MUSCAT : Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate of Oman, continues executing its CSR flagship initiative of Al Wathba Academy, showcasing the Bank’s leading and effective community-driven roles. The programme aims to empower entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprise (SME) owners by enhancing their capabilities in managing and developing their businesses, thereby supporting the sustainable growth of this vital sector. The programme, being implemented in collaboration with the Fund for the Development of Youth Projects “Sharakah”, is run into two phases, each lasting for six months. It targets a total of 30 entrepreneurs and SME owners who are trained by a distinguished group of experts and specialists in entrepreneurship. The first phase targets 15 established SME owners, while the second phase focuses on 15 startups (early-stage businesses), as part of an integrated approach designed to transfer practical knowledge and enable participants to make informed strategic decisions that support business sustainability and expansion.

Since its launch in November 2025, the programme has witnessed strong engagement and positive interaction from participating entrepreneurs. It comprises a series of specialized training and advisory sessions focused on business development, strategic planning, marketing, leadership skills, and digital transformation, in line with the evolving requirements of the local and regional markets.

The implementation of the programme forms part of Bank Muscat’s broader efforts to support SMEs and entrepreneurship Al Wathba Academy, which was launched in 2014 with the objective of qualifying and training Omani entrepreneurs in business and financial management, while equipping them with the practical and professional skills required to successfully manage their ventures. Through high-quality training programmes and specialized workshops, the Academy aims to help entrepreneurs overcome professional challenges and stimulate sustainable business growth. To date, 239 Omani entrepreneurs have benefited from the programmes launched within the Academy. These efforts reflect Bank Muscat’s commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Oman and empowering youth as a key driver of the national economy, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to diversify income sources, promote innovation, and achieve sustainable development.

A number of participants from the first phase highlighted the significant value of the programme, noting that it provided an integrated platform to share experiences, benefit from expert insights, gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing SMEs and how to transform those challenges into opportunities for growth and expansion.

Saif Hamed Al Mamari, owner of Masar Logistics Services, said: “I would like to express my appreciation to Bank Muscat for delivering this specialized programme, which emphasizes the Bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and SME owners. My participation represents a rich and rewarding experience in my entrepreneurial journey, as the programme goes beyond theoretical concepts to focus on practical applications reflecting real-world business challenges. The marketing sessions, in particular, enables me to better understand how to communicate with target audiences, from crafting effective marketing messages to selecting appropriate communication channels.”

Mohammed Abdullah Al Saqri, owner of a hospitality brand management business, stated: “Participating in the programme marks a genuine turning point in how I manage my business, particularly in terms of clarity of vision, goal setting, and developing more realistic and sustainable plans. The training and advisory sessions have provided me with practical tools to reassess and refine my business model in line with market demands, which has positively impacted resource management efficiency and improved cash flow. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Bank Muscat for this high-quality initiative that reflects its genuine commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and supporting business growth.”

Amira Amur Al Sharji, owner of Jawharat Al Qaryatain Supermarket, described the opportunity to join the programme as enriching and highly beneficial for business owners. She said: “The programme has enhanced participants’ awareness of the importance of leveraging digital services to streamline operations, improve customer experience, and increase operational efficiency. These factors directly contribute to business growth and expansion. I thank Bank Muscat for providing such valuable opportunities and for its ongoing support through banking solutions and services tailored to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of entrepreneurs.”

From her side, Etab Mohammed Al Zadjali, an Omani entrepreneur, stated: “The programme provides a distinctive and supportive environment for strengthening the entrepreneurship sector. It has enabled us, as business owners, to build on our capabilities not only through skills development, but also by expanding our professional networks. The programme offers valuable opportunities to connect with experts, specialists, and fellow entrepreneurs, facilitating knowledge exchange and opening new avenues for collaboration and partnerships. I would like to express my appreciation to Bank Muscat for this comprehensive initiative, which combines training, mentorship, and community-building to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem capable of contributing effectively to the national economy.”