups Programme, visited Thawani Technologies, the Sultanate's first licensed financial technology company, as part of a series of visits aimed at encouraging promising startups, listening to their ambitions, and enhancing their contribution to the national economy. Established in 2016, Thawani has swiftly positioned itself at the forefront of Oman's fintech sector, delivering innovative digital financial services that support the nation's drive towards digital transformation under Oman Vision 2040. During a tour of Thawani's headquarters, His Highness Bilarab was introduced to the company's specialised services, including smartphone payment solutions, biometric payment technologies utilising facial recognition and palm print authentication, as well as the deployment of artificial intelligence, deep learning, and secure payment card systems. The company also showcased its most prominent achievements, such as securing the Innovation Unit Award for Entrepreneurship in 2020 and the title of Best FinTech Company in the Middle East for 2024. In addition, Thawani outlined its ambitious plans for regional and international expansion, reinforcing the growing influence of Omani startups on the global stage. His Highness Bilarab commended Thawani for its success in leveraging modern technologies to strengthen the digital payments and collections ecosystem in the Sultanate. He underscored the importance of startups continually developing their capabilities and staying abreast of the latest global innovations. Accompanying His Highness during the visit were H E Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. H E Dr Saif bin Abdullah al Hadabi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation for Scientific Research and Innovation, Eng Said bin Abdullah al Mandhari, CEO of the Omani Information and Communications Technology Group (Ithkaa) along with members of the Supervisory Committee of the Promising Omani Startups Programme.