Muscat – This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Education, aims to foster entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking among students.

Named Salaba, the student company produces various wood products from mesquite tree wood, including environmentally friendly wooden flooring (parquet). These products boast resistance to wood-eating insects, ease of dismantling and installation, good heat insulation, and moisture resistance.
Yousef bin Mohammed Al Hinai, a career guidance specialist and supervisor of the company’s team, explained that the idea for Salaba emerged from student discussions on campaigns to remove mesquite trees due to their environmental impact. The team recognized an opportunity to utilize this natural resource for wood industries, thus contributing to entrepreneurship while also alleviating the burden on authorities tasked with removing the trees.

Al Hinai added that the company has secured a license from the relevant authorities for sourcing mesquite wood and a certificate verifying its suitability for use. Additionally, Salaba has entered into a partnership for product manufacturing.

Muayyad bin Muslim Al Sarkhi, head of the student company, noted that Salaba has received support from various institutions, including the Directorate General of Agriculture and Water Resources in Al Dhahirah Governorate, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry branch in Al Dhahirah, the Vocational College in Ibri, and the branch of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Ibri. Local carpentry workshops have also provided encouragement and support.

Al Sarkhi expressed the company’s aspirations to diversify its mesquite wood products and penetrate both local and international markets, aiming to become a leader in wooden floor manufacturing. This initiative reflects the students’ ambitious drive to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, aligning with Oman Vision 2040’s goal of fostering a generation capable of localizing various industries and expanding Omani enterprises globally.