MUSCAT: The inaugural session featured a dynamic panel discussion with Mohamed Ameen Sait, Founder and CEO of Sea Pride LLC; Sultan Al Zadjali, CEO of Musalih; and Dr Ruksana Banu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Business and Accounting at Muscat College.

The conversation opened with the entrepreneurs sharing their origin stories, offering students valuable insight into how successful ventures begin. Mohamed Ameen Sait spoke about the importance of identifying market gaps and transforming real-world challenges into viable business opportunities, noting that strong problem-solving skills form the foundation of every successful startup.

Sultan Al Zadjali reflected on how business ideas often evolve over time, explaining that clarity of purpose and the ability to adapt are critical during the early stages of building a company.

Providing an academic perspective, Dr Ruksana Banu highlighted the distinction between a “good idea” and a viable business model, stressing the need for feasibility studies, market validation, and financial planning before launching a venture.

The panelists also walked students through the practical steps of starting a business in Oman, covering topics such as licensing, regulatory compliance, funding opportunities, and building strategic partnerships. They addressed common misconceptions about entrepreneurship, particularly the belief that passion alone guarantees success.

Students actively participated in the discussion, raising questions about regulatory frameworks, access to capital, and how young founders can tap into Oman’s growing SME ecosystem.

Dr Banu also emphasised the role of higher education institutions in nurturing entrepreneurial thinking by equipping students with financial literacy, leadership capabilities, and critical business skills required in today’s competitive environment.

One of the most engaging segments of the session focused on the financial realities of entrepreneurship. The speakers openly discussed challenges such as reaching break-even, managing cash flow, and navigating periods of uncertainty.

The dialogue reinforced the importance of financial discipline, strategic planning, and continuous learning, particularly for first-time entrepreneurs.

As the discussion progressed, the focus shifted to growth and sustainability, with the panel exploring how SMEs can move beyond survival to achieve structured growth, innovation, and long-term impact.

The interactive format of Campus Talks created a platform where students could connect classroom theory with real-world business experiences, effectively bridging the gap between academic learning and entrepreneurial practice.

The successful launch of the first edition marks the beginning of a new student-focused knowledge-sharing initiative by The Arabian Stories. By bringing industry leaders into academic spaces, the platform aims to inspire, inform, and empower the next generation of Omani entrepreneurs.

With strong student engagement and meaningful dialogue, the inaugural session has set the tone for future editions that will continue to spotlight innovation, youth ambition, and the growing potential of SMEs in Oman.