OCCI to launch 4th Franchise Programme on June 29
Muscat – Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) will launch the fourth edition of its Franchise Programme on June 29 under the patronage of Sheikh al Fadhl bin Mohammed al Harthi, Secretary-General of Council of Ministers.
The launch will be attended by Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI, Humood bin Salim al Saadi, Second Deputy Chairman and head of Central Franchise Committee, board members of the chamber and business representatives.
The programme aims to promote franchising as a business model among Omani entrepreneurs, highlighting its economic benefits and role in developing competitive local brands. It also seeks to help these brands expand into regional and international markets. Humood bin Salim al Saadi
The programme supports efforts to diversify income sources and strengthen the SME sector, aligning with OCCI's strategy to improve the business climate and expand the private sector's contribution to Oman's economy under Vision 2040.
According to Saadi, the fourth edition of the programme will build on the achievements of the previous one, reinforcing the chamber's commitment to empowering local businesses. 'We aim to create competitive Omani brands that can thrive both domestically and internationally,' he said.
He added that a Franchise Centre was established as part of broader efforts to institutionalise franchising and offer targeted support to companies and entrepreneurs looking to scale. The centre plays a key role in facilitating expansion and reinforcing private sector leadership in development of the national economy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
2 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Marriage support fund launched in Muscat
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – In line with Royal Directives aimed at promoting social stability and alleviating financial pressures facing young Omanis, Governorate of Muscat has officially launched the Marriage Fund Support Request Service. It is now available through the governorate's official website. The initiative enables eligible Omani citizens residing in Muscat to apply for financial assistance to support the costs of marriage. It seeks to encourage making families by reducing the economic challenges typically associated with starting married life. The service is provided free of charge and applications processed within 30 working days, provided all necessary documentation is submitted in full. To be eligible, applicants must reside in Muscat governorate, be aged between 22 and 45 years, have never been married, and have a monthly income not exceeding RO600. Additionally, the marriage must be to an Omani national. Required documents include a copy of the applicant's identity card (both sides), a certified marriage contract and a salary certificate verified by the applicant's employer. Applications may be submitted either via the official website or by email. Once received, the relevant department will review the submission, verify documentation and assess eligibility. Approved applicants will be contacted telephonically. Applications can be submitted via
Muscat Daily
2 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Old Muscat airport to be turned into leisure hub
Muscat – Plans are taking shape to redevelop Muscat's former international airport into a vibrant aviation-themed destination, with proposals including an aviation museum, shopping centres, restaurants, and other leisure and commercial attractions. Naif bin Ali al Abri, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), revealed that several investment opportunities have been proposed to breathe new life into the historic site, once the primary hub for Oman Air. Speaking to media last week, Abri said the transformation aims to create an economically viable development that honours the airport's legacy in Oman's aviation journey. 'These proposals aim to turn the old airport into a dynamic destination while preserving its historical significance. Oman Airports is currently reviewing the submissions to deter-mine the most suitable and strategic options for implementation.' Highlighting the authority's achievements, Abri noted that 2024 was a strong year for Oman's aviation sector. CAA recorded revenues of RO105mn, reflecting operational efficiency and financial sustainability. There has been marked increase in air traffic with over 540,300 aircraft transiting through Omani airspace – a 14% in-crease compared to 2023. Passenger traffic grew 2% and more than 120,000 flights were recorded during the year. Air cargo volumes exceeded 150,000 tonnes underlining robust activity in the aviation sector. Abri further pointed out that in response to the recent regional crisis, Oman hosted numerous international flights, leading to a 28% increase in air traffic over a 12-day period. In a bid to support growth and enhance service quality, CAA issued new operating permits to 19 foreign airlines in 2024. Significant upgrades were also made to national aviation infrastructure, including installation of a new air navigation radar in Jalan Bani Bu Ali to bolster airspace surveillance. Operational manuals were implemented at both Duqm and Marmul airports, while aviation security and cybersecurity policies were ratified to ensure high safety standards. The national meteorological monitoring network expanded to 80 stations, reinforcing the sultanate's climate and weather forecasting capabilities. The authority addressed and resolved 520 customer complaints in 2024, showcasing its responsiveness and dedication to service excellence.
Muscat Daily
3 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Surge in freelancing as e-commerce grows in Oman
Muscat – The freelancing sector in Oman is witnessing marked growth, in line with global shifts in the labour market and trends in the digital economy. National initiatives aimed at creating sustainable income streams for youth and encouraging entrepreneurship across digital platforms are further accelerating this transformation. Government efforts to build a supportive legislative and technical ecosystem are central to this shift, aligning with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to establish a diversified and innovation-driven economy. Azza bint Ibrahim al Kindi, Director of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce Department at Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said e-commerce has become a key area for freelance work. She noted that this growth is being supported by enabling government procedures that allow individuals to legally operate in the space. She highlighted the introduction of the Freelance Business Register, a licensing mechanism allowing Omanis to engage in e-commerce activities for a nominal fee. 'E-commerce requires relatively low operational costs, with no need for a physical storefront. It also gives businesses access to wider markets, both regionally and internationally,' she said. According to Azza, freelance e-commerce ventures are helping raise business awareness and professionalism among Omani youth. The low entry barrier is making it a viable option for many in the community to explore new income sources. The ministry has authorised over 200 commercial activities under freelance licences, developed in coordination with other authorities. These activities are supported through platforms like 'Maroof Oman', which documents and verifies e-stores, strengthening consumer trust and providing legal cover for online businesses. Azza noted that e-commerce is playing an increasingly important role in the digital economy, offering flexible job opportunities, particularly for young people and recent graduates. Fields such as digital marketing, design and software development are seeing steady freelance engagement. Azza bint Ibrahim al Kindi, Director of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce Department Freelancing also enables showcasing of Omani talent in professional and technical areas. 'It expands the scope of economic activity and supports the adoption of modern tools and technologies,' Azza said, adding that this contributes to creating innovative local solutions and services. The director cited approval of the National E-Commerce Plan by the Secretariat General of Council of Ministers as a key milestone. Part of the broader National Digital Economy Programme, the plan outlines development initiatives running from 2022 to 2027. Among these, an initiative to improve institutional capacity in e-commerce, implemented by Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, has offered training to help local merchants access platforms such as Amazon and Noon. Guidelines have been issued to help SMEs integrate into global supply chains. Additionally, the 'Makin' programme, under Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, is focused on enhancing technical skills in the job market, equipping Omanis with the digital capabilities required for current and future work environments. Azza noted that various government bodies are actively supporting the shift towards digital commerce. 'This sector is shaping the future of business and services. It gives youth the flexibility to test and develop ideas, reducing risks and encouraging innovation,' she said.
