MUSCAT – Oman has stepped up oversight and coordination among government entities to prevent misuse of the entrepreneurship card and ensure that support reaches genuine business owners, the head of the country’s small business authority said.

Her Excellency Halima bint Rashid Al Zar’i, Chairperson of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Riyada), said the card operates within an integrated government system involving several ministries and regulators, aimed at empowering real entrepreneurs while preventing abuse.

Speaking at a public forum, Al Zar’i said legislative and regulatory bodies are responsible for issuing licences, regulating commercial registrations and carrying out oversight related to the card, alongside follow-up on violations and unlawful practices.

She said Riyada remains the main entity responsible for providing financing, training, marketing programmes and local content development, as well as supporting business owners in growing and sustaining their enterprises.

Al Zar’i said coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion and other authorities has been strengthened, particularly in relation to concealed trade, with updated measures introduced to distinguish genuine entrepreneurs from those misusing the entrepreneurship card.

She noted that while the entrepreneurship card is designed for Omani citizens, oversight also extends to preventing misuse involving other parties, including expatriates, through unlawful arrangements or practices.

She added that there is direct and ongoing communication with heads of units and sector officials to ensure coordination, fairness and effective delivery of support to those who genuinely qualify for assistance.