Forum marks Omani Women’s Day and builds on more than a decade of incubator support for women-led businesses
Muscat, Oman
Women entrepreneurs from Ooredoo’s incubators across Oman, partners, Ooredoo family female and representers from government and private sector gathered at the company’s ninth Women’s Forum to learn from one another and explore new opportunities for their businesses.
Held on 21 October at JW Marriott Hotel Muscat in celebration of Omani Women’s Day, the event took place under the patronage of the Honourable Dr Auhoud Al-Bulushi, Member of the State Council.
The forum is an extension of Ooredoo’s women’s incubator programme. Since 2015, the programme has offered training and mentorship to 15,000 women through 23 active incubators, helping them start and grow businesses. The forum takes that support further by linking women in different wilayats with peers and potential partners.
Said Al-Mawali, Director of Marketing at Ooredoo, said: “Women across Oman have ambitions for their businesses that reach well beyond their own communities. Our role is to help them access the support and opportunities to pursue them. Through our incubators, and this forum held in celebration of Omani Women’s Day, we bring women together across wilayats and generations to draw on each other’s experience and see new possibilities for what they are building. As their businesses grow, so does their contribution to the national economy.”
A panel discussion, “Bridging Generations: A Legacy That Inspires, Ideas That Evolve, and a Future Shaped by Women”, paired established voices with the aspirations of a younger generation preparing to enter the workforce. Panellists included Fatma Al Gazali, whose experience spans international cooperation and intellectual property; Rawan Al Zadjali, an Information and Communication Engineering student at the University of Buraimi; Rahma Al Nofali, a community figure involved in women’s empowerment in South Al Batinah; and Mashael Al Shabibi, founder and owner of the Burrah brand.
Workshops helped participants identify their strengths and values and map out a personal plan. A planting session added a hands-on element, and networking activities ran throughout the day.
